As Austin continues to expand and urbanize, many homebuyers find themselves surprised by the relatively small square footage and high prices attached to homes within the city limits. If you want to spread out a bit more (and spend a bit less) while staying close to the big-city amenities, suburban towns offer a convenient alternative.

We’ve rounded up five Central Texas suburbs within a 45-minute drive of Austin; these areas feature housing markets with ample inventory and affordable prices.

Leander

A stone marker in Leander, Texas
Most of the available houses in Leander are single-family homes.

 

Located 30 minutes northwest of Austin, Leander combines the best of peaceful suburban living with a close connection to its neighboring metropolis. With its serene small-town feel, great public schools, multiple parks and golf courses, and plentiful housing options, Leander is ideal for young families eager to stay close to Austin without breaking the bank.

Current home prices in Leander range from the high $100s to $6.5 million with the majority of listings in the $300s to $600s. Most of the available houses in Leander are single-family homes, and many are newly constructed.

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Hutto

Buildings along a street in the downtown area of Hutto, Texas
Hutto is a strong investment for professionals working in and around Austin. (Image credited to Renelibrary)

 

With its quaint downtown, abundant greenspace, and proximity to both Austin (30 minutes northeast) and smaller Central Texas cities like Round Rock and Pflugerville, Hutto is a strong investment for professionals working in and around Austin.

Hutto’s housing prices tend to be on the lower end for Austin suburbs, ranging from the high $200s to the mid $600s. In keeping with the style for suburban communities in Central Texas, you’ll primarily find single-family homes in Hutto.

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Buda

A railroad track in Buda, Texas
There are over 50 available homes for sale in Buda.

 

Known as the “Outdoor Capital of Texas,” Buda attracts Central Texas homebuyers with its large array of parks and greenspaces, its well-rated public schools, and its quaint downtown area with eateries, cocktail bars, and shops. It’s also just 20 minutes south of Austin, making it a prime location for homebuyers looking to live close to the city.

Most of Buda’s current home listings range from the high $200s to the high $600s, making it one of the most affordable suburban communities in the metropolitan Austin area. Neighborhoods.com lists over 50 available homes for sale in Buda.

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Kyle

Buildings along a street in the downtown area of Kyle, Texas
Kyle now counts among the fastest-growing towns in Texas.

 

Just south of Buda, you’ll find Kyle, a once-rural community between Austin and San Marcos that now counts among the fastest-growing towns in Texas, largely due to its easy commute to the capital city. Because Kyle is still in a state of flux, it’s an excellent investment for new Austinites looking to set down roots in a highly-affordable area with enormous potential for future development. Home prices in Kyle range from the high $200s to the high $700s with just a few properties over $1 million.

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Lockhart

Cars parked outside buildings in the downtown area of Lockhart, Texas
Lockhart is known colloquially as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas.”

 

Lockhart is a suburb 40 minutes southeast of Austin that’s known colloquially as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas.” Lockhart’s got the goods to back that nickname up, providing a home for BBQ destinations like Kreuz Market, Black’s BBQ, and Chisholm Trail BBQ. The town also has a large state park, plenty of independently-owned shops, and various venues for live music. Homes in Lockhart range from the mid $200s to mid $600s.

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