Which Lake LBJ community is right for you?
Bottom line: Lake LBJ's communities differ more in setting than in water. Horseshoe Bay has resort amenities and golf, Kingsland sits where the Llano and Colorado rivers meet, Granite Shoals has the most public parks and boat ramps, Sunrise Beach Village is quiet with large lots, Highland Haven has quiet coves near Marble Falls, and Blue Lake Estates pairs a 9-hole golf course with water access. 2026 base tax rates range from about 1.03% to 1.77%.
In short
- Lake LBJ has about 21 miles of shoreline between Kingsland and Horseshoe Bay.
- It is about an hour from Austin and 90 minutes from San Antonio.
- The Burnet and Llano county line runs down the middle of the lake, so taxes depend on the side.
- Short-term rental rules differ: Horseshoe Bay requires an annual permit, and Sunrise Beach Village allows only limited short-term rentals.
- In September 2026, the median Lake LBJ sale price was $2,325,000 (HLAoR).
How do the Lake LBJ communities compare?
| Community | Setting | What stands out | 2026 base tax rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horseshoe Bay | Resort community in both Burnet and Llano counties | Most homes have access to Horseshoe Bay Resort's marina, spa, restaurants and tennis; golf is part of daily life | 1.29658 (Llano side) to 1.50235 (Burnet side) |
| Kingsland | Where the Llano River meets the Colorado River | Waterfront restaurants and access to both rivers; homes range from fishing cabins to modern remodels | 1.02883, plus MUD or ESD where they apply |
| Granite Shoals | Known as the "City of Parks," in Burnet County | More than 19 public parks with boat ramps and lake access; homes with room to renovate | 1.7685 |
| Sunrise Beach Village | Quiet and private, in Llano County | Wide open-water views, large lots, mature trees and limited short-term rentals | 1.29803 (proposed city rate) |
| Highland Haven | Small community in Burnet County | Quiet coves, a private boat launch, neighborhood parks and nearby Marble Falls shopping | 1.3825 to 1.3957 |
| Blue Lake Estates | Western end of the lake | A 9-hole golf course, private water access and golf carts on the streets | See the tax guide |
Tax rates are per $100 of taxable value for county, school district and city combined. Details and sources are in the property tax guide.
Which community fits what you want?
- Golf and resort amenities: Horseshoe Bay, or Blue Lake Estates for a smaller 9-hole course.
- River and lake boating with waterfront dining: Kingsland.
- Public parks and boat ramps nearby: Granite Shoals.
- Quiet setting and large lots: Sunrise Beach Village.
- Quiet coves close to in-town shopping: Highland Haven, near Marble Falls.
- Rental income: check city rules first. Horseshoe Bay requires an annual permit for stays under 30 days. See the rental rules guide.
What do homes cost on Lake LBJ?
In September 2026, the median Lake LBJ sale price was $2,325,000, about $677 per square foot, across 13 sales, according to the Highland Lakes Association of REALTORS (HLAoR).
Across the lake, the Fokus Waterfront community guide puts entry-level waterfront homes in the $700s to $800s, mid-range homes at $1 million to $2 million, and luxury estates at $3 million and up.
Questions and answers
- How far is Lake LBJ from Austin and San Antonio?
- About an hour from Austin and about 90 minutes from San Antonio.
- Which Lake LBJ communities are in Burnet County and which are in Llano County?
- Granite Shoals and Highland Haven are in Burnet County, Sunrise Beach Village is in Llano County, and Horseshoe Bay sits in both. Kingsland is unincorporated, so check the address with the appraisal district.
- Which Lake LBJ community has the lowest property taxes?
- Of the communities in our tax guide, Kingsland has the lowest 2026 base rate at about 1.03%, before any MUD or emergency services district rate.
- Can I rent out a Lake LBJ home as a short-term rental?
- It depends on the community. Horseshoe Bay requires an annual city permit for stays under 30 days, and Sunrise Beach Village allows only limited short-term rentals. Check your HOA rules too.
Questions about a specific Lake LBJ home?
Greg can walk you through what to check before you make an offer.
Talk with GregSources
Checked October 2026.