Austin, TX real estate-and Lake Travis real estate, in particular-is on the rise, as the area boasts several attractive, distinctive residential communities, rich with culture, history, and economic diversity. Residents enjoy the variety of employment and cultural opportunities, as well as fabulous shopping and an array of outdoor recreational activities. The highly acclaimed Lake Travis Independent School District serves the Lake Travis area, and the district recently celebrated its 25-year anniversary. A new elementary school will open in Lake Travis August 2007.

An experienced Lake Travis Realtor can provide you with more information on the beautiful Lake Travis area, as well as other communities in the Austin area. Contact expert Realtors John and M.E. Cook at 512-263-5486 to schedule an appointment today.

History of Lake Travis

In 1936, the United States Department of the Interior gave permission to the Lower Colorado River Authority to build a low dam at the site of an old crossing on the river, known as Marshall Ford. The Marshall Ford Dam was completed in July of 1939. In 1941, Congressman J.P. Buchanan, along with a young Lyndon Johnson, collaborated with the Lower Colorado River Authority to solve the high electric rates and uncontrolled flooding in the area. As a result, the Mansfield Dam, measuring 7,098 feet long and composed of concrete, earth, and rock, was built as a replacement for the Marshall Ford Dam. The construction of the Mansfield Dam not only solved the original issues, but also formed the 19,000-acre lake that would become Lake Travis.

Prior to the formation of Lake Travis, the area consisted mainly of rural farms. Upon the construction of Mansfield Dam and Lake Travis, the town evolved from a sleepy ranch town to a vibrant, recreational paradise, complete with boating, fishing, hunting, camping, swimming, tennis, and golf.

With all of the recreational activities of Lake Travis, as well as its ideal proximity to the thriving capital city of Austin, Lake Travis real estate is steadily increasing in value. For more information on Lake Travis homes for sale, contact Lake Travis Realtors John and M.E. Cook at 512-263-5486 today.

Activities Abound on Lake Travis

Lake Travis is well known for its incredible weather, recreational activities and crystal clear water. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy a multitude of activities and events, including boating, swimming, water skiing, fishing, and even sailboat and windsurfing regattas. Lake Travis maintains several marinas, including Briarcliff Marina, Easy Street Marina and Lakeway Marina. In addition, Lake Travis is home to a number of beautiful public parks, a variety of restaurants and much more. With everything the area has to offer, Lake Travis real estate is a premier choice for relocation as well as a vacation home.

The area also features several water parks, dive shops, hunting and sporting goods stores, and fishing guides for hire. Lake Travis is stocked with various species of fish, including largemouth bass, Guadalupe bass, white bass, striped bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Lake Travis real estate is part of the fastest growing areas in the country, and this trend is expected to continue well into the future. There are many beautiful Lake Travis homes, condos, and lots for sale, and many properties offer glorious views of the lake and Texas hill country. For more information, contact Lake Travis Realtors John and M.E. Cook at 512-263-5486 today.

Getting around Lake Travis

Interstate 35 runs north and south through the Austin area known as Lake Travis, connecting travelers northbound to Dallas and southbound to San Antonio. Interstate 10 offers another route, which runs east and west through Texas from Houston to El Paso. Plus, there are four additional federal highways (79, 90, 183, and 290) that enable residents travel to other areas of the region. The major cities of Houston and Dallas are only about three hours by car from Lake Travis, and San Antonio is only about an hour's drive away.

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is the closest airport to Lake Travis, near highways 71 and 183. The airport is unique and lively, showcasing several of Austin's live music acts as well as the city's most popular restaurants.

An ideal location, unparalleled beauty, excellent schools, and many recreational activities make Lake Travis an incomparable place to live. Lake Travis homes range from luxurious lakefront homes to charming one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos.

For more information on Lake Travis real estate and the many lovely Lake Travis homes for sale, contact expert Realtors John and M.E. Cook at 512-263-5486 today.

Welcome to Spicewood

Just one mine north of State Highway 71, and nine miles southeast of Marble Falls, in southeastern Texas' Burnet County, is the lovely town of Spicewood, Texas. Named for the large quantity of native timber in the area, Spicewood is a favored recreational destination for outdoor sports enthusiasts, and home to approximately 10,000 residents. Surrounded by the beautiful Lake Travis, Spicewood, TX real estate is steadily growing.

This leisure-friendly town is also known for its spring-fed creeks, such as Krause Springs. Crystal clear water gushes from the spring, cascading down rocky limestone cliffs into Little Cypress Creek.

In 1899, a post office opened in Spicewood, and nearby communities within Burnet County and Travis County soon frequented the town to take advantage of convenient postal services. As several of these communities began to decline in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, many residents turned to Spicewood as their main community. By the mid-1920s, the community was home to about 100 residents, rising to 125 by 1933. Spicewood businesses prospered upon the building of Farm Road 93 (which would later become State Highway 71) in the 1940s.

Today, Spicewood is a flourishing community, complete with excellent schools, numerous lake and creek settings, and the well-known Pace Bend Park.

Spicewood, TX homes are nestled among a community rich with natural beauty, recreational activities, marinas, and more. For more information on Spicewood, TX real estate, contact Spicewood, TX Realtors John and M.E. Cook at 512-263-5486 today.