Best Austin Neighborhoods: The Lake Austin Guide

Want to live the lake life without being too far from the center of it all? Lake Austin may just be your dream neighborhood. It’s just a few minutes from the best the city has to offer while giving you access to a natural getaway right in your backyard.

Lake Austin is the waterway that connects Lake Travis to Lady Bird Lake in Downtown Austin. At the center of the capital city, the Lake Austin neighborhood gives you the best of both worlds—proximity to downtown Austin with the natural backdrop of the beautiful lake and hills.

In this Lake Austin neighborhood guide, we’ll show you why people love living in this unique and stunning area.

Zip Code

78374

Average Home Price

$5M - $10M+

Home Styles

Varied from traditional, mid-century modern to grand luxury estates and new construction compounds

Average Price/SqFt

$2,000+

Total # of Homes

*Lake Austin is home to some of Austin’s most notable figures. Call Wade if you want to learn more about living in Lake Austin.

Texas is a non-disclosure state. This means that the sales price of real property is not recorded and made available through the public record. The majority of properties are sold as off-market transactions. These transactions also often include an NDA to protect both the buyer and seller. The financial details of these transactions are not public record and are not reflected in ABoR’s MLS data.

Why Austinites Love Lake Austin

Featuring prime waterfront real estate with some of the most stunning properties in the area, Lake Austin has a lot to offer those who want to live their best life in the capital city. You cannot beat those lake views and activities or the neighborhood’s proximity to everything in downtown Austin.

Lake Lifestyle

It should come as no surprise that one of the best parts of living in Lake Austin is the laid-back charm of living the lake life. Whether you’re living on a waterfront lot or tucked away just minutes from the water, you get easy access to all the benefits of a lake lifestyle.

Lake Austinites enjoy consistent water levels on the waterway, which is about 21 miles long dam to dam. You can access cooler water on the northern part of the lake, where the water feeds in from Lake Travis via the Mansfield Dam. Enjoy opportunities to take your boat, kayak, or canoe out on the water while also trying out all the different options to dine near the waterfront.

Waterfront Real Estate

You don’t have to live right on the water to enjoy the lake lifestyle… but it sure doesn’t hurt! Lake Austin features prime waterfront real estate with some of the most beautiful properties in the area. It’s like your own little suburban oasis that just happens to be minutes from downtown.

Most of the Lake Austin shoreline is privately owned and home to some of the most coveted real estate on the market. Those who live along the waterfront have unparalleled views of the hills and, of course, the water.

Proximity to Downtown

We’re not over exaggerating when we say that some areas of Lake Austin are just a few minutes from downtown. You can enjoy the best that the capital city has to offer being just a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of the city’s center as well as some of the most beautiful parks in the area.

Most people who love living in Austin appreciate the ability to enjoy breathtaking natural spaces (and all the activities that come with them) alongside a lively urban environment that offers some of the best food, entertainment, music, and culture in the country. And those who live in Lake Austin are literally minutes from both!

Lake Austin Real Estate

Before you start looking for your dream home in Lake Austin, here’s what you should know about the neighborhood and its real estate.

Neighborhood Ambiance

Lake Austin attracts those who embody the laid-back yet lively charm of the city itself. The neighborhood serves as a quiet natural oasis where residents can enjoy their favorite waterfront outdoor activities when the sun is out and then head downtown at night.

Most of Lake Austin’s properties are in smaller communities, but there are some larger options including Rivercrest, Rockcliff, Greenshores, Riverplace, St. Tropez, and others. Either way, you’ll find that your neighbors are friendly and laid back in a way that is quintessentially Austin.

Architectural Styles

Some of Austin’s most expensive and exclusive real estate is found on the shores of Lake Austin. Some homes feature cliffside views high above the water while others offer direct lake access. The area features large lots with most having over 100 feet of lake frontage, which is the minimum necessary to have a boat dock.

The Lake Austin neighborhood features a variety of architectural styles. Home styles range from traditional and mid-century modern to grand, luxury estates and new construction compounds.

Average Home Price

The average home closing price in Lake Austin is $4,943,942 or an average of $1,349 per square foot.

Walkability

Lake Austin has a Walk Score of 71, making it a very walkable area where you can run errands, grab a bite to eat, or even just enjoy a stroll without difficulty. It’s also a great area for biking.

Schools

Lake Austin residents have access to multiple excellent independent school districts (ISDs). The ISD that you are zoned for will depend on where you live in Lake Austin. Those living in the area may be zoned for Eanes ISD, Lake Travis ISD, and Leander ISD—all of which offer highly rated school options.

Where to Eat in Lake Austin

Along Lake Austin’s shores are some of the city’s most popular dining options. Whether you’re looking for coffee and a scone or want some classic Texas grub, there’s a spot for you—and it’s got a view!

Hula Hut

There’s no shortage of Tex-Mex spots in Austin. But none are quite like Hula Hut. Serving up classic Tex-Mex with a Hawaiian twist, this casual dining spot gives off major tiki hut vibes, which is perfect for its waterside location in Oyster Landing. With a covered patio space and beautiful lake views, there’s no better place to grab a bite and sip a cocktail.

Speaking of cocktails… one thing we love about Hula Hut is the cocktail menu with Texas-inspired drinks like the Ruby Red Fizz and Lake Austin Lemonade. The parking area in Oyster Landing can fill up quick, so if you can’t find a spot, you can take advantage of valet parking.

Abel’s on the Lake

Abel’s on the Lake is an Austin fave for those who want to sip their cocktail while enjoying beautiful views of the lake. Their two-level deck that overlooks the water is an Insta-worthy spot to enjoy happy hour while the sun sets. You can even bring your furry friends as Abel’s is as dog-friendly as they come.

Well-known for its oysters and beer-battered fish and chips, Abel’s also have an expansive beer list. Their bar features over 60 beers on tap, 17 of which come right from Austin.

Mozart’s Coffee

Mozart’s Coffee is located right on Lake Austin. With one of the best patios in town, this cafe serves a variety of house roasts alongside small bites and treats from their in-house bakery. You’ll likely spot a few college kids studying on the patio that overlooks the lake.

Mozart’s also hosts Late at the Lake, an eclectic open mic that brings in Austin singer-songwriters, musicians, and poets to share their work out on the deck. It’s free to attend with open seating, but if you reserve an e-ticket on Eventbrite before the event, you’ll get 20% off at the cafe.

Ski Shores

Ski Shores Cafe is another casual spot with great cocktails and lakeside views. Since 1954, they’ve been serving snacks, burgers, sandwiches, and seafood to hungry lake visitors. They’ve also got ice cream, which tastes even better after spending a day in the lake under the Texas sun.

The grilled flounder tacos are one of their specialties. But you also can’t go wrong with the lobster roll or shrimp po’ boy. And the lake life themed cocktails—like the arm floaties, tan lines, and soggy dollar—are just as fun as they are tasty.

Things to Do in Lake Austin

There’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy in Lake Austin. But that’s not the only thing to keep you busy in the area.

Lake Austin Spa

Lake Austin Spa Resort is a secluded resort located on the shores of Lake Austin. During your time here, you can indulge in relaxing and restorative spa treatments and thoughtfully prepared healthy meals with ingredients coming right from the Resort’s gardens.

If you plan on making this a little getaway, the resort has beautiful accommodations, healthy food, and a full schedule of activities and events. Being lakeside, they focus on wellness by and in the water. Enjoy yoga or tai chi classes with Lake Austin as your backdrop. Or hop in a kayak to enjoy the lake itself with other lake activities available like paddle board yoga classes.

Miraval Resort

The Miraval Resort in Austin offers a unique experience for those who want to unplug and unwind. Nestled in the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, this resort is a digital device-free environment allowing you to be present in the moment while enjoying nature's peace, quiet, and beauty uninterrupted.

Their all-inclusive package includes all lodging, meals, and wellness activities. You also get a $175 nightly resort credit you can use at the spa or for private sessions and fee-based activities, as well as transportation from the Austin-Bergstrom Airport to the resort. You’ll truly feel like royalty—in the most Austin way possible.

Holiday Light Show at Mozart’s

Mozart’s Annual Christmas Light Show is an event you don’t want to miss! The cafe creates an immersive experience where you can enjoy a festive light show with your friends and family on the outdoor patio with a great view of the lake. You can even rent a boat to view the show from the lake!

Make sure you reserve your table early, as they sell out every year well before the event date. And don’t forget to grab a snack and hot cocoa to enjoy while watching the light show.

Outdoor Activities in Lake Austin

Emma Long Metropolitan Park

Emma Long Metropolitan Park features 12 miles of forested trails right along Lake Austin. This is a great spot to camp for those who want to enjoy water activities. Just make sure you reserve a campsite online beforehand. You can also reserve picnic tables if you just plan on spending the day there.

The motorcycle and mountain biking trail at Emma Long is not for beginners. However, it is a great spot for experienced riders who are looking for a technically-challenging ride.

Dam That Cancer Paddleboard Fundraiser

Taking place in September each year, TYLER’S Dam That Cancer Paddleboard Fundraiser raises money for the Flatwater Foundation, a non-profit that helps provide those with cancer access to mental health services. The event is a 21-mile stand-up paddle with a party afterward at Redbud Center.

If you aren’t much of a paddle boarder, you can still support the cause by donating and cheering on your favorite paddler. And don’t forget to join the party afterward!

Dam-to-Dam Barefoot Ski Race

True to Austin keeping it weird, the Dam-to-Dam Barefoot Ski Race is held on Lake Austin each year by the Austin Barefoot Ski Club, an organization dedicated to promoting the extreme sport of barefoot water skiing. The event, which was founded in 1987, brings in barefooters from all over the country and has even inspired some similar events abroad.

Dubbed “Barefooting’s Toughest Race” by Water-Ski Magazine, the event involves teams of barefoot water skiers whose goal is to race from dam to dam, with the fastest crowned the winning team. Afterward, everyone gets together and eats barbecue. Even if you aren’t a barefoot skier yourself, it’s still fun to watch.

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