Horseshoe Bay, Texas sits on the shores of Lake LBJ about 51 miles northwest of downtown Austin — and it is one of the most sought-after lakefront communities in all of Central Texas. With year-round sunshine, constant-level water ideal for boating, championship golf, and a resort lifestyle that most people only dream about, Horseshoe Bay attracts buyers from across the country looking for a second home, a vacation retreat, or the perfect place to retire. Whether you are thinking about buying a lakefront estate, a golf course home, or a lock-and-leave getaway, this community offers something that very few places in Texas can match. In this guide, real estate expert Amy Seely covers everything buyers and sellers need to know about living in, investing in, and selling in Horseshoe Bay — from the most exclusive gated enclaves to current market conditions to what Amy can negotiate on your behalf from day one.

Key Takeaways
- Horseshoe Bay is a resort city on Lake LBJ, located 51 miles from Austin, with a permanent population of about 4,200 — yet nearly 41% of its housing units are vacation or second homes, making it one of the top second-home markets in Texas.
- Lake LBJ is a constant-level lake, meaning water levels stay stable year-round — a major advantage for boaters, dock owners, and lakefront property values compared to fluctuating reservoirs.
- Horseshoe Bay Resort anchors the community with four championship golf courses, a full-service hotel, spa, marina, multiple dining options, and membership amenities that residents and guests use year-round.
- Amy Seely and The Seely Group are the go-to experts for Horseshoe Bay real estate — and Amy’s personal commitment is to negotiate your boat, jet skis, furniture, and even silverware so you can enjoy your lakefront home from the moment you close.
To Discuss Your Horseshoe Bay Home Sale or Purchase, Call or Text Today and Start Packing!

About Amy Seely: Amy Seely is a native Austinite, a devoted full-time REALTOR, and The Seely Group’s Chief of Development and Acquisitions. She has closed luxury waterfront transactions across the Lake LBJ corridor and is the definitive Horseshoe Bay real estate specialist for buyers and sellers who demand more than a standard transaction. The Seely Group is ranked in the top 1% of agents nationwide by Realogy and has served over 1,000 Texas families.
Horseshoe Bay is one of those rare markets where the lifestyle and the investment thesis align perfectly. You buy a property you love using, and the lake, the resort, and the proximity to Austin support the value year after year.…
Horseshoe Bay, Texas
At a Glance
seelyproperties.com
Downtown Austin
~60 min via US-281 & TX-71
Golf Courses
Horseshoe Bay Resort
Second / Vacation Homes
Among highest in Texas
of Residents
Top retirement destination
Lake LBJ
Constant-level lake
Lake Surface
Stable year-round
Lake Advantage
Constant-level lake — water stays stable year-round. Docks stay in. Boats stay ready. Property values stay protected.
Resort Community
Horseshoe Bay Resort anchors the city with world-class golf, spa, marina, dining, and event venues — all within the community.
Texas Tax Benefits
No state income tax in Texas. Senior exemptions available for residents 65+. A powerful financial advantage for retirees.
Horseshoe Bay · Property Price Tiers
From the Desk of Your Horseshoe Bay Specialist
Horseshoe Bay is one of those rare markets where the lifestyle and the investment thesis align perfectly. When you close on a lakefront home with me, I negotiate the boat, the jet skis, the furniture — everything that makes a lake house a lake life. You deserve to be on the water that first weekend.
Why Amy
Closed inside Applehead Island & Matern Island
Top 1% of agents nationwide by Realogy
Negotiates boats, jet skis, furniture & more
1,000+ Texas families served · 5-star Google reviews
What Makes Horseshoe Bay Unlike Any Other Texas Community
Horseshoe Bay is not a suburb. It is not a planned neighborhood attached to a larger city. It is an incorporated resort city with its own identity, its own rhythm, and a lifestyle that is entirely built around the lake and the land. The city spans parts of both Llano and Burnet counties on the southern shore of Lake LBJ, offering a sense of quiet luxury that is hard to find anywhere this close to Austin. Most residents describe Horseshoe Bay not as a place they moved to — but a place they kept coming back to until they never left. The median age of residents is 64 years old, which tells you something important: the people who live here have been everywhere and have chosen this.
The community took shape in the early 1970s when developers recognized the potential of Lake LBJ’s stable waters and the rolling Texas Hill Country landscape surrounding it. What started as a resort destination evolved into a full city, incorporated in 2006. Today, Horseshoe Bay is home to one of the finest resort properties in Texas, multiple gated lakefront communities, and a real estate market that spans from the $400,000s for comfortable golf course homes up to $7 million or more for the most extraordinary waterfront estates. That range means this market genuinely serves both established buyers and those just entering the luxury lakefront space.
A Community Built Around the Good Life
One of the first things buyers notice about Horseshoe Bay is that the community has already done the work of creating the lifestyle. You do not have to build it yourself. The Horseshoe Bay Resort anchors the community with world-class amenities, championship golf, and hotel accommodations that draw visitors from across the country. The lake is right there, and with Lake LBJ being a constant-level lake, it stays there. Because nearly 41% of Horseshoe Bay’s housing units are vacant at any given point — occupied by second-home owners on weekends, holidays, and extended stays — the community has a peaceful, uncrowded feel during the week and a lively energy on weekends and during the summer months. That balance is exactly what most second-home buyers are looking for.
Location: 51 Miles and a World Away from Austin
Horseshoe Bay sits approximately 51 miles northwest of downtown Austin via US Highway 281 and TX-71, with a drive time that typically runs between 55 minutes and 75 minutes depending on traffic. For Austin professionals and executives who want a weekend retreat or a place to unwind without a long travel day, that distance is nearly perfect. It is close enough to return home Sunday evening without stress, yet far enough to feel completely removed from the city the moment you arrive. The nearby town of Marble Falls — just 8 miles east — provides a full range of services including grocery stores, restaurants, medical facilities, banks, and more.
The broader Highland Lakes region that surrounds Horseshoe Bay includes Kingsland, Granite Shoals, Burnet, and Llano, all of which offer additional shopping, dining, and services within a short drive. For buyers relocating from larger cities, the lack of big-city congestion in this area is genuinely refreshing. For sellers, the proximity to Austin is one of the strongest marketing points your property has because it puts your home within reach of one of the fastest-growing and highest-earning metro areas in the United States.
The Austin Connection: Why Austin Buyers Love Horseshoe Bay
Austin’s explosive growth over the past decade has created a large base of successful professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs who have the means and desire for a lakefront second home. Horseshoe Bay sits squarely in the sweet spot of that demand — accessible enough for a Friday afternoon drive, far enough to feel like a true escape. Remote work trends have accelerated this demand even further, as buyers who no longer need to be in the office five days a week increasingly purchase lakefront properties as their primary or co-primary residence. If you are considering purchasing in Horseshoe Bay, you are in excellent company. The buyer pool here tends to be financially strong, highly motivated, and willing to pay for the right property.
Lake LBJ: The Constant-Level Lake That Changes Everything
Lake Lyndon B. Johnson — known simply as Lake LBJ — is one of six reservoirs along the Highland Lakes chain of the Colorado River in Central Texas. What makes Lake LBJ uniquely desirable among those lakes is that it is a constant-level lake. Unlike Lake Travis, which experiences significant water level fluctuations depending on rainfall and release schedules, Lake LBJ maintains a stable surface elevation year-round. That consistency is not just a quality-of-life benefit — it is a financial one. Boat docks stay in the water. Waterfront views remain intact. Your property’s lakefront access is reliable every single day of the year, regardless of drought conditions elsewhere in the region.
For boaters, this matters enormously. On a fluctuating lake, a low-water year can leave a dock sitting on dry ground and a boat unusable for weeks at a time. On Lake LBJ, that problem simply does not exist. Boat owners can keep their vessels in the water year-round, launch whenever they want, and maintain their docks with the confidence that the water will always be there. This makes Lake LBJ lakefront property arguably more valuable on a per-foot basis than frontage on variable lakes — and it is why serious lake buyers often come back to Lake LBJ specifically after looking at alternatives.
What You Can Do on Lake LBJ
Lake LBJ stretches approximately 21 miles long and covers about 6,376 acres. Because it is wide in several areas and relatively calm, it is ideal for a full range of water sports: boating, wake surfing, water skiing, tubing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. Bass fishing is particularly popular here, and the lake supports a healthy population of largemouth bass, striper, catfish, and crappie. On warm weekends, the lake comes alive with boat traffic, and the coves off the main body provide quieter waters for families with children. Applehead Island Cove, where several of the most exclusive gated homes are located, offers some of the most protected and scenic water on the entire lake.
Horseshoe Bay Resort: The Anchor of the Community
Horseshoe Bay Resort is one of the defining features of the community and one of its most powerful selling points for anyone buying property here. The resort operates four championship golf courses — Apple Rock, Ram Rock, Slick Rock, and Summit Rock — designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and his team. Summit Rock is consistently ranked among the top public golf courses in Texas and offers some of the most dramatic Hill Country views in the state. Together, these four courses make Horseshoe Bay one of the premier golf destinations in the entire South.

Beyond golf, the resort includes a full-service hotel and spa, multiple restaurants and bars, a private marina with boat slips, tennis courts, a fitness center, and a world-class events center that hosts weddings, corporate retreats, and concerts throughout the year. Horseshoe Bay property owners can purchase resort memberships that grant access to many of these amenities, making it easy to enjoy a resort-level lifestyle without leaving the community. For buyers who value access to high-end amenities without the overhead of managing them personally, the resort’s presence is a significant advantage.
Resort Membership and Homeowner Access
Buyers often ask about the relationship between property ownership and resort access. While resort amenities are not automatically included with every property purchase, homeowners can explore available membership tiers for golf, social, and full resort access. Membership availability and pricing vary over time, so Amy recommends discussing current options during the purchase process and including membership access as part of your negotiation and purchase planning. For sellers, highlighting any existing memberships or resort access as part of your listing can be a meaningful differentiator in a competitive market.
Gated Waterfront Enclaves: Where Horseshoe Bay’s Most Exclusive Homes Live
Within Horseshoe Bay’s broader community, several gated enclaves represent the absolute top of the market. These neighborhoods offer direct waterfront access, private boat docks, enhanced security, and some of the most architecturally significant homes on Lake LBJ. Understanding the distinctions between these enclaves is something Amy knows intimately from first-hand experience working within them.
Applehead Island
Applehead Island is widely considered the crown jewel of Horseshoe Bay real estate. This gated, peninsula community sits on a quiet cove off Lake LBJ and features properties that are among the most luxurious and sought-after in all of Central Texas. Homes here are typically large custom builds with private boat houses, dramatic water views, and high-end finishes throughout. The community is designed around wake-free cove living — meaning residents enjoy the calm waters of the cove for swimming, paddleboarding, and easy dock access, while still having direct access to the main body of Lake LBJ for full-speed boating. Properties in Applehead Island rarely come to market, and when they do, they attract motivated buyers at the highest price points the area supports. Amy recently listed a fully reimagined waterfront estate here at 42 Applehead Island Drive — a five-bedroom, six-bath home spanning more than 5,400 square feet with a vanishing-edge pool, a 1,162-square-foot boathouse, and over 2,300 square feet of covered outdoor entertaining space.
Matern Island
Matern Island is another exceptional gated lakefront enclave offering ultra-luxury waterfront estates on Lake LBJ. The community is known for its architectural ambition — homes here tend to push the boundaries of what lakefront design can achieve, incorporating smart home systems, resort-scale outdoor spaces, and boathouse features that rival anything you would find in a five-star hotel. A recent transaction Amy closed at 401 Matern Court exemplifies this level: a 6,252-square-foot masterpiece with soaring entry waterfalls, a standalone casita, theater/arcade, gym, and a screened boat garage with lift — all for $5,250,000.

Other Notable Areas Within Horseshoe Bay
Beyond Applehead and Matern, Horseshoe Bay offers several additional residential zones worth knowing. La Serena is a gated lakefront community with Mediterranean-influenced architecture and exceptional lake views. Horseshoe Bay West and the areas along Packsaddle Drive offer larger lots and golf course-adjacent homes at somewhat more accessible price points. The Fault Line Drive corridor is an emerging pocket of new luxury construction where buyers can find modern custom builds on generous lots. And throughout the city, there are established golf course communities, interior lots, and properties with lake views but not direct waterfront access — all of which appeal to buyers at different budget levels.
Second Home and Vacation Home Living in Horseshoe Bay
Horseshoe Bay is purpose-built for second-home living. Nearly 41% of its roughly 3,568 housing units are classified as vacant — not abandoned, but owned by people who are elsewhere during the week and in Horseshoe Bay on weekends, summers, and holidays. This is one of the highest second-home ratios of any city in Texas. It means the community understands second-home ownership in a way that most neighborhoods simply do not.
For buyers considering a vacation home here, the practical advantages are significant. The community is designed to be low-maintenance and lock-and-leave. Many properties feature professional property management services, HOA-maintained common areas, and resort amenities that handle much of the lifestyle without requiring the owner to be on-site every week. The Horseshoe Bay Resort itself draws guests and visitors year-round, creating a built-in community of people who share the same appreciation for lakefront living.
Short-Term Rental Considerations
Some properties in the Lake LBJ area — particularly those outside the city of Horseshoe Bay proper — are approved for short-term rentals and have proven income histories as vacation rental properties. The 1011 Moss Downs Drive property Amy recently handled in Granite Shoals, for example, is explicitly marketed as short-term rental-friendly with available rental projections. For buyers interested in generating income from a second home when they are not using it, this part of the market offers genuine opportunities. Amy recommends discussing STR zoning, HOA restrictions, and rental income potential on any property where this use is a consideration.
“Horseshoe Bay is one of those rare markets where the lifestyle and the investment thesis align perfectly. You buy a property you love using, and the lake, the resort, and the proximity to Austin support the value year after year. I’ve seen this market hold strong through economic cycles because the demand for constant-level lake access this close to Austin is simply not going away.” — real estate expert Amy Seely
Horseshoe Bay as a Retirement Destination
The numbers are striking: the median age in Horseshoe Bay is 64 years old, and 47.5% of residents are 65 or older. This is not a coincidence — it is the result of decades of retirees and pre-retirees discovering one of the most beautiful, amenity-rich, and peaceful communities in Texas. Horseshoe Bay has everything a retiree could want: a safe, quiet city with real infrastructure, an exceptional resort lifestyle, no state income tax in Texas, a warm climate that allows year-round outdoor activity, and enough proximity to Austin for medical care, cultural events, and airport access without needing to live in the city itself.
For buyers approaching retirement, Horseshoe Bay offers an important practical advantage over more remote lake communities: you do not sacrifice convenience for scenery. Marble Falls, just 8 miles away, is a thriving small city with excellent medical facilities including St. David’s Medical Center. Austin’s major hospitals and airport are about an hour away. The combination of genuine resort-level beauty with real-world accessibility makes Horseshoe Bay a more livable long-term choice than communities that feel wonderful on weekends but isolating as a primary residence.
Texas Tax Advantages for Retirees
Texas has no state income tax, and for retirees receiving Social Security, pension income, or drawing from retirement accounts, this is a substantial financial benefit compared to states like California, New York, or Illinois. Property taxes in the Horseshoe Bay area are a real consideration — they vary by county and assessed value — but many retirees who own their homes and qualify for the homestead exemption (for primary residences) and the over-65 exemption can significantly limit their tax burden. Amy recommends consulting with a qualified Texas property tax advisor to understand your specific situation before purchase.
The Horseshoe Bay Outdoor Lifestyle
Life in Horseshoe Bay centers on the outdoors in a way that few Texas communities match. On the water, residents boat, water ski, wake surf, tube, fish, kayak, and paddleboard across Lake LBJ’s 21 miles of lake. On land, the Texas Hill Country surrounding Horseshoe Bay offers hiking and biking trails, wildlife viewing, and landscapes that shift through dramatic seasons — wildflower seasons in the spring, brilliant sunsets over the limestone hills year-round. The golf courses at Horseshoe Bay Resort draw serious golfers from across the country, and the Hill Country’s growing cycling scene has made the roads around Marble Falls and Llano popular for road riders and triathletes.
For fishing enthusiasts specifically, the Lake LBJ area is exceptional. Because the lake maintains constant levels, fish habitats remain stable, and the fishing calendar is consistent year-round. Bass tournaments are held regularly in the area, and guide services operate throughout the Highland Lakes chain. Many Horseshoe Bay homeowners fish from their own docks or keep a small fishing boat alongside their main vessel in the boathouse — a luxury that constant-level lake living makes genuinely practical.
Wildlife and Nature
The Hill Country surrounding Horseshoe Bay supports remarkable wildlife. White-tailed deer are plentiful and often seen at dawn and dusk along the lake’s shoreline. Wild turkey, axis deer (an exotic species brought to the Texas Hill Country in the mid-20th century), and numerous species of waterbirds make the area a destination for nature lovers. The night sky in this area — away from Austin’s light pollution — is dramatically clearer, and stargazing from a lakefront patio is a genuine nightly pleasure for many residents.
Dining, Shopping, and Local Services Near Horseshoe Bay
Horseshoe Bay itself is relatively quiet in terms of commercial development — which is by design. The city is primarily residential and resort-oriented. However, the resort’s dining options and the proximity to Marble Falls and Kingsland provide more than enough to meet daily needs and weekend entertainment.
Marble Falls is the primary service hub for the area, offering full grocery stores, pharmacies, a hospital and medical clinics, banks, hardware stores, home furnishing retailers, and a growing restaurant scene. Downtown Marble Falls along the Colorado River features locally owned restaurants, a farmers market, wine bars, and boutique shopping. The town’s lakefront park on Lake Marble Falls is a popular gathering spot. Additionally, the small town of Llano — about 28 miles northwest — is worth the drive for its famous barbecue scene and authentic small-town Texas character.
Within Horseshoe Bay itself, the resort provides dining at its multiple restaurants and bars, including The Yacht Club and Cap Rock Bar & Grille. Several other local restaurants are positioned near the resort and along FM 2147. For buyers accustomed to urban convenience, it is realistic to expect that a 10-to-20-minute drive covers most daily needs — and that this trade-off is genuinely worth it for the lifestyle Horseshoe Bay delivers.
Schools: What Families and Grandparents Need to Know
Horseshoe Bay straddles two county lines, and that means two different school districts serve the area. The Llano County portion of Horseshoe Bay is served by Llano Independent School District, while the Burnet County portion falls within Marble Falls Independent School District. As of 2024, there are no public or private schools located within Horseshoe Bay city limits — students are bused to schools in Marble Falls or Llano.
Because the community skews heavily toward retirees and second-home owners, schools are not the primary consideration for most buyers here. However, for younger families or buyers who will have grandchildren visiting regularly, understanding the school landscape matters. Marble Falls ISD serves the Burnet County side and has a solid reputation. Llano ISD serves the Llano County side. Both are small-district schools with the community-oriented feel typical of Central Texas rural districts. For families with strong school district requirements, Amy recommends confirming which district serves any specific property you are considering during the due diligence process.
Understanding the Horseshoe Bay Real Estate Market
The Horseshoe Bay luxury real estate market operates somewhat differently from Austin’s suburban market, and understanding those differences makes buyers and sellers more effective. Because so many properties are second homes, the pace of the market can be more deliberate — buyers take their time, visit multiple times, and often purchase based on emotion and lifestyle fit rather than urgency. At the same time, the best properties — particularly direct waterfront homes in gated communities like Applehead Island and Matern Island — are genuinely scarce and can attract competitive interest when they hit the market.
Price ranges in the broader Horseshoe Bay and Lake LBJ corridor span a wide spectrum. Non-waterfront golf course homes and lake-view properties generally start in the $400,000s to $800,000s. Properties with lake access (but not direct frontage) typically range from $700,000 to $1.5 million. Direct lakefront homes start around $1.5 million for more modest properties and scale to $7 million or more for the most extraordinary estates. Price per square foot in the most exclusive waterfront enclaves has ranged from approximately $840 to over $900 per square foot in recent transactions. Lot size, water frontage, boathouse quality, and interior finish level are the primary drivers of value at the top of the market.
Key Market Factors Buyers Should Understand
Several factors make buying in Horseshoe Bay distinctly different from buying in Austin. First, the lakefront market is thin — meaning there are never many listings at any given time, and the right property may take time to find. Buyers who are serious should be pre-qualified or ready to move with cash, because when the right property appears, it rarely waits long. Second, inspection considerations for waterfront and boathouse properties require specialized expertise — Amy works with inspectors who understand lake properties specifically, including dock systems, boat lifts, seawall conditions, and waterfront access rights. Third, HOA covenants in gated communities like Applehead and Matern can have meaningful implications for how you use and modify your property — understanding those documents before you close is essential.
For Buyers: Amy Seely’s Day-One Advantage
One of the most distinctive things Amy Seely offers Horseshoe Bay buyers is not just expertise in finding and closing on the right property — it is what she negotiates along with the property. Amy’s personal commitment to her lakefront buyers is this: she will negotiate the boat, the jet skis, the furniture, and the silverware as part of your transaction wherever possible. That matters in a practical way that most buyers do not fully appreciate until they experience it. Closing on a lakefront home and being able to walk in, put on your swimsuit, and head straight to the dock without having to spend weeks furnishing, equipping, and outfitting a lake house — that is the experience Amy creates for her buyers.
For buyers relocating from out of state or purchasing a second home, this level of turn-key negotiation is genuinely life-changing. You do not want to spend your first six weekends at your new lake house shopping for furniture and hauling equipment. You want to be on the water. Amy makes that possible by treating the personal property negotiation as seriously as the real estate transaction itself.
“When my buyers close on a Lake LBJ home, I want them on the water that same weekend. Negotiating the boat, the jet skis, the furniture — everything that makes a lakefront house a lakefront life — that is part of what I do. Most agents leave that on the table. I don’t.” — real estate expert Amy Seely

Buyer Due Diligence Checklist for Horseshoe Bay
Before closing on any Horseshoe Bay property, buyers should verify and evaluate the following:
- Water frontage rights: Confirm the specific nature of your waterfront access — fee simple ownership, a deeded boat slip, or a licensed dock easement. These are meaningfully different.
- Boathouse and dock condition: Engage a specialist inspector to evaluate the boathouse structure, boat lifts, electrical systems, and seawall or bulkhead. These systems can represent significant deferred maintenance expense.
- HOA documents and covenants: Review CC&Rs for rules about rentals, modifications, guests, noise, and watercraft.
- Flood zone designation: Confirm the property’s FEMA flood zone classification and whether flood insurance is required.
- County-specific tax implications: Property taxes vary by county, and the split nature of Horseshoe Bay between Llano and Burnet counties means buyers should understand exactly which taxing entities apply to their specific parcel.
- Resort membership availability: If resort membership access is important to you, confirm availability and cost before closing.
For Sellers: How to Maximize Your Horseshoe Bay Property’s Value
Selling a Horseshoe Bay or Lake LBJ waterfront property is not the same as selling an Austin suburb home. The buyer pool is more national, the decision timeline can be longer, and the marketing strategy must speak to aspiration and lifestyle as much as square footage and price per square foot. Austin luxury real estate expertise is essential — but so is specifically knowing this lakefront market and how to reach the right buyers.
Amy’s approach to selling Horseshoe Bay properties starts with understanding your home’s unique position in the market. Direct waterfront in Applehead or Matern? You are competing nationally with buyers who have seen lake homes from Maine to Michigan, and your marketing must reflect that. Golf course home or lake-view property? Your story is about lifestyle accessibility and the resort community at a more approachable price point. In every case, professional photography, compelling listing copy, and strategic digital marketing are non-negotiable. The Seely Group’s 192-Point Marketing Plan ensures maximum exposure across every platform where serious buyers search.
Pricing Strategy in a Thin Market
Because the Horseshoe Bay waterfront market is thin — meaning fewer comparable sales — pricing requires genuine expertise rather than a simple automated valuation. Amy reviews recent sales in the specific enclave and surrounding area, evaluates the condition and quality of your specific home, considers the current inventory of competing properties, and provides a pricing strategy designed to attract serious buyers without leaving money on the table. In a market this specialized, the difference between a well-priced listing and a poorly priced one can be hundreds of thousands of dollars — and months of sitting on the market.
Your Buyer & Seller Advantage
on Lake LBJ
Amy Seely’s Day-One Promise to Buyers
When you close on a lakefront home with Amy, you close on the full lifestyle — not just the house.
What Smart Buyers Know
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Constant-Level LakeLake LBJ holds its water level year-round — unlike Lake Travis. Your dock stays in. Your view stays intact.
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Pre-Qualified & Ready to MoveWaterfront inventory is thin. The right home rarely waits. Come to the market prepared.
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Waterfront Inspection ExpertiseDocks, boat lifts, seawalls, and electrical systems need specialists. Amy knows who to call.
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Verify County & HOA Before ClosingHorseshoe Bay spans two counties. Tax rates, school districts, and STR rules vary by parcel.
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Resort Membership AvailabilityConfirm current tiers, costs, and waitlists — don’t assume it’s included with the purchase.
How Amy Sells Lake LBJ Homes
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National Marketing Reach
Horseshoe Bay buyers come from Austin, Houston, Dallas, and beyond. The Seely Group’s 192-Point Marketing Plan reaches them all.
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Lifestyle-First Positioning
Waterfront buyers buy a feeling. Professional photography, video, and copy that sell the lake life — not just the square footage.
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Specialized Pricing Strategy
Thin comparables demand real expertise. Amy sets prices that attract serious buyers without leaving money on the table.
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Personal Property Negotiation
Boats, furnishings, and equipment as negotiating tools — Amy uses everything available to close your deal at the right number.
by Realogy
Served
Transactions
Track Record
Featured Recent Transactions: Amy Seely’s Horseshoe Bay Portfolio
42 Applehead Island Drive | Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657
$5,000,000 | 5 Bedrooms | 6 Bathrooms | 5,488 Sq Ft | Built 2008 | 0.47 Acres | Waterfront
Tucked inside the gates of Applehead Island on a quiet, wake-free cove of Lake LBJ, this fully reimagined waterfront estate represents the best of what lakefront living looks like at the highest level. Every inch of the home was thoughtfully renovated to achieve a modern, clean-lined aesthetic that still feels warm and inviting. Spanning more than 5,400 square feet across three levels, the home features five bedrooms, five and a half baths, and a layout that flows effortlessly for both everyday living and large gatherings. Walls of glass connect the interior to the lake, the vanishing-edge pool and spa, and more than 2,300 square feet of covered outdoor entertaining space. The private 1,162-square-foot boathouse includes electric lifts and space for two boats and two personal watercraft — making lake days immediate and effortless. The main living area centers around a stone and wood fireplace, an open kitchen with high-end appliances, and a primary suite with direct pool and lake access. Upstairs, three en-suite guest bedrooms open to a large water-view balcony. The lower level features six built-in bunks, a wet bar, and full bath — designed for hosting. Amy listed this property exclusively for The Seely Group.
401 Matern Court | Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657
$5,250,000 | 5 Bedrooms | 8 Bathrooms | 6,252 Sq Ft | Built 2019 | 0.27 Acres | Lake LBJ Waterfront
This stunningly crafted modern waterfront retreat on Lake LBJ enters through a one-of-a-kind courtyard with soaring waterfalls and a fire feature — setting the tone for everything that follows inside. The home’s main level features a sweeping great room with full-height glass doors and automatic power screens that open to a sprawling back patio, a fully appointed outdoor kitchen with grill, refrigerator, and ice maker, and power screens that protect the outdoor living space from insects. The primary suite includes a gas fireplace, soaking tub, walk-in rain shower, and exceptional closet. Upstairs, an impressive chandelier feature, a large media room, a fully appointed wet bar, bunk room, and C-Suite caliber office with lake views round out the upper floor. The lower level features a screened boat garage with lift, a private gym, and additional storage. Adjacent to the main house, a standalone casita and a separate theater/arcade complete the picture. The entire home is controlled through the Elan Smart Home system. Amy played a key role in bringing this transaction to closing for her clients.
1011 Moss Downs Drive | Granite Shoals / Lake LBJ
$4,390,000 | 5 Bedrooms | 7 Bathrooms | 5,010 Sq Ft | Built 2024 | 1.28 Acres | 213 Feet of East-Facing Lakefront
Built in 2024 by Richard Savage Custom Homes, this extraordinary single-level estate sits on over 1.2 acres with 213 feet of east-facing Lake LBJ frontage in a protected cove — offering both the calm of cove living and full lake access beyond. The home features resort-style heated pool and spa with a swim-up bar, a turf putting green, an outdoor kitchen, and a concrete-and-steel dock. Inside, five bedrooms and six and a half baths are arranged across a thoughtful single-level floor plan with three fireplaces, hardwood and tile flooring, a chef’s kitchen, and a four-car garage. The property is short-term rental friendly, with rental projections available for investors and second-home buyers interested in income when not in residence. Amy worked this transaction on behalf of her clients, navigating the Lake LBJ market to bring a complex deal to close.
Why Choose Amy Seely and The Seely Group for Your Horseshoe Bay Real Estate
When you buy or sell a lakefront property in Horseshoe Bay, the stakes are high and the expertise required is specific. Amy Seely is the top realtor in Austin and the Lake LBJ corridor who brings a rare combination of luxury real estate credentials, first-hand experience with the region’s most exclusive gated communities, and a personal commitment to going further for her clients than any other agent in this market. She is backed by Dallas Seely and the full power of The Seely Group — ranked in the top 1% of agents nationwide, with over 1,000 Texas families served and hundreds of 5 star Google Reviews from clients who experienced the difference that genuine expertise makes.
As an Austin real estate expert with deep roots in Central Texas luxury and waterfront real estate, Amy understands both sides of this market — the Lake Travis real estate corridor she serves to the south and the Lake LBJ corridor she serves to the northwest. That breadth of knowledge makes her uniquely qualified to advise clients on where the best value lies, which communities are positioned for appreciation, and how to negotiate the best possible outcome whether you are buying or selling. For buyers specifically, Amy’s commitment to negotiating boats, jet skis, furniture, and silverware as part of your transaction means you are not just buying a home — you are buying a lifestyle, starting on day one.
Real estate expert Dallas Seely and the broader Seely Group team provide additional resources, marketing horsepower, and transactional support that independent agents simply cannot match. From the 192-Point Marketing Plan for sellers to the concierge-level buyer experience Amy delivers, every step of your Horseshoe Bay transaction is executed at the highest level. Call or text Amy today at 512.943.2572 to begin the conversation.
To Discuss Your Horseshoe Bay Home Sale or Purchase, Call or Text Today and Start Packing!
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Frequently Asked Questions
About Horseshoe Bay Real Estate
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Is Horseshoe Bay a good investment for a vacation home or second home?
Yes — and the reasons are structural, not speculative. Lake LBJ’s constant-level designation means waterfront property values are not subject to the same drought-related risk as homes on fluctuating reservoirs. The proximity to Austin’s large and growing pool of high-income buyers creates sustained demand that has held strong through economic cycles.
The Horseshoe Bay Resort anchors the community with amenities that attract buyers and renters alike. And because the Texas Hill Country continues to grow in popularity as a lifestyle destination, the area benefits from broad regional tailwinds. Amy Seely recommends focusing on direct waterfront or premium lake-view properties for the strongest long-term value. Contact The Seely Group for current inventory and a personalized market analysis.
What makes Amy Seely the right agent for buying or selling in Horseshoe Bay?
Amy Seely has personally closed transactions in Horseshoe Bay’s most exclusive gated communities — including Applehead Island and Matern Island — and understands this market at a level that generalist agents simply do not. She brings a full-service approach that includes negotiating personal property (boats, jet skis, furniture, silverware, and more), specialized waterfront inspection expertise, and the marketing resources of The Seely Group’s 192-Point Marketing Plan for sellers.
For buyers, Amy creates a true turn-key experience so you can enjoy your lakefront home from day one. The Seely Group is ranked in the top 1% of agents nationwide and has earned hundreds of 5-star Google reviews from clients who felt the difference that genuine expertise makes. Contact Amy Seely to begin your Horseshoe Bay real estate journey.
How do property taxes work for Horseshoe Bay homes?
Property taxes in Horseshoe Bay vary based on which county your property sits in — Llano or Burnet — and how the property is classified. Primary residences that qualify for a homestead exemption receive a meaningful reduction in assessed value. Residents 65 or older may also qualify for an additional senior exemption that caps or reduces the school district portion of the tax bill.
Vacation and second homes do not qualify for the homestead exemption, so their effective tax rate is higher. Given the wide variation in tax assessments across the area, The Seely Group strongly recommends consulting with a local property tax advisor before closing and reviewing the most recent tax bills for any property under consideration as part of due diligence.
Have more questions about Horseshoe Bay or Lake LBJ real estate? Amy Seely is ready to help.
Contact The Seely Group