Area Information
To watch a short video about the area, click here.
Geography
Marble Falls is located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country on Highway 281. Highway 1431 intersects Highway 281 from east to west. Centrally located, it seems that all roads in Texas lead to Marble Falls. We are just 45 miles northwest of Austin, 85 miles north of San Antonio, 210 miles northwest of Houston, and 190 miles southwest of Dallas. Renowned for scenic beauty, visitors come to this area to experience our beautiful waterways and lush, rolling hills. Indigenous species include everything from American bald eagles during winter months to great old live oaks that shade the landscape throughout the seasons. Spring brings a burst of color with a multitude of wildflowers including our state flower, the bluebonnet. Fields and back roads are covered with blossoms as far as the eye can see. Many amateur and professional photographers and artists come to capture the natural beauty of the Highland Lakes area.
Climate
The Marble Falls/Lake LBJ area enjoys a mild, fairly dry climate. Summers are hot with highs in July averaging 99 degrees F, and lows averaging 71 degrees F. Winter brings rare snowfalls and an average high temperature of 77 degrees F, and a low average temperature of 33 degrees F. The average relative humidity is 40 percent and the average rainfall is 30 inches. On most any given day, one can pack a picnic lunch and take a driving tour, or head to the course for a round of golf.
Population
Our population continues to grow, with 7,200 people currently living in the city of Marble Falls; in addition, Meadowlakes has a population approaching 2,000, and Horseshoe Bay is home to just over 5,000 people. Within a ten-mile radius of downtown Marble Falls, the population is just over 26,000; that figure increases to nearly 67,000 within a 20-mile radius. Over the next five years, the population within ten miles of Marble Falls is expected to grow by 11.8 percent, versus a projected growth rate for the population in the United States of 4.6 percent.
Housing
The estimated median housing value is $146,597 within a ten-mile radius of Marble Falls. Horseshoe Bay, on Lake LBJ, has luxury homes on the waterfront and access to three premier golf courses. Prices start at about $250,000 but lakefront and lake view homes will be substantially more. Homes in the gated community of Meadowlakes, on Lake Marble Falls, begin at about $145,000. Gateway Villa and 800 Claremont are assisted living villa/apartments. View a list of Real Estate brokers.
Transportation
Airports
Local airports include the Horseshoe Bay airport with a 6,000-foot runway; in Burnet, a municipal airport has a 4,200-foot runway. The nearest airport with commercial services is Austin-Bergstrom, 55 miles east in Austin. The San Antonio airport provides a convenient alternative as well.
Capitol Area Rural Services (CARTS)
Affordable transportation primarily for seniors, CARTS is a handicap-accessible bus service serving all of Burnet County with affordable transportation services. The service is very flexible, but must be prearranged.
Education
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The Marble Falls Independent School District is a 4-A district and has a growing enrollment approaching 4,000. The district has four elementary schools—Colt, Marble Falls, Highland Lakes, and Spicewood—all of which serve pre-kindergarten through 5th grade, and three secondary campuses: Marble Falls Middle (grades 6-8); Falls Career High (a non-traditional alternative high school); and Marble Falls High (grades 9-12). In addition, Faith Academy is a private Christian, parent-based school in Marble Falls. Its purpose is to provide students with a comprehensive, college-preparatory education that prepares each student for life. |
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| The original granite schoolhouse, built in 1890, now serves as the MFISD administrative building. |
There are also several schools that offer undergraduate, graduate, and adult education courses:
Texas Tech University Hill Country - Highland Lakes
Marble Falls ISD - Community Education
The University of Texas at Austin
Health Care
Seton Highland Lakes Medical Center in Burnet is an acute-care facility with 42 beds, emergency room, physical and respiratory therapy, radiology, operating room, pharmacy, lab, and home health and hospice care. Other clinics in the area include Hoerster Clinic, an affiliate of Llano Memorial Hospital, seven miles west of Marble Falls in the Horseshoe Bay area. It is a primary care facility with examining rooms, routine labs, x-rays, treatment rooms, and a helicopter port. Llano Memorial Hospital, 30 miles west of Marble Falls, is an acute-care facility with 30 beds. In May 2002, Marble Falls Minor Emergency Clinic opened on Highway 281. Specialty treatment centers in Marble Falls include the Kirby Surgery Center and the Marble Falls Imaging Center.
There are six general practitioners, ten specialized physicians, and two family clinics. Dental services include five general practices and two specialized practices. There are four assisted living facilities and one nursing home in Marble Falls, and numerous others throughout the area.
Marble Falls EMS provides emergency response services and a critical care helicopter is co-located with Marble Falls EMS for service into Austin and San Antonio.
Local Media
Newspapers - The Highlander is a subscription newspaper delivered on Tuesdays and Fridays. The Picayune is a free newspaper delivered on Wednesdays, and its sister subscription newspaper, the River Cities Daily Tribune, is delivered every day but Monday.
Radio - Radio Hill Country is the parent company of KBEY 92.5 FM (country) and KHLE 106.9 FM (soft rock), while KITY 102.9 FM plays oldies. All feature local news, sports, and community activities. Many Austin and San Antonio stations are also available in the area.
Television - KXAM-TV channel 14, an NBC affiliate, has an office in the Hill Country. All major Austin stations are received in the area. In addition, Northland Cable and satellite television are available in most areas.
Churches and Synagogues
Virtually every denomination is represented here including Baptist, Episcopal, First Assembly of God, Catholic, Lutheran, Church of Christ, Presbyterian, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, United Methodist, and non-denominational Christian. A list of churches is available at the Visitor Bureau.
Retirement
Retirement means relaxing, and in beautiful Marble Falls there are plenty of opportunities for a relaxing, fun-filled retirement. Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, folks call the area the Highland Lakes. That should give you some idea of the water fun that awaits you.
The mild climate year-round lets you enjoy fishing, hunting, boating and golfing on some of the top-rated courses in the United States. That’s not all, of course. There’s plenty of natural beauty around for one- or two-day trips. Marble Falls is the hub of one of the most beautiful, historic areas in central Texas.
Don’t miss Longhorn Caverns, just a few miles north. If poking around underground doesn’t suit your fancy, hiking opportunities are nearby, including Enchanted Rock State Park. You can enjoy the 20-lane bowling facility or a miniature golf course. The local community theatre offers plays several times a year. The garden club meets regularly, and The Highland Art Guild offers art classes. You can visit area wineries or cruise on the Vanishing Texas River Cruise. In and around Marble Falls, there are plenty of specialty and unique shops ready to cater to your every need.
Of course, should you need medical attention, Marble Falls is standing by, ready to provide assistance. We have our own Emergency Medical Service, considered one of the best volunteer and paid services in Texas. There are three air evacuation helicopter services to transport serious medical cases.
Over the years, many people have chosen to spend their retirement here. They know there are many services available to them, and the Senior Activity Center provides a multitude of social activities and events. When you look at it, Marble Falls is the perfect place for a perfect retirement. Why don’t you come join us in the good life?
Work week got you down? Get away from the hot concrete of the city and head for the cool waters of Lake Marble Falls and Lake LBJ. Both lakes are at a constant level, meaning we do not rely on the whims of Mother Nature. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the choices available in the area, with over a dozen city-, county-, and state-operated parks and preserves within a 50-mile radius. The area is a mecca for artists, musicians and sports enthusiasts, and there are clubs and organizations for virtually anyone. And best of all, cheerful hellos and “nice to meet you” handshakes are just a normal part of life.