When beginning a Lake Travis home search, it’s important to understand the larger picture of the region in order to hone in on those areas and communities that offer the best fit for your wants and needs. Below, we’ve broken down Lake Travis by geographical region and then by communities within those regions:
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Lake Travis Overview
Nestled in the heart of the Hill Country, Lake Travis is home to some of Central Texas’ finest lakeside communities. Life on the shores of this Austin gem is marked by a unique combination of resort-style living and easy access to the heart of city life. Lake Travis homeowners enjoy countless amenities, including state-of-the-art Lake Travis marinas, Lake Travis boat ramps, Lake Travis restaurants, scenic Lake Travis hike and bike trails, and a plethora of water sports and recreation. Due to its large size, we have organized Lake Travis by areas, including Far Southwest, Southwest, South, Southeast, Northeast, North Central, and Northwest. Lake Travis represents eight zip codes, including 78620, 78641, 78645, 78654, 78669, 78734, 78736, and 78738, and is comprised of hundreds of communities and subdivisions along both the north and south shores, some of which are listed below.
Far Southwest: Spicewood
Southwest: Briarcliff
South Central: Lakeway
Southeast: Hudson Bend and Lower Basin
Northeast: Volente
North Central: Lago Vista, Jonestown, and Point Venture
Far Southwest Lake Travis
Spicewood
Known as the “Gateway to the Hill Country,” Spicewood, Texas is located just 22 miles northwest of Austin and 16 miles southeast of Marble Falls. With about 8,000 residents, this community is made up of numerous subdivisions, including Barton Creek Lakeside, West Cypress Hills, Paleface Ranch, Big Bee Creek, Spicewood Beach, Windermere Oaks, and The Point at Ridge Harbor. The Reserve at Lake Travis, Spicewood’s newest waterfront community, boasts 300 acres of shoreline real estate, a state-of-the-art equestrian center, centralized lodge, private marina, and resort-style pool. Home prices in Spicewood can be in the multi-millions for waterfront property or hilltop views.
In addition to Lake Travis, a number of spring-fed creeks run throughout Spicewood, offering residents and visitors alike a wide variety of water retreats. Krause Springs is a local favorite. Spicewood also is home to two Hill Country wineries: Stone House Vineyard and Spicewood Vineyard. Those with a passion for golf can settle in along the green at either Flintrock Falls or Lakecliff. Each community offers exceptional courses with challenging holes, scenic views, and, of course, the pleasure of playing along the waterfront.
Date Established: Late 19th century
Location Description: one mile north of State Highway 71, approximately nine miles southeast of Marble Falls
MLS Map Location areas: LS
Zip Codes: 78669
Miles from Downtown Austin: 22 Miles
School District: Lake Travis ISD, Marble Falls ISD, Johnson City ISD, Dripping Springs ISD
Private Schools: Tierra Vista Montessori School
Number of Homes: Approximately 1,000
Neighborhood Amenities: Golfing (Lakecliff, Flintrock Falls,) Krause Springs, Tennis at Lakecliff Racquet Club, Boating and Fishing, Spicewood Airport
Neighborhood Builders: Olympia Homes Ltd, Streetman Homes, Barton Creek Custom Homes, Shadowlake Builders Inc.
Southwest Lake Travis
Briarcliff
Briarcliff is a small subdivision on the south shore of Lake Travis, 30 miles west of downtown Austin. About 1,200 residents live in Briarcliff, enjoying access to a number of neighborhood amenities courtesy of the Briarcliff Property Owners Association (BPOA) and the Village of Briarcliff (VOB).
Together these two governing bodies support and maintain a wide range of facilities, including a boat launch, brush pit, community center, disc golf park, nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a 2.5 mile hike and bike trail. In addition, the BPOA board and Village Council combine efforts to ensure the safety, security, and maintenance of this lakeside community. Briarcliff also sits just south of Pace Bend Park, one of Central Texas’s most popular public retreats. Here, locals and visitors enjoy nine miles of shoreline for swimming, limestone cliffs for climbing, and plenty of space for picnics and camping.
Compared to other Lake Travis communities, Briarcliff homes are generally more modest in size, ranging from around 1500-3500 square feet.
Date Established: Developed as a resort area in the 1960s
Location Description: 30 miles NW of Austin via Highway 71
MLS Map Location areas: LS
Zip Codes: 78669
Miles from Downtown Austin: 30 Miles
School District: Lake Travis ISD, Marble Falls ISD, Johnson City ISD, Dripping Springs ISD
Number of Homes: Approximately 1,200
Neighborhood Amenities: Disc golf, Tennis Courts, Nine-hole golf course (Pedernales Golf Club), Hike and Bike Trail, Library and Community Center, Brush Pit, Pace Bend Park, and Briarcliff Marina
Neighborhood Builders: Olympia Homes Ltd, Streetman Homes, Barton Creek Custom Homes, Shadowlake Builders Inc.
South Lake Travis
Lakeway
On the southernmost tip of Lake Travis, the city of Lakeway enjoys the best of Hill Country living with close proximity to city life. In 2009, CNN Money named Lakeway one of the “100 Best Places to Live.”
Lakeway is home to approximately 10,000 residents. Rife with marinas, shoreline restaurants, and nearly a dozen city parks, Lakeway is known for its easy access to recreation. In fact, right in the heart of the city is a swim and activities center. Here, residents can enjoy everything from climbing walls and Canyonlands hiking to water aerobics lessons, basketball, and volleyball. Lakeway also is equipped with a private airstrip, four golf courses, and countless shops and boutiques, including the Hill Country Galleria.
Within Lakeway, there are a number of upscale gated communities, including Flintrock Falls, Rough Hollow, and The Hills. Each of these neighborhoods offer state-of-the-art amenities, custom-built homes, dining, boutique shopping, country clubs, and easy access to the shores of Lake Travis.
Date Established: 1971
Location Description: South of Lake Travis, West of RR 620, Northwest of Bee Cave, and East of Highway 71
MLS Map Location areas: LS
Zip Codes: 78734 and 78738
Miles from Downtown: 25 miles
School District: Lake Travis ISD (Students choose from one of five elementary schools, two middle schools, and a flagship high school)
Private Schools: Bluebonnet Montessori School of Lakeway, Lake Hills Montessori, Montessori School of the Epiphany, St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, St. Gabriel’s Catholic School
Number of Homes: Approximately 1,600
Neighborhood Amenities: Golf courses (The Hills of Lakeway and Falconhead,) Community Pool, Hike and Bike Trails, Playgrounds, Tennis, Boating, Fishing, Lakeway City Park, and Marinas (Sail and Ski Yacht Club, Hurst Harbor Marina, Lakeway Marina, Rough Hollow Yacht Club and Marina).
Neighborhood Builders: Summit Builders, Sierra Custom Homes, Peter Strobel Homes, Peter Bailey Fine Homes, Cantera Home
Southeast Lake Travis
Hudson Bend
Hudson Bend is along the south shore of Lake Travis and encompasses several subdivisions, including The Reserve at Hudson Bend, The Woods of Lake Travis, Hudson Bend Colony, Lakeland Hills Lakeside, La Hacienda Estates, Lakewind Estates, Travis Landing, and Bebys Ranch. Hudson Bend is comprised of upscale neighborhoods and features large lots and custom homes all within close proximity to the water.
About 3,000 residents live in Hudson Bend and enjoy easy access to Lake Travis. Mansfield Dam Park is nearby, offering picnic areas, playgrounds, a horseshoe area, and a chess table. This park also has the most accessible boat ramp, providing residents with easy access to boat launching throughout the year. Hudson Marina, Emerald Pointe, and Just For Fun Water Rentals also are located in Hudson Bend.
Date Established: 1940s
Location Description: 16 miles NE of Austin off RR 620 near Mansfield Dam
MLS Map Location areas: LS
Zip Codes: 78734
Miles from Downtown Austin: 16 miles northeast
School District: Lake Travis ISD
Number of Homes: Approximately 1,200
Neighborhood Amenities: Mansfield Dam Park, Austin Yacht Club, Just For Fun Water Rentals, and Marinas (Marshall Ford Marina, Lake Travis Marina, Emerald Point Marina, Paradise Cove Marina)
Neighborhood Builders: Monterey Homes, Pedernales Homes
Lower Basin
The Lower Basin region of Lake Travis is located on the lower ridge of the north shore, just below Volente. This community is made up of several subdivisions, including Comanche Point, Comanche Village, and Comanche Canyon Ranch. Here, hundreds of homes are lined along Comanche Trail and enjoy incredible views of the lake and the Hill Country.
Lower Basin homeowners also enjoy easy access to three public parks. Windy Point Park and Tom Hughes Park offer a number of amenities including campsites, trails, picnic tables, and swim holes. McGregor Park is a one-of-a-kind watering hole that maintains Austin’s mantra, “Keep Austin Weird.” Also known as “Hippie Hollow,” this park is Texas’ only clothing-optional public watering hole. In addition, Lower Basin Residents live within minutes of one of the famed lakeside eateries: The Oasis.
Date Established: 1946
Location Description: 16 miles north of Austin via FM 2222 between FM 620
MLS Map Location areas: LN
Zip Codes: 78732
Miles from Downtown: 16 miles
School District: Leander ISD
Number of Homes: Approximately 300
Neighborhood Amenities: Windy Point Park, Tom Hughes Park, McGregor Park (Hippie Hollow).
Neighborhood Builders: Zbranek Custom Homes, Wijay & Wijay
Northeast Lake Travis
Volente
Volente is another small community on the northwestern ridge of Lake Travis, about 18 miles from Austin. Like many small towns, the fire department is at the center of the city. About 600 families live within the city limits and spend much of their time enjoying lakeside activities, including the popular Volente Beach Waterpark.
Volente’s subdivisions include Arrowhead Point, Arrowhead Ridge, Cypress Acres, Johnson Travis View, Sandy Shores, and The Village at Volente. Like most homes directly on the shores of Lake Travis, waterfront property here is valuable. Homes with direct access to the lake sell for into the millions. Because the community is small, there generally is not an excess of real estate available at one time.
Date Established: 1886 (village incorporated in 2003)
Location Description: Volente is on Lake Travis and Farm Road 2769, 18 miles northwest of Austin in northwestern Travis County
MLS Map Location areas: LN
Zip Codes: 78641
Miles from Downtown: 18
School District: Leander ISD
Number of Homes: Approximately 600
Neighborhood Amenities: Volente Beach, Marinas (Sandy Creek Marina, Dodd Street Docks, VIP Marina)
Neighborhood Builders: Master’s Touch Construction, Powell Construction
North Central Lake Travis
Lago Vista
Lago Vista sits just 20 miles northwest of Austin amidst both hills and shores. Within this planned community, over 6,000 residents enjoy parks, marinas, boat ramps, campgrounds, tennis courts, a fitness center, and pool. All of these facilities are managed and maintained by the Lago Vista Property Owners Association (LVPOA).
The gateway to the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, Lago Vista is a popular site for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. In addition, Lago Vista is home to two exceptional golf courses along the shores of Lake Travis. Residents can enjoy the beauty of nature without sacrificing the comforts of community life.
Lago Vista is home to a number of subdivisions, including Bar-K Ranches, Highland Lakes Estates, and Lago Vista Country Club Estates. Property sizes can range from modest to massive, with larger mansions and waterfront villas listing into the millions.
Date Established: 1987
Location Description: 20 minutes from Cedar Park on 1431, 20 minutes from Austin of 183A toll road
MLS Map Location areas: LN
Zip Codes: 78645
Miles from Downtown: 20 miles
School District: Lago Vista ISD
Number of Homes: Approximately 2,500
Neighborhood Amenities: Golfing (Lago Vista and Highland Lakes,) Community Pool, Park, Tennis Court, and Lago Vista Rusty Allen Airport
Neighborhood Builders: Northshore Homes, Casey Homes, Silverton Custom Homes
Jonestown
Jonestown sits on the northern tip of Lake Travis, just east of Lago Vista. Compared to its neighbors, Jonestown is a fairly small development with less than 2,000 local residents. Home buyers with a desire for a more rural atmosphere will appreciate this community’s sense of unassuming tranquility.
There are a number of subdivisions in Jonestown, including Jonestown Hills, Kellywood Estates, and Northlake Hills. For resort-style living, many homeowners settle into The Hollows of Lake Travis, a master planned luxury community with a breadth of amenities, including a private beach club and hilltop smokehouse.
Known for its annual events and competitions, Jonestown is rife with social activities, including a chili cook-off, fishing competition, and city-wide Easter Egg Hunt. The Lower Colorado River Authority manages most of the valleys and creeks in Jonestown, which gives both residents and visitors free roam of public land. Jones Brothers Park is a neighborhood gathering place with over 32 acres of land along Lake Travis, three boat ramps, a public picnic area, plus tennis and basketball courts.
Jonestown residences come in a full spectrum of sizes and price ranges.
Date Established: 1985
Location Description: From Austin, north on US 183 for 20 miles.
MLS Map Location: LN
Zip Codes: 78645
Miles from Downtown: 19 miles northwest of Austin
School District: Leander ISD and Lago Vista ISD
Number of Homes: Approximately 1,100
Neighborhood Amenities: Jones Brothers Park, Basketball, Tennis, and Volleyball Courts
Neighborhood Builders: Centex Destination Properties, Precise Custom Homes
Point Venture
Point Venture is a planned community in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Within the gates of this small village, homeowners have access to private amenities, including a nine-hole golf course, a Jr. Olympic size swimming pool, six tennis courts, a fitness center, two boat ramps, a children’s play center, and a pavilion. Maintenance and management is overseen by the Point Venture Property Owners Association (PVPOA).
With over 300 days of sunshine and affordable home prices, Pointe Venture is an ideal place to settle.
Date Established: 2000 (incorporated)
Location Description: South of Lake Travis, West of RR 620, Northwest of Bee Cave, and East of Highway 71
MLS Map Location areas: LN
Zip Codes: 78645
Miles from Downtown: 25 miles northwest
School District: Lago Vista ISD
Neighborhood Amenities: 163-slip Private Marina (Point Venture Property Owners Association Marina), Point Venture Golf Club, Swimming Pool, Gym, Library, Tennis Courts
Neighborhood Builders: French Homes LLC, Silverton Custom Homes Inc, Vista Verde Custom Homes