Market Overview for Cottonwood Shores
There are 16 active listings in Cottonwood Shores with a median list price of $312K and a median sold price of $284K.
Homes average 63 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 2 homes have sold, with 18 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $219.
About Cottonwood Shores
Cottonwood Shores is an incorporated city of 1,403 residents (2020 census) on the south bank of the Colorado River in southwestern Burnet County, approximately 50 miles west of downtown Austin. The city covers approximately 1.07 square miles of land at an elevation of 833 feet and sits at the outlet of Lake LBJ where Wirtz Dam releases water into Lake Marble Falls — earning the city its motto, "The City on Two Lakes."
Cottonwood Shores was incorporated around 1987 as a mayor-council municipality. The city first appeared on county maps in the early 1970s as a residential development along the Lake LBJ and Lake Marble Falls shorelines. The population has grown steadily from 548 in 1990 to 877 in 2000, 1,123 in 2010, and 1,403 in 2020, with recent estimates near 1,860.
Lake LBJ is a constant-level Highland Lakes reservoir covering 6,449 acres, created in 1951 by Wirtz Dam on the Colorado River. Because it is a pass-through lake, water levels remain stable year-round, unlike the storage reservoirs of Lake Buchanan and Lake Travis. Lake Marble Falls, immediately downstream, is a narrow riverine lake approximately 5.75 miles long that also maintains a relatively constant level. The city operates boat ramps on both lakes, making waterfront access a defining feature of daily life.
The housing market in Cottonwood Shores is oriented around lake proximity. Properties range from lakefront homes on Lake LBJ and Lake Marble Falls to interior lots within walking distance of the water. Marble Falls, about four miles southwest, provides retail, groceries, healthcare, and the area's commercial corridor.
Living in Cottonwood Shores
Cottonwood Shores is a small lake city with its own police department, water and sewer utility, and parks. The city hall sits on Cottonwood Drive. Despite its municipal services, the city has no bank, grocery store, gas station, or post office within its limits — residents rely on nearby Marble Falls for commercial services.
Schools are operated by Marble Falls ISD, the same district that serves Marble Falls, Granite Shoals, Meadowlakes, Spicewood, and Highland Haven. No school campuses are physically located within Cottonwood Shores; students attend MFISD campuses in Marble Falls. The district enrolls 4,066 students (2025-26) across seven campuses.
The commute to Austin is approximately 50 miles via Highway 71, typically 60 to 80 minutes depending on traffic through Bee Cave. Many residents are retirees, remote workers, or employed in the Marble Falls commercial corridor. Lake recreation drives daily life: the city operates boat ramps on both Lake LBJ and Lake Marble Falls, and the Lake LBJ Yacht Club and Marina on South Wirtz Dam Road offers boat and jet ski rentals. Hill Country Community Theatre, a nonprofit founded in 1985, produces family-oriented shows and draws regional audiences.
Things to Do in Cottonwood Shores
- Boat and fish on Lake LBJ and Lake Marble Falls: Cottonwood Shores sits between two Highland Lakes. Lake LBJ (6,449 acres, constant level) and Lake Marble Falls (5.75 miles long, constant level) both offer boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. The city operates boat ramps on both lakes.
- Rent boats at Lake LBJ Yacht Club and Marina: Located on South Wirtz Dam Road, the marina offers boat and jet ski rentals and lakefront dining at Granite Beach Grill.
- Attend a show at Hill Country Community Theatre: A nonprofit community theater founded in 1985 that produces family-oriented plays and musicals throughout the year, drawing audiences from across the Highland Lakes region.
- Explore Marble Falls Main Street: Marble Falls is approximately four miles southwest and offers a restored Main Street district with restaurants, bakeries, wine bars, boutiques, and Lakeside Park on the Lake Marble Falls waterfront.
- Visit nearby state parks: Longhorn Cavern State Park and Inks Lake State Park are both within 20 miles north on Park Road 4. Inks Lake offers camping, swimming at Devil's Waterhole, and hiking on a constant-level Highland Lakes reservoir.
Major Employers in Cottonwood Shores
- City of Cottonwood Shores (Public administration): The city operates its own police department, water and sewer utility, code enforcement, and parks, providing municipal employment.
- Marble Falls ISD (Education): Marble Falls ISD serves Cottonwood Shores students across approximately 4,066 students district-wide. No campuses are within the city; students attend schools in Marble Falls.
- Lake recreation and tourism (Hospitality): Marinas, boat rental operations, vacation rental management, and lake-tourism services along the Lake LBJ and Lake Marble Falls corridors provide local employment.
- Marble Falls commercial corridor (Retail & services): Most Cottonwood Shores residents who work locally are employed in the Marble Falls retail, healthcare, and service corridor along U.S. 281 and Highway 71.
Cottonwood Shores Schools
Cottonwood Shores is served by Marble Falls ISD. No school campuses are physically located within the city; students attend MFISD campuses in Marble Falls. The district enrolls 4,066 students (2025-26) across seven campuses.
School District: Marble Falls ISD
Public Schools
- Colt Elementary
- Spicewood Elementary
- Marble Falls Middle
- Marble Falls High School
Frequently Asked Questions
What lakes are Cottonwood Shores on?
Cottonwood Shores sits between Lake LBJ and Lake Marble Falls, both Highland Lakes reservoirs on the Colorado River. Lake LBJ is a 6,449-acre constant-level lake formed by Wirtz Dam. Lake Marble Falls is a narrow riverine lake approximately 5.75 miles long immediately downstream. The city operates boat ramps on both lakes.
What is the population of Cottonwood Shores?
Cottonwood Shores had 1,403 residents at the 2020 census, up from 1,123 in 2010. Recent estimates place the population near 1,860. The city was incorporated around 1987 and has grown steadily from 548 residents in 1990.
What school district serves Cottonwood Shores?
Cottonwood Shores is served by Marble Falls ISD, which enrolls approximately 4,066 students across seven campuses in Marble Falls. No school campuses are located within Cottonwood Shores itself.
How far is Cottonwood Shores from Austin?
Cottonwood Shores is approximately 50 miles west of downtown Austin. The drive via Highway 71 typically takes 60 to 80 minutes depending on traffic through Bee Cave. Marble Falls is about four miles southwest.
Does Cottonwood Shores have its own city services?
Yes. Despite its small size, Cottonwood Shores is an incorporated city with its own police department, water and sewer utility, code enforcement, and parks. However, it has no bank, grocery store, gas station, or post office within city limits — residents use nearby Marble Falls for commercial services.
