If you’re considering relocating to Austin and are looking for more of a suburban setting, you might be overwhelmed with your options. Some research will point you to some of our more well known suburbs like Round Rock and Cedar Park. But, are those the only suburbs to consider? Definitely not. To help you wade through the info, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best Austin suburbs in our opinion, given you some info about each and a link to where you can learn more. Our top 10 Austin suburbs are in order of most to least expensive.
#1: West Lake Hills
- Median Estimated Home Value: $1,870,000
- Estimated Home Value 12 Month Change: +51.8%
- Median List Price: $2,200,000
- School District: Eanes ISD
- Average GreatSchools.net Rating: 9.3/10
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 5 miles, 13 minutes
- Year Built: 1950s – 1990s with some new construction mixed in
- Median Age of Homes: 37
- Median Age of People: 51
- Population: 3.31K
- Median Household Income: $187,569
- % of Population with Bachelor’s or Higher: 85.4%
- % of Homeowners: 81%
West Lake Hills is the most affluent and closest suburb to Downtown Austin. Located just across Lake Austin from Central Austin, many homes have beautiful views of the Downtown skyline, especially homes that sit atop one of the area’s rolling hills. West Lake Hills is ideal for someone who wants top rated schools as close to Austin as they possibly can be.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our West Lake Hills Neighborhood Guide.
West Lake Hills Homes for Sale
#2: Bee Cave
- Median Estimated Home Value: $755,000
- Estimated Home Value 12 Month Change: +32%
- Median List Price: $877,000
- School District: Lake Travis ISD
- Average GreatSchools.net Rating: 8.4/10
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 17 miles, 25 minutes
- Year Built: 1990s – Today
- Median Age of Homes: 12
- Median Age of People: 37
- Population: 6.64K
- Median Household Income: $94,509
- % of Population with Bachelor’s or Higher: 62.5%
- % Homeowners: 48%
Bee Cave is an often forgotten suburb of Austin, but in my opinion one of the best. Located at the intersection of 620 and 71, Bee Cave residents enjoy easy access to Downtown, Lake Austin, Lake Travis and the Hill Country. With traffic patterns, Bee Cave is consistently the second closest suburb to Austin, making it an ideal choice for someone who works Downtown, but wants a more suburban feel. And, with highly rated schools, one of the lowest tax rates in the Austin metro area, lake access and beautiful scenery, it’s hard to think of something negative to say about it.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Bee Cave Neighborhood Guide.
Bee Cave Homes for Sale
#3: Lakeway
- Median Estimated Home Value: $647,000
- Estimated Home Value 12 Month Change: +25.9%
- Median List Price: $869,000
- School District: Lake Travis ISD
- Average GreatSchools.net Rating: 8.4/10
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 23 miles, 35 minutes
- Year Built: 1960s – Today
- Median Age of Homes: 25
- Median Age of People: 48
- Population: 15.2K
- Median Household Income: $132,899
- % of Population with Bachelor’s or Higher: 69.3%
- % Homeowners: 84%
If you like golf, the lake and rolling hills, Lakeway is the best Austin suburb for you. The majority of Lakeway is residential, but with the newly built hospital and the development along 620, that is starting to change. Built around Lake Travis and several private golf courses, Lakeway is one of the more picturesque suburbs that leaves residents with no shortage of outdoor activities.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Lakeway Neighborhood Guide.
Lakeway Homes for Sale
#4: Dripping Springs
- Median Estimated Home Value: $603,000
- Estimated Home Value 12 Month Change: +23.1%
- Median List Price: $936,000
- School District: Dripping Springs ISD & Lake Travis ISD
- Average GreatSchools.net Rating: 7.9/10
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 24 miles, 32 minutes
- Year Built: 1970s – Today
- Median Age of Homes: 14
- Median Age of People: 38
- Population: 4.12K
- Median Household Income: $80,000
- % of Population with Bachelor’s or Higher: 38.4%
- % Homeowners: 67%
Dripping Springs is a mix of ranch land, older homes homes on large lots and more traditional suburban, master-planned communities. Unlike some of the northern suburbs, the majority of the master-planned communities in Dripping Springs make nature the focal point. Hiking trails along meandering streams, picnic areas, bird watching and community gardens are just a few amenities you can expect. If you’re looking for a suburb with new construction where you can still see the stars at night, Dripping Springs might be the best place to start your search.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Dripping Springs Neighborhood Guide.
Dripping Springs Homes for Sale
#5: Cedar Park
- Median Estimated Home Value: $457,000
- Estimated Home Value 12 Month Change: +33.8%
- Median List Price: $553,000
- School District: Leander ISD & Round Rock ISD
- Average GreatSchools.net Rating: 7.2/10
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 21 miles, 24 minutes
- Year Built: 1970s – Today
- Median Age of Homes: 20
- Median Age of People: 36
- Population: 74.8K
- Median Household Income: $104,019
- % of Population with Bachelor’s or Higher: 50.1%
- % Homeowners: 68%
Bordering Northwest Austin, Cedar Park is the ideal choice for someone working in one of the northern employment hubs. With mostly new construction, buyers looking for open floor plans, granite counters and stainless steel appliances at an affordable price, Cedar Park is a great place to consider. Cedar Park is also making a big push to bring retailers and activities to their city, so residents don’t have to leave to get the services they need.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Cedar Park Neighborhood Guide.
Cedar Park Homes for Sale
#6: Wimberley
- Median Estimated Home Value: $391,000
- Estimated Home Value 12 Month Change: +22.4%
- Median List Price: $650,000
- School District: Wimberley ISD
- Average GreatSchools.net Rating: 6.3/10
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 38 miles, 48 minutes
- Year Built: 1970s – Today
- Median Age of Homes: 19
- Median Age of People: 56
- Population: 3.04K
- Median Household Income: $64,141
- % of Population with Bachelor’s or Higher: 43%
- % Homeowners: 77%
If you’re looking for a small town feel, but don’t like the idea of being hours away from a big city, Wimberley is the ideal choice for you. What used to be a destination spot for local tourists has now turned into a quiet suburb that attracts residents of all ages. Wimberley seems to be the best fit for someone looking for a home on a larger piece of property with a small town feel.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Wimberley Neighborhood Guide.
Wimberley Homes for Sale
#7: Buda
- Median Estimated Home Value: $357,000
- Estimated Home Value 12 Month Change: +26.7%
- Median List Price: $431,000
- School District: Hays CISD
- Average GreatSchools.net Rating: 5.6/10
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 16 miles, 24 minutes
- Year Built: 1970s – Today
- Median Age of Homes: 13
- Median Age of People: 32
- Population: 15.6K
- Median Household Income: $89,688
- % of Population with Bachelor’s or Higher: 49.3%
- % Homeowners: 67%
Located just 19 miles due south of Downtown Austin, Buda is one of the fastest growing suburbs of Austin. Having grown by 103% from 2000-2010, experts predict growth will outpace that figure from 2010-2020. What attracts residents to Buda? For one, the small town feel minutes from Austin. Buda is also one of the few suburbs with a true Downtown. Main Street is home to a few restaurants, the best coffee shop in Austin and several shops. If more suburban, master planned communities are more desirable for you, Buda also has several of those as well. Though Buda is not as well known as some of the popular suburbs north, the secret is starting to get out and it is only a matter of time before prices catch up.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Buda Neighborhood Guide.
Buda Homes for Sale
#8: Round Rock
- Median Estimated Home Value: $401,000
- Estimated Home Value 12 Month Change: +32.6%
- Median List Price: $465,000
- School District: Round Rock ISD, Georgetown ISD, Hutto ISD, Leander ISD, Pflugerville ISD
- Average GreatSchools.net Rating: 7/10
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 18 miles, 23 minutes
- Year Built: 1970s – Today
- Median Age of Homes: 20
- Median Age of People: 34
- Population: 124K
- Median Household Income: $82,676
- % of Population with Bachelor’s or Higher: 40%
- % Homeowners: 60%
Round Rock is one of the most well known suburbs of Austin, and for good reason. Round Rock has won several awards over the years. From 4th Safest City in the US to best affordable suburb to 8th fastest growing city, Round Rock continues to attract residents who value quality of life. With Austin’s tech corridor only minutes away and highly rated schools, Round Rock is a no brainer for buyers looking for value and affordability, but don’t’ want to be too far from work.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Round Rock Neighborhood Guide.
Round Rock Homes for Sale
#9: Pflugerville
- Median Estimated Home Value: $371,000
- Estimated Home Value 12 Month Change: +33.6%
- Median List Price: $459,000
- School District: Pflugerville ISD
- Average GreatSchools.net Rating: 6.2/10
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 17 miles, 23 minutes
- Year Built: 1980s – Today
- Median Age of Homes: 17
- Median Age of People: 37
- Population: 61.7K
- Median Household Income: $93,627
- % of Population with Bachelor’s or Higher: 50%
- % Homeowners: 74%
Located just south of Round Rock, Pflugerville attracts residents looking for a closer in location at more affordable prices. It has a similar feel to Round Rock in the suburban sense, but the Downtown area feels more small town Texas. The majority of the new development in Pflugerville is located at the 130/45 corridor, making it convenient for someone who loves to take the toll roads as much as I do. Pflugerville has made a big push to bring in retailers and businesses in an effort to attract new residents and generate more revenue.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Pflugerville Neighborhood Guide.
Pflugerville Homes for Sale
#10: Kyle
- Median Estimated Home Value: $293,000
- Estimated Home Value 12 Month Change: +26.2%
- Median List Price: $387,000
- School District: Hays CISD
- Average GreatSchools.net Rating: 4.1/10
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 23 miles, 28 minutes
- Year Built: 1990s – Today
- Median Age of Homes: 13
- Median Age of People: 33
- Population: 42.7K
- Median Household Income: $79,348
- % of Population with Bachelor’s or Higher: 30.2%
- % Homeowners: 68%
As the most affordable Austin suburb, Kyle continues to grow and make a name for itself, especially for first time home buyers. Kyle is making more of a push for big box retailers, restaurants and family activities than neighboring Buda, who has decided to keep a more small town feel. Kyle residents benefit from the revenue of the shopping and dining and also gives them options without leaving their city. The majority of Kyle is brand new construction, making it an even better choice for someone who wants new style finishes at an affordable price.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Kyle Neighborhood Guide.
Kyle Homes for Sale
Still Not Sure Which Austin Suburb is Best for You?
We know it is difficult to translate what you read online, especially if you’ve never seen it. We have a lot of experience helping buyers find the types of neighborhoods they envision themselves living in and with some info about your vision, we can likely help you too. If you’re unsure what area is best for you and want some help, check out our Austin Neighborhood Finder.
Considering Relocating to One of Austin’s Best Suburbs?
Our team of Austin real estate specialists can help you determine which Austin suburb is best for you and help you negotiate the best deal on a house. With a combined 60+ years of experience in all types of markets, there is virtually nothing we haven’t seen or can’t handle. For more info about our team, check out our Austin Home Buyer section. Then, call us at (512) 827-8323, email us at info@11OaksRealty.com or fill out our Buyer Survey to get started on your home search.
Source of the Data
Average GreatSchools.net Rating was calculated from GreatSchools.net ratings on 11/7/17. Demographic and pricing info was obtained from Realtors Property Resource (RPR) on 1/21/22.
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