If you are looking for a great place to live on the West side of the city, you might want to look into one of the many beautiful neighborhoods located around Lake Austin. Really more of a river than a lake, Lake Austin offers a consistently cool spot for enjoying a number of water sports and activities. The fact that the Mansfield dam empties in Lake Austin is responsible for the cool temperatures, while the narrow shape makes it perfectly of wakeboarders and other water sport enthusiasts.

One drawback to the cooler temperatures is the fact that hydrilla, which is a non-native plant, thrives in the environment. As a result, the Lower Colorado River Authority empties the lake each winter during the cold snap. This annual project doesn't affect the residents of the area, however, since most are not interested in swimming during the coldest time of the winter. In addition, once the temperatures warm up, the lake is filled again with fresh, clean waters.

There are several neighborhoods in the Lake Austin area to choose from, including:

Due to the fact that Lake Austin is long and narrow, there are plenty of homes available along the banks and near to the lake. Originally created in an effort to assist with flood control and to generate electrical power, Lake Austin is more than just a practical solution to environmental issues, it is a great spot to relax and to live.