Reasons to Buy a Home Near Lake Travis

When you live in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, it is impossible not to notice the heat. 

Summertime temperatures in Austin routinely sit around 90 degrees; some days, the thermometer reads over 100. This heat leads Austin residents to cool off in the natural, spring-fed Barton Springs Municipal Pool or on a kayak trip to explore the Lady Bird Lake section of the Colorado River. 

Yet one of the most popular places where people cool down in Austin is Lake Travis. The Lake Travis reservoir has been an oasis amid Texas heat for over 60 years. Boaters, anglers, and beach-goers flock to this lake almost year-round to enjoy the calm waters. 

As Austin developed over the years, so did the communities surrounding the shores of the lake. Homebuyers can now hit the water every day of the year if they buy a home near Lake Travis. 

From exclusive enclaves complete with lakefront restaurants, marinas, and golf courses, to quaint towns clustered on the Hudson Bend Peninsula, there are many opportunities to move to the area. 

Below, we've listed the the top reasons folks purchase property close to the idyllic Lake Travis. 

Reasons to buy a home near Lake Travis

• Life on the lakefront within reach of Austin
• Boating lifestyle in your backyard
• Plenty of beaches to lounge on
• Fun on and off the water
• Unique food and wineries

Life on the lakefront within reach of Austin

The most apparent reason folks move to one of the towns surrounding Lake Travis is access to the water. Having a waterfront oasis goes a long way in the height of the summer in Austin. 

Places like Travis Landing and Travis Vista, both at the southeastern reach of the lake, have homes on Lake Travis and are the closest to Downtown Austin. Their convenient location makes this region perfect for daily commuting to the office. These towns, plus a slew of others on the eastern side of the Hudson Bend Peninsula, are near the JJ Mansfield Dam, which creates the widest part of Lake Travis.

Arrowhead Ridge is another area where you can find beautiful waterfront houses or modest, single-family homes slightly inland yet still minutes away from the water. Farther to the west, the lake constricts once more, and this is where you will find towns like Northshore on Lake Travis, Lodge Acres, and Steiner Ranch. One great place to live in the Lake Travis area is Lago Vista, where the homes sit on large plots and provide easy access to the western side of the lake. 

While these areas are farther from Austin, they are still great options for folks seeking lakefront property within an hour of Austin's city limits. Whether you live close to the waterfront or are a few minutes from the Lake, there are plenty of ways to get out on the water. 

Boating lifestyle in your backyard

Many boat owners jockey for homes on the shores of Lake Travis, as who would not want a luxury home with a private dock for your beloved boat? But since these properties are in high demand, many people in the area will store their vessels at one of the many marinas surrounding the lake. 

All the way west, you can find The Coves Marina at The Coves on Travis Lake, and across the Colorado River is the Waterford Marina. As you head south, the protected coves of Siesta Shores Marina provide slips for wake boats and pontoon boats. 

Towards Lakeway, you can find the Rough Hollow Marina and the Lakeway Marina, both having fine dining and cocktails at the ready for famished captains. As you head east towards the main reservoir, you can find a few marinas at Yacht Harbor and even more flanking the shores of Hudson Bend. 

Of course, you do not need a marina or yacht club membership to get out on the water. You can launch your boat at the Mansfield Dam boat launch so long as you get there early, as the launch closes once the parking lot reaches capacity. 

Plenty of beaches to lounge on 

Only some people living around Lake Travis participate in the boating lifestyle, especially when you can hitch a ride on a friend's vessel. 

Folks living in one of the communities surrounding Lake Travis love to spend their time lounging beachside and watching the boats go by. While finding a public boat launch is difficult, there are plenty of public beaches surrounding Lake Travis. 

There is Bob Wentz Park at Windy Point, where you can get views of the broadest part of the lake. Volente Beach is another popular haunt, as it features a complete waterpark right on the shores of the lake so you can expect to hear the sounds of kids having fun piercing through the air. 

One of the unique beaches on Lake Travis is at Arkansas Bend Park near Lakeway Hills. This expansive beach provides ample area to explore, giving residents plenty of peace and quiet to enjoy. 

While fun out on the  water is the main pastime for folks living near Lake Travis, there is plenty to do besides boating. 

Fun on and off the water 

Not everyone wants to spend their days fishing on a boat or lounging by the beach at Lake Travis. 

Luckily, there are plenty of pastimes on dry land for folks to participate in. Golf is a popular pastime for folks who prefer spending their time on the links over cleaning their boats. 

Some popular clubs around Lake Travis are the UT Golf Club, The Hills Country Club, the Point Venture Golf Club, and the Lake Travis Golf Course. Housing developments snake through these courses, allowing golf lovers to live at their favorite hole. Just make sure to listen for golfers yelling, "Fore!" when you are out in the yard. 

For those who love to shop, Lakeway is where you want to be. The Oaks at Lakeway has an H-E-B, multiple restaurants, and some small clothing boutiques. Plus, just down the road is the Lohman's Crossing Shopping Center. 

There is plenty of shopping on the eastern side of the lake, but stores are few and far between the farther west you go. While there is not as much development, there are stunning wineries.  

Unique food and wineries 

Austin is known for its delectable BBQ, and Lake Travis is making a name for itself as a brewery and winery destination. 

Oasis Brewing Company, located in the heart of Comanche Canyon Ranch, is a popular haunt for locals on the eastern side of the Lake. You have access to plenty of craft brews, plus fantastic views of the sun as it sets over Lake Travis. 

The Infamous Brewing Company is a favorite for folks living in the heart of Hudson Bend, while just to the southwest, you can find Mountain View locals knocking back a cold one at the Lake Travis Biergarten. 

For aficionados seeking a good glass of vino, there are two wineries near the western shores of Lake Travis. The Stone House Vineyard is right on the waterfront, providing excellent views for folks as they sample their latest libations. The El Gaucho Winery, near Bee Creek Ranchettes, is another popular spot for tastings, as it sits near the lake and makes it a perfect locale for those living in Lakehurst or Siesta Shores. 

Homes for sale near Lake Travis

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