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
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Canyon Lake, TX sell after 118 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 $409,990, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
OPEN HOUSE: Open to the public on January 10th from 11-2pm!! Come take a look!! Step into this stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bath mid-century modern home in the heart of Canyon Lake, where clean lines, bright spaces, and timeless style come together beautifully. This one-owner property has been exceptionally maintained and feels like new from the moment you walk in. Inside, you'll find an inviting bright
Welcome to this stunning 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home nestled on 1.60 acres in the highly sought-after Vintage Oaks community in New Braunfels, Texas. Boasting 2,558 sq. ft. of elegant living space, this home features an impressive over-sized kitchen, beautiful tile flooring throughout, and a spacious covered patio perfect for relaxing or entertaining. 250 sq ft air conditioned bonus room is
AS IS, waiting on Short Sale approval! If Home Sweet Home is a combination between Hill Country Views and Modern Living-I've got the home for you! Come admire this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home that perfectly blends comfort, style, and functionality. Designed with both family and guests in mind, this thoughtful floor plan features the primary suite and an additional bedroom on the main
This is a great, 3-bedroom 2 bath traditional style home on a large .69-acre lot in the lovely, lakeside neighborhood of Canyon Lake Village West! You will absolutely love the huge park-like back yard completely shaded by many, beautiful, mature trees. Fully fenced front and back. BRAND-NEW ROOF and A/C UNIT 2024! Inside this home you will find "great bones" and a blank canvas ready for you to
Welcome to your dream getaway or income-producing investment in Rio Guadalupe! This beautifully maintained third-floor riverfront condo overlooks the peaceful Guadalupe River and is nestled within a sought-after gated community. Whether you're enjoying the community swimming pool or stepping down to the riverfront for tubing and relaxation, this location offers the best of Hill Country living.
Welcome to this striking custom-built estate perched atop 2.16 acres in the prestigious Mystic Shores community of Spring Branch-offering commanding views of Canyon Lake and over 4,200 square feet of sophisticated living. Built in 2020 and gently lived in by the builder himself, this home blends modern elegance with thoughtful craftsmanship throughout. Step inside through solid metal and glass
Amazing views of Canyon Lake from your own living room, enjoy the outdoors and feel like your in the trees on your spacious covered deck with an elevated walk-way to separate private huge balcony, RV and or boat parking, features of custom-built living at its finest, 4 bedrooms or you can use one of the bedroom down for study Kitchen opens to the family room and all new insulated windows
Norman Frenk
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene - Bay Area
MOVE-IN READY- PAINTED & CLEANED. BEAUTIFUL TOWNHOUSE STYLED DUPLEX. TWO STORY, 2 BEDROOMS WITH ATTACHED BATHROOMS. HALF BATHROOM DOWNSTAIRS NEXT TO UTILITY ROOM (CONNECTIONS ONLY). NEWLY USED APPLIANCES INCLUDED SUCH AS REFRIGERATOR, DISHWASHER, BUILT-IN MICROWAVE, AND OVEN. 15X16 LIVING FAMILY ROOM. HIGH CEILINGS, ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHT FIXTURES, & CEILING FANS. OPEN FLOORPLAN, EAT-IN KITCHEN,
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