With warm springs and summers, blue skies, and sunny days, Texas is a stellar state to enjoy a day out on a lake. Texas is home to countless lakes, with nearly 150 significant lakes and thousands of reservoirs, making it a great area to consider buying a lakefront property in.
At Redfin, we’ve gathered a list of the best lakes in Texas to buy a home on this year. From the tranquil shores of Buchanan Lake Village to the vibrant community near Lake Travis, read on to discover which Texas lake is right for you.
1. Buchanan Lake (Buchanan Lake Village)
Nearest city: Buchanan Lake Village, TX
Median home sale price: $115,000
Population: 690
Homes for sale in Buchanan Lake Village, TX
Apartments for rent in Buchanan Lake Village, TX
Taking the first spot on our list of lakes in Texas to live on this year is Buchanan Lake. Northeast of Austin, Buchanan Lake is located near the quaint community of Buchanan Lake Village. This lake is a gem for those who love the outdoors, providing plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, and enjoying the tranquility of waterfront living. There are a few parks around the lake such as Burnet County Park, Black Rock Park, and Cedar Point Recreational Area. Buchanan Lake Village offers residents a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
2. Cedar Creek Reservoir (Gun Barrel City)
Nearest city: Gun Barrel City, TX
Median home sale price: $265,500
Population: 7,100
Homes for sale in Gun Barrel City, TX
Apartments for rent in Gun Barrel City, TX
Cedar Creek Reservoir is a great lake for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This lake is ideal for a variety of activities, including fishing, boating, and swimming. There are plenty of small communities surrounding the lake, such as Enchanted Oaks, Seven Points, and Ruth Springs, but the main town is Gun Barrel City. This lakeside community has a population of 7,100, providing a balance of small-town charm and lakeside living. You can find lots of big-name stores as well as local restaurants, markets, and cafes.
3. Lake Conroe (Conroe)
Nearest city: Conroe, TX
Median home sale price: $313,750
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,220
Population: 91,000
Homes for sale in Conroe, TX
Apartments for rent in Conroe, TX
Lake Conroe, located on the north end of Conroe, has a great blend of recreational activities and residential areas. With 22,000 acres and 157 miles of shoreline, this lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and a variety of water sports like jet-skiing. Lake Conroe has plenty of waterfront restaurants, charming resorts, and country clubs with views of the water. Conroe has about 91,000 residents so it’s a great area if you’re looking for access to shops and restaurants.
4. Lake Livingston (Livingston)
Nearest city: Livingston, TX
Median home sale price: $300,000
Population: 5,300
Homes for sale in Livingston, TX
Apartments for rent in Livingston, TX
Lake Livingston is a sprawling reservoir located in the Sam Houston National Forest. This lake is a paradise for anglers, boaters, and those who simply love the peace of lakeside living. You’ll find plenty of parks like Lake Livingston State Park, Wolf Creek Park, and Tigerville Park, all with views of the water. There are a lot of small towns surrounding the lake, but the main town is Livingston, home to about 5,300 residents. Livingston has a small-town atmosphere, with its local shops and restaurants along North Washington Avenue and Highway 190.
5. Lake Palestine (Coffee City)
Nearest city: Coffee City, TX
Median home sale price: $650,000
Population: 200
Homes for sale in Coffee City, TX
Apartments for rent in Coffee City, TX
Lake Palestine, located between Tyler and Palestine, is the next spot on our list of lakes in Texas to live on this year. The lake is great for boating, fishing, and soaking in the stunning sunsets. Lake Palestine is a popular spot for bass fish tournaments as the lake has plenty of white bass and hybrid striped bass, alongside catfish and crappie. There are several communities around the lake like Coffee City, home to about 200 people, making it a quaint spot for enjoying the great outdoors.
6. Lake Texoma (Preston)
Nearest city: Preston, TX
Median home sale price: $580,000
Population: 2,100
Homes for sale in Preston, TX
Apartments for rent in Preston, TX
Lake Texoma is located along the Texas-Oklahoma border and is a perfect spot for fishing, boating, and hiking. There are plenty of lakefront parks like Island View Park, Sunset Point, and Eisenhower State Park, which have beaches, boat ramps, and trails. Lake Texoma is a popular area for camping, so you’ll find lots of campsites around the lake. Located near the city of Preston, Lake Texoma offers a serene escape from city life. However, if you’re looking to explore the nearby area, make sure to check out Denison, just a couple miles south of the lake.
7. Lake Travis (Austin)
Nearest city: Austin, TX
Median home sale price: $550,000
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,485
Population: 990,000
Homes for sale in Austin, TX
Apartments for rent in Austin, TX
One of Texas’ most loved lakes is Lake Travis, located in Austin. Popular with Austin residents, this lake is great for water sports, boating, and enjoying the scenic Texas Hill Country. Whether you’re enjoying one of the lakefront parks, like Arkansas Bend Park or Bob Wentz Park, ziplining, enjoying a meal at a waterfront restaurant, or paddle boarding along the river, there’s an activity for everyone at Lake Travis.
8. Lake Whitney (Whitney)
Nearest city: Whitney, TX
Median home sale price: $158,000
Population: 2,100
Homes for sale in Whitney, TX
Apartments for rent in Whitney, TX
Lake Whitney is a picturesque destination located outside the town of Whitney. Known for its clear waters and abundant fishing opportunities like catfish and bass, this lake is great for anglers. Lake Whitney is also home to Lake Whitney State Park, which has views of the lake and surrounding area. You can find marinas with boat launches, making Lake Whitney a great spot to enjoy a day on the water. The city of Whitney has a friendly, small-town atmosphere that complements the serene lake lifestyle.
9. Possum Kingdom Lake (Graford)
Nearest city: Graford, TX
Median home sale price: $570,000
Population: 600
Homes for sale in Graford, TX
Apartments for rent in Graford, TX
Possum Kingdom Lake is a picturesque lake with hills, rugged cliffs, and trails. The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters, perfect for boating, skiing, and fishing. The area has several beaches like Sandy Beach, marinas, and parks like Possum Kingdom State Park where you can camp, hike, and rent boats. The nearest community is Graford, where you’ll find a few local restaurants and quaint shops. If you’re looking for a more remote lake town, then Possum Kingdom Lake may be right for you.
10. Richland-Chambers Reservoir (Corsicana)
Nearest city: Corsicana, TX
Median home sale price: $222,000
Population: 23,000
Homes for sale in Corsicana, TX
Apartments for rent in Corsicana, TX
The final spot on our list of lakes in Texas to live on is Richland-Chambers Reservoir. This reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and enjoying the great outdoors. The neighboring Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area is a picturesque area for hiking, horseback riding, camping, and biking with views of the lake. Located in Corsicana, this small town has a lot to offer. From community events and museums like Pioneer Village to the charming downtown area, you’ll find plenty to do in this lake town.
Note, this list is not comprehensive of all the lakes in Texas. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during April 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com April 2024. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
This post first appeared on Redfin.com. To see the original, click here.