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
Dave Rutter,
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 125 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Canyon Lake, TX over the last 12 months is $430,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Big Price Drop!! Best value in Ensenada Shores!! Motivated Seller!! This exquisite 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence is nestled amongst the trees on a sprawling 1.38-acre lot in a lakeside gated community. Enjoy exclusive access to a private lake park, a serene fishing pond, a community pool, walking trails, and more. The home is perfectly positioned at the end of a cul-de-sac, offering
Discover your private Hill Country retreat on 5.36 acres with breathtaking views, native landscaping, and ultimate seclusion-just minutes from Canyon Lake, the marina, and local amenities. This beautifully maintained 2,164 sq. ft. home features French doors from the living room, two bedrooms, and bonus room that all open onto a massive covered deck showcasing sweeping Hill Country and Canyon Lake
This Canyon Lake beauty looks like it came straight out of a storybook! Sitting on half an acre, this home offers charm, comfort, and space in all the right places. Step inside to find a bright, open layout with quartz countertops throughout and sleek stainless steel appliances that make the kitchen shine. With 4 spacious bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, there's plenty of room for everyone. Step out
Secluded 2600+ sf home surrounded by 15.7 acres of Texas Hill Country with tremendous potential. This property boasts concrete circular drive, city water and a well, out buildings, green house, perimeter fence, cross fenced, house is fenced, two electric meters, NO HOA, 2- 1500 gallon rainwater collection tanks for watering garden and trees, and it is partially cleared. The 3b, 3 full baths, 2
Partner lender offers complimentary 1-year 1% rate buydown! Nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this Hill Country gem sits on a private 1.5-acre lot with mature trees, a fenced yard, and a serene, park-like setting. Ideal for peaceful living and entertaining, the property features an oversized deck with a built-in hot tub, perfect for relaxing or hosting guests. Inside, the home boasts
Discover the beauty of this property - Your Dream Home Awaits! Nestled in the heart of Canyon Lake, this property offers the perfect canvas to build your dream home. With an open lot and the promise of stunning lake views, it's a real gem waiting to be uncovered. Canyon Lake is known for its scenic beauty, and this property is no exception. The potential for breathtaking lake views makes
Single level, 3/2/2 on a large, level lot w/trees. Fresh paint & laminate flooring throughout. Refrigerator & mini-blinds included. Open Kitchen/Dining/Family Room area. Split bedroom layout. Master has private bath w/vanity & shower. Smoking is NOT allowed inside home or garage area. Owner prefers no pets but may allow 1 small (dog or cat) w/approval. TAR app. form(s) required for each person
Fully Furnished property in private gated community of luxury lake homes. This water-front estate is the perfect place for large gatherings, pool parties, and cozy winter evenings. With views from every back window - the sunsets in the photos are real!,- the heart of the home is the open den, kitchen, and breakfast area, overlooking the lake and pool. The stacked stone fireplace is a focal point
New Price - fresh paint outside, make ready is almost complete inside. Ready for move in as of 07/01/25. This is a 3/2 single story home in Cypress Cove. Open floorplan w/ceramic tile throughout. 14x15 Family Room w/vaulted ceiling. Nice Kitchen w/Breakfast Bar, Pantry, Smooth top oven/range + microwave. 2" window blinds. Nice Master bedroom w/trey ceiling & private bath. 10x12 Deck on back of
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