Why Do the Lakes in Austin Have so Many Names? What’s the Difference?
Many recent Austin transplants are confused by all the lake names that get thrown around. Here’s a brief guide for anyone looking for homes in the area!
Source: LCRA
The three major lakes in the Austin area are all different sections of the Colorado River that have been dammed into manmade lakes. Collectively, the lakes above the Tom Miller Dam are known as the Highland Lakes. There are also other manmade lakes in the greater Austin area not covered here, including Canyon Lake and Lake Georgetown.
Lady Bird Lake/Town Lake
Lady Bird Lake is the lake you see in downtown Austin! It is the portion of the Colorado River dammed below Tom Miller Dam You can get a good view of the top of the dam from the collection of restaurants near Oyster Landing, including Hula Hut, Quince, and Mozart’s. Just on the south side of the dam is Red Bud Isle. Lady Bird Lake used to be known as Town Lake, so you’ll still hear some old Austinites use the names interchangeably. With some exceptions, no gas powered or electric motors are allowed on Lady Bird Lake, which makes it a calm place for rowers & paddle boarders. There are some public boat tours available downtown, including bat tours and the famous duck tours. It’s also easy to enjoy views of Lady Bird Lake from land on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. There are few homes on Lady Bird Lake, with the exception of some wonderful downtown condos.
Lake Austin
Above Tom Miller Dam up to Mansfield Dam is Lake Austin. Lake Austin is a popular lake for boating, and along its shores is some of the most expensive real estate in the state. Near the Pennybacker Bridge, there’s currently a Four Season’s private residences project in the works that is getting a lot of international media attention. Great public places to view Lake Austin include Commons Ford (up close) and Mount Bonnell (from up on a peak). For those homebuyers who can’t shell out the many millions of dollars needed for lake front property on Lake Austin, there are several neighborhoods with private HOA parks on the water. There are also many homes that don’t necessarily have lake access but that have great Lake Austin views. Reach out for more information.
Lake Travis
Further North, above Mansfield Dam is Lake Travis. Lake Travis is also a popular boating destination and is home to some new master-planned communities that are getting a lot of press, including Rough Hollow, Travis Club, and The Reserve at Lake Travis. For those buyers looking for golf courses and neighborhood marinas, this might be your spot! Lake Travis has long been a popular spot for Texans to buy second homes or to retire, so there are plenty of established neighborhoods there too. One thing to note about Lake Travis: The lake levels here tend to fluctuate drastically so a home that is water front one year, might not be so water front the next. A great — touristy — place for views of Lake Travis is the The Oasis restaurant. If you want to experience Lake Travis a little closer up, visit one of the many parks along its shores.
As always, buying or selling real estate is a hyper-local, hyper-situational thing, call me to discuss your particular needs. And go out and experience all of Austin’s lakes!!