Considering building a custom home on beautiful Lake Travis? We don’t blame you a bit. Although it’s only 30 minutes west of downtown Austin, it’s a peaceful retreat away from the frazzled pace of city life. Best known for its stunning natural beauty, the Lake Travis area offers plenty of outdoor recreation, but it’s also home to numerous retail, restaurant and office developments—including the beloved Hill Country Galleria—so it’s a great place to put down roots. Here’s what you need to know about the pros and cons of building a custom home on Lake Travis.
Pros of New Home Building on Lake Travis
Living in this enclave of natural, serene beauty offers plenty of outdoor and water recreation of course. But it’s also home to some of the best schools in the state.
- 270 miles of shoreline. Maybe you’re an avid boater or fisher. Maybe you’ve been wanting to take up jet skiing or scuba diving. Or maybe you prefer to stay dry but can’t live without the stunning daily views of a crystalline lake. When you build a home on Lake Travis, you get to feel that laid-back sense of summer vacation and commune with nature every day.
every day. - Golf course heaven. If you’re a golf enthusiast, we’ve got good news for you. The Lake Travis area is unbeatable for you and your trusty putter. Whether you’re an accomplished golfer looking for a challenging course or a newbie to the sport altogether, you’ve got plenty of choices with these notable courses: Steiner Ranch’s University of Texas Golf Club, River Place Country Club, Spanish Oaks, The Hills of Lakeway, Point Venture Country Club, Lago Vista Golf Course, Lakecliff on Lake Travis and Falconhead Golf Club.
- Miles of green If you love to hike, camp or just enjoy the natural outdoors on dry land, Lake Travis is the spot for you. There are several parks that surround the lake, including the 323-acre Arkansas Bend Park, Pace Bend Park with its stunning lake views, Windy Point, Narrows Recreation Area, Hippie Hollow and more.
- Top-rated schools. Growing families, take note. The Lake Travis Independent School District is a top-rated public school district that consistently rates well above average as compared to other districts in the state.
Cons of Building on Lake Travis
There aren’t many cons to living in such a serene setting, but they do exist, and it’s important to know if these are deal breakers for you.
- Lake fluctuation levels. With natural beauty comes the potential for natural disaster. If you’re considering building a custom home on Lake Travis, it’s important to be aware of the lake level fluctuations. In the droughts of recent years, some waterfront homes have turned into “desert front properties.” Of course, this loss can contribute to a decrease in property value, and it can also detract from your daily interaction with the lake itself. Make sure to check out historical lake-level data before you begin the custom home building process.
- Convenience to Austin. Looking on a map, it might seem that Lake Travis is a lot closer to Austin than it actually is. However, there’s no bridge across the lake, so depending on where you build, you may have to travel around the entire span of the lake. What’s more, city traffic has worsened over the years, and a rush-hour trip to Austin can take upward of an hour.
Looking for Lake Travis Builders for Your Custom Home?
If you’re craving a tranquil retreat away from the hurried pace of big city life—but with plenty of outdoor recreation and city amenities just outside your door—Lake Travis is calling your name. Here at Mangum Builders, we’re your dedicated partner in the home building process from start to finish. Contact us today and let’s get started collaborating on a custom Lake Travis home that brings you your unique vision to life.
