6 terrific towns on the water

Until recently, this little town in the hill country 47 miles northwest of Austin was a well-kept secret. But word has leaked out of the Lone Star State that this area isn’t just a refuge from high home prices. With its gently rolling terrain, stately trees, colorful wildflowers and – increasingly – vineyards and fine cuisine, it’s a little piece of Provence in the big ole state of Texas.

It’s also smack dab in the middle of a chain of seven large lakes on the Colorado River. The town of Marble Falls boasts one of them: Lake Marble Falls, created by a 1951 dam that submerged the falls for which the place was named. For now, at least, Marble Falls remains a hospitable little place with a whole lot of comfort food, country music and cowboy character.

Home prices, which average about $250,000 near the water, are affordable by most standards. Taxes are tolerable (though property taxes are high, the state leaves your income alone), and a new regional medical center is slated to open in the next few years. And when the thermometer hits 100? Just make tracks for the lake.