Lake Travis is an LCRA-managed reservoir, so levels fluctuate with rainfall, releases, and demand. That directly affects livability and value.

• Dock usability year-round: In drought cycles, shallow coves can strand fixed docks; deep-water frontage and floating docks maintain access longer. Ask for historical depth at the property’s dock location, not just the main-lake reading.

• Cove vs. main-body trade-offs: Coves offer calmer water and less traffic but are more sensitive to drawdowns; main-body often has better depth and views but more wake and noise.

• Slope and access: Significant elevation changes can require long stair runs or trams; verify the practicality and maintenance of access in both low- and high-water conditions.

• Insurance and risk: Low-lying improvements and dock systems may face higher exposure to storm/wake damage—review placement, anchoring, and coverage carefully.

Waterfront modifications are not “do as you wish.” Multiple entities can apply: LCRA, county/city, and the HOA.

• Dock permitting & specs: Size, mooring, electrical, lighting, and anchoring typically require approval; transfers on resale aren’t always automatic.

• Shoreline alterations: Dredging, retaining walls, or vegetation removal can be restricted; violations can be costly to remediate.

• Fuel and lifts: Adding fuel systems, PWC ramps, or lifts may trigger separate reviews; confirm before budgeting improvements.

• Grandfathering vs. future changes: Older docks may be out of current spec; ensure you understand what happens if you replace or substantially modify.

Different shores feel like different submarkets—pricing, amenities, and commute patterns vary.

• South Shore (Lakeway, Rough Hollow, Bee Cave, Hudson Bend): Closer to major retail, dining, medical, and top golf/tennis clubs; often higher price points and newer master-planned amenities; better access to TX-71/RM-620.

• North Shore (Lago Vista, Jonestown, Point Venture): Typically more relaxed, with strong community amenities (parks, marinas, golf) and broader affordability; access via RM-1431 with different commute dynamics to Austin/Tech corridors.

• Schools & services: Lake Travis ISD vs. Lago Vista ISD (and pockets of Leander/Marble Falls) influence demand; verify district lines and bus routes property by property.

• Taxes & HOAs/MUDs: City limits, ETJ, MUDs/PUAs, and HOA layers can change tax rates, utility providers, and rules—budget accordingly.

Infrastructure varies widely around the lake; this is not a one-size-fits-all suburban grid.

• Septic prevalence: Many waterfront homes use on-site septic. Require a current inspection, age/capacity check, and realistic replacement/repair costs—tight lots and slopes can complicate future upgrades.

• Public water vs. wells: Some areas tap public systems; others rely on wells. Water pressure, quality, and capacity constraints can differ by subdivision and elevation.

• Irrigation & lake-water use: Pumping from the lake may need specific permissions and backflow prevention; drought restrictions can limit use—confirm before installing landscaping plans.

• Future expansion: Adding bedrooms, pools, casitas, or STR conversions can stress septic and water capacity; design plans around actual utility limits.

A “lake life” purchase should be audited for how you actually get on the water—every weekend, not just on closing day.

• Slip availability & waitlists: Popular marinas (e.g., Lakeway/Rough Hollow, Hurst Harbor, VIP, Northshore, Emerald Point) can have waitlists; verify before assuming a slip. Private dock vs. marina slip dramatically changes convenience.

• Ramp proximity & parking: HOA/private ramps can save time; trailer storage is often restricted inside communities—confirm rules and nearby storage options.

• Wake/no-wake realities: Families with small kids or paddlecraft may prefer protected coves; wake-sport buyers might prioritize quick access to broader, calmer reaches at certain times.

• Fuel, service & safety: Map the nearest fuel docks, service shops, patrol coverage, and typical weekend traffic patterns; this affects ongoing enjoyment and cost.

The same terrain that delivers epic views also drives construction complexity and long-term maintenance.

• Engineering & foundations: Steep, limestone slopes can require piers, retaining walls, and drainage systems—review reports and warranties; budget higher for remodels/additions.

• Sun, wind & glare: Western exposure can be hot and bright on summer afternoons; orientation, glazing, and shading matter for comfort and energy bills.

• Access & aging-in-place: Multi-level footprints, long stairs to the dock, and limited garage/driveway turnarounds can be daily pain points; evaluate practicality for your household.

• Wildland-urban interface: Vegetation management, ember-resistant details, and defensible space are prudent in hillside settings; confirm insurability and mitigation steps.