Texas lakefront living is the best of two worlds: the beauty of nature combined with the convenience of city living. Many central Texas lakes are reservoirs supplying the water needs for major cities, so they tend to be within two hours' drive of metro areas. Take Eagle Mountain Lake, for example; it lies about 17 miles from downtown Fort Worth. Lake Worth is even closer.
The benefits of living on a lake are many. Believe it or not, living on a lake can benefit your health. Studies have shown that people who live near water have lower blood pressure and heart rates and tend to live longer than those who don't. Lakes provide recreation through swimming, fishing, boating, and water sports. The water provides a cooling effect in the summer, and the views are simply beautiful.
Before you start packing your bags and looking for lakefront property near Fort Worth, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. Here are eight tips to help you find the perfect place for you and your family.
Where do you want to live?
Location is key when it comes to picking a lake house. You'll want to make sure it's close enough to civilization for your convenience but far enough away that you can truly enjoy the peace of lake living.
Do you prefer a fast commute into town for your daily needs? If that's the case, you'll need to search for properties close to the lifestyle amenities you want. For instance, if a 15-minute drive to a grocery store is too far, then that impacts where on the lake you live.
Before you choose a waterfront property, make sure it meets all of your needs by focusing on the activities you like to do and why you want to live near the water in the first place. Are you into waterskiing? Sailboating? Do you plan to spend mornings fishing?
Keep in mind that you can renovate certain aspects of a home, but you cannot change its location. Buy a property you love and not just a house you love.
You'll also want to conduct due diligence on the location. Examine the floodplain and its proximity to any buildings on the property. Looking at the history of development on the site for hidden infrastructure. Consider how weather patterns and wind affect flooding and structural safety. All this information may be found via local government sources.
The closest lakes to the Fort Worth metro area:
- Lake Worth
- Eagle Mountain Lake
- Benbrook Lake
- Lake Arlington
- Grapevine Lake
- Lake Weatherford
- Lewisville Lake
What's the water quality like?
The water quality of a lake can vary significantly from one body of water to another. Some lakes are crystal clear, while others may be murky and full of algae. Do your research so you know what you're getting into.
Tarrant Regional Water District does regular testing for E.Coli and monitors the local reservoirs and waterways like the Trinity River. It doesn't specifically test for bacteria like Naegleria fowleri or heavy metal contamination.
Understanding water quality directly impacts where you might want to live on a lake. For instance, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality recommends limited eating of fish caught in Lake Worth. Water quality testing in 2002 found that fish in Lake Worth are contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Heavy clean-up efforts around Air Force Plant no. 4 have been ongoing, and levels have declined, but as of March 2018, seven fish species were still showing high dioxins and PCBs.
On the other hand, Eagle Mountain Lake does not have any current fish consumption advisories. Knowing this information definitely impacts where you want to live if you're interested in living on a lake because you're an avid fisherman.
What is the high water line?
The high water line is the mark left on the shore by the highest point the water has ever reached. This is important because it will give you an idea of how much shoreline you'll have when the lake is at its fullest.
Local lake shorelines can and do move throughout the year. You could deal with some erosion as the water level goes up or down.
In Texas, we've had some pretty severe droughts in the past. Most lakeside homeowners are more apt to be left high and dry, with their docks or boats on land instead of on water.
That doesn't mean a severe rain event couldn't significantly raise the reservoir levels. However, the local Army Corps of Engineers that manage most of our reservoirs have procedures in place to regulate water levels above and below the dams. Some minor to moderate flooding may occur depending on the environmental conditions at that time.
Eagle Mountain Lake regularly reports its water level and has benchmarks for flood or low water conditions and what it means for residents. A similar chart is available for Lake Worth. Another chart shows the percentage full for Benbrook Lake.
What are future water needs?
Will the lake be used for future water needs? You'll want to find out this before you buy lakefront property, as it could impact your enjoyment of the lake.
All Fort Worth's lakes are man-made reservoirs built to supply the city's water needs. As the population grows, more stress is placed on these water systems. The regional district is looking at ways to supply the area's future water needs, such as creating another reservoir.
Daily water use set new records in the summer of 2022. Demand will likely continue rising as temperatures change needs and more people move into the DFW area.
What regulations are in place?
Lakes are regulated by a variety of local, state, and federal laws. These regulations can impact everything from what you can build on your property to how you use the lake itself. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the laws before you purchase a lakefront property.
For example, if you want to upgrade or install a dock or pier on Lake Worth, you must comply with the city's design standards and obtain the written approval of the Lake Worth Management Office. Docks, piers, and boathouses are only permissible on lots with primary structures, like a home. The property must also have a water use and access easement.
Eagle Mountain Lake falls under the Tarrant Regional Water District and has regulations about structures, fill work, and dredging. Marine Creek Lake does not permit personal watercraft or water skiing.
Benbrook Lake is under the purview of the US Army Corps of Engineers, which has regulations about adjacent privately owned real estate and public lands. The lake is also under the Tarrant Regional Water District.
Owning a home by the water comes with many legal implications. One of the most pressing concerns is how far your land extends to the water's edge. In some situations, property lines may not reach all the way to the waterfront, which could mean that there is space for public zoning areas like roads or walkways. If your land does extend to the river's edge, you might be subject to riparian rights--this means that everyone who owns property along that stretch of water has an equal right to use it.
What is the lake home's upkeep like?
Lake homes need to be regularly maintained in order to stay healthy and beautiful. This upkeep can be costly, so consider investing upkeep costs into your budget when considering lakefront living. This is especially true if your lakefront home will be a second property, vacation home, or rental. You'll want to ensure you have the budget to cover any necessary repairs or upkeep, even when you're not using the property.
Additional moisture can swell wood and rust metals, especially if the home sits in the prevailing winds. In addition, water and sewer costs may be higher for lakefront homes, and there could be additional fees for dock or lift fees, as well as septic tanks and other utilities. Septic systems need regular inspections and maintenance to avoid contaminating the local reservoir and water table. An experienced real estate should point these out to you.
Where will you store your boat?
If you plan on using the lake for boating and water sports, you'll need a place to store your boat(s). Whether it's on your property or at a marina, those water toys must be kept somewhere. If you're in an HOA community, there may be regulations about boat storage or structures on your property.
Many lakes have marinas where you can keep your boat, but this can also be an additional cost. Marinas offer wet slips and dry storage, each with varying fee structures. In 2022, a motorized covered boat slip at Eagle Mountain Lake Marina cost $3,900 to $4,308 a year, depending on the slip size and location. Trailer storage ran $1,077 a year. At Lakeview Marina, wet slips started at $230 per month for 20' boats.
You're in luck if your property comes with an existing dock, boat lift, and storage. Nothing is more convenient than having a private boat slip to quickly access the water. Otherwise, you may want to consider adding these structures, if permitted. These secondary structures can add value to your property while maintaining the condition of your various watercraft.
If you intend to use your watercraft for specific purposes, does your home have the facilities to fit them? For example, if you're into waterskiing but the property is equipped with personal watercraft (PWC) lifts, that impacts your use of the existing dock.
All Fort Worth's lakes are open to all watercraft. Kayaks, canoes, jet skis, sailboats, and motorized craft can access the waterways. Of course, boaters need to follow the rules of the waterways, such as obeying buoys and markers for no-wake zones and staying away from designated swim areas.
Another consideration is winter storage. As many Texans learned, deep freezes can and do happen in the area. In Winter 1930, Lake Worth froze thick enough for cars to drive on. Even if the ice isn't thick in most years, the cold weather can wreak havoc on engines and electronics.
On the flip side, the intense temperatures also impact your boat's condition. The intense Texas sun reflecting off the lake water can damage marine upholstery, structure, woodwork, and canvas tops. Shaded and enclosed storage will protect your investment from the sun's damaging UV rays. These same rays also wear out your dock, so account for regular maintenance and deck sealant application to extend its life.
Do you love the home?
As you begin viewing lakefront properties, try not to become distracted by the lake views. The last thing you want is to fall in love with the lake, move in, and realize the home doesn't fit your needs or expectations.
Some home features can be upgraded, like an outdated kitchen or the exterior color. But ask yourself, do you want to undertake significant renovations to make your lakefront home just right? It's okay to prefer a move-in-ready home with minor cosmetic upgrades.
Consider your intent for the home. If this will be a primary residence, you'll likely want more space than if you want a weekend fishing retreat.
Is lakefront living right for you?
In terms of investment, waterfront houses in Texas are worth a lot. Waterfront homes are harder to locate and keep their value, which is one of the reasons they're so popular. If you decide to relocate away from the water, a waterfront property may be rented out.
Living on a lake is a lifestyle choice that isn't for everyone. But if you love the outdoors and appreciate the quiet of nature, then lakefront living might be perfect.
Keep these eight tips in mind if you're considering lakefront living in Texas. Issues regarding waterfront homes are not common knowledge, so you must find a specialist in the field to help with your search and negotiations. Without proper guidance, you may think you've found a fantastic deal on a home only to realize too late that there are underlying problems with the property. The Chicotsky Real Estate Group knows all of Fort Worth's local lakes and specific factors to evaluate for lakefront living.
