A thriving job market, vibrant arts and culture scene, and abundant natural beauty are just a few reasons the Austin metro is the fastest-growing area in the nation. Named one of “the best cities in America”, the Texas capital is a hub of music festivals, parks, eclectic shopping, and much more. Employment opportunities are numerous, with Tesla, Apple Inc., and other major companies located in the city. It’s no wonder that Austin is the 10th largest city in the United States, with a population of nearly one million.
If you’re also interested in calling this incredible city home, read on for our take on some of the best neighborhoods in Austin to buy a house, from Buda and Round Rock to South Congress and beyond!
Six of the Best Neighborhoods in Austin, TX
1. Buda
Known as the “Outdoor Capital of Texas”, Buda boasts natural beauty, local entertainment, and easy access to Austin. This welcoming city offers more parkland per capita than any other city in the state, and outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do at close-by Dinosaur Park, McKinney Falls State Park, and the Historic Stagecoach Park, which offers 51 acres of scenic walking trails.
Buda’s downtown district is nationally recognized as a historic site and hosts six blocks of dining and retail options, offering everything from Cajun-inspired eats at Brooklyn’s Down South to unique home décor, apparel, and apothecary goods at The Mercantile at Mill + Grain. Doc’s Drive-in Theatre and Mavericks Dance Hall promise hours of fun-packed entertainment. Real estate in the area is affordably priced relative to surrounding neighborhoods.
Public transit options are plentiful, with the Capital Metro bus system running fixed routes and a local shuttle service provided by the city. While Buda sits 20 miles outside of the Austin city limits, it still provides easy access to the big city’s attractions and amenities.
The welcoming Stallion Run neighborhood located in Buda, TX, is home to The Glen and The Meadows, two exciting communities near numerous local attractions.
2. South Congress Area
Featuring an impressive 96/100 walkability score, according to walkscore.com, this pedestrian-friendly area offers attractions unlike any other neighborhood in Austin, beginning with the celebrated South Congress Avenue. The Avenue is a major player in this foodie-approved city, offering everything from an omakase dinner at the 12-seat Otoko to Greek, Lebanon, and Israeli fusion at Aba. Coffee shops are on every corner; local favorites include Jo’s Coffee, home of the famous “I love you so much” mural that makes frequent appearances on social media.
Eclectic and popular retail abounds, and live music shows can be found nightly in venues ranging from small bars to the historic Continental Club. For nature lovers, McKinney Falls State Park is about 10 miles away, and Barton Springs and Zilker Metropolitan Park—with access to Lady Bird Lake—are also great nearby escapes.
Our nearby community, Jennings Place, provides quick access to the South Congress area, plus Blazier Elementary School is just a short walk away. Check out its available homes today!
3. Round Rock
Situated in picturesque Texas Hill Country, Round Rock offers some of the finest neighborhoods north of the Austin metro, as well as a lively downtown area. The residents here enjoy outdoor activities and proximity to public parks; Old Settlers Park, the largest park in Round Rock, spans an impressive 645 acres and offers three miles of walking and biking trails.
There are numerous job opportunities available in the area, with Dell Technologies and other tech companies calling Round Rock home. The dining scene is also vibrant, featuring popular spots like the Irish pub and microbrewery, Cork and Barrel, and the perfect date-night spot, Cover 3. Round Rock Premium Outlets and downtown boutiques, galleries, and unique shops offer an abundance of retail options. There are plenty of outdoor attractions nearby to keep you active and entertained, including Lake Georgetown, known for great fishing and boating.
Round Rock boasts an impressive walkability score, with most errands easily accomplished on foot. Public transit includes fixed bus routes, a commuter express route to downtown Austin, and on-demand shuttle services from the city. The city was also recently named “the best housing market for growth and stability.” Not to mention, downtown Austin is less than 25 miles away!
Interested in moving to Round Rock? Our community, Avery Centre, features an incredible location by Old Settlers Park and three distinct neighborhoods to complement your taste and style.
4. Elgin
Elgin, located northwest of Austin, provides a peaceful lifestyle near the amenities of its big sister city. Residents enjoy hiking trails and green spaces at City Park, Morris Memorial Park, and Thomas Memorial Park, as well as nearby natural swimming pools.
Popular spots in Elgin include the long-standing Meyer’s Elgin Smokehouse, known for its delicious BBQ dishes, and Liberty Tree Tavern, which offers a mix of home-cooked meals and live music. The Old Coupland Inn & Dancehall is a favorite destination for dining, dancing, and entertainment. The average commute to employment hubs is about 25 minutes, and the Capital Metro bus system provides a route leading into Austin on weekdays.
If you’re searching for homes in the Elgin area, explore our new community, Trinity Ranch. It features a versatile range of floor plans, making it easy for you to find a home you love.
5. San Marcos
Boasting a growing economy, natural beauty, and a variety of local attractions, San Marcos offers endless appeal to homebuyers. Outdoor recreational opportunities like hiking, biking, and boating are everywhere, thanks to San Marcos’ proximity to Canyon Lake, Purgatory Creek Natural Area, and Prospect Park. There is also a 22-mile trail system that runs through the city.
There are several museums to explore, including the Calaboose African American Museum and Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos. Retail lovers can shop ‘til they drop at the 1.2-million-square-foot San Marcos Premium Outlets, the nation’s largest outlet shopping center offering 240 stores. The restaurant scene in San Marcos is thriving, with offerings like Mama Kat’s southern comfort cuisine and Middleton Brewing’s fresh-brewed ales. Nightlife favorites include the Barfish Lounge and the Gray Horse.
While the walkability score is on the lower end, the city’s fixed-route Capital Area Rural Transit (CARTS) offers a convenient and reliable way to travel within San Marcos. This community is also conveniently situated along I-35, making it perfectly located for easy access to prime economic and employment hubs in both Austin and San Antonio.
Our community, Pinnacle at Cottonwood Creek, offers a wide selection of new build homes. Explore its available properties today!
6. Jarrell
Located in the heart of the Lone Star State, Jarrell, TX offers an appealing blend of small-town charm, a tight-knit community, and access to big-city amenities. Situated on I-35, Jarrell provides easy access to not only Austin but other major cities like Dallas, Houston, and Waco, with the average commute about 30 minutes long. Most errands in Jarrell require a car to get to, but the city has a convenient bus service offering routes to major cities in the area. Jarrell Memorial Park and smaller parks are scattered throughout the city, and it’s only a short commute to outdoor attractions like Lake Georgetown, Granger Lake, Belton Lake, and Blue Hole Park.
For a community with quick access to downtown Austin and Waco’s attractions and amenities, Eastwood at Sonterra is a great choice. Offering a relaxed rural setting, this neighborhood boasts exciting community amenities, including a pool, clubhouse, and walking trails.
Considering Buying a New Home in Austin? Start With This List!
Whether you value walkability, outdoor recreation, local attractions, or an easy commute, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Elgin, Buda, San Marcos, Jarrell or Austin proper. Any one of these neighborhoods is a great place to call home.
Now that you’re familiar with some of Austin’s best neighborhoods, you can begin your home search with confidence! Explore our range of new build homes in the greater Austin area, and start the journey to your dream home today