Lake Dunlap Waterfront Homes For Sale Near New Braunfels, TX

Work With Lake Dunlap Waterfront Specialists

Take a boat ride with The Lakefront Group on Lake Dunlap and you will notice something. Lake neighbors slow down to wave, pull up alongside to say hello, and stop to chat along the shore. It happens often enough that first-time visitors tend to ask the same question: does your team know everyone on this lake? Not quite yet, but getting closer. More Lake Dunlap transactions run through The Lakefront Group than any other team in the market, and the reason has everything to do with where these agents actually live.

Hunter Croan, owner of The Lakefront Group, has lived on Lake Dunlap for twelve years, longer than most agents have even worked this market. When the dam failed and the lake was drained for the replacement project, Hunter did something no other agent thought to do: he explored the entire exposed lake, navigating the river channel and the sections that remained, from one end to the other. He knows where the bottom drops off and where it stays shallow, the sections where water clarity is at its best, the ideal stretches for wakesurfing, and where to set up a waterski run. That knowledge does not come from a listing database or a market report. It comes from twelve years of living here and one unforgettable exploration of the lake during its most exposed moment.

Frank Baker and his wife did not buy a house on Lake Dunlap. They built their dream home there and made it their permanent address. On any afternoon when Frank is not working, you are most likely to find him and his wife floating in the water in front of their house or out on their jet ski. That is not a marketing line. That is just their life. For sellers on Lake Dunlap, having a listing specialist who genuinely lives on the lake he is representing means every showing, every conversation with a buyer, and every pricing decision is grounded in something real.

Hagan Cohle is The Lakefront Group's buyer specialist on Lake Dunlap and a property owner on the lake himself. He and his family spend regular time out on the water, and his firsthand knowledge of the landscape, the neighborhoods, and a good majority of the lakefront homeowners creates something most buyers never get access to: a steady flow of off-market opportunities that come directly to Hagan because sellers and neighbors know exactly who to call. If you are looking to buy on Lake Dunlap, Hagan is your starting point.

Living on Lake Dunlap

As you may have heard, one of the three spill gates failed on Lake Dunlap in May of 2019, turning our beloved Lake Dunlap into a river. However, as mentioned above, the construction of the new dam and spill gates is COMPLETE and the lake is now 100% full! For more info on the history of this dam failure, construction, and refill visit our blog, Lake Dunlap Refilled After Dam Failure.

Just southeast of downtown New Braunfels , Lake Dunlap is a river-style lake that offers residents all the perks of some of its larger counterparts. Whereas nearby recreational hubs like Canyon Lake, Lake Travis, and Lake LBJ may offer a wider variety of real estate, Lake Dunlap’s charming size and peaceful atmosphere make it a local favorite. Ask anyone who lives on Lake Dunlap, and they will tell you why their lake is the best.

Notably, Lake Dunlap is different from the other lakes in this chain: its location is squarely below the intersection of the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers... meaning, at normal flow, the water is cool in the summer and warm in the winter at around a consistent 72 degrees year-round (top part of the lake). The water is also insanely clear, especially at the top half of the lake.

This river-style shape and feel mean that Lake Dunlap is very conducive for water sports activities. Whereas big waves from large from cabin cruiser boats and wind often disrupt activity on an “open water” lake, several of Lake Dunlap’s straightaways are protected from the wind, creating calm waters. Additionally, Lake Dunlap enjoys substantial stretches of undeveloped shoreline, meaning boat chop is much less of an issue than it is on some of the other river-style lakes.

Add in low boat traffic (about half as much as McQueeney and a quarter of Lake LBJ, Lake Travis, and Lake Austin), and you’ll find yourself on a lake perfect for recreational boating, waterskiing, and wakeboarding. (Pro Tip: The best boat ramp is off of Schumann’s Beach Road. The cost is $10 to launch.)

For anyone interested in buying, Lake Dunlap real estate is considered a beautiful, though lesser-known, market for lake homes and lake lots in Texas. Homes for sale on Lake Dunlap tend to be more affordable than Lake LBJ, Lake Austin, or the lower part of Lake McQueeney (close to the Ski Lodge). Since receiving the news on November 3rd, 2020, that we are getting our lake back, Lake Dunlap Real Estate has been a hot commodity with noticeably shorter days on market (DOM) and typically fewer than 5 available Lake Dunlap homes sale at any given time.

NOTE: We do sell quite a few off-market listing on Lake Dunlap, so reach out to us to get on our "Hot” buyer list so you can have access to these potential deals. Sign up for Lake House Alerts to get on our list (we just send MLS and off-market listings, no junk email).

Lake Dunlap Schools

If you’re purchasing a piece of Lake Dunlap real estate, you’re in luck: Lake Dunlap belongs to two of the most coveted school districts in the area: New Braunfels ISD and Comal ISD (the river is the dividing line for the 2 districts). New Braunfels ISD was recently named one of the Best School Districts in San Antonio Area by Niche.com.

Entertainment and Recreation

One of the reasons Lake Dunlap has been so popular with homeowners is its proximity to NB — the upper part of Lake Dunlap is in the heart of New Braunfels. As one of the top tourist destinations in Texas, New Braunfels is the perfect spot to head for live music, culture, and local festivals. On Lake Dunlap, you are just a few minutes away from all the Hill Country action.

“If I blindfolded you and put you on Lake Dunlap, Lake McQueeney, or Lake Placid, you wouldn't know which lake I put you on. They are that similar,” says Hunter Croan.

Buyers curious about Lake Dunlap real estate might also be interested in checking out similar area lakes. In particular, we recommend checking out Lake Placid (very similar to Lake Dunlap, but more affordable) or Lake McQueeney.

Lake Dunlap Real Estate FAQs

Is Lake Dunlap full again?

Yes. Lake Dunlap is full again after the dam replacement project was completed, restoring the lake for boating, waterfront use, and lakefront property owners. For the full story, read Lake Dunlap Refilled After Dam Failure.

Is Lake Dunlap a constant-level lake?

Yes. Lake Dunlap is managed by the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority as a constant-level lake, which is one reason it is popular with buyers who want dependable waterfront use, private docks, boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, and year-round lake access. To learn more about why water levels matter, read How Lake Levels Affect Property Values in Central Texas.

Why is the water so clear at the top of Lake Dunlap?

Lake Dunlap is the first of the Guadalupe river-style lakes on the chain, which means the cleanest, clearest river water enters at the upper end. Properties at the top of the lake benefit from the best water clarity of any point on the Guadalupe Lakes system. It is one of the features buyers who know this lake specifically look for when comparing properties.

What makes Lake Dunlap different from Lake McQueeney and Lake Placid?

Lake Dunlap, Lake McQueeney, and Lake Placid are all part of the Guadalupe Lakes system and share a similar river-style feel. Lake Dunlap sits closest to New Braunfels, giving owners quick access to restaurants, schools, shopping, live music, and daily conveniences while still enjoying true lakefront living. The upper end of Lake Dunlap also has the clearest water of any point in the Guadalupe Lakes chain, which sets it apart from a water quality standpoint.

Can you boat, ski, and wakesurf on Lake Dunlap?

Yes. Lake Dunlap is well suited for recreational boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing, tubing, and fishing. Its seven-mile river-style layout creates protected straightaways that boaters enjoy, and knowing which sections are best suited for each activity is part of what experienced local agents bring to the table. For more on watersports rules across the Guadalupe Lakes, read Wakesurfing Is Legal on Lake McQueeney, Dunlap, Placid, and Meadow.

Is Lake Dunlap more affordable than other Central Texas lakes?

In many cases, Lake Dunlap homes are more accessible in price than comparable waterfront homes on Lake Austin, Lake LBJ, or Lake Travis, with prices starting around $700k. Pricing still depends on water depth, location on the lake, dock setup, home condition, shoreline usability, and current inventory. For broader context on how waterfront pricing works across the region, read Understanding Waterfront Communities Pricing on the Highland Lakes.

What communities are on Lake Dunlap?

Lake Dunlap is home to several established waterfront communities including River Tree and Southbank, along with individually owned properties along the shoreline. Waterfront lots are also available for buyers who want to build. Visit our Lake Dunlap Waterfront Lots For Sale page for current availability.

Are there off-market homes on Lake Dunlap?

Yes. Some Lake Dunlap opportunities never reach the public market, which is why buyers should not rely solely on Zillow or MLS searches. The Lakefront Group's presence on this lake, including agent-owners who live here and know the majority of lakefront homeowners personally, means off-market and coming-soon opportunities flow through this team before they go anywhere else.

What school districts serve Lake Dunlap homes?

Lake Dunlap properties may be served by New Braunfels ISD or Comal ISD depending on the side of the lake and the specific property location. Buyers should always verify school zoning for any home they are considering.

What should buyers know when comparing Lake Dunlap homes?

Position on the lake matters significantly. Water clarity and depth vary from the upper end to the lower end, and buyers who understand those differences make better decisions about long-term value and daily usability. Buyers should also evaluate dock condition and configuration, shoreline access, floodplain position, and proximity to New Braunfels. For a broader look at what to watch for, read Costly Lakefront Buying Mistakes and Why a Waterfront Specialist Matters.

The Lakefront Group: Connect With the Best for Lake Dunlap Real Estate

As your local Lake Dunlap Realtor, the Lakefront Group is ready to find your new home! Homes for sale in Lake Dunlap have the charm you want, whether you seek laid-back seclusion or a luxury setting. Reach out to our professional team today for personalized service and attention to the smallest detail. Your dream home in Lake Dunlap awaits!

In the meantime, don’t forget to sign up for Lake House Alerts . You can be the first to know when lake house on Lake Dunlap are listed (just like REALTORS do). No junk email, just exclusive listings.