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  • Sam Chapman is a real estate agent with Private Label Realty and is licensed in the state of Texas. License # 0509637.
Buying Waterfront in Austin vs. Florida

Both Austin and parts of Florida are great for finding waterfront homes.  People can buy on Lake Travis and Lake Austin in the Austin area.  People buying in Florida can be on the coast or on a pond or river.  People in Austin need to be aware of underwater hazards if they are boating or jumping into either Lake Travis or Lake Austin.  People in Florida need to know about alligators.  If someone wants to swim in a Florida lake or pond, they need to be absolutely certain there are no alligators in it.  How they do that is something I don't know.  So the safe thing is simply to stay out of the water.

On the the coast of Florida...  Can you say hurricane?   A few years ago the state got pounded. People with waterfront homes on the beach aren't the only ones who need to be concerned about hurricanes.  The storm surge is a huge concern, but so are wind and rain in other areas.

Central Texas doesn't get affected by tropical systems often, but when we do, we get wind and rain.  It is the rain that is usually more of a problem  The ground in the Hill Country where Lake Travis is consists mainly of limestone.  After an inch or so of water soaks in, the rest runs off.  Much of it runs into Lake Travis.  If an owner of a Lake Travis waterfront home has a home that is within the floodplain, there is a risk of flooding.

Many people in Florida buy waterfront homes largely for the view.  People who buy on Lake Travis or Lake Austin buy for the view and to be able to swim and boat on the lakes. 

If I was trying to decide between waterfront property here or in Florida, I would by here.  Questions about Lake Austin or Lake Travis homes?  Call me at 512-293-2422.

Posted: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 2:28 PM by Sam Chapman

Comments

Florida Gal said:

But you're serious! In that case, you should point out Lake Travis' most notable feature - huge areas of dried-up, hideously ugly, rock-laden shoreline.  And that this is a development occuring on an increasingly regular basis. The result? Lots of so-called Lake Travis "waterfront" owners get a choice view of a pile of rocks.  And lots more Lake Travis boat owners have their boats marooned for much of the season, never able to get them out of the marinas.  What did I just read?  That if the Hades-like weather in Austin continues for much longer there will be NO  marinas open for the remainder of the summer?  Again?

Nevertheless, I can appreciate that some people just like their rocks.  That would explain those who'd rather bask on red-hot boulders (they actually call  Hippie Hollow a beach!) than on a real beach with real sand (the powder white kind), real seashells and, last but not least, a real ocean. Or those who like their boating on a limited, rather than an unlimited, basis.  Or those who'd rather fish for bass and catfish than marlin and grouper.  

We think the scorching, triple-digit degree, rainless Texas summers may have fried more than a few brains out there.  

But then again, you're really kidding, right?

# June 25, 2009 4:36 PM

Sam Chapman said:

Hey Florida Gal - thanks for the comment.  I'm just trying to stir up some readers.  You are right about the heat and how low Lake Travis can go, but I would prefer to risk heat and a drought to a hurricane.  To each his own, right?  Anyone buying a Lake Travis property needs to understand the reality of the lake and the amount the water can fluctuate and I do my very best to disclose that.

# June 26, 2009 9:23 AM

Florida Gal said:

Yes, you've been very upfront about disclosing the negatives as well as the positives about Lake Travis.  For me, there's no comparison, unless of course one already lives in Texas and can't get to the beautiful coast.  Like you said, to each his own!

# June 27, 2009 4:41 PM

Rotary Joint said:

Your post had me convinced that Austin was clearly the better choice until I read the comment from Florida Gal. She has some good points, and that leads me to the conclusion that both have their advantages and disadvantages. But the choice of where to live is rarely decided solely by the nearby body of water. Other life factors come into play too, so this is just one aspect to consider out of many.

# June 29, 2009 8:25 AM
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