Wake to quiet water, oak trees, and the soft hum of a boat warming up across the cove. If you’re picturing an easygoing lake routine with quick runs into Marble Falls for essentials, Highland Haven might be your fit. In this guide, you’ll learn how daily life works here, from HHPOA park access to boating basics, housing character, utilities, and nearby services. Let’s dive in.
Where Highland Haven sits
Highland Haven is a small incorporated city on the eastern shore of Lake LBJ, about seven miles west of Marble Falls along Highway 1431. The city manages streets, permits, and the local water system while the property owners association oversees parks and community amenities. You get a true lake neighborhood feel with the services of a small city behind it. For official city context and contacts, start with the City of Highland Haven.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population is small and the age profile skews older. That helps set a calm, low‑traffic pace without losing the friendly, neighborly vibe many people want in a lakeside community. See the community snapshot on Highland Haven’s Wikipedia page for a quick overview.
Day-to-day life on Lake LBJ
Life in Highland Haven is lake‑centered and unhurried. Streets are narrow and quiet, which makes morning walks and golf‑cart rides to the parks common. Mature Hill Country trees offer shade and privacy around most homes.
Summer and holiday weekends bring more boats and visitors across the Highland Lakes. Regional events, like Kingsland’s July 4th celebration, also add energy around the lake corridor. The rhythm most residents notice is peaceful weekdays balanced with livelier summer weekends.
Parks and lake access
The Highland Haven Property Owners Association (HHPOA) owns and manages neighborhood parks that provide boat launches and lake access for property owners and their guests. Dove Park is the most developed, with a boat ramp and areas for swimming and fishing. Park use requires a resident sticker or guest pass, and rules are posted and enforced to keep everyone safe. Review park access and amenities on the HHPOA overview page and confirm details in the Official Park Rules.
If you need a larger public launch, there are public ramps around Lake LBJ in the surrounding area. Availability can change during lake maintenance or drawdowns, so check the Texas Parks & Wildlife Lake LBJ page before heading out.
Boating basics and safety
Lake LBJ is commonly described as a near constant‑level lake within the Highland Lakes chain, which appeals to boaters and anglers. Even so, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) may coordinate periodic maintenance or drawdown work. For context on recent projects that can affect lake operations, see the LCRA’s Wirtz Dam improvements notice.
Zebra mussels are present in Lake LBJ, so follow the state’s Clean, Drain, and Dry guidance each time you trailer a boat. The TPWD Lake LBJ resource is the best place to check invasive species updates, access points, and lake safety reminders.
Homes, lots, and what to expect
Highland Haven is primarily single‑family, with a mix of mid‑century homes, ranch‑style houses, remodeled cottages, and custom waterfront residences. Waterfront properties often include docks or boathouses, while inland lots tend to feel larger than suburban infill and feature mature trees.
Lot sizes and shoreline configurations vary quite a bit. You’ll see everything from modest interior parcels to double lots and custom waterfront estates. Because the city is small, market numbers can swing from month to month. Treat any price snapshot as just that and plan to verify current activity with a fresh MLS review.
Waterfront ownership details
If you plan to build, repair, or replace a dock or boathouse, approvals can involve the city, the LCRA, and relevant HHPOA committees. Ask for records of prior permits and recent shoreline work before you buy. LCRA maintenance projects and occasional drawdowns can affect timing for shoreline improvements; the LCRA Wirtz Dam project update is a good example of why to check notices during due diligence.
Utilities, rules, and local services
The City of Highland Haven operates a water system. Some homes use septic for wastewater, so confirm water source and sewer or septic status on a property‑by‑property basis. You can verify utility contacts and current projects with the City of Highland Haven.
The city enforces local ordinances and advertises a comparatively low municipal tax rate for the area. Keep in mind your overall property tax bill includes the school district, county, and any special districts. For parcel‑specific tax questions, consult the Burnet Central Appraisal District.
Schools, healthcare, and essentials
Highland Haven is served by Marble Falls ISD. Attendance boundaries can vary, so always verify the assigned campus for a specific address using Marble Falls ISD’s district information.
For medical care, Marble Falls Area EMS lists Highland Haven in its service area, and hospital services are a short drive away in Marble Falls. You can view station details on the Marble Falls Area EMS page. Daily needs like groceries, pharmacies, and clinics are most often met in Marble Falls along the 1431 corridor.
Living here year‑round
Expect a relaxed, neighborly pace most of the year with more activity on summer weekends. HHPOA parks act as small social hubs where you’ll see walkers, anglers, and golf carts. Many residents enjoy the combination of quiet streets, established trees, and quick access to Marble Falls for shopping, dining, and healthcare.
Buyer checklist for Highland Haven
- Confirm HHPOA park access, stickers, and guest pass rules for your household and visitors using the HHPOA page and Official Park Rules.
- Verify utilities: city water connection and whether the property uses sewer or septic with the City of Highland Haven.
- Ask sellers for dock and boathouse permit history and any recent shoreline work approvals from the city, LCRA, and HHPOA.
- Check the TPWD Lake LBJ resource for current boating guidance and invasive species advisories before launching.
- Review LCRA notices for any lake maintenance or drawdowns that could impact ramps or shoreline projects.
- Model property taxes using the Burnet CAD site and remember total bills include city, county, school district, and special districts.
- Visit at different times of day and during both weekday and weekend hours to gauge noise, boat traffic, and street activity.
- If schools matter to you, verify attendance zones with Marble Falls ISD for the exact address.
Ready to explore Highland Haven?
If Highland Haven sounds like your kind of lake life, we can help you compare waterfront vs. interior options, verify permits and utilities, and time your search to the market’s rhythms. Our team specializes in Lake LBJ and the Highland Lakes, with buyer and seller representation, valuation consultations, and strategic marketing for premium properties. Start a conversation with McAlister Realty and request a Market Consultation.
FAQs
Is Lake LBJ really constant level for Highland Haven residents?
- Lake LBJ is commonly managed near a constant level, but maintenance and drawdowns can occur. Check the TPWD Lake LBJ page and LCRA notices before you plan projects or boating.
Are Highland Haven’s parks open to the public?
- HHPOA parks are for property owners and their guests, and use requires a resident sticker or guest pass; see the HHPOA overview and Official Park Rules.
What home styles and lot sizes are common in Highland Haven?
- You’ll find single‑family homes ranging from mid‑century and ranch‑style to remodeled cottages and custom waterfront builds, with lot sizes and shoreline configurations that vary widely.
Who handles utilities in Highland Haven?
- The city operates the water system, and some homes use septic for wastewater; verify the setup for each property with the City of Highland Haven.
How do property taxes work in Highland Haven?
- The city sets a municipal rate, but your total bill reflects city, county, school district, and special districts, so check the Burnet CAD for parcel‑specific estimates.
Which schools serve Highland Haven addresses?
- Properties are served by Marble Falls ISD; always confirm the campus for a specific address on the MFISD district page.
Who provides emergency services near Highland Haven?
- Marble Falls Area EMS covers Highland Haven and hospital services are nearby in Marble Falls; view EMS station details on the Marble Falls Area EMS site.
