At just over 10,000 residents, Lago Vista has always been about getting away. Or at least it has since the 1930s, when the Mansfield Dam was built, forging Travis County's premier reservoir and vacation locale. Aside from early Indigenous tribes, the dam's construction workers were among the first to settle northern Lake Travis' confined, largely unspoiled environs. By the 1970s, the secret was out, and families across Austin flocked there as the area experienced an explosion of housing and the creation of golf courses, marinas, resorts and other vacation amenities.
This created a resilient local business scene that has grown steadily since, even in the off-season. Alongside Hill Country's emergent outdoor tourism sector, opportunities and conveniences have grown, although the population hasn't grown at the same rate as nearby cities like Cedar Park or Dripping Springs. “A lot of young families are moving to the area for the lifestyle and the schools,” says Anna Naumann, a broker for Elite Property Group. “It's true Hill Country living. Outdoor activities are a big draw for people that are moving to the area."
Young families are drawn to Lago Vista for its lifestyle, schools, and outdoor fun.
Lago Vista boomed in the 1970s with homes, golf courses, and marinas.
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Beach camping at Arkansas Bend Park
Outdoor activities beckon visitors from around the region to the 989 acres of public park space within Lago Vista. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is about 72 square miles of protected forest just north of the city. Home to a variety of migratory bird species and 10 miles of trails, the wildlife refuge is popular with nature photographers. "Most of the parks out in our west district are lakefront parks. So, many people go to do some boating or fishing," says Joe Sibley, a supervisor for Travis County Parks and Recreation. "We have a few camping parks, and our main one in Lago Vista is Arkansas Bend. It has campsites that are actually set up with electrical."
The shores of Lake Travis hide many inlets and beaches, some of which are reserved for neighborhood residents only, like Heather Park. Most of the marinas along the lake are private, although some house public restaurants and other amenities, like Captain Pete's Boathouse. Lago Vista Golf Course offers public fairways, putting greens and driving ranges.
Arkansas Bend Park in Lago Vista features campsites with electrical hookups.
Boating and fishing are popular at Lago Vista’s scenic lakefront parks.
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Regattas and craft beer at Lago Fest
Community organizations unite residents for regular meetings and special events, but nothing compares to Lago Fest, an annual free festival at Bar K Park that typically features live music, food trucks, craft brewers and more. It also features the Austin Yacht Club's Turnback Regatta, an annual tradition since 1951.
Tech-based programs and early college credits from Lago Vista ISD
The Lago Vista Independent School District serves four schools and about 1,700 students, with a 17-1 student-teacher ratio. The ISD earns a Niche rating of B-plus and is recognized for its academics, boasting a 95% graduation rate and college admission test scores above national averages. The district uses a "NexGen Learning" initiative, helping students of all ages prepare for the modern world with technology integration and courses in digital citizenship and media literacy. Lago Vista High School also offers programs that help students earn early college credits.
Lago Vista ISD serves four schools and about 1,700 students.
Lago Vista Elementary supports a safe community of lifelong learners.
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Suburban subdivisions and hilltop estates
Lago Vista's median home price of $480,000 doesn't accurately depict the wide range of options and prices. With an 87.7% owner occupancy rate, vacation rentals are far more common than apartments. Although the city has seen newer townhouses built in the past 10 years, widening options and priced around a median of $200,000.
Neighborhoods like Highland Lake Estates see homes ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 sq. feet, typically blending new traditional architecture with elements of Craftsman, Prairie-style and postmodern homes. Meanwhile, dotting the hilltops of Lago Vista are luxurious Mediterranean-style estates with sweeping views of the scenic environs and price tags that reach $4 million.
New townhouses in Lago Vista are priced around a median of $200,000.
Lago Vista’s median home price is $480,000, but options vary widely.
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Long, indirect routes to Austin
A skilled workforce ensures a high median household income of $110,388. Lago Vista city government is the area’s largest employer and tourism accounts for only about 11 percent of the jobs. While some residents work remotely, others commute to downtown Austin.
Lago Vista's residents occasionally use CapMetro bus routes. Even with light traffic, the roughly 35-mile drive to Downtown Austin can take over an hour due to limited eastward routes and crossings over Lake Travis. "Austin is pretty small, in my opinion. You can get pretty much anywhere in 10 minutes, unless you're going out to Lake Travis," says Will Steakley, Realtor and Co-Founder of DEN Property Group.
Some locals use the Lago Vista Rusty Allen Airport, more often for sport and agriculture than transportation. The closest hospital is Family Hospital at Lake Travis, about 22 miles away.
Roadside barbecue and special programs for brewery owners
Lohmann Ford Road forms the core of Lago Vista's commercial scene, offering numerous grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores, cinemas and chain restaurants. In quieter areas, plumes of sweet mesquite smoke waft across country roads, beckoning passersby to one of several roadside barbecue joints. Compared to Hill Country's barbecue heritage, breweries are an emergent cultural staple for the region. Serving as tasting rooms and meetup spots, Lago Vista Brewing Company and others across Hill Country have benefitted from Brew City, a statewide program that forges strategic alliances and provides education and marketing services to brewery owners, helping stimulate economic growth.
Lago Vista blends retail, dining, and entertainment in its business district.
Authentic Texas barbecue is a key part of Lago Vista’s culture.
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Low crime rates and water levels
Lago Vista shares its water supply with the rest of Travis County, so residents are sometimes required to limit water use. Droughts occur somewhat frequently, heightening the risk of wildfires for much of the area.
This area is also prone to too much water, with heavy rainstorms leading to flash flooding and mudslides. Most homes are protected from flood zones, although numerous intermittent streams slice across Lago Vista, posing a risk for some.
After a spike in 2022, violent crime in Lago Vista has continued to trend downward and remains considerably lower than state and national numbers. Property crime is slightly more common in Lago Vista than violent crime but remains lower than state and national numbers.
Written By
Tom Jakob
Photography Contributed By
Saeid Zare
Video By
Nathan Allen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Aundrea Dudik,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Lago Vista, TX sell after 95 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Lago Vista, TX over the last 12 months is $426,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover the charm of this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch-style home nestled on nearly half an acre (0.44 acres) in the scenic lakeside community of Lago Vista. This single-story residence offers a spacious and functional layout, ideal for relaxed living and entertaining. Enjoy a bright, open living space to include the kitchen, dining and living room, and a comfortable primary suite with a
Fantastic home in sought after location! Discover a bright interior tied together with a neutral color palette. You'll love cooking in this kitchen, complete with a spacious center island and a sleek backsplash. Relax in your primary suite with a walk in closet included. Take advantage of the extended counter space in the primary bathroom complete with double sinks and under sink storage. Take
MOVE IN READY!! Westin Homes NEW Construction (Ellicott, Elevation C) Two story. 4 bedrooms. 3.5 baths. Breathtaking Rotunda Entry, Family room, informal dining room and study. Kitchen island opens to family room. Primary suite with large double walk-in closets and secondary bedroom on first floor. 2 additional bedrooms, spacious game room and media room on the second floor. Attached 2-car
Spacious Multi-Generational Home in Lago Vista!With over 3,000 sq ft of living space, this unique property offers room for everyone—with 5 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, 2 living areas, and 2 dining spaces. Perfect for multi-generational living, the original attached garage has been thoughtfully converted into a private guest suite—currently Gram’s cozy retreat—with its own full bath. There's also a
Located behind the gates of The Waterford on Lake Travis, you will find this magnificent home that is truly like no other. Home is defined in many ways… the place we grew up, the place we raised our children, our lake home, our mountain home. Ultimately, our happy place, our safe place. Think of your happiest times and your favorite places… those places where you breathe easier, laugh longer
OPEN HOUSE: Sat & Sun Jun 28-29, 12:00PM-3:00PM | Discover refined Hill Country luxury at 2217 Seabiscuit Cv #103, a stunning 4-bedroom, 5-bath home located in the prestigious Reserve at Lake Travis. Nestled in a gated waterfront community along the south shore of Lake Travis, this beautifully designed residence offers upscale finishes, spacious interiors, and effortless indoor-outdoor living.
Well maintained single story residence in Lago Vista. Located just a short distance from POA parks and the house is situated at the end of cul-de-sac. With 1550 square feet of living space, this home features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. This property is equipped with a 2-car attached garage, washer, dryer, and refrigerator for your convenience. It is available for immediate move-in.
Recently updated Manufactured home on 3/4 of an acre with a nice private lot and a nice sized workshop. This home is located just outside the city limits of the city of Lago Vista but is close to everything. The home has been recently repainted and new Vinyl flooring installed. It's ready for new Tenants! Perfect for those who love the serenity of wooded areas yet close to shopping and schools.
Check out this beautiful 3 bedroom duplex with the primary bedroom on main level. This stunning home is perfect for families and roommate seeking ample space and comfort. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a bright and airy open-concept living area. The primary bedroom has a walk-in closet and full bathroom. The home has everything you need for a comfortable and convenience living
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