Austin is consistently named as one of the best cities in the US for investors that are looking for investment property. As the Austin real estate market gets stronger, investors looking to multi-family properties as was popular 10-15 years ago, are looking at the returns and not seeing what they like. Duplexes and fourplexes have increased in price much faster than rents. And, they are older and require much more maintenance, adding to your cost of ownership. Though you can still find a good deal here and there, you’re often going to find properties that don’t pencil out financially if you focus on multi-family. Here are our best Austin neighborhoods for investors.
Single Family Homes are the Best Option for Austin Investors
But, there is another avenue for investors to explore in the greater Austin area and that is single family homes. Single family homes now have the best return on investment if you are buying today and they’re really streamlined to rent out. The majority of them were built in the last 10 years or so, which should lower your cost to maintain the property. Plus, tenants who rent single family homes are expecting to maintain their own yard and take one some of the traditional costs to maintain that a landlord would be responsible for in a multi-family home. Thus, cost to own and rent a single family home should be less.
What Should I Look for in a Single Family Home?
If you’re buying a single family home in Austin for investment purposes, the three keys are schools, a growing area and condition. Historically, schools have been a driving factor for rent increases. Homes in good school districts fetch the highest rents and are the last to see a decline when the market softens. With rentals, elementary schools have been the biggest driver, so pay close attention to the elementary school’s rating. Next, look for a single family home in a growing area – and that usually means the suburbs. Finally, pay close attention to the home’s condition. Though you might pay a little more for a home in superior condition, you’ll attract a better tenant and cut down on your maintenance costs.
Best Austin Neighborhoods for Investors
What Austin area neighborhoods should you focus on if you’re looking to buy an investment home? We’ve analyzed the numbers and put together a list of best Austin neighborhoods for investors. We’ve included the best options from Georgetown to Kyle, which combines easy access to major employers, amenities and schools. This is a big list to start with, so if you’re looking for some guidance on where to focus your search based upon your investment profile, email us at info@11OaksRealty.com and we’ll help point you in the right direction.
Plum Creek
City, Zip Code: Kyle, 78640
Distance to Downtown Austin: 29 minutes, 21 miles
School District: Hays CISD
Elementary School & Rating: Laura B Negley (6/10)
Middle School & Rating: R C Barton (8/10)
High School & Rating: Jack C Hays (7/10)
Year Built: 1999-Today
Purchase Price Estimate: $275,000-$375,000
Rental Estimate: $1,800-$2,200
Median Number of Days to Find a Tenant: 5
Plum Creek is Kyle’s premier master planned community and is one of the few neighborhoods within 30 minutes of Downtown Austin where investors can still find homes priced below $300,000. The neighborhood began its development in 1997 and has evolved over the last two decades. Residents enjoy a public golf course, trails, parks, highly rated elementary school and fishing pond. And, with single family homes, apartments, senior living and over 700 acres of commercial space, Plum Creek will be a one size fits all option for residents looking to live south of Downtown Austin. Scroll down to continue reading the best Austin neighborhoods for investors.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Plum Creek Neighborhood Guide.
Plum Creek Neighborhood Map
Plum Creek Homes for Sale
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Shadow Creek
City, Zip Code: Buda, 78610
Distance to Downtown Austin: 33 minutes, 20 miles
School District: Hays CISD
Elementary School & Rating: Ralph Pfluger (7/10)
Middle School & Rating: McCormick (6/10)
High School & Rating: Johnson High (6/10)
Year Built: 2005-2019
Purchase Price Estimate: $250,000-$350,000
Rental Estimate: $1,800-$2,100
Median Number of Days to Find a Tenant: 4
Whispering Hollow is one of Buda’s biggest master planned communities. Residents are drawn to Shadow Creek because of the well kept homesites, community pool, park, pavilion and highly rated Ralph Pfluger elementary. The neighborhood is recently built out, so you’ll get newer construction without the hassle of driving through a construction zone every day.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Shadow Creek Neighborhood Guide.
Shadow Creek Neighborhood Map
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Blackhawk
City, Zip Code: Pflugerville, 78660
Distance to Downtown Austin: 24 minutes, 22 miles
School District: Pflugerville ISD
Elementary School & Rating: Murchison (7/10) or Rowe Lane (8/10)
Middle School & Rating: Kelly Lane (7/10)
High School & Rating: Hendrickson (6/10)
Year Built: 1996-2012
Purchase Price Estimate: $325,000-$475,000
Rental Estimate: $1,850-$2,250
Median Number of Days to Find a Tenant: 11
Blackhawk is one of Pflugerville’s established master planned communities. Built from the early 1990s to today, Blackhawk is comprised of several sections. When Blackhawk was first developed, there was no real infrastructure to support the neighborhood. But, as the areas has developed, residents are drawn to the neighborhood more as they don’t have to travel 20+ minutes for when they forget milk. And, with some of Pflugerville’s highest rated schools on-site, parents can rest assured their kids are getting a great education not too far from home. Tenants are drawn to Blackhawk for the schools, proximity to some of Pflugerville’s newest shopping, dining and entertainment and easy access to 130 and 45 toll roads, making it a short commute to Austin’s major employers. Scroll down to continue reading our best Austin neighborhoods for investors post.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Blackhawk Neighborhood Guide.
Blackhawk Neighborhood Map
Blackhawk Homes for Sale
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Verona
City, Zip Code: Pflugerville, 78660
Distance to Downtown Austin: 32 minutes, 23 miles
School District: Pflugerville ISD
Elementary School & Rating: Carpenter (8/10)
Middle School & Rating: Cele (7/10)
High School & Rating: Weiss (3/10)
Year Built: 2016-2020
Purchase Price Estimate: $350,000-$425,000
Rental Estimate: $2,000-$2,350
Median Number of Days to Find a Tenant: 19
Verona is one of Pflugerville’s value neighborhoods. Located just behind the popular Reserve at Westcreek, Verona homes have the modern finish outs today’s buyers are looking for without the top dollar price. Though the land behind it is not developed yet, it may make some feel like they’re out in the middle of nowhere, but if you’re an investor looking to buy and hold, this might be one of the areas hidden gems.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Verona Neighborhood Guide.
Verona Neighborhood Map
Verona Homes for Sale
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Avalon
City, Zip Code: Pflugerville, 78660
Distance to Downtown Austin: 29 minutes, 22 miles
School District: Pflugerville ISD
Elementary School & Rating: Riojas (5/10)
Middle School & Rating: Cele (7/10)
High School & Rating: Weiss (3/10)
Year Built: 2006-2020
Purchase Price Estimate: $325,000-$450,000
Rental Estimate: $2,000-$2,600
Median Number of Days to Find a Tenant: 8
Build on the north end of Kelly Lane between Blackhawk and Hodge Lane, Avalon is one of the popular neighborhoods for both investors and home owners. Built from 2007-2020, Avalon has a range of homes in both size and style. You’ll find everything from a more traditional finish out with browns and beiges to a more modern finish out with whites and grays. Floorplans are typically open, which is what tenants are looking for. And, the schools are rated well. Plus, with the resort style community pool and shopping just minutes away at 130 and Kelly Lane and Avalon is always an easy sell.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Avalon Neighborhood Guide.
Avalon Neighborhood Map
Avalon Homes for Sale
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Carmel
City, Zip Code: Pflugerville, 78660
Distance to Downtown Austin: 25 minutes, 19 miles
School District: Pflugerville ISD
Elementary School & Rating: Carpenter (8/10)
Middle School & Rating: Bohls (Not Yet Rated)
High School & Rating: Weiss (3/10)
Year Built: 2018-Today
Purchase Price Estimate: $300,000-$400,000
Rental Estimate: $2,000-$2,400
Median Number of Days to Find a Tenant: 7
Located just south of Lake Pflugerville, Carmel is one of Pflugerville’s newer neighborhoods. The neighborhood first broke ground in 2018 and building continues today, making it a great spot for investors who are looking for the newest construction. And, with the addition of Carpenter Elementary, residents now have an on-site elementary to add to the on-site high school. Residents will also enjoy access to the community pool. The land is flat and there isn’t too much mature landscaping, but that will start to fill in as the neighborhood matures. Scroll down to continue reading our best Austin neighborhoods for investors post.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Carmel Neighborhood Guide.
Carmel Neighborhood Map
Carmel Homes for Sale
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Highland Park
City, Zip Code: Pflugerville, 78660
Distance to Downtown Austin: 24 minutes, 19 miles
School District: Pflugerville ISD
Elementary School & Rating: Highland Park (7/10)
Middle School & Rating: Park Crest (4/10)
High School & Rating: Hendrickson (6/10)
Year Built: 2003-2018
Purchase Price Estimate: $325,000-$450,000
Rental Estimate: $1,750-$2,200
Median Number of Days to Find a Tenant: 6
Creekview is a smaller Cedar Park neighborhood with recently built homes. Though the neighborhood is all built out, homes are recent enough where they are finished with similar materials than if they were built today. Investors like Creekview because of its low maintenance homes, easy access to Cedar Park and other North Austin employers and highly rated schools.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Highland Park Neighborhood Guide.
Highland Park Neighborhood Map
Highland Park Homes for Sale
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Villages of Hidden Lake
City, Zip Code: Pflugerville, 78660
Distance to Downtown Austin: 24 minutes, 21 miles
School District: Pflugerville ISD
Elementary School & Rating: Hidden Lake (Not Yet Rated)
Middle School & Rating: Bohls (Not Yet Rated)
High School & Rating: Weiss (3/10)
Year Built: 2003-2019
Purchase Price Estimate: $325,000-$450,000
Rental Estimate: $1,900-$2,300
Median Number of Days to Find a Tenant: 7
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Villages of Hidden Lake Neighborhood Guide.
Villages of Hidden Lake Neighborhood Map
Villages of Hidden Lake Homes for Sale
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Vine Creek
City, Zip Code: Pflugerville, 78660
Distance to Downtown Austin: 28 minutes, 22 miles
School District: Pflugerville ISD
Elementary School & Rating: Mott (7/10)
Middle School & Rating: Cele (7/10)
High School & Rating: Weiss (3/10)
Year Built: 2020-Today
Purchase Price Estimate: $300,000-$375,000
Rental Estimate: $1,950-$2,050
Median Number of Days to Find a Tenant: 15
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Vine Creek Neighborhood Guide.
Vine Creek Neighborhood Map
Vine Creek Homes for Sale
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Olympic Heights
City, Zip Code: Austin, 78748
Distance to Downtown Austin: 18 minutes, 14 miles
School District: Austin ISD
Elementary School & Rating: Baranoff (8/10)
Middle School & Rating: Bailey (6/10)
High School & Rating: Akins (4/10) or Bowie (7/10)
Year Built: 2002-2012
Purchase Price Estimate: $375,000-$450,000
Rental Estimate: $1,900-$2,300
Median Number of Days to Find a Tenant: 7
Olympic Heights is one of Southwest Austin’s premier neighborhoods for first time home buyers and investors alike. Homes are modestly sized, with most around 1,500 sq ft and sit on manageably sized lots, perfect for someone who wants a single family home, but doesn’t want to spend all weekend in the yard. The neighborhood has a community pool and a few parks, and has a very tight knit HOA that plans a lot of activities. And, with the development of Manchaca Road, you’re only a short Uber ride away from bars and restaurants on Manchaca Road. Tenants are also drawn to the top rated elementary school, which is one of the closest they can get to downtown Austin at an affordable price.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Olympic Heights Neighborhood Guide.
Olympic Heights Neighborhood Map
Olympic Heights Homes for Sale
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Bradshaw Crossing
City, Zip Code: Austin, 78747
Distance to Downtown Austin: 16 minutes, 12 miles
School District: Austin ISD
Elementary School & Rating: Blazier (7/10)
Middle School & Rating: Paredes (3/10)
High School & Rating: Akins (4/10)
Year Built: 2007-2021
Purchase Price Estimate: $325,000-$450,000
Rental Estimate: $2,100-$2,300
Median Number of Days to Find a Tenant: 16
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Bradshaw Crossing Neighborhood Guide.
Bradshaw Crossing Neighborhood Map
Bradshaw Crossing Homes for Sale
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Vista Point
City, Zip Code: Austin, 78744
Distance to Downtown Austin: 14 minutes, 11 miles
School District: Del Valle ISD
Elementary School & Rating: Hillcrest (3/10)
Middle School & Rating: Ojeda (3/10)
High School & Rating: Del Valle (3/10)
Year Built: 2016-2020
Purchase Price Estimate: $375,000-$450,000
Rental Estimate: $2,200-$2,500
Median Number of Days to Find a Tenant: 3
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Vista Point Neighborhood Guide.
Vista Point Neighborhood Map
Vista Point Homes for Sale
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La Conterra
City, Zip Code: Georgetown, 78626
Distance to Downtown Austin: 28 minutes, 26 miles
School District: Georgetown ISD
Elementary School & Rating: Carver (4/10)
Middle School & Rating: Wagner (3/10)
High School & Rating: East View (3/10)
Year Built: 2008-2020
Purchase Price Estimate: $300,000-$400,000
Rental Estimate: $2,000-$2,300
Median Number of Days to Find a Tenant: 13
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our La Conterra Neighborhood Guide.
La Conterra Neighborhood Map
La Conterra Homes for Sale
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Teravista
City, Zip Code: Round Rock, 78665
Distance to Downtown Austin: 30 minutes, 25 miles
School District: Round Rock ISD
Elementary School & Rating: Teravista (7/10)
Middle School & Rating: Hopewell (6/10)
High School & Rating: Stony Point (4/10)
Year Built: 2002-2019
Purchase Price Estimate: $350,000-$475,000
Rental Estimate: $1,900-$2,400
Median Number of Days to Find a Tenant: 4
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Teravista Neighborhood Guide.
Teravista Neighborhood Map
Teravista Homes for Sale
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Vista Vera
City, Zip Code: Georgetown, 78626
Distance to Downtown Austin: 24 minutes, 24 miles
School District: Georgetown ISD
Elementary School & Rating: Carver (4/10)
Middle School & Rating: Wagner (3/10)
High School & Rating: East View (3/10)
Year Built: 2018-Today
Purchase Price Estimate: $350,000-$455,000
Rental Estimate: $1,900-$2,300
Median Number of Days to Find a Tenant: 14
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Vista Vera Neighborhood Guide.
Vista Vera Neighborhood Map
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Purchase price and rental estimates were taken from ACTRIS MLS sold and leased data from 10/15/2020-10/15/2021. School ratings are GreatSchools ratings as of February 2024. Thanks for reading our best Austin neighborhoods for investors post.
Looking for an Investment Property in Austin?
Our team of buyer’s specialists can help you find the best investment property to meet your investor profile. We know the Austin area well, so no matter where you’re looking, we can help. With our combined 60+ years of residential real estate experience, there isn’t much we haven’t seen, so we know how to make your transaction stress free. For more info about our team, check out our Austin Home Buyers section. Then, call us at (512) 827-8323, email us at info@11OaksRealty.com or fill out our Buyer Survey to schedule a no obligation consultation.
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