Shaded by swaying cypress trees, living in Spicewood offers small-town charm, excellent education, and the incomparable beauty of the Colorado River basin. Spicewood is 45-minutes northwest of Austin off Hwy 71, an ideal location with access to everything and, with a low population density, the feeling of being secluded. Of course, there’s more to living in Spicewood that makes it feel like just the right place to be.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Spicewood is slightly less than living within Austin city limits (<1% difference), factoring housing, utilities, transportation, entertainment, etc. It does, however, offer a significantly lower property tax rate, about 33% lower for 2020 adopted tax rates in Burnet County than the City of Austin. Though homes in Spicewood are similarly priced to the Austin market, they have a larger footprint in both square footage and acreage making it a great choice for homebuyers that want access to the Austin experience, but a relaxed Texas Hill Country lifestyle.
Schools
Spicewood residents prioritize education, with the average annual school expenditure per pupil standing at $19,014. For students living in Spicewood, there are great schools available to attend in both Lake Travis ISD and Marble Falls ISD. With low student-teacher ratios, high graduation rates, and high ratings, schools in Spicewood like Spicewood Elementary and Lake Travis Middle School provide a top-tier educational foundation for growing minds.
Parks and Recreation
Living in Spicewood means not only are outdoor recreation opportunities nearby, they are boundless. Here, the outdoors are the main event. Muleshoe Bend, a 654-acre park just five miles outside Spicewood proper, has 9.8 miles of trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding and lake entry ramps for water sports. A little further down Hwy 71 is Pace Bend Park, a 1,386-acre haven with limestone bluffs that overlook the sparkling blue Lake Travis below, and plenty of space for mountain biking, camping, fishing, and a number of coves for seasonal swimming. Krause Springs, part of the National Registry of Historic Sites, is a private, family-owned nature preserve of 32 natural springs and butterfly gardens—making the perfect escape from the everyday that’s still close to home.
For a day spent on the green, Lakecliff Golf Club promises members of all playing levels a good time. With an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, tennis courts, clubhouse, practice facilities, and fitness center—world-class recreation has a place in Spicewood.
Shopping and Dining
Spicewood is situated like an oasis between Bee Cave and Marble Falls, and as such, has convenient access to dining and shopping destinations, with a few beloved eateries and destinations of its own. Whether you want drive-across-the-state brisket from Opie’s BBQ, live music and a cold beer at Angel’s Icehouse, or to enjoy a glass of wine on the lawn at Spicewood Vineyards, Spicewood has just the place.
For shopping, choose from the charming storefronts in Marble Fall’s downtown district or national chains and local boutiques in Bee Cave’s Hill Country Galleria. And with entertainment options—from movies to spa treatments—in both, your perfect day is just a short drive away.
Transportation
While most transportation is by personally-owned vehicles or rideshare, there are still public transportation options for commuting to and from Spicewood, though they are somewhat limited. The Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) has a bus running from nearby Marble Falls (15 mi NW) to downtown Austin every weekday.
Final Thoughts
With a lower cost of living, fantastic schools, and no shortage of things to do, Spicewood makes a great contender for your next perfect place. So, whatever life you want to lead, if your priority is tranquility without sacrificing convenience, there’s no better choice than living in Spicewood.