A former subdivision becomes the small city of Highland Haven, Texas
Lying on the northeast corner of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, a Colorado River reservoir, Highland Haven is a city of about 400 residents, under 60 miles from Austin. “‘Hill Country Living at its best on Lake LBJ’ embodies the personality of our city,” says Sarah Collard, the city secretary for Highland Haven. “There’s a quiet, peaceful, supportive atmosphere that makes it a wonderful place to live for people of all ages.” This area is completely residential; it was formed as a subdivision in 1962 and incorporated in 1995, and residents travel to Marble Falls or Llano for shopping and dining. The close-knit community offers ways to get involved. “Because the city is so small, opportunities abound for its residents to have a direct and lasting impact by serving on local boards, participating in clubs and truly being a part of the community,” Collard says.
Cozy, expansive feel maintained throughout municipal changes
The Highland Haven Property Owner Association formed in the 1970s. The city incorporated in 1995, though the HHPOA still exists thanks to volunteers. “It’s a friendly, community-focused, quiet place to live,” Collard says. Most homes here are ranch-style, with mid-sized trees providing a bit of shade. The area has an expansive feel, though the trees grow denser along the southern portion of Highland Drive. South of Quail Road is known as the Nobles Addition and is not technically part of the city nor the HHPOA, though its residents are considered part of the community. Prices range rather widely, and the median price here is about $700,000. Taxes, however, are low. “Highland Haven has the lowest municipal tax rate in the region,” Collard says. “The biggest challenge is continuing to improve our infrastructure while keeping our property tax rates low.” The city holds a CAP Index Crime Score of 1, lower than the national average of 4.
Marble Falls Independent School District serves the city
Students in Highland Haven can attend schools in the Marble Falls Independent School District. Highland Lakes Elementary School earns a C from Niche. Marble Falls Middle Schools scores a C-plus, and Marble Falls High School gets a B. The Falls Career High School also earns a B. Marble Falls High School has begun an early college program, by which incoming ninth grade students can start earning college credits toward an associate’s degree through Northeast Lakeview College.
Active community involvement with the HHPOA
The HHPOA offers many community activities, which include bridge and other game nights, community potlucks and holiday parades. An active Ladies Club also assists in events and gatherings. “Highland Haven is revered for its active community,” Collard says. “Summer firework displays at Swan Park by Camp Champions is another community favorite.”
Shopping and dining in downtown Marble Falls
While Highland Haven does not have its own retail or restaurant areas, plenty of choices are a short drive away. “Downtown Marble Falls is fun,” Collard says. “There’s Blair’s Western Wear, monthly Market Days, and hidden gems like Atkins Pharmacy and Ford & Crew Hardware.” The Blue Bonnet Café has served its famous pie and homestyle menu for nearly a century. “For pie, you can’t beat Bluebonnet Café,” Collard says. Several breweries make their home in downtown Marble Falls as well, including Bear King Brewing Company and Double Horn Brewing Company, while Save the World Brewing Company is located north of the downtown on U.S. Route 281. Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que in Llano is one of Hill Country’s favorite purveyors of Texas’s celebrated version of barbecue.
Lake Lyndon B. Johnson and small community parks
Lake LBJ is a major factor here. “It offers all kinds of boating, fishing, and other water recreation opportunities,” Collard says. In addition, the city has six small parks, with a mix of sports courts and fields, open space and places to launch canoes and kayaks or cast a fishing line. Dove Park has a boat launch for larger watercraft. Residents can make the short drive to Longhorn Caverns and Inks Lake state parks, about 11 and 13 miles away, respectively.
Highways, county roads and a transit option in Marble Falls
County Road 1431 connects Highland Haven to nearby communities like Kingsland, Granite Shoals and Marble Falls. The city is about 57 miles from Austin via Texas Route 71, and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is about 61 miles away. U.S. Route 281 runs through Marble Falls and heads south to San Antonio, about 95 miles away. Highland Haven does not have public transportation, though Capital Area Rural Transportation System now has on-demand transit in Marble Falls. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center is a little south of Marble Falls, about 14 miles from Highland Haven.
