Are you dreaming of owning a lake house in Texas but worried about an outrageous price tag? If so, you will be pleased to learn that plenty of affordable lake houses are available even following the recent real estate boom. Finding the right Texas lake house for you can be made significantly easier with the right guidance and an understanding of which factors affect the price you'll pay.

What Factors Impact the Price of Texas Lake Houses?

What makes lakefront property more expensive or more affordable? There are a few key variables that can significantly affect a Texas lake house's cost, including:

1. Location: When considering Texas lake house prices, location should be the first, second, and third most important attribute you pay attention to. What part of the lake is the house located? Open water vs canal? Evaluate the distance to the nearest town and the accessibility of shopping and dining options. Then, assess the number of surrounding homes and the appeal of the lake view. In general, the closer you are to the action, the more expensive homes will be.

2. Size: The size of the lake and the available activities can also influence the price of a lake home. Houses by larger lakes with a range of easily accessible water sports, for instance, will be more expensive than houses by smaller lakes with fewer activities.

3. Social Scene: A lake with a bustling social scene and proximity to private clubs may be more valuable. Popular social draws like the Horseshoe Bay Yacht Club and Lake Breeze Ski Lodge make surrounding homes some of the most valuable waterfront real estate. So, if you're looking for a lake house that offers both peace and entertainment, keep this in mind.

Where Is the Best Place to Buy a Lake House in Texas?

Texas is home to an abundance of beautiful lakes surrounded by gorgeous waterfront homes. Let's narrow down your options to find the lakefront property of your dreams based on the average home price and the factors discussed above.

Canyon Lake

• Average Price: $1,008,368

The sparkling blue waters of Canyon Lake provide 80 miles of shoreline, making it one of the most scenic lakes in Texas. Canyon Lake residents enjoy various water activities like boating and swimming, while the friendly local communities organize several events yearly.

The lake's proximity to bustling New Braunfels and a one-hour drive to San Antonio make it an ideal location to enjoy a peaceful lakeside retreat while still having easy access to big city amenities, dining, and entertainment.

Lake Travis

• Average Price: $1,839,653

Covering 18,929 acres, Lake Travis has been hailed as the "Crown Jewel" of central Texas. If you are looking for a terrific watersport experience, this is the place to be. Lake Travis's crystal clear, warm waters make it the ideal place to enjoy various aquatic activities, such as scuba diving, zip-lining, swimming, and boating.

Lake Travis has something to entice people of all ages and interests, with water parks, craft breweries, golf courses, and more nearby. Furthermore, it is conveniently located just 15 miles from Austin, so you are never too far from the attractions of a major metropolis.

Lake Austin

• Average Price: $6,665,500

Lake Austin's 20-mile meandering stretch of calm waters is a popular destination for watercraft enthusiasts who can take out their boats, pontoons, and kayaks year-round. Families onshore can enjoy picnics, BBQs, and camping while relishing the stunning scenery. While Lake Austin definitely has a suburban vibe, it is a stone's throw away from Downtown Austin, contributing to the hefty price tag many homes in the area carry. Still, Lake Austin residents can conveniently take advantage of the capital city's vibrant and diverse food, shopping, and social hot spots.

Lake Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ)

• Average Price: $1,931,793

Lake LBJ offers an ideal lifestyle for just about everyone. Whether you prefer the quiet life in peaceful surroundings or the thrilling adventures of exciting water activities, this lake's 6,534 acres provide plenty of options.

At any given time, you can witness jet skis and boats on the water and anglers relaxing on the docks, carefully watching their fishing lines. You won't have to go far for night-time recreation, either, as Lake LBJ is close to several dynamic entertainment and dining choices.

Lake Dunlap

• Average Price: $1,037,833

It is an exciting time for Lake Dunlap, as the newly dammed water reservoir is just about done with its renovations following a 2019 spill gate failure. The time to act on property in Lake Dunlap is now, as it is widely considered a dark horse in the Texas real estate community and currently offers some of the cheapest lakefront property in the area.

Nestled between Austin and San Antonio, this Texas lake provides the perfect mix of small-town living with proximity to the big city. Many of the houses in this area are sold off-market by The Lakefront Group.

Work With the Best Texas Lakefront Real Estate Team

No matter what kind of lake lifestyle you are looking for, The Lakefront Group can help you achieve it. We excel at leveraging our decades of experience to help you navigate the home-buying process, and we pride ourselves on being tireless advocates for our clients. If you are interested in Texas lake living, contact The Lakefront Group today.