The 5 Cheapest Lakes in Texas to Buy a Second Home

Do you want to know the five cheapest lakes in Texas to buy a second home? So many great reasons present themselves to buy a lake house as a second home. A few of those reasons include investment advantages to better physical health, to an overall improved quality of life.

It used to be that buying a second home as a vacation house was only for the elite. However, that popular dream is increasingly more affordable than ever! Texas, the second largest state in the U.S., boasts plenty of lakes offering homes of significantly varying prices. You might be surprised at how many of these scenic lakes offer affordable places to buy as second homes. If you’re interested in finding a second home, check out these lakes in the Lone Star state.

Here are five of the cheapest lakes in Texas to buy a second home:

1. Lake Granbury

Beautiful Lake Granbury, which lies in the heart of Granbury, Texas, sits in northern Texas. One of the three lakes that were formed by damming the Brazos River, this clean lake offers 121 miles of shoreline. At 33 miles long and 75 feet deep, Lake Granbury features 8,310 acres of surface area.

With over 1,000 boat docks and piers, Lake Granbury offers all kinds of recreational activities. The lake is an angler’s delight, with largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white crappie, sunfish, and longnose gar to fish for. In addition to fishing, homeowners enjoy boating, jet skiing, swimming, hiking, and paddle boating. Several parks and boat launches on Granbury Lake offer easy access to this Texas treasure. For waterfront culinary enjoyment, visit Stumpy’s Lakeside Grill for a tasty burger.

2. Eagle Mountain Lake

Another of the cheapest lakes in Texas to buy a second home is Eagle Mountain Lake. Also in North Texas, Eagle Mountain Lake is located just 15 miles north of downtown Fort Worth. A reservoir that was built by damming the west fork of the Trinity River, Eagle Mountain Lake offers 93 miles of shoreline. This affordable lake covers 8,702 acres with a maximum depth of 51 feet.

This recreation-friendly lake is great for boating, skiing, wakeboarding, hiking, kayaking, or just relaxing. As well, many of the copious marinas on Eagle Mountain Lake marinas rent boats and offer numerous amenities to boaters, such as wet and dry boat slips, trailer storage, a gas dock, and 24-hour security.

Additionally, fishing opportunities abound: You can catch largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, white bass, and white crappie. After your catch, enjoy some fish and chips or sandwiches at The Lakehouse on Eagle Mountain Lake.

Other than its proximity to Fort Worth, the lake offers gorgeous bluffs, hills, and mountains for potential home buyers.

3. Canyon Lake

Located in Central Texas Hill Country — between Austin and San Antonio — Canyon Lake offers sparkling clean water and affordable lake living. Formerly known as Canyon Reservoir, Canyon Lake was formed by the construction of Canyon Dam, built to control floods and conserve water. With a maximum depth of 124 feet, this crystal-clear lake offers 80 miles of shoreline. Its water covers 8,230 acres, and it is only an hour from historic San Antonio.

Most consider Canyon Lake one of the cleanest bodies of water in Texas. Consequently, plenty of recreational activities abound. Fishing is an obvious favorite, with an abundance of varieties such as catfish, white and striped bass, largemouth bass, and sunfish. Canyon Lake also has pontoon and paddle boats available to rent to enjoy the lake’s channel and secluded coves. The lake also features several swim beaches at Comal Park, Canyon Overlook Park, and Canyon Beach.

Another feature attractive to potential second-home buyers is the 18-hole golf course at Lakeside Golf Club, a Hill Country gem that offers a fully-stocked pro shop as well as sites for events such as weddings and reunions. After you finish up on the 18th, enjoy slow-cooked beef pot roast or a specialty sandwich at the Lakeside Bar and Grill.

4. Lake Palestine

Located about 15 miles southwest of Tyler, Texas (about halfway between Dallas and Shreveport), Lake Palestine was formed by the construction of the Blackburn Crossing Dam on the Neches River. With a surface area of 40 square miles, the lake possesses a maximum depth of 50 feet, with the average being 16 feet. Additionally, it provides 135 miles of shoreline, and the area’s mild climate makes it a contender for home buyers wanting to enjoy the outdoors year-round.

For recreation, this East Texas landmark offers a plethora of choices. Like most other lakes with homes in this price range, Lake Palestine offers all kinds of boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, jet-skiing, and paddleboarding fun. The cool, clear water also makes it a perfect destination for just swimming in one of the designated areas for that specific purpose.

For convenience, equipment rentals are available all around the lake. Abundant nature trails ready themselves for hikers who might want to get some fresh air and catch glimpses of deer, squirrels, and raccoons.

Anglers will love the quest for white bass; hybrid striped bass; largemouth bass; white and black crappie; and blue, channel, and flathead catfish. Before you cast your line, start the day at Harbour Grille at the marina.

5. Lake Whitney

For a real lakefront bargain, check out Lake Whitney located within driving distance of Waco, Dallas, and Fort Worth. A flood control reservoir, this lake is situated on the main stem of the Brazos River. Encompassing 23,500 acres, Lake Whitney boasts 225 miles of shoreline, with a maximum depth of 108 feet. Commonly known as one of the prettiest lakes in Texas, potential second-home buyers are attracted to this lake because of its clear and uncrowded waters bordered by white and rugged limestone cliffs.

As with most Texas lakes, Lake Whitney offers an abundance of recreational activities. First of all, the lake offers the standard boating, swimming, hiking, and biking options as well as the more unusual, like geocaching.

Fishing is also a standard pastime on Lake Whitney with largemouth, striped, and white bass as well as blue catfish lying beneath the surface. Lake Whitney State Park offers seasonal programs such as star parties and scavenger hunts. Children can even enter the program to become a Lake Whitney Junior Ranger. Before you head out to your Lake Whitney adventure, enjoy a steak and eggs or French toast breakfast at The Cove Cafe.

Summary of the 5 Cheapest Lakes in Texas to Buy a Second Home