Market Overview for Horseshoe Bay
There are 193 active listings in Horseshoe Bay with a median list price of $885K and a median sold price of $683K.
Homes average 104 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 12 homes have sold, with 169 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $483.
About Horseshoe Bay
Horseshoe Bay is a resort community on the southern shore of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson in the Texas Hill Country, approximately 55 miles northwest of Austin. The city spans portions of both Llano and Burnet counties and recorded a population of 4,257 in the 2020 Census across 14.3 square miles of land area.
The community traces its origins to 1971, when developer Norman Hurd purchased the former Coke Ranch, a lakeside property owned by the Lupton family of Fort Worth. Hurd's brother Wayne discovered a rusty horseshoe in the lakebed during a Lower Colorado River Authority drawdown, and Norman added "Bay" to describe the curving shoreline, giving the development its name. Early infrastructure included condominiums, a yacht club, marina, equestrian stables, and a private airstrip. Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed the first of three championship golf courses, Slick Rock, which opened in 1972.
Lake LBJ is a constant-level reservoir formed by Wirtz Dam on the Colorado River and is part of the Highland Lakes chain of six reservoirs in the Hill Country. The lake's stable water level supports year-round boating, fishing, and water sports, distinguishing it from neighboring lakes that fluctuate with rainfall. Horseshoe Bay Resort, the community's central amenity, operates four golf courses, a full-service marina, eight restaurants, a spa, and approximately 349 hotel rooms.
Horseshoe Bay incorporated as a Type A General Law city on September 10, 2005, and adopted a Home Rule Charter on May 19, 2009. The city operates its own police department, public works, and code enforcement. Residential development ranges from waterfront estates and gated neighborhoods to condominiums and single-family homes. The community includes both primary residences and second homes, reflecting its dual identity as a resort destination and a Hill Country residential community.
The private Horseshoe Bay Resort Airport (FAA identifier KDZB) has a 6,000-foot lighted runway and a full-service jet center. FM 2147 is the primary east-west road through the community, connecting to US Highway 71 approximately two miles south and to Marble Falls via US 281 about five miles east.
Living in Horseshoe Bay
Living in Horseshoe Bay is oriented around lake and resort amenities. Residents have access to Lake LBJ's constant-level shoreline for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing year-round. The lake's stable water level — maintained by the pass-through operation of Wirtz Dam — distinguishes it from neighboring Highland Lakes reservoirs that fluctuate seasonally, making waterfront property here particularly consistent for recreational use.
The resort's three Robert Trent Jones Sr. golf courses (Slick Rock, Ram Rock, and Apple Rock) and the Jack Nicklaus-designed Summit Rock course provide four distinct playing experiences within the community. The resort also operates a full-service marina, spa, and eight dining venues.
Daily essentials and services are concentrated in Marble Falls, approximately eight miles east via FM 2147 and US 281, where grocery stores, medical offices, restaurants, and retail are located. Baylor Scott & White operates primary care and specialty clinics within Horseshoe Bay, and the full-service Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Marble Falls provides emergency and inpatient care approximately eight miles away.
Students in the Burnet County portion of the city attend Marble Falls ISD schools, while those in the Llano County portion attend Llano ISD. No public or private K-12 campuses are located within the city limits. The commute to Austin is approximately 55 miles via US 71, typically taking 50 to 65 minutes by car.
Things to Do in Horseshoe Bay
- Horseshoe Bay Resort Golf: Three Robert Trent Jones Sr. courses (Slick Rock, Ram Rock, Apple Rock) and the Jack Nicklaus-designed Summit Rock course offer 72 holes of championship golf. Apple Rock was named Golf Digest's Best New Resort Course in 1985.
- Lake LBJ Boating & Water Sports: Lake LBJ is a constant-level Colorado River reservoir supporting year-round boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and water skiing. Multiple marinas in Horseshoe Bay offer boat rentals and slip access.
- Longhorn Cavern State Park: A Texas Parks & Wildlife site approximately 15 miles east offering guided tours through a natural limestone cavern. Located off Park Road 4 near Burnet.
- Inks Lake State Park: A Texas Parks & Wildlife park approximately 15 miles northwest with swimming, camping, fishing, hiking, and kayaking on spring-fed Inks Lake, another constant-level Highland Lakes reservoir.
- Horseshoe Bay Resort Marina: A full-service marina on Lake LBJ offering boat rentals, chartered pontoon tours, fishing excursions, and slip access. The Lake LBJ Yacht Club operates adjacent to the resort.
- Whitewater Putting Course: An 18-hole putting course at Horseshoe Bay Resort featuring Zoysia grass greens, waterfalls, and landscaped gardens, open to resort guests and club members.
Major Employers in Horseshoe Bay
- Horseshoe Bay Resort (Hospitality): The community's largest employer, operating four golf courses, a marina, eight restaurants, a spa, approximately 349 hotel rooms, and a private jet center.
- Baylor Scott & White Health (Healthcare): Operates primary care and specialty clinics in Horseshoe Bay, with the full-service Medical Center in Marble Falls providing emergency, surgical, and inpatient services.
- City of Horseshoe Bay (Government): Municipal government providing police, public works, code enforcement, and administrative services since the city's 2005 incorporation.
- The Club at Horseshoe Bay Resort (Hospitality): A private membership club offering golf, lake, and dining privileges, operating alongside the resort's public-access facilities.
Horseshoe Bay Schools
Horseshoe Bay spans two school districts: the Burnet County portion is served by Marble Falls ISD and the Llano County portion by Llano ISD. No public or private K-12 campuses are located within the city limits. Students attend schools in Marble Falls or Llano.
School District: Marble Falls ISD / Llano ISD
Private Schools
- Faith Academy of Marble Falls - A university-model private school in Marble Falls offering K-12 instruction, located approximately eight miles east of Horseshoe Bay.
Higher Education
- Central Texas College - Highland Lakes Campus - A community college campus in Marble Falls offering associate degrees and transfer pathways, part of the CTC system headquartered in Killeen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counties is Horseshoe Bay in?
Horseshoe Bay spans portions of both Llano County and Burnet County. The Burnet County portion is served by Marble Falls ISD, while the Llano County portion is served by Llano ISD. City services and governance apply uniformly across both counties.
How far is Horseshoe Bay from Austin?
Horseshoe Bay is approximately 55 miles northwest of Austin via US Highway 71, with a typical drive time of 50 to 65 minutes. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is approximately 59 miles from the community. Horseshoe Bay Resort Airport (KDZB) also has a 6,000-foot lighted runway for private aviation.
When was Horseshoe Bay incorporated?
Horseshoe Bay was incorporated on September 10, 2005 as a Type A General Law city. The community had operated as a resort development since 1971. A Home Rule Charter was adopted on May 19, 2009.
What is Lake LBJ?
Lake Lyndon B. Johnson is a constant-level reservoir on the Colorado River, formed by Wirtz Dam and part of the Highland Lakes chain. The lake maintains a nearly stable water level year-round, which supports consistent waterfront recreation and distinguishes it from neighboring reservoirs that fluctuate seasonally.
Are there schools in Horseshoe Bay?
No public or private K-12 campuses are located within the Horseshoe Bay city limits. Students in the Burnet County portion attend Marble Falls ISD schools, and those in the Llano County portion attend Llano ISD schools. Both districts have elementary, middle, and high school campuses within a short drive.
Does Horseshoe Bay have an airport?
Yes. Horseshoe Bay Resort Airport (FAA identifier KDZB) has a 6,000-foot lighted runway and a full-service jet center that accommodates private and charter aircraft. The airport is operated by the resort and is located within the community.
