Apache Shores is one of the earlier neighborhoods to be developed in the Lake Travis area. The narrow and steep roads that wind through the subdivision and take you past the mix of residential styles can make you feel like you’re driving through a Colorado mountain town — but without the snow and ice.
Lake Travis locals have been calling this place home since the late 60’s along with second-home owners that visit throughout the year to escape the big city. And even though the big city is slowing closing in on the Lake Travis area, as you get off Ranch Road 620 and make your way back to Apache Shores, you can truly feel like you’re a world away.
History
Resort Properties, Inc. of Houston purchased 667 acres of land from rancher Jack Josey back in 1967 and began developing Apache Shores as a destination for folks who enjoyed summer lake living.
The community center located at the entrance of the neighborhood on General Williamson Drive is where you’ll see the 5-room motel with a 2nd story apartment that was a living area for the caretaker. There is also a barn on site that was used as a stable for the guests’ horses. The motel eventually closed down and has been rented by several businesses over the years. It’s now the home office for the Apache Shores Property Owners’ Association.
You could write a history book filled with stories coming out of Apache Shores. The lay of the land has led to many neighborhood floods with evacuations. There was a home that was swept off its foundation by gale-force winds, a neighborhood pool that was usually too green, and numerous board meetings that had to be called off due to fights. Cattle have swam across Lake Austin from Steiner Ranch (back when it was a ranch) and a herd of Longhorns from a neighboring ranch broke through a fence to nap on residents’ lawns. It seems the cattle wanted to find out if the grass was greener in Apache Shores.
Housing
If you’re looking for cookie-cutter homes on flat and straight roads that don’t have large potholes, this is not the place for you. Apache Shores is an eclectic mix of homes that cover Texas Tuscan, Hill Country contemporary, craftsman, split level, shotgun, shed and just about every other residential style on the list.
The variety of housing also transfers to the wide range of prices. Homes in Apache Shores have sold for less than $100,000 and up to $2 million for properties with Lake Austin frontage. You can find homes on level lots or homes perched on the ledge of a steep hillside. Land for building a new home is available, but the inventory of lots for sale has been on the decline as the sound of construction in Apache Shores has remained steady over the past few years.
Restaurants & Shopping
Early residents of Apache Shores remember the days when Ranch Road 620 was a two-lane highway. You had to make a trip out to Hudson Bend for shopping at Stop ‘n Go and a meal at La Hacienda Mexican restaurant. You still won’t find anything in the neighborhood, but you will have a few more options.
Ranch Road 620 has expanded to four-lanes with choices for shopping and dining in every direction. Head south towards Lakeway and Bee Cave or north to the Four Points area. Ten miles in either direction will give you plenty of choices for groceries, shopping and restaurants in the Lake Travis area.
Family & Fitness
You can spend a day boating, swimming or just hanging out at Riverside Park along the shores of Lake Austin.
Residents of Apache Shores have their own private boat launch with several boat docks for day use and a large area with picnic tables, grills and plenty of shade underneath the canopy of large trees that line the rocky cliffs above and shoreline below.
Go for a hike along Indian Creek and Lake Apache to explore several waterfalls along the way. Little ones will enjoy some time on the playscape at Geronimo Park. You can also enjoy a day at the community center where you’ll find a pool (that’s not green anymore) along with tennis and basketball courts.
Schools
Apache Shores sits in the Lake Travis Independent School District. Students attend Lake Travis Elementary and Hudson Bend Middle School. Both schools are located along Ranch Road 620 near the entrance to the neighborhood. Lake Travis High School is located further down Ranch Road 620.
Main Boundaries
Apache Shores is roughly bounded by Ranch Road 620 on the north and east, Lake Austin on the west and Kollmeyer Dr. to the south. The “neighborhood” of Apache Shores is essentially a maze of 60 roads between General Williamson Dr. and Debba Dr. that run for approximately 20 miles and intersect each other 99 times — some people have gotten lost for hours.
Can you live here?
There are so many quirky and cool things about this neighborhood. You could spend hours driving up, down and around the streets while looking at all the different homes that give Apache Shores its unique character — just be on the lookout for large potholes and wash-outs. You can feel like you’ve escaped far into the Hill Country, but have all the amenities of Lakeway and Bee Cave just down the road.
More About Lake Travis Real Estate
Lake Travis Lifestyle spotlights area neighborhoods, covers Lake Travis area history and gives you insight on the local market conditions. If you’re looking to call the Lake Travis area home — or just looking for a new place to live — we’ve got you covered.
Bought my home here and I love it.
The location/boundaries aren’t quite right. Apache Shores is bordered by Lake Austin on the East, and does not reach 620 at any point. Between 620 and Apache Shores are several other subdivisions including The Canyons at Lake Travis to the north, Cardinal Hills and Maravilla to the west, as well as a city-owned bird preserve to the south near Debba and Kollmeyer. Access to Apache Shores is from 620 via Debba or General Williamson.