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 just between San Antonio and Austin, Texas.
Enjoy lake living 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.
Potters Creek Park has a lake 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.
Canyon Lake is situated between Austin and San Antonio.
Homes in Hill Country and the Canyon Lake area.
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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 gives visitors a taste of southern cooking in Canyon Lake.
Baja Bar and Grill is a favorite spot 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.
A juniper budding along the trails of Canyon Lake.
Witness the changing leaves along Overlook Park.
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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.
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
Heather Roberts,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Canyon Lake, TX sell after 132 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Canyon Lake, TX over the last 12 months is $432,500, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover your dream home location in the stunning Serenity Oaks, a gated community nestled in the picturesque Hill Country! This exceptional corner lot spans 1.45 acres, offering a level terrain beautifully adorned with mature trees for added privacy. Enjoy the fantastic community amenities, including a private park on the scenic Guadalupe River, a sparkling pool, a children's playground, and a
Discover the perfect setting for your Hill Country lakeside retreat! This beautiful lot provides access to fantastic subdivision amenities, including a private boat ramp, swimming pool, park, tennis courts, and clubhouse. Enjoy the convenience of being just moments away from Comal Park, Canyon Lake, dining, and shopping. The property is characterized by its ~40' frontage and ~225' depth, with a
Perched at the end of a peaceful culdesac in the coveted gated community of Cordova Bend, this 4.2acre waterfront lot presents a rare opportunity to build your own Hill Country retreat. Mature oak trees, gently sloping terrain, and partially wooded surroundings evoke a sense of serenity and timeless beauty. Underground utilities (water and electric at street) and paved road access mean minimal
Discover your dream home location in the stunning Serenity Oaks, a gated community nestled in the picturesque Hill Country! This exceptional corner lot spans 1.45 acres, offering a level terrain beautifully adorned with mature trees for added privacy. Enjoy the fantastic community amenities, including a private park on the scenic Guadalupe River, a sparkling pool, a children's playground, and a
Discover the perfect setting for your Hill Country lakeside retreat! This beautiful lot provides access to fantastic subdivision amenities, including a private boat ramp, swimming pool, park, tennis courts, and clubhouse. Enjoy the convenience of being just moments away from Comal Park, Canyon Lake, dining, and shopping. The property is characterized by its ~40' frontage and ~225' depth, with a
Perched at the end of a peaceful culdesac in the coveted gated community of Cordova Bend, this 4.2acre waterfront lot presents a rare opportunity to build your own Hill Country retreat. Mature oak trees, gently sloping terrain, and partially wooded surroundings evoke a sense of serenity and timeless beauty. Underground utilities (water and electric at street) and paved road access mean minimal
Enjoy hill country views from this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home which has been recently updated with **new flooring, paint, AC, a water heater, and stainless steel kitchen appliances**. A washer and dryer and fridge are also included for your convenience.The **open-concept living area** is perfect for entertaining, and the **full-length back deck** offers a great space to relax and
Enjoy Texas living at its best in this two year old, beautiful 4 bedroom/2.5 bath home with a fantastic game room & study cubby in highly sought after Meyer Ranch Subdivision. NO BACK NEIGHBORS, fenced yard, covered back patio, soaring ceilings, wood-look tile in all wet areas, window blinds, and ceiling fans in all bedrooms. Many upgrades to include gourmet kitchen showcasing granite
Adorable Fully Furnished Short-Term Rental in Canyon Lake. Looking for the perfect short-term stay while your home is being built or while you explore life in the Canyon Lake area? This is a 6-9 month lease only. 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
Escape into the lake life with a home in Hill Country. This rural neighborhood has plenty of natural beauty and endless recreational opportunities. “It’s a destination for recreation. You’ve got lots of live music in every direction. In the summer season, there are activities on the lake and tubing on the rivers,” says Suzanne Raku, a local Realtor with Keller Williams Heritage Canyon Lake. If you’re looking for a neighborhood where you can get away from the city and immerse yourself in nature, this community provides that chance.
Homes in the neighborhood range from modest manufactured and ranch-style houses to lavish lakeside estates. Nearly every corner of the neighborhood is full of trees dotting the rolling hills, giving shade and privacy to residents. The Vintage Oaks community features more open spaces, but this is where you’ll find many of the more luxurious homes in the area. Here you can find houses with Mediterranean and Spanish influences. The ranch-style and manufactured homes start at around $240,000, and you can easily find a three-bedroom house for under $350,000. The closer you get to the lake, the more you should expect to pay. Elegant lakefront homes can cost up to $4 million, but there are several between $500,000 and $900,000.
Hill Country is part of the Comal Independent School District, and students will likely attend Mountain Valley Elementary School, Mountain Valley Middle School and Canyon Lake High School. The high school is highly rated, receiving a B+ overall from Niche. The school offers several clubs and organizations to students, including eSports, JROTC, FFA, and bass fishing. Students can take outdoor education courses, which teach them about various activities, including camping, backpacking and fishing.
Speaking of outdoor adventures, there is plenty of recreation here. Several parks surrounding the lake offers activities such as boating, fishing, swimming and even scuba diving. If you feel like spending a night under the stars, head to Cranes Mill Park or Potter’s Creek Park for lakeside camping in a beautiful natural setting. James C. Curry Nature Center offers a short but challenging hike through the woods for those looking to fully immerse themselves in nature. Live music fans can head to Whitewater Amphitheater, an outdoor venue along the Guadalupe River that draws in some of the biggest names in country and rock music during the summer.
All that lake activity can work up an appetite, and Hill Country has some tempting dining options. Head to Gennaro’s Trattoria for an authentic Italian meal in a low-key setting. Customers praise this family-owned restaurant for their fresh ingredients and excellent service. Try Granny D’s, a diner serving breakfast and lunch classics, for something more casual. If you want to cook for yourself, there is a Lowe’s Supermarket on the southeastern side of the lake for all your grocery needs. If you’re on the northern side of the lake, check out Brookshire Brothers.
Although you’ll feel surrounded by nature, you won’t be too far from the city amenities in San Antonio. “281 is a major highway that’s been in the works for years and now has been completed, making access to San Antonio quick and easy,” says Raku. Highway 281 is just a short distance from the neighborhood, giving you an easy way to get into the city anytime.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Canyon Lake Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
45,917
Median Age
50
Population under 18
19.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
27.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$90,666
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$119,927
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.7%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
32.1%
Advanced Degrees
12.5%
% Population in Labor Force
57.8%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
37°F
Average Summer High Temperature
94°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®®
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Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
