Emerald Bay Brings Exclusive Lakefront Living to Cedar Creek With Lots From the $200s

A new luxury lakefront development is making waves at Cedar Creek Lake — and for North Texas buyers who’ve been waiting for a second-home community with thoughtful amenities, Emerald Bay may be exactly the opportunity they’ve been holding out for.

Located just an hour-plus east of Dallas, Emerald Bay is a gated, resort-style enclave offering 71 exclusive homesites — both waterfront and interior — across 44 planned acres. With only 62 lots remaining and nine already sold, the development is drawing serious attention from both full-time buyers and second-home buyers looking for a convenient getaway location that’s within reach any weekend.

“There’s nothing else like this at Cedar Creek Lake in terms of infrastructure and amenities,” says listing agent Donna Smith of Duggan Realty Advisors, the exclusive listing agent for Emerald Bay. “We’re elevating the entire sales experience and the level of service buyers can expect at the lake.”

Emerald Bay is designed for modern, low-maintenance lake living. Infrastructure is already in place, including concrete streets with curb and gutter, underground utilities, public water and sewer, storm drainage, street lighting, and fiber optics. Plus, a 6-foot-wide golf cart path to the community marinas.

“Those infrastructure elements may not sound flashy, but I can’t tell you how important they are and what a game-changer they are for this development,” Smith says.

Lots range from .25 acres to just over an acre, with interior lots starting at $220,000 and waterfront lots from $364,000. A waterfront listing, Lot 5 on Diamond Lane, is priced at $653,400 for 0.375 acres — a significant value considering neighboring communities often start at $1 million just for the dirt.

Developed by 821 Investments, Emerald Bay is the latest project from David Craig, a familiar name in North Texas real estate for his work on Craig Ranch.

Waterfront buyers can build walkout basements — a rare but desirable lake feature that allows direct backyard access to the water from the lower level of the home. For interior lot owners, boat slips at the shared marina are available for purchase, ensuring that every homeowner has access to the water, regardless of their lot location.

While buyers can bring their own builder, Emerald Bay maintains a list of trusted builders for buyers who prefer a streamlined process, including Keeter Custom Homes, Amber DiLane Homes, and Coastal Plains Estates — with more on their way. Architectural guidelines and square footage minimums ensure design consistency.

“There’s a level of confidence when you can walk the land, see the infrastructure, and meet with a builder right away,” says Smith.

Coming soon, a climate-controlled sales trailer with restroom facilities will greet visitors. A golf cart tour is just part of this curated on-site experience. Smith has even offered shoreline boat tours aboard her personal boat.

“And yes, I’m the captain,” she says with a smile.

The lifestyle at Emerald Bay is as much of a draw as the homesites themselves. Amenities include a pool, pickleball and basketball courts, a fire pit, a playground, and landscaped golf cart trails. Residents can enjoy cozy evenings outdoors, early morning paddleboarding, or walking a casserole over to the neighbor’s house — something Smith says is made possible by something surprisingly rare at the lake: streetlights.

Homeowners are just minutes from local conveniences, including restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores, and every buyer has the opportunity to become a social member at the nearby Pinnacle Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course and country club, with the option to upgrade to a full golf membership.

For those unfamiliar with Cedar Creek Lake, it ranks as the fourth largest lake in Texas, spanning 18,000 surface acres and offering roughly 320 miles of shoreline. The lake is a major draw for boaters, anglers, wakeboarders, and water skiers, with tournaments and events year-round. The average depth ranges from 2 to 30 feet, and channels near Emerald Bay maintain a solid 10-foot depth — ideal for boating and fishing.

Smith, a longtime Dallas high-rise agent who sold luxury properties like Windrose Tower in Plano, now lives nearly full-time at Cedar Creek Lake. Though she still maintains a Dallas home, she’s based just 10 minutes away at Pinnacle Golf Club. She brings an elevated marketing mindset to her lake listings — including polished collateral, premium handouts, and upscale open house events that include elevated bites and a Bloody Mary bar.

“The lake market has evolved,” Smith says. “People want high-end design, concierge trash service, and lifestyle-focused amenities — and they want it all without sacrificing the laid-back feel that makes lake living so special.”

No short-term rentals are allowed — a major selling point for buyers seeking a quieter, more community-focused environment.

Smith says interest has come from the Park Cities, Plano, Frisco, Arlington, and Houston — with buyers looking for second homes, retirement properties, or to be closer to children and grandchildren living nearby. Emerald Bay is also attracting out-of-state buyers and custom builders hoping to establish a footprint at the lake.

“There are no spec homes yet, so if you’re a builder, this is your chance to get in early and showcase something special,” Smith adds.

It’s a smart strategy, says CandysDirt.com founder and publisher Candy Evans. “We know at least half a dozen Dallas luxury home builders active in larger neighboring communities — but there’s a lot of inventory there, so it can be hard to stand out.”

“With the right presentation, a couple of beautiful waterfront spec homes would absolutely shine!” Evans says.

For more information about Emerald Bay at Cedar Creek Lake or to schedule a private tour, visit EmeraldBayatCedarCreekLake.com or contact Donna Smith at Duggan Realty Advisors at 972-854-1489 or [email protected].