A great site for water sports, you can take one of the boat tours available, or bring your own. High cliffs provide shelter from the wind and make boating favorable, while also providing great sites for beautiful homes. It is also a spot for recreational fishing, stocked with largemouth bass, catfish and sunfish.

Mount Bonnell, the highest point in Austin, is a natural limestone feature, and has been a popular picnicking spot since the mid 1800s. From the brief hike to the top you can see over Lake Austin, the 360 Bridge (or Pennybacker Bridge), and to the downtown skyline.

Pictured: Private cove of Lake Austin from 1611 Westlake Drive

HGTV’s feature, “A Wealth of Luxury Property Options,” lists different types of luxury properties that buyers have to choose from, with options they may not be familiar with. Many of these options – perhaps more than you’d think – are found in Austin, in central Texas.

Number one is the Equestrian Estate. While these homes are very often lavish, the biggest appeal can be the horse amenities, including stalls, riding arenas and trails, training facilities, water, and open fields for grazing. Texas Hill Country has some of the best rolling hills for horses to roam, and open country for riding. Rancho Estacia, Gabriel’s Horn, and the Dream Horse Property are all fantastic estate homes with great horse features as well. The Polo Club Stables property is another premier equestrian showplace.

Number two is the Golf Community. HGTV points out that it’s not just life on the golf course that is so enjoyable, but the social events and amenities that these clubs offer, as well. Austin has many great courses and clubs, but a property like Cimarron Hills, with a private Jack Nicklaus designed 3-hole course, will make a golfer think he or she woke up in a dream.

Number three is the Lakefront Property. Austin was listed as one of the four most popular areas in the country for lakefront living. These homes offer pristine views, water recreation, and peace and seclusion from city life. Rancho Estacia is on a very private portion of Lake Travis. Westlake Drive sits on a private cove of Lake Austin, near downtown. Osprey Ridge offers fantastic views of Lake Travis and luxurious living.

Number eight is the Suburban Home. They may be less focused on acreage, and more focused on strong sense of community and being pedestrian friendly (and child friendly). The San Gabriel River Estate and Gabriel’s Horn both sit in Georgetown, a suburb of Austin. These homes include elite, gated estates. Secluded from downtown you can find Hickory Creek Cove in the gated estates above Lost Creek, or Sangiacomo Cove.