With warm springs and summers, blue skies, and sunny days, Texas is the perfect state for a day on the lake. Texas is home to countless lakes, with approximately 150 significant lakes and thousands of reservoirs, making it a great area to consider buying lakefront property.
Redfin has compiled a list of the best Texas lakes to buy a home on this year. From the tranquil lakeside of Buchanan Lake Village to the vibrant communities near Lake Travis, read on to find the Texas lake that’s right for you.
1. Lake Buchanan (Lake Buchanan Village)
Nearest city: Buchanan Lake Village, Texas
Median home sales price: $115,000
population: 690
Homes for Sale in Buchanan Lake Village, TX
Apartments for Rent in Buchanan Lake Village, TX
Taking the number one spot on this year’s list of best livable lakes in Texas is Lake Buchanan. Located northeast of Austin, Lake Buchanan is near the quaint community of Buchanan Lake Village. The lake is a treasure for outdoor enthusiasts, offering plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating and enjoying a quiet life on the water. Several parks surround the lake, including Burnett County Park, Black Rock Park and Cedar Point Recreation Area. Buchanan Lake Village offers residents a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
2. Cedar Creek Reservoir (Gunbarrel City)
Nearest city: Gunbarrel City, Texas
Median home sales price: $265,500
population: 7,100
Homes for Sale in Gunbarrel City, TX
Apartments for Rent in Gunbarrel City, TX
Cedar Creek Reservoir is a great lake for water enthusiasts and nature lovers. The lake is perfect for a variety of activities, including fishing, boating, and swimming. There are many small towns surrounding the lake, including Enchanted Oaks, Seven Points, and Ruth Springs, but the main town is Gun Barrel City. This lakeside town of 7,100 people offers a good mix of small-town charm and lakeside living. There are many big-name shops, locally-owned restaurants, markets, and cafes.
3. Lake Conroe (Conroe)
Nearest city: Conroe, Texas
Median home sales price: $313,750
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,220
population: 91,000
Homes for Sale in Conroe, Texas
Apartments for Rent in Conroe, TX
Located on the northern edge of Conroe, Lake Conroe offers a great mix of recreational activities and residential areas. With 22,000 acres and 157 miles of shoreline, the lake is a popular spot for a variety of water sports, including fishing, boating and jet skiing. Lake Conroe is home to many waterfront restaurants, charming resorts and country clubs with water views. Conroe’s population is approximately 91,000, making it a great area for those looking for access to shops and restaurants.
4. Lake Livingston (Livingston)
Nearest city: Livingston, Texas
Median home sales price: $300,000
population: 5,300
Homes for Sale in Livingston, TX
Apartments for Rent in Livingston, TX
Lake Livingston is a large reservoir located in the Sam Houston National Forest. The lake is a paradise for anglers, boaters, and those who love the quiet lakeside lifestyle. There are many parks along the lake where you can enjoy the lake views, such as Lake Livingston State Park, Wolf Creek Park, and Tigerville Park. There are many small towns surrounding the lake, but the main town is Livingston is home to approximately 5,300 residents. Livingston has a small-town feel, with locally owned shops and restaurants along North Washington Avenue and Highway 190.
5. Lake Palestine (Coffee City)
Nearest city: Coffee City, Texas
Median home sales price: $650,000
population: 200
Homes for Sale in Coffee City, TX
Apartments for Rent in Coffee City, Texas
Lake Palestine, located between Tyler and Palestine, is the next spot on our list of Texas lakes to live in this year. The lake is amazing. Perfect for boating, fishing, and watching beautiful sunsets, Lake Palestine is a popular spot for bass fishing tournaments, with an abundant population of white and hybrid striped bass, catfish, and crappie. There are several communities surrounding the lake, including: Coffee City is home to about 200 people and is a quaint spot to enjoy the great outdoors.
6. Lake Texoma (Preston)
Nearest city: Preston, Texas
Median home sales price: $580,000
population: 2,100
Homes for Sale in Preston, TX
Apartments for Rent in Preston, TX
Lake Texoma is located on the border between Texas and Oklahoma. Enjoy fishing, boating and hiking. There are many lakeside parks with beaches, boat launches and trails, including Island View Park, Sunset Point and Eisenhower State Park. Lake Texoma is a popular area for camping, so there are plenty of campsites around the lake. Located near the city of Preston, Lake Texoma is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, but if you want to explore the surrounding area, be sure to check out Lake Denison, just a few miles south.
7. Lake Travis, Austin
Nearest city: Austin, Texas
Median home sales price: $550,000
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,485
population: 990,000
Homes for Sale in Austin, Texas
Apartments for Rent in Austin, TX
One of the most beloved lakes in Texas is Lake Travis in Austin. A favorite among Austin residents, the lake is perfect for water sports, boating and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Texas Hill Country. Whether you’re looking to zipline at lakeside parks like Arkansas Bend Park or Bob Wentz Park, dine at a waterfront restaurant or paddle board along the river, Lake Travis has something for everyone.
8. Lake Whitney (Whitney)
Nearest city: Whitney, Texas
Median home sales price: $158,000
population: 2,100
Homes for Sale in Whitney, TX
Apartments for Rent in Whitney, TX
Lake Whitney is a beautiful tourist destination just outside the town of Whitney. Known for its clear waters and abundant fishing, including catfish and perch, the lake is a great place for anglers. Lake Whitney is also home to Lake Whitney State Park, where you can enjoy views of the lake and the surrounding area. There is also a marina with boat launch, making Lake Whitney a great place to enjoy a day on the water. The City of Whitney has a friendly, small-town atmosphere that’s perfect for a peaceful lakeside lifestyle.
9. Possum Kingdom Lake (Graford)
Nearest city: Graford, Texas
Median home sales 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, steep cliffs, and trails. The lake is known for its crystal clear waters, making it ideal for boating, skiing and fishing. The area has beaches, such as Sandy Beach, marinas, and parks, such as Possum Kingdom State Park, where you can camp, hike, and rent boats. The nearest communities are Graford is home to several locally-owned restaurants and quaint shops, and if you’re looking for a more secluded lakeside town, Possum Kingdom Lake might be just what you’re looking for.
10. Richland-Chambers Reservoir (Corsicana)
Nearest city: Corsicana, Texas
Median home sales price: $222,000
population: 23,000
Homes for Sale in Corsicana, Texas
Apartments for Rent in Corsicana, TX
The final spot on our list of the best lakes to live in Texas is Richland-Chambers Reservoir. The reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, boating and enjoying the outdoors, and the adjacent Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area is a scenic 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 a charming downtown area, there’s plenty to do in this lakeside town.
Note: This list is not comprehensive. Median home sales price data from Redfin Data Centers, April 2024. Average rent data from Rent.com, April 2024. Population data from U.S. Census Bureau.
