Lake Travis Homes For Sale
Lake Travis Homes for Sale & Waterfront Real Estate
Spanning over 18,000 surface acres and 270 miles of Texas Hill Country shoreline, Lake Travis homes for sale represent Central Texas’ premier resort and waterfront living destination. Situated across eight ZIP codes (78734, 78738, 78669, 78645, 78641, 78732, 78620, 78654), Lake Travis real estate encompasses deep-water custom estates, master-planned country club enclaves, and low-maintenance luxury condominiums. Properties around the lake are zoned across four key public school districts: Lake Travis ISD, Leander ISD, Lago Vista ISD, and Marble Falls ISD.
West & Northwest Austin | Highland Lakes
18,730 Acres | 270+ Shoreline Miles
20+ Marinas | 20 Regional Golf Courses
Evaluating Deep-Water Dock History or Off-Market Listings on Lake Travis? For private property alerts, historical sales comps, or dock depth analysis, contact broker Brian Talley at 512.554.9714.
Browse Active Homes for Sale on Lake Travis:
Filter Advisory: The default search results below display properties filtered across Lake Travis ZIP codes (78734, 78738, 78669, 78645, 78641, 78732). As a result, listings include direct waterfront homes, hilltop view properties, and golf course residences. To verify specific dock depths or school district zoning (Lake Travis ISD, Leander ISD, Lago Vista ISD, Marble Falls ISD), please contact us directly.
Overview
Lake Travis Overview & Regional Guide
Nestled in the heart of the Texas 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 marinas, private boat ramps, waterfront restaurants, scenic hike and bike trails, and a plethora of water sports and recreation.
Lake Travis Regional & Neighborhood Map
Regional breakdown of Lake Travis neighborhoods and communities across both the North and South shores.
Lake Travis Areas & Communities
Due to its massive size, Lake Travis represents eight distinct ZIP codes (78620, 78641, 78645, 78654, 78669, 78734, 78736, and 78738) and is comprised of hundreds of communities along both the north and south shores. We have organized the lake into specific geographic areas below:
Far Southwest Lake Travis: Spicewood
Known as the “Gateway to the Hill Country,” Spicewood is located just 22 miles northwest of Austin and 16 miles southeast of Marble Falls. This growing community is made up of numerous subdivisions, including Barton Creek Lakeside, West Cypress Hills, Paleface Ranch, Big Bee Creek, Spicewood Beach, and Windermere Oaks. The Reserve at Lake Travis is one of Spicewood’s premier waterfront communities, boasting 300 acres of shoreline real estate, a state-of-the-art equestrian center, private marina, and a resort-style pool.
In addition to Lake Travis, spring-fed creeks run throughout Spicewood offering water retreats like the local favorite, Krause Springs. Spicewood is also home to Hill Country wineries (Stone House Vineyard and Spicewood Vineyard) and exceptional golf courses with challenging holes and waterfront views at Flintrock Falls and Lakecliff.
Southwest Lake Travis: Briarcliff
Briarcliff is a small subdivision on the south shore of Lake Travis, roughly 30 miles west of downtown Austin. Residents enjoy access to neighborhood amenities courtesy of the Briarcliff Property Owners Association and the Village of Briarcliff. Together, they maintain a boat launch, community center, disc golf park, tennis courts, and a 2.5-mile hike and bike trail. Briarcliff is also home to Willie Nelson’s Cut ‘N Putt (Pedernales Golf Club).
Briarcliff 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 1,500 to 3,500 square feet.
South Central Lake Travis: Lakeway & Hudson Bend
Lakeway: Positioned along the southern bend of Lake Travis, Lakeway offers resort-style living with close proximity to West Austin. Rife with marinas, shoreline restaurants, and nearly a dozen city parks, Lakeway features a community swim center, private airstrip, four golf courses, and upscale boutiques at the Hill Country Galleria. Gated enclaves like Rough Hollow, Flintrock Falls, and The Hills offer custom estates and deep-water docks.
Hudson Bend: Prominently situated on the peninsula directly east of Lakeway, Hudson Bend encompasses sought-after waterfront subdivisions like The Woods of Lake Travis, Hudson Bend Colony, La Hacienda Estates, and Travis Landing. Residents enjoy close proximity to Mansfield Dam Park, Emerald Point Marina, and popular watercraft rental hubs.
Southeast Lake Travis: Lower Basin & Comanche Trail
Located on the lower ridge near RR 620, Southeast Lake Travis encompasses Comanche Point, Comanche Village, and Comanche Canyon Ranch. Homes lining Comanche Trail enjoy dramatic, elevated bluff views over the main body of Lake Travis. Residents have immediate access to Windy Point Park, Tom Hughes Park, McGregor Park (Hippie Hollow), and world-famous sunset dining at The Oasis.
Northeast Lake Travis: Volente
Volente is a quiet enclave on the northeastern ridge of Lake Travis, roughly 18 miles from Downtown Austin. Families enjoy lakeside activities at Volente Beach Waterpark and Waterloo Adventures. Subdivisions include Arrowhead Point, Arrowhead Ridge, Cypress Acres, and The Village at Volente, where waterfront lots command premium real estate values.
North Central Lake Travis: Lago Vista, Jonestown & Point Venture
Lago Vista: Sitting 20 miles northwest of Austin amidst hills and shores. Within this planned community, residents enjoy parks, marinas, boat ramps, campgrounds, tennis courts, and a fitness center (managed by the LVPOA). As the gateway to the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, Lago Vista is home to two exceptional golf courses and subdivisions like Bar-K Ranches and Highland Lakes Estates.
Jonestown: Located on the northern tip of Lake Travis just east of Lago Vista. Homebuyers with a desire for a rural atmosphere appreciate its unassuming tranquility. Known for annual events and 32-acre Jones Brothers Park, subdivisions include Jonestown Hills and Northlake Hills. For resort-style living, homeowners settle into The Hollows of Lake Travis, a master-planned luxury community with a private beach club.
Point Venture: A planned community offering private amenities including a nine-hole golf course (Point Venture Golf Club), a Jr. Olympic swimming pool, six tennis courts, a 163-slip marina, and waterfront parks overseen by the PVPOA.
Northwest Lake Travis: Cow Creek & Balcones Canyonlands
Extending into the upper reaches of the Colorado River arm north of Lago Vista, Northwest Lake Travis features vast acreage estates, secluded cove properties, and pristine natural preserves. Key recreation anchors here include Gloster Bend Recreation Area, Turkey Bend Recreation Area (offering primitive camping and peaceful lakefront launches), and the award-winning Flat Creek Estate Winery & Vineyard.
Unlocking Off-Market Pocket Listings on Lake Travis: Due to limited deep-water inventory, many premier Lake Travis estates trade privately off-market. Create your free account to track historical sold comps or receive custom alerts for upcoming unlisted inventory.
To consult directly with Lake Travis real estate broker Brian Talley, call 512.554.9714.
Schools
Public & Private School Options Serving Lake Travis
Because Lake Travis spans over 270 miles of shoreline across Travis and Burnet counties, homes around the lake are served by four distinct public school districts and a rich variety of private academies:
Lake Travis ISD
Territory: South Shore, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Rough Hollow, and eastern Spicewood.
Key Campuses: Lake Travis High School (6A), Lake Travis Middle School, Bee Cave Middle School, Serene Hills Elementary, Rough Hollow Elementary, West Cypress Hills Elementary.
Leander ISD
Territory: Volente, Jonestown, Sandy Creek, and Steiner Ranch.
Key Campuses: Vandegrift High School (Steiner Ranch / Lower Basin), Cedar Park High School, Four Points Middle School, Grandview Hills Elementary.
Lago Vista ISD
Territory: North Shore peninsula, Lago Vista, and Point Venture.
Key Campuses: Lago Vista High School (4A), Lago Vista Middle School, Lago Vista Intermediate, Lago Vista Elementary.
Marble Falls ISD
Territory: Far West Spicewood along the western reaches of Lake Travis.
Key Campuses: Marble Falls High School (5A), Marble Falls Middle School, Spicewood Elementary School.
Private Schools Around Lake Travis & West Austin
Families seeking private education around Lake Travis have excellent options directly in the local community as well as along the Highway 71, RM 620, and Loop 360 corridors:
Lake Travis & Lakeway Local Private Schools
- Lake Travis STEM Academy (Bee Cave): Research-backed private STEM education.
- Spicewood Christian Academy (Spicewood): Faith-rooted Pre-K through Grade 12 prep.
- The Magnolia School (Lakeway): Individualized, student-centered elementary & middle school.
- Bluebonnet Montessori School (Lakeway): Family-owned Montessori education serving ages 3–12.
- Lake Travis Christian Academy: Acton-method learner-driven Christian education.
Nearby West Austin Preparatory Academies
- St. Michael’s Catholic Academy: College preparatory high school along Barton Creek.
- Regents School of Austin: Classical Christian K-12 education near Southwest Parkway.
- St. Stephen’s Episcopal School: 370-acre boarding and day school overlooking the river.
- Trinity Episcopal School: K-8 Christian independent school along Westlake Drive.
- Austin Waldorf School: K-12 holistic arts and inquiry-based education in Southwest Austin.
Verify School Boundaries Before Purchasing
Because Lake Travis properties span four public school districts across two counties alongside numerous private options, verifying tax records and district boundaries is essential. Contact broker Brian Talley for address verification.
Amenities & FAQ
Lake Travis Entertainment, Parks, Boat Rentals & Amenities Guide
Living on Lake Travis offers an extraordinary outdoor lifestyle anchored by waterparks, lakeside resorts, county parks, boat rentals, championship golf courses, and waterfront dining.
Waterparks, Resorts & Adventure Anchors
Volente Beach Resort & Waterloo Adventures
Lakeside waterpark featuring swimming pools, water slides, sandy beach access, plus Waterloo Adventures—a massive 600-foot floating obstacle course on Lake Travis.
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Home to the longest zipline in Texas, offering 3-hour guided tours gliding across canyons and open water, complete with private lakeside beach access.
Lakeway Resort & Spa
Premier resort destination featuring multi-tiered infinity pools, adult swim-up bars, private cabana rentals, full-service spa, and lakeside event venues.
Lake Travis Parks & Shoreline Reserves
Explore thousands of acres of public parks, cliffside overlooks, campgrounds, and scuba diving sanctuaries around the lake:
- Pace Bend Park (Spicewood): 1,300-acre county park featuring 9 miles of shoreline, limestone cliffs, campsites, hiking trails, and dual boat launches.
- Mansfield Dam Park (Hudson Bend): Deep-water park near the dam offering scuba diving platforms, picnicking, playgrounds, and the lake’s primary year-round boat ramp.
- Windy Point Park: World-renowned scuba diving park with underwater wreck dives, clear deep-water entry, and primitive lakefront camping.
- Lakeway City Park: 64-acre waterfront park offering 2+ miles of trails, dog park, beach area, volleyball courts, and kayak/paddleboard launching.
- Hippie Hollow Park: Steep limestone park overlooking the lower basin; Texas’ only legally recognized clothing-optional public park (ages 18+).
- North Shore & Northwest Parks: Jones Brothers Park (Jonestown public launch & festival grounds), Arkansas Bend Park (Lago Vista), Gloster Bend Recreation Area, and Turkey Bend Recreation Area.
Boat Rentals, Party Barges & Watercraft Charters
Whether renting ski boats, double-decker party barges, pontoon boats, or luxury captained charters, Lake Travis features a robust selection of watercraft rental companies:
- Party Barges & Captained Charters: Keep Austin Wet Watercraft Rentals, Premier Party Cruises, ATX Party Boats, Austin’s Boat Tours, Big Tex Boat Rentals, and Good Time Austin.
- Pontoon & Ski Boat Rentals: Wave In Water, Aquaholics Watercraft Rentals, Boats & Coves, and Luxury Boat Rentals.
- Wakeboarding & Watersports Lessons: Specialized charters like Austin TX Wake for wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and tubing.
Full-Service Lake Travis Marinas
Lake Travis features over 20 full-service and community marinas offering covered wet slips, dry stack storage, ship stores, and fuel docks:
South Shore Marinas (Lakeway / Bee Cave)
Rough Hollow Yacht Club, Hurst Harbor Marina, Crosswater Yacht Club, Lakeway Marina, Sail & Ski Yacht Club, and West Beach Marina. Offers deep-water dock access, trams, repair facilities, and on-site dining.
Southeast Marinas (Hudson Bend)
Emerald Point Marina, Marshall Ford Marina, Paradise Cove Marina, and Lake Travis Marina. Features dry stack climate-controlled storage, private launches, and fuel service near Mansfield Dam.
Southwest & North Shore Marinas
The Reserve at Lake Travis Marina and Briarcliff Marina (Spicewood); VIP Marina, North Shore Marina at The Hollows, Cypress Creek Marina, and Point Venture Marina (North Shore).
Public Boat Ramps & Water Access
Public launching ramps operated by Travis County, the City of Austin, and the LCRA are strategically positioned around the lake:
- Mansfield Dam Park Ramp (Southeast): The deepest and most reliable public launch ramp on Lake Travis, located off RR 620 near Mansfield Dam.
- Pace Bend Park Ramps (Southwest): Features two public concrete ramps (Collier Cove and Tatum Cove) along 9 miles of shoreline in Spicewood.
- Jones Brothers Park Ramp (North Central): 3-lane public boat launch facilities located in Jonestown.
- Arkansas Bend Park Ramp (North Shore): Travis County public boat launch facility located in Lago Vista.
- Cypress Creek & LCRA Ramps: Public access at Cypress Creek Park (Volente), Gloster Bend, and Muleshoe Bend.
Championship Golf Courses Around Lake Travis & West Austin
The Lake Travis corridor and surrounding West Austin Hill Country offer an extraordinary density of private country clubs and championship public golf facilities:
- South Shore & Lakeway: Falconhead Golf Club (Public PGA Tour Design layout), The Hills Country Club (Private 4-course complex including Flintrock Falls, The Hills Signature Course, Live Oak, Yaupon, and The Hills Chophouse), and Spanish Oaks Golf Club (Private Bobby Weed design).
- Southwest & Spicewood: Barton Creek Country Club at Lakeside (Private Arnold Palmer design), Lakecliff Golf Club (Private Arnold Palmer design), Pedernales Golf Course (Willie Nelson’s historic 9-hole Cut ‘N Putt), and Austin Golf Club (Private Ben Crenshaw / Bill Coore design).
- North Shore & Northwest: Lago Vista Golf Course (Public 18-hole peninsula course), Point Venture Golf Club (Public 9-hole Jimmy Demaret design), and Twin Creeks Country Club (Private Fred Couples design in Cedar Park).
- Nearby West Austin Country Clubs: UT Golf Club (Steiner Ranch / Lake Travis view), River Place Country Club (Tom Kite design), Austin Country Club (Pete Dye design home of the WGC-Dell Match Play), Westlake Country Club, Barton Creek Coore Crenshaw Golf Course, and Lake Travis Golf Course.
Waterfront & Lake-View Restaurants
Enjoy casual dock-and-dine spots, craft breweries, or upscale sunset dinners along the shores of Lake Travis:
- The Oasis on Lake Travis: The “Sunset Capital of Texas,” perched 450 feet above the water along Comanche Trail.
- Steiner Ranch Steakhouse: Upscale dining perched high on the bluff offering prime steaks, seafood, and panoramic Lake Travis views.
- Sixty Three Restaurant & Bar (Lakeway): Contemporary dining perched overlooking Lake Travis at Lakeway Resort and Spa.
- Sundancer Grill (Lakeway): Lakeside bistro dining at Sail & Ski Yacht Club with courtesy boat dock slips.
- Canyon Grille at Rough Hollow (Lakeway): Perched above Rough Hollow Yacht Club offering Hill Country sunset views and farm-to-table cuisine.
- The Lighthouse Restaurant & Lounge (Briarcliff): Scratch-kitchen waterfront venue with a 7-slip boat dock at mile marker 26.
- Captain Pete’s Boathouse (Point Venture): Floating restaurant and bar located directly on the pier.
- Stumpy’s Lakeside Grill (Sandy Creek): Laid-back marina spot at Sandy Creek Marina with tacos, burgers, and courtesy boat ties.
- Oasis Texas Brewing Company & Beachside Billy’s: Craft beer taproom sunset views and beach bar dining in Volente.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Travis Real Estate
What makes Lake Travis real estate distinct from Lake Austin?
Lake Travis is the largest reservoir in the Highland Lakes chain, covering over 18,000 acres with 270+ miles of shoreline. Unlike Lake Austin’s river-style constant level, Lake Travis functions as a flood-control reservoir with varying depths, offering vast open water for large yachts, sailing, and expansive master-planned golf and resort communities.
Which school districts serve communities around Lake Travis?
Properties along Lake Travis are zoned across four primary school districts depending on location: Lake Travis ISD (South Shore / Lakeway / Spicewood), Leander ISD (Volente / Jonestown / Steiner Ranch), Lago Vista ISD (North Shore / Point Venture), and Marble Falls ISD (Far West Spicewood).
What are the most popular deep-water communities on Lake Travis?
Premier deep-water communities with full-service marinas and deep-water boat docks include Rough Hollow and The Reserve at Lake Travis on the South Shore, and The Hollows and Northshore on the North Shore.
Searching for Lake Travis Waterfront Homes or Boat Slips?
Whether evaluating deep-water dock access, golf communities, or off-market sales, broker Brian Talley provides specialized local representation.
History
History & Development of Lake Travis & Mansfield Dam
The story of Lake Travis began in the early 20th century out of a critical necessity for flood control along the volatile Colorado River Basin. Between 1900 and 1935, Central Texas suffered dozens of catastrophic flood events that repeatedly inundated Downtown Austin and devastated farmlands downstream. Following a severe flood in June 1935, federal and state leaders mobilized to harness the river.
Construction of Marshall Ford / Mansfield Dam (1937–1942)
In December 1936, the U.S. Department of the Interior authorized the newly formed Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to build a flood-control dam across a deep river crossing known as Marshall Ford. Championed by U.S. Representative Joseph J. Mansfield and a young, industrious Congressman named Lyndon B. Johnson, federal funding was secured for the massive engineering project.
Construction began in early 1937. Following another major flood in July 1938, engineers expanded the plans into a massive 266-foot-high, 7,098-foot-long concrete and rockfill structure capable of holding back billions of gallons of floodwater. Completed and dedicated in August 1942 as Mansfield Dam, the resulting impoundment created Lake Travis—the largest reservoir in the Highland Lakes chain, with over 270 miles of winding Hill Country shoreline.
From Agricultural River Basin to Luxury Resort Destination
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the rural agricultural land surrounding Lake Travis gradually transformed into a favorite weekend escape for Austin residents seeking boating, fishing, and water sports. The establishment of the City of Lakeway in the 1960s marked the start of master-planned resort living along the south shore, featuring private airstrips, golf courses, and yacht clubs.
Over the following decades, multi-acre master-planned communities like Rough Hollow, The Reserve at Lake Travis, The Hollows, and Barton Creek Lakeside established Lake Travis as one of the premier addresses in the Austin luxury real estate market. Today, Lake Travis combines rich historic infrastructure with world-class resort amenities, top-rated school districts (including Lake Travis ISD, Leander ISD, Lago Vista ISD, and Marble Falls ISD), and unmatched Texas Hill Country views.
Expert Real Estate Representation on Lake Travis
Navigating deep-water dock histories, water level fluctuations across coves, multi-district school zoning, and off-market pocket listings on Lake Travis requires specialized local expertise.
As a fifth-generation Texan and founder of Regent Property Group, Brian Talley delivers expert buyer and seller guidance across all regions of Lake Travis.
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