Granbury, Texas is a small city hidden away on the shores of Lake Granbury and just a stone’s throw from the bigger metroplex of Dallas-Fort Worth. Voted USA Today’s Best Historic Small Town in America for the past three years, it’s really making a name for itself. But what really sets it apart from other cities? In this post, we are going to look at the main reasons why so many people love living in this town, and why you might just fall in love with it, too.
Small-Town Feel
With a population of only about 12,000 people, Granbury boasts a small-town feel but plenty of big-city perks. Truly, living here offers the best of both worlds due to its close proximity to Fort Worth. While only about an hour’s drive into Fort Worth, and another to Dallas, you can extend your shopping and excursions to two major cities. And when you get tired of the traffic, you can head back home to the peace and quiet of Granbury.
Granbury also hosts all those festivals and events right in our downtown that makes it feel homey and special. Our small-town festivals pack a big punch year-round, and they draw locals and tourists alike as an escape from everyday life with stuff to do like crawfish boils, music festivals, and more.
Historic Granbury Square
Nothing beats the Historic Granbury Square. We mentioned those downtown festivals, and they’re year-round on the calendar with most of them taking place right smack in the middle of the historic downtown area. Some faves include the Harvest Moon Festival of the Arts, the Granbury Wine Walk, Christmas in Granbury, the 4th of July Parade, and the Jazz Fest, among others.
And for those who love musicals, The Granbury Opera House stages well-known shows with a talented cast for music lovers and cultural-goers of all ages in a historic and stately venue.
If musicals aren’t your thing, The Historic Downtown Square offers a plethora of restaurants ranging in variety and cuisine, unique shopping plus entertainment options after dark, like live music, open air and dog-friendly patios, and plenty of fun cocktails and craft brews to try.
Lake Granbury
In terms of lakeside fun, Lake Granbury is one of the best in Texas. The lake, which was created in 1969 with the completion of the De Cordova Bend Dam encompasses over 8,300 acres and has over 100 miles of shoreline. With so much water to explore it’s no surprise that there are always plenty of things to do here. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the beach or exhilarating watercraft activities on the lake—you’ll find it all just waiting for you! Below are a couple ideas of where to start, but there are numerous other lake-side attractions and parks worth checking out not mentioned in this blog.
City Beach Park
For a fun day at the beach, City Beach Park is Lake Granbury’s own sandy beach with plenty of amenities worth checking out. The area offers a spray park for the littlest of kids, sand volleyball, plus kayak and stand-up paddles for rent. While you’re there, you can even walk down the boardwalk for easy access to our Historic Square to get out of the sun.
Lake Granbury Marina
Visit Stumpy’s Lakeside Grill and Lake Granbury Marina if you wish for a day out on the lake, cruising in your own watercraft. Boat rentals are available, and you can dock your boat and go ashore for a yummy lunch or dinner at Stumpy’s while you’re there.
If you’re into fishing, then this is the spot for you! The lake boasts several species including largemouth bass and catfish among others; so whether it’s lures or bait, it’s up to you how deep your line goes.
Outdoor Adventure
Granbury is a great place to be active. Besides fishing, swimming and kayaking Lake Granbury of course, the area also has scenic trails for beginners to more advanced hikers and bikers. For history buffs, the Moment in Time Hike & Bike Trail is one you won’t want to miss. As you enjoy the trail, you’ll find info centers along the way that sports interesting historic facts about Granbury and Hood County. If you’re looking to escape further into nature, visit the Acton Nature Center for three different hikes and enjoy the natural beauty of a pond, oak-filled ravines, and meadows. Of course, there are miles of other trails to be explored across the Granbury area with its beautiful scenery. You’ll find everything from rolling hills to wide open spaces and miles upon miles of gorgeous waterfront views.
And if hitting the golf greens is more your outdoor sport, there are 7 golf courses in Granbury alone to try your hand at, not to mention 6 more courses located within 20 miles of the general area.
Low Crime Rates
Granbury is a relatively safe area compared to other cities across the country. According to Crime Grade, Granbury receives a “B” grade on its scale of safe cities. The designation means the rate of crime is slightly lower than the average US city. Granbury is in the 68th percentile for safety, meaning 32% of cities are safer and 68% of cities are more dangerous. Moving to Granbury has proven to be a safe choice for many families and retirees alike.
Lower Cost of Living
Granbury not only enjoys a lower crime rate—the cost of living has been graded lower than the national average as well. Recently, a study by Smart Asset, a financial advice website found that Granbury was the second best place in Texas for retirees. One of the criteria? The tax rate of 14.3 percent is among the lowest on the list of Texas cities, meaning the tax burden is less for residents in Granbury. And the overall cost of living in Granbury, TX is -4.1% lower than the national average.
Affordable Housing
Granbury is a great place to live if you’re looking for affordable housing. The median listing home price in Granbury, TX was $389.9K which is much lower than the national average median home sales price which is $428,700. Housing options across the Granbury area are numerous and varied including gated communities, lakeside living, and spots right in town. Imagine building your own custom home on a breathtaking waterfront lot on Lake Granbury or find an already custom-built Granbury home that suits your specific style.
Find Your Custom Home in Granbury, Texas
Granbury, Texas is a great place to live. There is so much to offer in this small town, and it’s only getting better every day. From beautiful scenery, affordable housing, and convenient shopping, Granbury has it all! If this blog hasn’t quite convinced you why Granbury is the perfect place to call home, maybe looking at our stunning Granbury custom homes will persuade you to make the move.