The community of Canyon Lake is centered around a reservoir of the same name, called the “Water Recreation Capital of Texas” and the “Jewel of Texas Hill Country” by the local Chamber of Commerce. Since its creation in 1964, the lake has been a popular venue for camping, swimming and boating. As of 2020, just over 31,000 people live in Canyon Lake and many others visit from San Antonio, Austin and Houston on weekends. The economy is based mainly on outdoor recreation and tourism, especially during the peak season between March and November.
Hill Country and Canyon Lake are situated between San Antonio and Austin, Texas.
Residents love to swim, fish, and kayak in Canyon Lake.
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Hiking and camping by the lake and Guadalupe River
Parks, campsites and marinas surround Canyon Lake’s 80 miles of shoreline, offering boating, fishing, swimming and scuba diving. “You’ve got lots of live music in every direction, and in the summer season, there are activities on the lake and tubing on the rivers,” says Suzanne Raku, a Realtor with Keller Williams Heritage, who is based in Canyon Lake. Cranes Mill Park and Potter’s Creek Park have lakeside campsites, while the Canyon Lake Gorge and James C. Curry Nature Center offer hiking through the woods and along the Guadalupe River. Live music fans can head to Whitewater Amphitheater, an outdoor venue on the river.
Potters Creek Park has scenic trails and campgrounds in Canyon Lake.
Locals of Canyon Lake frequent Potters Creek Park for boating, swimming, and fishing.
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Waterfront Canyon Lake Hills and private Oak Shores
Canyon Lake consists of small, unincorporated communities like Sattler, Startzville and Canyon City, as well as long-standing subdivisions like Canyon Lake Hills and gated neighborhoods such as Oak Shores. The median price in Canyon Lake is $424,990, higher than the San Antonio median of $291,000 and the New Braunfels median of $350,000. However, Canyon Lake’s status as a census-designated area reduces the cost of living. “What is great is it’s outside city limits, so you’re only paying county taxes, and it’s cheaper than San Antonio and New Braunfels,” says Heather Roberts, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services who has lived in the area for 20 years.
Several beautiful waterways span Canyon Lake.
Homes in Hill Country and the Canyon Lake area sit on large lots.
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Italian at Gennaro's and breakfast at Granny D’s
Canyon Lake has a diverse selection of locally owned restaurants surrounding the water. Gennaro's Trattoria offers classic Southern Italian fare and wine pairings, while Granny D’s specializes in comfort food for breakfast and lunch. “You get giant pancakes that cover the entire plate,” Robert says. “It’s definitely not where you want to go on a diet, but it’s everyone’s favorite.” While Canyon Lake has no large malls, The Village at Stone Oak in San Antonio and San Marcos Premium Outlets are two nearby shopping centers.
Granny D's provides a taste of southern cooking in Canyon Lake.
Baja Bar and Grill is a local favorite in Canyon Lake.
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Startzville fireworks and Sattler holiday cheer
Residents of Canyon Lake come together for annual festivals and celebrations, from the Canyon Lake Area Chamber BBQ Cook-Off every April to the Startzville Independence Day Parade and the Sattler Christmas Parade. The Heritage Museum of Texas Hill Country has year-round educational programs and displays, including a collection of over 200 dinosaur footprints discovered between Startzville and Sattler.
Comal Independent School District earns an A
Comal Independent School District has an overall A grade on Niche and is among the Top 10 districts in the San Antonio area. The Canyon Lake area has highly rated schools like A-rated Rebecca Creek Elementary School and A-minus-rated Canyon Lake High School. Texas State University, which is located in neighboring San Marcos, is known for its strong science and technology programs.
Students can grow and learn at the beautiful campus of Smithson Valley High School in Canyon Lake.
Younger students in Canyon Lake attend Mt. Valley Elementary, home of the Hawks.
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Positioned between San Antonio and Austin
There are no public transportation services around Canyon Lake, so locals rely on cars to get to surrounding cities. Highway 281 connects to San Antonio, 45 miles away. State Highway 46 is the most direct route to New Braunfels, a 20-mile drive away. New Braunfels has the closest hospitals and is also a connector to Interstate 35, which runs between San Antonio and Austin. Canyon Lake is 35 miles from San Antonio International Airport and 66 miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Canyon Lake changes during floods and droughts
The area generally has hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. The lake is also prone to flooding and droughts, impacting water levels throughout the year.
The Comal County Sheriff’s Office reported a 1% increase in property crimes and 12% increase in violent crime between 2022 and 2023. Incidents usually drop in winter. September through November had the highest number of reports in 2022 and 2023, while January had the least reports in both years.
Written By
Delaney Murray
Photography Contributed By
Austin Rowdy Winters
Video By
Rebecca Askin
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Richard Rodriguez,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Canyon Lake, TX sell after 123 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Canyon Lake, TX over the last 12 months is $406,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
House will be held open to the Public on Wednesday 11/19 from 12:30-2. Stop by and take a look!!If you have been looking for the right home in the Spring Branch/Canyon Lake area with plenty of space and privacy look no further than 4575 Tanglewood Trail! This traditional style, 1 story, brick house situated on a 2.7-acre lot is tucked away on the back side of Tanglewood Trail in a quiet and
Welcome to this beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom home nestled in the highly desirable Vintage Oaks community. Boasting a seamless open-concept layout and soaring ceilings, this home is tailor-made for both everyday living and entertaining. Step inside to find a spacious living room centered around a cozy fireplace and bathed in natural light. Outside features a gas grill and outside
Experience the ultimate in lake living with this stunning two-story home, originally built as a model home and loaded with premium upgrades. Ideally situated on the south side of the lake near Tom Creek, this residence combines comfort, style, and functionality. The main floor features a spacious open-concept design where the kitchen, dining area, and living room blend seamlessly - perfect for
Build your perfect Hill Country retreat on this inviting lot near Canyon Lake. Enjoy a community loaded with amenities-private boat ramp, swimming pool, tennis courts, park, and clubhouse. Located just minutes from Comal Park and close to restaurants and shopping, convenience meets recreation here. The lot offers roughly 40' of frontage and 225' of depth, with a level front and beautiful trees
This is a gorgeous 1+ care double lot that is 243' wide at the front, 165' and 216' deep along the sides and the back is 80' wide. There is a huge oak tree at the front of the property & several others scattered about. The lot is heavily wooded and has a gentle right to left side slope. There are minimal restrictions and there is not an active POA in the neighborhood. Established, quiet
Unbelievable Commercial or Residential Opportunity! This 2.93-acre corner property sits at a lighted intersection on the SW corner of FM 306 and Maricopa Dr., right in the heart of Canyon Lake's Sattler community. Just across from Mountain Valley Elementary and only 0.4 miles from the Guadalupe's Horseshoe, Whitewater Amphitheater, and Camp Fimfo-all less than a minute's drive. The AADT on FM 306
Adorable Fully Furnished Short-Term Rental in Canyon Lake. Lease is for 6-9 months. Looking for the perfect short-term stay while your home is being built or while you explore life in the Canyon Lake area? This charming single-story home is located in a gated, private waterfront community and offers everything you need-just bring your suitcase! Situated on a spacious lot with mature trees, this
Adorable Hill Country Home! Come see this charming singlewide mobile home tucked away on over half an acre, surrounded by mature trees and peaceful wildlife. You’ll love the frequent visits from deer right outside your window! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home has been beautifully remodeled and is ready for move-in. Features include a carport and additional storage building. Home is offered unfurnished.
Modern living in a tranquil setting on the north side of Canyon Lake.PROPERTY FEATURES- 900 sq. ft. duplex apartments- Updated kitchens with new cabinets and new appliances- New washer and dryer in-unit- Front deck and private back porch- Off-street parking- Freshly landscaped with drought-tolerant, deer-resistant native plants- New laminate flooring
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