Granite Shoals has a lot to offer in a lakefront setting in the Texas Hill Country
Granite Shoals is an eclectic city of about 5,500 along the shores of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson in the Hill Country of central Texas. Originally developed as a resort destination, this community is now known as the “City of Parks,” thanks to its abundance of recreational spaces. “Granite Shoals is kind of the hidden gem of the Hill Country, because it has so much to offer with the prices of homes, access to the lake and proximity to shopping,” says Doyle Hoff of Walker & Associates Real Estate, who has sold dozens of homes in the city.
Stunning lakefront homes stand out among a wide variety of housing options
Lakefront homes here are common, and the community’s vast shoreline is filled with private docks and boathouses. Many of the highest-priced homes are concentrated on a pair of residential islands that offer an additional level of privacy. “If you want to live on the waterfront, Granite Shoals has some of the most beautiful homes you’ll find on the lake,” Hoff says. These homes typically range in price from about $1 million to more than $4 million. Inland prices are typically lower, ranging from the mid-$200,000s to the mid-$500,000s.
Much of the inland housing remains spread out along quiet streets and country roads. Newer construction features contemporary model homes that are among the city’s most affordable. “That is considered starter housing in this region,” Hoff says. “But they’re finished homes with vinyl plank flooring that is very nice, and they are all on double lots. The area attracts a lot of people who want a little bit of elbow room.”
The Texas Hill Country experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. It is far enough south that it is not part of Tornado Alley. However, severe storms are not uncommon in the spring.
Lakefront parks provide plenty of activity; Quarry Park hosts big events
The city boasts 19 public parks, 15 of which are along the city’s lakefront. "There's swimming, fishing, and all types of water enjoyment," Hoff says. The lake, formed by damning the Colorado River, is a popular spot for water skiing and jet skiing.
Quarry Park is the community’s largest recreational space, offering space for soccer, basketball, volleyball and pickleball. The park, home to the Manzano Hike, Bike and Run Trail, hosts several signature events every year, including the B-B-Q Cook-Off and Granite Fest, which features live music, carnival rides and a car show.
Dining and shopping options are concentrated in nearby Marble Falls
The Hungry Dog Diner serves comfort food. Granite Shoals Supermarket is a Hispanic grocery store in the community. Casual family-run Mexican restaurants can be found along Highway 1431, a commercial corridor that leads to neighboring Marble Falls. “There’s restaurants, beer-tasting rooms and shopping,” Hoff says.
Old Oak Square is a popular indoor mall along Main Street, the heart of a district that also offers easy access to the lake. Hoff describes downtown Marble Falls as the center of area activity. “They have Market Days, where the streets are filled with vendors, parades and a park area in the middle of everything that attracts a lot of the tourists. We attract a lot of people because the Hill Country is so scenic.”
Elementary school in Granite Shoals is part of the Marble Falls district
The Marble Falls Independent School District earns a B-minus from Niche. Options for the community include C-rated Highland Lakes Elementary and A-minus-rated Spicewood Elementary. The district’s open enrollment program allows students to apply for inter-district transfers.
Bob Sylvester Airport is a community attraction
This car-dependent city is relatively isolated in central Texas, but it does have its own airstrip. Once private, it is now a public-use facility named Bob Sylvester Airport. Pilot meet-and-greets and kite-flying events are among the community activities held at and sponsored by the airport. The closest commercial airport is in Austin, the nearest major city. Nearby State Highway 71 East provides direct access to the state capital, but it takes nearly an hour and a half to drive there. Closer to home, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Marble Falls is about 15 miles away. The community’s CAP Index score of 2-out-of-10 signifies an area with a crime rate below the national average.
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Matt Pallister
