Lago Vista, Texas, in Travis county, is 18 miles W of Round Rock, Texas (center to center) and 19 miles NW of Austin, Texas. The city is considered part of the Austin - San Marcos metropolitan area. Lago Vista has a population of 4,507. Also known as North Shore.

The People and Families of Lago Vista

In Lago Vista, about 67% of adults are married. Lago Vista is considered a city for married couples and families.

Wealth and Education

In 2000, Lago Vista had a median family income of $62,114. Lago Vista is regarded in the state as a city where many of the people are well-off. The city has a large middle class. Lago Vista finds a smaller share of its people living in poverty than most places in the state. To its credit, the people in the city value education and a large proportion are college graduates. An unusual characteristic of Lago Vista is the share of people in it who work at home. You could say that the city is a good place if you're looking to marry or date a rich person, with its relatively large population of well-paid single people.

Political Inclinations

In the 2004 election, Michael Badnarik was the top Presidential fund-raiser in Lago Vista ($3,860). Residents gave more to the Republican party than any of the others.

Lago Vista Housing

About 75% of housing units in Lago Vista are owner-occupied. The city sports a large amount of seasonal housing, typically for vacation or part-time use. Housing in Lago Vista tends to be newer construction. People in the city pay more in property taxes per residence than in most communities in the state.

Commuting

In Lago Vista, 92% of commuters drive to work.

Modern Lago Vista is a place where people still wave hello and hold open doors.  In a time where this behavior is not commonplace, it is refreshing to find a community where the past meets the present in such a graceful fashion.

 Lago Vista is situated at the center of the beautiful and rugged northshore of Lake Travis. Rolling hills, steep canyons and reforestation of oak and cedar trees are characteristic of this beautiful region. We are currently the largest town to grow out of this historical area so visitorÿs come here for rest, relaxation and unobstructed views of the lake and surrounding countryside.

 Many small communities make up the north shore of Lake Travis and all have a story to tell in the settling of this area once considered to be isolated and desolate with modest amenities.  Some of the highlights of our history are recounted here: 

 ·          Comanche and Tonkawa Indians were the original settlers to the area evidenced by Indian heads found all along the coastline of Lake Travis in Jonestown just east of Lago Vista. 

 ·          The name ´cedar choppers¡ was given to Irish immigrant workers who cleared the abundant cedar trees in this area to be used in making posts for barbed wire fences. 

·          Permanent wagon trail ruts are permanently indented into the ground near the foothills west of Lago Vista to mark the passage of long forgotten settlers. 

·          The Cox Springs School House is a one room building (still standing) used from 1909 through 1952. Some of our residents recount the time they spent receiving their education there. 

·          Dink Pearson Park is the site of the original land grants owners, near the old North Shore bridge entrance. 

·          A concrete bridge was constructed to cross Lake Travis from Lakeway to Point Venture.  When Mansfield Dam was constructed and the lake flooded in 1941 this bridge was covered making that route to the north shore impossible. Many of the early land grant homesteads were flooded also. Their property as well as the original concrete dam is still in place at the bottom of the lake. A small ferry service operated from 1941 until 1985 when it was permanently closed. 

·          Noah Smithwick was a war veteran from the Battle of Concepcion Mission, Indian Wars and the Mexican Invasion. He worked as a Texas Ranger before purchasing a Morman Mill and building Smithwick Mill. His strong opposition to the Civil War prompted thim to move to California but the town of Smithwick remains today. 

·          This area did not receive a supply of electricity from Pedernales Electric Cooperative until 1971. 

·          In the 1980ÿs National Resort Communities developed the Lago Vista area with the vision to create a planned community that would create a harmonious lifestyle of natural beauty and recreational facilities. Potential land owners flew into the small municipal airport from all over the world to purchase a piece of Texas Heaven. 

·          Travis Peak is the highest elevation in most of Travis County and the site of the first church built on the north shore. 

·          Country western singer Ricky Trevino was discovered by Sony Records singing at Oskiÿs Plaza in the Thirsty Turtle restaurant. The restaurant is under new management and is now called Remingtonÿs. Rusty Weir and other Austin legends have played at this local establishment. 

·          Highland Lakes Golf Course in hosted the NCAA National Championship team as itÿs practice course. Tim Kyte and Ben Crenshaw were regulars here. 

·          Lago Vista Golf Course was the home course for early Texas golfer, Orville Moody, who won the U.S. Open Golf Tour.  Lee Trevino was a feature golfer at the opening of the course.