The Lake Travis area is witnessing a significant transformation with six housing projects moving forward, aiming to address the growing demand for affordable housing. Among these developments is the Villas at Cardinal Hills in Hudson Bend, spearheaded by Rise Residential. This project promises 180 units priced at or below 60% of the median family income, providing much-needed affordable rental options in the region.
Development Overview
In addition to the Villas at Cardinal Hills, Jovie Lakeway, a 55-plus active adult community, is nearing completion near Lakeway’s upcoming City Center development, The Square at Lakeway. This project will offer studio, one-, and two-bedroom units, catering to the area’s growing population of older adults.
The Square at Lakeway itself is set to introduce hundreds of multifamily units, over 100 townhomes, 34 multifamily condo units, and 63 single-family homes. Meanwhile, the Village at Spanish Oaks in Bee Cave is developing an 18-acre site with residential and commercial spaces, including a multifamily apartment complex with 310 units and a senior living facility with up to 225 units.
Other projects include BB Living Sweetwater Crossing, which began leasing townhomes in Bee Cave last November, and the Provence neighborhood’s expansion with 193 townhome-style units at the Hills at Provence.
Addressing Affordability
With the median home sale price in the Lake Travis area reaching $600,000 in April, affordability remains a pressing concern. Multifamily developments are becoming a key option for families looking to enter the market, as highlighted by Angel Ceniceros, leasing and marketing manager for BB Living. Nearly 48% of occupied housing units in Bee Cave were multifamily units in 2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Despite the demand, challenges such as inadequate public transportation infrastructure persist, making it difficult for lower-income families to access affordable housing. Mandy Lewis, director of family property management at Foundation Communities, emphasized the need for better infrastructure to support these communities.
Future Prospects
As the population in Bee Cave and Lakeway continues to grow, with increases of over 80% and nearly 52% respectively since 2014, the demand for diverse housing options is expected to rise. Ann Howard, Travis County Precinct 3 commissioner, noted the importance of providing housing at all price points to build a stable and vibrant community.
Jovie Lakeway is set to open for move-in on June 9, while the Villas at Cardinal Hills is expected to be completed later this year. These developments, along with others in the pipeline, aim to provide stability and meet the housing needs of the Lake Travis area.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
