There's a nice compromise by living in the inner NW, just inside the freeways. You can commute most places without getting on the freeways, yet the community has a relaxed feel, trees, hills, and tasteful non-tract buildings.

As for boating/sailing on the lakes.....
We live in the Comanche Trail area of Lake Travis, near the infamous Oasis Restaurant. Sailing on Lake Travis is fabulous. There is quite a large sailing community. The summer sailing season is getting started and my husband will be crewing for friends that are members of the Lake Travis Yacht Club. It's great because I can see part of the race from our house. Lake Austin is narrow so you can't sail on it, but there are a few motor boats there. The BIG fast boats are on Lake Travis too. Kind of aggravating if you ask me, some are just too big for our lakes and really belong in the ocean bays.

Thanks for your reply Ally! We've been bluewater sailors for years; never have sailed on a lake! New adventure's ahead. Haven't made it back to Tx yet. Wanna buy a 49ft cruising sailboat?!