Briarcliff, TX

Briarcliff is a quiet, close-knit village tucked along the south shore of Lake Travis, roughly 30 miles west of downtown Austin. Home to around 2,000 residents, it offers a laid-back Hill Country setting centered around the water. Boating and lake days have defined the area for decades, anchored by the Briarcliff Marina and miles of scenic shoreline. Families looking to move here are also drawn to the top-rated Lake Travis Independent School District.

Day-to-day living moves at a relaxed pace, with plenty of outdoor recreation right in the neighborhood. Locals enjoy nature trails, a nine-hole golf course, a disc golf course, shaded parks, and a community dog park. Even with its secluded feel, shopping and dining in nearby Lakeway and Bee Cave are an easy drive away. It is an ideal spot for anyone wanting small-town lake living within reach of the city.