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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Heather Morstatter,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Lago Vista, TX sell after 94 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Lago Vista, TX over the last 12 months is $399,495, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
New Coventry Home! This stunning 1-story dream home sits on a heavily wooded .540-acre lot with side loading 2.5 car garage. The chef-inspired kitchen features white cabinetry, gray quartz countertops, a 36” gas cooktop, and 10’ kitchen island with white quartz top. Carefully selected design elements contrast beautifully with the matte black faucets and lighting package. Soaring 12’ ceilings and
Nestled in the heart of Lago Vista, this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is located in the desirable community of The Oaks. Recent updates include new flooring in the living and dining rooms, adding a fresh touch to the warm interior.Enjoy the best of Lago Vista living with access to incredible amenities: lake access, a community pool, tennis and pickleball courts, golf, hiking trails,
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
WOW! What a showstopper lot! Great 3/4 acre build site near the golf course and just minutes from the lake. Golf course and hills visible beyond house across the street. Lot provides potential for a nice panoramic view of the hills and golf course. This is a great place to build a weekend getaway or your full-time home. Beautiful Hill Country terrain with a ton of local amenities, low POA fees,
Welcome to 3404 American Drive Unit 3211 in the heart of Lago Vista. STUNNING VIEWS of Lake Travis! Enjoy lakefront living in this rarely available one-bedroom floor plan that offers a separate living and dining room, kitchen, laundry room, wood-burning fireplace, ensuite bathroom with separate shower and soaking tub, plenty of closet space, and an oversized balcony overlooking the lake. The
This corner lot is the perfect canvas to bring your dream home to life! With its prime positioning, it offers versatile building possibilities, including ample room for a side-entry garage. The seller has previously cleared the property and already invested in having water and electricity run to the site — connections are estimated at approximately $15,000. For added convenience, architectural
Built in 2021, this custom single-story home sits on an oversized cul-de-sac lot, offering privacy, space, and modern design. Vaulted ceilings, large windows, and a light color palette create a bright, open feel throughout.The kitchen shines with white cabinetry, quartz counters, a herringbone backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. A large center island with a farmhouse sink makes it
Welcome to your dream waterfront retreat in the picturesque Lake Travis community of Point Venture. This fully furnished, three-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home offers an unmatched combination of comfort and breathtaking views. Whether you’re looking to enjoy peaceful mornings on the water or host family and friends, this home is designed to elevate your lakeside living experience. Located in the
Welcome to your island paradise, perfect for a solo retreat or a getaway with your bestie. This one-bedroom interior condo is located on the second floor, just steps from the elevator, providing easy access to the pool and hot tub. While it doesn't offer a lake view, you'll feel at home with its proximity to all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay.The condo features a comfortable
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
