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
Dennis Ciani,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Lago Vista, TX sell after 128 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Lago Vista, TX over the last 12 months is $435,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This Is The Home You’ve Been Waiting For. This Spectacular Modern New Construction Is Truly Exceptional And Designed To Impress From The Moment You Arrive. To The Left Of The Entry, You’ll Find A Beautiful Private Front Patio—Perfect For Morning Coffee Or Relaxing While Enjoying Stunning Texas Sunsets. Step Through The Elegant Iron Front Door Into A Breathtaking Foyer Featuring Soaring Ceilings
***SOLAR PANELS TO BE PAID OFF BY SELLER AT CLOSING!*** Low electricity bills! Priced to sell quickly! With an oversized backyard and a bonus flex room, this 3 bed / 2 bath home blends smart design with space that lives large, just minutes from the shores of Lake Travis. High ceilings and recessed lighting elevate the open-concept layout, while granite countertops, built-in stainless appliances,
Beautiful custom built home in the heart of Lago Vista! As you pull up you will notice viewing deck with lake views above the garage, the perfect place to drink your morning coffee and watch the deer graze. Inside you will find a great open floor plan with granite countertops, stainless steal appliances, and a built in dining bench with storage! The house has two secondary bedrooms as well as a
Wake up each morning to the shimmering expanse of Lake Travis stretching endlessly before you — sunlight dancing across the water, reflections of nature painting your living room in gold. This is not just a home. It’s a private escape, a sanctuary of calm, and a celebration of everything beautiful about lakeside living. Set on an exclusive, gated street and framed by soaring windows that fill
Fully-furnished end unit with furnished wraparound patio overlooking the courtyard and cove. Amenities galore including breathtaking views, three pools (including an indoor pool), spas, fitness center, pickleball and tennis courts, and restaurant pen Thursday through Sunday. HOA pays for hot water, cable, internet/wifi. Updates include tile flooring, granite countertops in the kitchen,
Experience Hill Country luxury in the highly sought-after Lakeside at Tessera on Lake Travis. This impeccable single-story modern masterpiece, built for both elegance and everyday living, offers 3,168 sq ft of thoughtfully designed space with 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, a dedicated home office, media room with tiered seating, formal dining room, 3 car garage, and an open-concept layout perfect for
This modern custom home delivers sweeping Texas Hill Country and treetop views from an oversized outdoor deck and covered cedar-ceiling patio with fan and built-in grill station. The open, light-filled floor plan features walls of windows that capture endless big-sky scenery. The chef-inspired kitchen offers a large center island and seamless flow into living and dining, ideal for everyday
Lake Travis Waterfront Luxury — Fully Furnished Modern CondoExperience lakeside living at its finest in this stunning Lake Travis waterfront condo, offered completely furnished — right down to the charming lake-inspired décor. Just bring your suitcase and start enjoying the good life.This modern masterpiece features steel beam construction, concrete, stucco, and warm wood accents,
Welcome to the Lakeview opportunity you’ve been waiting for in the amenity-rich community of Point Venture!This exceptional property includes two additional lots—one flanking each side of the home—offering rare flexibility, privacy, and future potential. The front lot protects your sweeping Lake Travis views while also providing the option to sell or build in the future. Even better? Only two
Perched on a private cul-de-sac lot with sweeping Hill Country and Lake Travis views, 20301 Bell Ln is the perfect blend of comfort, style, and indoor-outdoor living. This beautifully maintained stone home features an open, light-filled floor plan with multiple living areas and expansive decks designed to soak in the scenery. The main level offers a spacious living room with crown molding, a
Lake living, everyday escape, and investment potential come together at 5704 Roundup Way in Lago Vista, a Lake Travis area home perfectly suited as a short-term rental, vacation home, or primary residence in a sought-after lake community. This Lago Vista home for sale features soaring 10-foot ceilings, an entertainer’s kitchen ideal for holidays and gatherings, and a finished-out garage that
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
Welcome to 18516 Champions Circle in the heart of Point Venture on beautiful Lake Travis! This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on a corner lot and a stone's throw from the Point Venture Golf Course. Inside, the home features light-filled living spaces with soaring ceilings, warm Luxury Vinly Plank flooring throughout, and an open layout ideal for both everyday living and
Perched on deep-water Lake Travis in Lago Vista, this exceptional 2020 Hill Country modern retreat captures the best of waterfront living with both cove and main-body access potential. Walls of windows frame sweeping Lake Travis and Hill Country views, while the hand-cut white limestone exterior blends seamlessly into the natural landscape. Overlooking the undeveloped beauty of Pace Bend Park,
Discover the perfect opportunity to build your dream home in the heart of Lago Vista! This wooded lot at 6711 Bar K Clubhouse Ct offers a serene setting with direct access to a scenic hiking trail right behind the property. Nestled within a vibrant community, residents enjoy an array of amenities, including parks, tennis courts, a clubhouse, playgrounds, and lake privileges for endless outdoor
This 1,519 sq ft unit features a sleek, open-concept layout with seamless flow between the living, dining, and kitchen spaces. Thoughtful upgrades recessed lighting, wood-look vinyl flooring, and contemporary fixtures maximize appeal while minimizing long-term maintenance. The well-appointed kitchens include electric cooktops, ovens, dishwashers, microwaves, and refrigerators, plus a walk-in
Experience the best of Lago Vista living at 21461 Coyote Trl #7, where panoramic Lake Travis views and peaceful Hill Country surroundings create the perfect retreat. Enjoy breathtaking lake vistas, nearby hiking and biking trails, and a serene, nature-forward community designed for relaxation and adventure alike. Residents have access to Lake Travis boat ramps and lake amenities, making it easy
Lake Travis Waterfront Luxury — Fully Furnished Modern Condo Experience lakeside living at its finest in this stunning Lake Travis waterfront condo, offered completely furnished — right down to the charming lake-inspired decor. Just bring your suitcase and start enjoying the good life. This modern masterpiece features steel beam construction, concrete, stucco, and warm wood accents, blending
Vista Bella Apartments offers affordable rental living in the heart of Lago Vista, making it one of the area’s newest affordable apartment communities. Located along Boggy Ford Road in the scenic Texas Hill Country, Vista Bella combines peaceful, residential surroundings with convenient access to local dining, shopping, top-rated schools, and outdoor recreation. Our beautifully landscaped
Enjoy breathtaking hill country views, fresh air, and access to lakeside amenities, parks, golf courses, and waterfront recreation. Whether you're looking for a full-time residence, weekend retreat, or investment opportunity, this home offers incredible potential in one of the area's fastest-growing communities. Conveniently located just a short drive from Austin, you’ll experience the
The advertised rate of $1,931/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of May 23, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
lease begin can be as soon as 03-01-26 or as late as 05-01-26 -- large 3 bdrm with full 2 car garage. near lake & park. large corner lot. fenced back yard. very pet friendly: Dogs $350+deposit $20+ monthly & Cts $100 dep/$10month. all tile flooring. available amenities include lake access and parks. $25 a month for tenant benefit package: All AC filters supplied, ESP-expedited service program,
The advertised rate of $11,526/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of April 5, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
cute corner property... just down the road to the Lake & Park & Boat Ramp... pet friendly... large garage... fully fenced yard.... easy application/approval... we do not charge app fees, but there is screening fee tenants pays about $50 and a lease signing fee of $100 per adult. there is $35 month tenant benefits package that has real benefits... including free rent at lease end as needed for
The advertised rate of $3,669/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of April 23, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Now available for lease, come experience exceptional Hill Country views & resort-style living in the most sought-after section of the coveted Lakeside at Tessera community. This home offers a rare backyard setting tucked amidst a scenic greenbelt w/ sweeping canyon views & a rivalrous sense of privacy, complete w/ a heated swimming pool. Enjoy rich hardwood flooring and abundant natural light,
The advertised rate of $5,053/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of March 6, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
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