Jonestown offers waterfront living and a laid-back feel
Jonestown draws buyers looking for extra space, natural scenery and an escape from the big city life. “It’s out in the country, and, of course, it’s on Lake Travis, which is one of the premier lakes in the state,” says Sam Billings, a broker with Coldwell Banker S.G. Billings Realtors and former Jonestown mayor. Nicknamed the Gateway to the Hill Country, this city has homes on rugged land covered with cedar trees. About 4,000 people live in the area, and many of them pass their time doing anything from mingling at neighborhood parties to going boating on the lake. Mayor Paul Johnson simply describes his city as quiet. “It’s just a laid-back town,” he says. “We should have called it Mayberry.”
The community has some upscale homes with extra space
The area includes ranch-style homes and upscale New Traditionals, Spanish Revivals and contemporary homes. Many residents live off winding roads with no sidewalks, and some people close to the lake have access to private docks. Local zoning requires parts of the city to have minimum 1-acre lots, and a few properties offer enough room for animals. “It [zoning] helps a lot because people like to be pretty close to their neighbors, but they don’t want to be right on top of them,” Johnson says. Size is a cost factor, and homes under 2,200 square feet typically sell between $220,000 and $540,000. Larger options can range from about $590,000 to $980,000, while some homes run between $1 million and $1.6 million.
Lake Travis and Balcones Canyonlands are outdoor destinations
Lake Travis is a convenient spot for fishing, swimming and paddling. Jones Brothers Park, one of the city’s outdoor destinations, offers access to the lake through three public boat launches. Park visitors can easily access the Canyonlands Trail, which winds between rocky and wooded hills. Jonestown has a few other smaller green spaces like Shady Park, known for its crumbled granite trail and live oak trees. For bigger outdoor adventures, the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is a short trip away. Spanning well over 20,000 acres, the refuge has a diverse mix of habitats and several miles of hiking paths. The wildlife there includes the endangered black-capped vireo, hawks and a large variety of dragonflies.
Lucky Rabbit and Lone Star Bar are local staples
Restaurants in the city include the Lucky Rabbit, an institution popular for its rustic vibes, live music, comfort foods and cocktails. Lucky Rabbit has a large patio with lawn chairs and an outdoor bar in a repurposed school bus. Bajo la Luna serves Tex-Mex food, while the Lone Star Bar is a late-night hangout and another destination for live bands. For groceries and other household items, residents can drive less than 10 miles east to Cedar Park, which has the Lakeline Mall and chains like H-E-B plus!, Target and Sam’s Club.
Well-rated schools and districts cover the area
Students may attend schools in one of two districts, depending on where they live. The Leander Independent School District receives an A from Niche, while the Lago Vista Independent School District gets a B-plus. Schools serving the area include A-plus-rated Cedar Park High and B-rated Lago Vista High. Cedar Park High School’s programs include a successful marching band that won a seventh-straight state title in 2025.
Celebrations include Halloween and Cajun festivals
Seasonal events include the Jonestown Halloween Festival in late October. Many residents and their children put on their costumes and come out to Jones Brothers Park to go trunk-or-treating. Additionally, attendees may go on a hay ride and have hot dogs and drinks. In April, the park hosts the Jonestown Cajun Fest, which allows people to grab beer, try some crawfish and listen to live music.
Commuters are about 30 miles from Austin
Residents here usually drive to get around the region. Ranch to Market Road 1431 passes through the city and turns into Whitestone Boulevard. Whitestone crosses U.S. Highway 183, which is part of the route to downtown Austin, about 30 miles southeast. Less than 10 miles east, the Ascension Seton Cedar Park Hospital is one of the nearest facilities for emergency care. Located 35 miles south of Jonestown, the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is the region’s hub for air travel.
Flooding can be an issue
Although First Street shows Jonestown has only a moderate risk, flooding can still occur. The area around Big Sandy Creek is among the most prone to flooding.
