Is Hudson Bend a Good Place to Move After Leaving California?

Is Hudson Bend a good place to move after leaving California?

For a lot of Californians, yes.

Hudson Bend can be a great fit if you want to live near Lake Travis, want a little more space, and don't mind living outside of a traditional city.

But it isn't the right fit for everyone.

Property taxes work differently here. Many homes have septic systems. City services are limited because Hudson Bend is unincorporated. And if you need to commute into Austin every day, traffic on RR 620 is something you need to think about.

I made the move from California to Texas myself.

And one thing I learned pretty quickly is that choosing where to live isn't just about finding the cheapest house or the prettiest lake view.

You need to understand what daily life will actually look like.

So instead of giving you another list of reasons why Hudson Bend is great, let's talk about whether it actually fits the way you want to live.

What Is Hudson Bend?

Hudson Bend is a peninsula along Lake Travis in western Travis County.

It's about 16 miles northwest of downtown Austin and sits near Lakeway and Mansfield Dam. Most Hudson Bend addresses use the 78734 ZIP code.

But here's something that surprises some people coming from California:

Hudson Bend isn't actually a city.

It's an unincorporated community in Travis County.

That means there isn't a Hudson Bend mayor, city council, or city police department.

Your mailing address may say Austin, but that doesn't mean you live inside Austin city limits.

Instead:

• Law enforcement is handled by the Travis County Sheriff's Office.

• Fire and emergency services come from Lake Travis Fire Rescue.

• Most homes are in Lake Travis ISD.

• Property rules can depend heavily on the neighborhood, deed restrictions, and HOA.

For some people, fewer city rules are a big plus.

For others, having fewer city services takes some getting used to.

Neither one is right or wrong. You just need to know which one matters more to you.

Hudson Bend May Be a Good Fit If...

You Actually Want the Lake to Be Part of Your Life

There's a difference between wanting a lake view and wanting to live a lake lifestyle.

If you boat, paddleboard, fish, or simply like being close to the water, Hudson Bend puts Lake Travis right around you.

That doesn't mean every home is waterfront or comes with lake access.

But the lake is a big part of the area.

You'll notice it in the marinas, boats parked at homes, weekend traffic, and the overall feel of the community.

You Work From Home or Have a Flexible Schedule

Hudson Bend can make a lot of sense if you work remotely or only need to drive into Austin a few days a week.

If you're commuting into central Austin five days a week during rush hour, that's a different story.

RR 620 is the main road in and out of the area, and traffic can get frustrating.

Before buying here, I would drive your actual commute during the hours you would normally travel.

Don't base your decision on what Google Maps says on a Sunday afternoon.

You Don't Mind Different Rules From One Neighborhood to Another

Because Hudson Bend isn't a city, there isn't one city zoning code controlling the whole area.

Instead, rules can depend heavily on the specific property.

One neighborhood may have an HOA and detailed restrictions.

A street nearby may have very few restrictions at all.

That can be great if you want more flexibility.

But if you're planning to park an RV, store a boat, add onto the home, or use the property as a short-term rental, read the deed restrictions before you buy.

Not after.

Hudson Bend May Not Be a Good Fit If...

You Want a Walkable Area

Hudson Bend is not really a walk-to-coffee, walk-to-dinner kind of place.

You're probably getting in the car for groceries, restaurants, shopping, and most errands.

Lakeway and Bee Cave are nearby, and there are businesses along RR 620, but daily life here is still very car dependent.

If you're moving from a walkable part of California, that may be an adjustment.

You Have a Long Daily Commute

Again, RR 620 matters.

If you work downtown or across Austin and need to commute every weekday during peak traffic, make sure you test it first.

Drive it in the morning.

Then drive it home in the afternoon.

That one step can tell you more about whether Hudson Bend works for you than almost anything else.

You Expect Lake Travis to Always Look the Same

This is an important one.

Lake Travis is a reservoir, and the water level can change quite a bit depending on rainfall and drought conditions.

In October 2023, Lake Travis dropped to around 627 feet.

By July 2026, it had climbed above full pool at 681 feet for the first time since 2019.

That's a big difference.

If you're buying waterfront property or buying specifically because of lake access, don't just look at what the shoreline looks like today.

Ask what happens when the lake is low.

A dock that's floating today may look very different during a drought.

Costs Californians Should Know About Before Moving

This is where I think relocation planning matters most.

A lot of people hear:

Texas has no state income tax.

That's true.

But that doesn't automatically mean every part of living in Texas will cost less.

You need to look at the full picture.

Property Taxes Work Very Differently

California homeowners are used to Proposition 13.

Your base property tax is generally 1% of assessed value plus local voter-approved charges, and the assessed value of your home is limited in how much it can increase each year.

If you've owned your California home for a long time, your property tax bill may be much lower than what someone buying your home today would pay.

That tax base doesn't follow you to Texas.

Texas doesn't have a state income tax, but property taxes are a much bigger part of how local services and schools are funded.

In Hudson Bend, your property tax bill may include several taxing entities, such as:

• Travis County

• Lake Travis ISD

• Emergency services

• Health district

• Other local districts depending on the property

There are some important protections for homeowners.

Homestead Exemption

If the home is your primary residence and you qualify, you can apply for a Texas homestead exemption.

As of 2026, Texas school districts must exempt $140,000 of a home's value for qualifying homesteads.

Homeowners who are 65 or older or disabled may qualify for an additional exemption.

10% Appraisal Cap

For qualifying homestead properties, the taxable appraised value generally cannot increase by more than 10% per year.

You Can Protest Your Property Value

Texas property values are reviewed regularly.

If you believe the county's appraised value is too high, you have the right to protest it.

One thing I would not do is look at the seller's current property tax bill and assume yours will be the same.

The seller may have exemptions or a lower taxable value that won't transfer to you.

Look at the home's market value and current exemptions when estimating your future tax bill.

And if taxes are a major part of your decision to leave California, run the numbers with your CPA.

Homeowners Insurance Can Take More Shopping

Texas insurance can surprise people too.

Central Texas deals with hail, wind, storms, and wildfire risk.

Insurance companies may look at things like:

• Roof age

• Roof material

• Fire protection rating

• Replacement cost

• Location

• Previous claims

Lake Travis Fire Rescue currently lists Hudson Bend's unincorporated area as ISO Class 3.

When you're buying, I recommend getting an insurance quote on the actual property during your option period.

Don't wait until you're almost ready to close.

And ask specifically how the roof is covered.

Some policies pay replacement cost.

Others may only pay actual cash value.

That difference can matter a lot after a hailstorm.

Many Hudson Bend Homes Have Septic Systems

If you're coming from a California neighborhood with regular city sewer, this may be new to you.

Many Hudson Bend homes use septic systems.

Water service can also vary depending on the property.

Before buying, confirm:

• Whether the home is on septic or sewer

• Who provides the water

• Where the septic system is located

• How old it is

• When it was last serviced

• Whether it has enough capacity for the home

I also recommend having the septic system inspected as part of your due diligence.

You can read more in my guide to [septic systems around Lake Travis](INTERNAL LINK: Lake Travis septic post).

California Isn't the Only Place With Wildfire Risk

This surprises some people moving from California.

Western Travis County has areas where homes sit close to cedar, brush, and natural land.

That means wildfire is something homeowners need to think about here too.

If you're already coming from a fire-prone part of California, a lot of the same basics apply:

Keep vegetation managed.

Clear gutters.

Pay attention to trees and brush near the home.

And understand the wildfire risk for the specific property you're considering.

How to Test Hudson Bend Before You Buy

If you're seriously considering moving here, there are a few things I recommend doing before you write an offer:

• Drive RR 620 during the actual times you would commute.

• Visit during the summer, not just when the weather is perfect in spring.

• Ask for utility costs when possible.

• Check the property's tax history and exemptions.

• Get an insurance quote for the actual address.

• Read the HOA rules and deed restrictions.

• Check rules for boats, RVs, additions, and short-term rentals if those matter to you.

• If you're buying near the lake, look at flood maps and past lake levels.

• If the home is waterfront, ask what the shoreline looks like when the lake is low.

And if you're still not sure?

Renting for six months before buying is not a bad idea.

Yes, it delays buying.

But buying in the wrong area is a much more expensive mistake.

So, Is Hudson Bend a Good Place to Move From California?

For the right person, absolutely.

Hudson Bend can be a great fit if you want to be close to Lake Travis, want a little more space, don't mind driving, and understand that living in an unincorporated area is different from living inside a city.

But I wouldn't move here just because Texas doesn't have state income tax.

And I wouldn't buy here just because you found a house with a great lake view.

Look at the full picture.

Taxes.

Insurance.

Commute.

Septic.

Neighborhood restrictions.

And how you actually want to spend your days.

Most bad relocations aren't because someone picked a bad town.

They're because the place didn't match the lifestyle they expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hudson Bend part of Austin?

No.

Hudson Bend is an unincorporated community in Travis County.

Many properties have an Austin mailing address and use the 78734 ZIP code, but Hudson Bend is not governed by the City of Austin.

Are property taxes higher in Hudson Bend than in California?

The property tax rate is generally higher than California's 1% base property tax rate.

Texas doesn't have a state income tax, so you need to look at both sides of the equation.

Whether Texas saves you money overall depends on your income, home price, exemptions, and your current California tax situation.

What school district serves Hudson Bend?

Hudson Bend is served by Lake Travis ISD.

School boundaries can change, so always confirm the assigned schools for a specific property directly with the district.

Do all Hudson Bend homes have lake access?

No.

Hudson Bend is surrounded by Lake Travis, but that doesn't mean every home is waterfront or has deeded lake access.

If lake access is important to you, verify exactly what comes with the property before buying.

Thinking About Moving From California to Hudson Bend?

I've made the California-to-Texas move myself, and I live and work in the Lake Travis area.

So when I'm helping someone relocate here, I'm not just looking at the house.

I'm looking at the whole move.

We can talk about Hudson Bend, Lakeway, Bee Cave, or other Lake Travis communities and figure out which one makes the most sense for your lifestyle, budget, commute, and long-term plans.

And if you're also selling a home in California, I can help connect both sides of the move so you're not trying to manage two separate plans.

Call or text me at 949-484-9486.

Amanda Zito, REALTOR®
Real Broker, LLC
TX TREC #840088 | CA DRE #01740063
SoldByZito.com