Considering a weekend escape or a full-time residence? Lakeway beckons. Here in Lakeway, you’re not just visiting a place. You are stepping into a lifestyle.
Lakeway began as a vision. Houston oilman Jack Josey owned a 2,700-acre ranch here. In 1962, three Houston businessmen saw its potential. They planned a hotel and resort community. G. Flint Sawtelle, John H. Crooker Jr., and Lee Blocker secured an option on the land. Lakeway was named as a sequel to Gulfmont’s Fairway Motor Hotel.
Construction began in October 1962. The grand opening was July 12, 1963. The Lakeway Land Company formed around the same time. Flint Sawtelle became president. The company focused on real estate development.
Lakeway’s story involves savvy land deals. The partnership expanded to ten people. They purchased 880 acres known as Josey 1. An inn and residential community were planned. They bought another 2,817 acres in 1964. The inn was owned through Lakeway Joint Ventures. Gulfmont Hotel Company operated it.
Property sales started May 30, 1963. The Lakeway Inn and Marina opened in July.
The Lakeway Land Company changed hands in 1971. Alpert Investment Corporation of Dallas bought it. At that time, Lakeway had 300 homes. About 1,000 acres had been developed.
Residents voted to incorporate in July 1974. The city of Austin consented. The 1,200-acre village of Lakeway was born. Newt Herndon became Lakeway’s first mayor.
Lakeway’s population has steadily grown. It had 1,020 residents in 1984. The greater Lakeway area had 3,120. By 1990, the city reached 4,044. In 2000, the population almost doubled to 8,002. The 2020 census recorded 19,189 residents.
Today, Lakeway offers a unique lifestyle. It is nestled on Lake Travis’s south shore. It is approximately 25 miles west of downtown Austin. Lakeway has golf courses, tennis courts, and marinas. It also has a private airport. A full-service hotel and spa are available. The lake stretches 65 miles. There are 100 acres of parkland and trails. Nearly 500 acres are greenbelts.
Lakeway provides municipal services. These include police, court, and development services. Parks, recreation, streets, and drainage are also managed. Solid waste management is provided too. Lake Travis Fire Rescue provides fire suppression. They also offer emergency medical response. Municipal utility districts supply water and wastewater services.
Lakeway is known for its well-managed growth. Families choose Lakeway for the lake lifestyle. Award-winning parks and recreation are appealing. Lake Travis ISD’s schools are highly regarded.
Active residents enjoy natural beauty. Austin is nearby. Endless activities are available. These include tennis, golf, and hiking. Biking, picnicking, camping, and fishing are popular. Boating, swimming, and scuba diving are enjoyed too.
Lakeway offers a contrast to Austin’s rapid growth. It provides a relaxing lake lifestyle. You can live and work where you play. Lakeway is more than a location. It’s a destination.