Highland Lakes is the name for the chain of Central Texas lakes — Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls, Lake Buchanan, and a few others — plus the towns built up around them. I show this area to buyers who want lake access, Hill Country scenery, and a slower pace than Austin, but still want to be close enough to get back into the city without much trouble.
I’m Robbie English, REALTOR/Broker at Uncommon Highland Lakes Realty, and Highland Lakes is a market I work regularly alongside Austin proper.
The towns that make up Highland Lakes
Three communities stand out for buyers most often: Marble Falls, the commercial hub of the area with the most shopping, dining, and everyday services; Cottonwood Shores, a quieter, more residential town just southwest of Marble Falls with its own lake access; and Horseshoe Bay, the luxury end of the market, built around Horseshoe Bay Resort with golf courses and Lake LBJ frontage. Granite Shoals, Kingsland, and Burnet round out the region if you want more options at different price points.
What homes and lifestyle look like out here
You’ll find everything from cozy lakeside cottages to sprawling waterfront estates, with private docks and lake views driving most of the price difference. Boating and fishing on Lake LBJ, golf at Horseshoe Bay Resort, and Hill Country hiking trails are the main draws — I go into more detail on all of that in my Highland Lakes recreation guide. If you’re deciding between staying closer to Austin or making the move out to the lakes full-time, that’s exactly the kind of conversation I can help you work through.
One thing I always flag for buyers new to the area: distances between these towns feel short on a map but can mean a real drive on two-lane Hill Country roads, especially during weekend lake traffic. I factor that into where I show homes based on how often you’ll actually be commuting back toward Austin.
Ready to start looking? Get in touch and I’ll get you set up with real-time listings across Highland Lakes.
