If you have been searching for a home in Austin and come up a little short on what you can find in your budget, you are not alone. Austin’s growth over the past decade has pushed prices significantly higher within the city limits, and that has sent a lot of buyers looking at the small towns and suburbs surrounding the metro. Many of those communities have a lot to offer, and in some cases they deliver a lifestyle that downtown Austin simply cannot.
This guide covers 20 of the best small towns near Austin, organized by direction from the city so you can focus on the areas that make sense for your commute, your lifestyle, and your budget. For each town, we have included what makes it distinct, how far it is from downtown Austin, what the local school district looks like, and a note on the current real estate market.
Whether you are relocating to the Austin area for the first time, thinking about trading city living for something quieter, or just want to understand all your options, this guide gives you the full picture of what the Austin metro has to offer beyond the city limits.
Why So Many Buyers Are Looking Beyond Austin
Austin has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the country for the better part of a decade, and the real estate market reflects that. Home prices within the city limits climbed sharply through 2021 and 2022, and while the market has cooled somewhat since then, prices have not returned to where they were before the boom.
Austin Market Stats
As of February 2026, the median home price in the city of Austin is $625,000 and there are 2.91 months of inventory on the market, indicating a seller’s market. We saw an 0.8% increase in median price from last year, so prices are remaining somewhat stable and it looks like we aren’t going to see any major declines in prices. The average price of a single family home in Austin was $830,674 showing there are many more expensive homes selling as well.
- Average and Median Price: $830,674 and $625,000
- Average & Median Beds/Baths: 4/3 and 4/3
- Average and Median Home Size: 2,354 and 2,122 square feet
- Average and Median Lot Size: 0.29 and 0.19 acres
- Average and Median Close Price to Square Foot: $344.88 and $297.57
- Average and Median Close Price to Original List Price: 92.56% and 94%
- Average and Median Close Price to List Price: 96.86% and 98%
- Average and Median Time to Sell: 67 days and 43 days
The result is that many buyers, especially those who moved to the area for work and are not attached to a specific part of town, are finding that the surrounding communities offer better value. You get more square footage, more land in many cases, lower property tax rates in some counties, and a different pace of life, all while staying within reach of Austin’s job market.
Remote and hybrid work has also shifted the math. If you are in the office two or three days a week rather than five, a 30-minute drive from Georgetown or a 25-minute drive from Dripping Springs becomes much easier to absorb. That has opened up options that buyers in previous generations would not have seriously considered.
What to Think About Before Choosing a Small Town Near Austin
Before you start touring homes in the suburbs, a few things are worth mapping out for your own situation:
- Commute distance and route: Miles from downtown tell only part of the story. A 25-mile drive on a clear highway is very different from a 25-mile drive on I-35 during peak hours. Research your specific route and time of day before committing to a location.
- Home prices and lot sizes: Each town on this list has its own price point and housing character. Some lean heavily toward new construction master-planned communities; others have a mix of older homes, custom builds, and rural properties. Know what type of home you want before you narrow down on location.
- School districts: School district quality and boundaries vary across these communities. If you have school-age children, research the specific schools serving the home you are considering, not just the overall district reputation.
- Growth trajectory: Some of these towns are growing fast and will look quite different in five years. Others have more limited growth potential because of geography or local planning. If you care about maintaining the character of your community, that is worth researching.
- Utilities and services: Incorporated cities have different utility infrastructure than unincorporated areas or ETJ properties. Well and septic situations, road maintenance responsibility, and broadband availability all vary by location.
Small Towns North of Austin
Georgetown (approximately 30 miles north)
- Price Range: $160,000 – $3,750,000
- Average and Median Price: $516,911 and $452,421
- Average & Median Beds/Baths: 4/3 and 4/3
- Average and Median Home Size: 2,381 and 2,347
- Average and Median Lot Size: 0.37 and 0.17 acres
- Average and Median Close Price to Square Foot: $216.20 and $209.33
- Average and Median Close Price to Original List Price: 92.88% and 94%
- Average and Median Close Price to List Price: 97.55% and 98%
- Average and Median Time to Sell: 85 days and 60 days
Georgetown has one of the strongest identities of any small town near Austin. Its historic downtown square, built in the Victorian Romanesque style and frequently cited as one of the most beautiful courthouse squares in Texas, gives the city a character that newer communities cannot replicate. The Williamson County Courthouse anchors the square, which is surrounded by locally owned restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.
The real estate market in Georgetown includes a wide range of options, from historic homes within walking distance of the square to large master-planned communities like Wolf Ranch and Teravista on the city’s edges. Georgetown is one of the larger cities on this list, which means more housing inventory and more varied price points.
Georgetown ISD and Georgetown Charter Schools serve the area. The Blue Hole Park along the San Gabriel River is a beloved local spot, and Lake Georgetown offers boating, camping, and trail access. Georgetown is also home to Southwestern University, which contributes to the city’s cultural calendar.
For more information and to search Georgetown homes for sale, visit our Georgetown Neighborhood Guide.
Georgetown Neighborhood Map
Georgetown Homes for Sale
SEARCH ALL GEORGETOWN HOMES FOR SALENo Email Required! Round Rock (approximately 20 miles north)
- Price Range: $165,000 – $2MM
- Average and Median Price: $484,664 and $436,000
- Average & Median Beds/Baths:4/3 and 4/3
- Average and Median Home Size: 2,353 and 2,234
- Average and Median Lot Size: 0.23 and 0.18 acres
- Average and Median Close Price to Square Foot: $208.02 and $204.18
- Average and Median Close Price to Original List Price: 94.24% and 96%
- Average and Median Close Price to List Price: 97.55% and 98%
- Average and Median Time to Sell: 62 and 37 days
Round Rock is the largest city north of Austin on this list, and it has one of the more developed identities of any Austin suburb. Dell Technologies has been headquartered here since the early 1990s, and the presence of that anchor employer, along with retail, healthcare, and logistics operations along the I-35 corridor, means a lot of people who live in Round Rock also work there.
The housing market in Round Rock is diverse. You will find older neighborhoods from the 1980s and 1990s with mature trees and established character alongside newer master-planned communities and infill construction. The downtown area along Mays Street has seen investment and revitalization in recent years, adding restaurants and entertainment to what had historically been a pass-through corridor.
Round Rock ISD serves the city. Old Settlers Park is one of the standout public amenities in the region, with athletic fields, a lazy river, walking trails, and one of the best disc golf courses in Central Texas. The Premium Outlets at Round Rock also draw significant retail traffic to the area.
For more information and to search Round Rock homes for sale, visit our Round Rock Neighborhood Guide.
Round Rock Neighborhood Map
Round Rock Homes for Sale
SEARCH ALL ROUND ROCK HOMES FOR SALENo Email Required! Cedar Park (approximately 20 miles northwest)
- Price Range: $125,000 – $2.4MM
- Average and Median Price: $561,840 and $510,000
- Average & Median Beds/Baths: 4/3 and 4/3
- Average and Median Home Size: 2,502 and 2,391
- Average and Median Lot Size: 0.22 and 0.19 acres
- Average and Median Close Price to Square Foot: $225.99 and $221.71
- Average and Median Close Price to Original List Price: 94.68% and 96%
- Average and Median Close Price to List Price: 97.65% and 98%
- Average and Median Time to Sell: 52 and 26 days
Cedar Park sits along the 183A toll road corridor between Austin and Leander, which puts it in a strong position for buyers who work anywhere along that route or at the major tech campuses in North Austin. The city has developed a strong commercial and retail infrastructure that has grown alongside its population, meaning day-to-day errands do not require a trip into Austin.
Cedar Park’s housing market is active and has stayed competitive even as the broader Austin market has softened. The city offers a mix of established neighborhoods and newer construction, with a range of price points reflecting that variety.
Cedar Park is served by Leander ISD, which is consistently one of the more discussed school districts in the region. H-E-B Park serves as a community hub for sporting events and entertainment. Veterans Memorial Park, the Cedar Park Recreation Center, and multiple trail connections round out the community amenities.
For more information and to search homes for sale, visit our Cedar Park Neighborhood Guide.
Cedar Park Neighborhood Map
Cedar Park Homes for Sale
SEARCH ALL CEDAR PARK HOMES FOR SALENo Email Required! Leander (approximately 30 miles northwest)
- Price Range: $49,000 – $2.69MM
- Average and Median Price: $550,140 and $465,000
- Average & Median Beds/Baths: 4/3 and 4/3
- Average and Median Home Size: 2,606 and 2,478
- Average and Median Lot Size: 0.36 and 0.17 acres
- Average and Median Close Price to Square Foot: $209.80 and $200.26
- Average and Median Close Price to Original List Price: 92.31% and 93%
- Average and Median Close Price to List Price: 96.89% and 98%
- Average and Median Time to Sell: 72 and 50 days
Leander has one of the more compelling commute stories of any town on this list. As the northern terminus of the CapMetro MetroRail, Leander offers direct rail access to downtown Austin. For buyers who work in central Austin and want to avoid driving, that rail connection is a meaningful differentiator.
The city has grown rapidly over the past decade and continues to see significant new construction. The Lakeline area, which sits on the Cedar Park-Leander border, offers a dense mix of retail, restaurants, and services that the older core of Leander lacked. Crystal Falls and other master-planned communities have brought significant residential development to the western edges of the city.
Leander is served by Leander ISD. The Cap-Tex Hike and Bike Trail connects Leander to destinations across the region, and the MetroRail station anchor gives pedestrian-adjacent neighborhoods an unusual level of connectivity for a community this far from downtown.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Leander Neighborhood Guide.
Leander Neighborhood Map
Leander Homes for Sale
SEARCH ALL LEANDER HOMES FOR SALENo Email Required! Liberty Hill (approximately 40 miles northwest)
- Price Range: $265,000 – $2.05MM
- Average and Median Price: $568,274 and $510,000
- Average & Median Beds/Baths: 4/3 and 4/3
- Average and Median Home Size: 2,699 and 2,619
- Average and Median Lot Size: 0.66 and 0.17 acres
- Average and Median Close Price to Square Foot: $209.15 and $199.76
- Average and Median Close Price to Original List Price: 91.16% and 92%
- Average and Median Close Price to List Price: 96.79% and 98%
- Average and Median Time to Sell: 106 and 79 days
Liberty Hill sits farther from Austin than most buyers initially consider, but it has attracted attention for its rural character, larger lot sizes, and access to Hill Country scenery. As land prices in closer-in suburbs have risen, Liberty Hill has become one of the better options for buyers who want acreage or a genuine country feel without paying the premium that used to be required to get it in the western suburbs.
The town has seen significant new construction, particularly in the Santa Rita Ranch and Rancho Sienna master-planned communities. At the same time, the older core of town and surrounding rural areas still have the feel that drew people here in the first place.
Liberty Hill ISD serves the area. The San Gabriel River runs near town, and the community has an active local identity that larger suburbs can lack. If you are willing to absorb a longer drive to Austin, Liberty Hill offers space and scenery at a price that is hard to find elsewhere in the region.
For more information and to search homes for sale visit our Liberty Hill Neighborhood Guide.
Liberty Hill Neighborhood Map
Liberty Hill Homes for Sale
SEARCH ALL LIBERTY HILL HOMES FOR SALENo Email Required! Pflugerville (approximately 15 miles northeast)
- Price Range: $225,000 – $1.1MM
- Average and Median Price: $427,476 and $405,000
- Average & Median Beds/Baths: 4/3 and 4/3
- Average and Median Home Size: 2,247 and 2,102
- Average and Median Lot Size: 0.19 and 0.17 acres
- Average and Median Close Price to Square Foot: $195.88 and $194.49
- Average and Median Close Price to Original List Price: 94.35% and 95%
- Average and Median Close Price to List Price: 97.98% and 98%
- Average and Median Time to Sell: 64 and 42 days
Pflugerville is one of the closest communities on this list to downtown Austin, and it is often underestimated. The city has invested in its parks and community infrastructure, and Lake Pflugerville is a genuine asset, offering a public swimming area, kayak launch, walking trails, and fishing within easy reach of most neighborhoods.
Pflugerville’s housing market reflects its proximity to Austin. The city sits along the SH-130 tollway corridor, which connects it to the Samsung semiconductor campus and to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, giving it strong employment anchors on both ends. Its affordability relative to closer-in Austin neighborhoods has consistently drawn buyers who want a short commute without the inner-city price tag.
For more information and to search homes for sale, visit our Pflugerville Neighborhood Guide.
Pflugerville Neighborhood Map
Pflugerville Homes for Sale
SEARCH ALL PFLUGERVILLE HOMES FOR SALENo Email Required! Small Towns South of Austin
Kyle (approximately 20 miles south)
- Price Range: $130,000 – $981,207
- Average and Median Price: $361,486 and $326,750
- Average & Median Beds/Baths: 4/3 and 4/3
- Average and Median Home Size: 2,077 and 1,990
- Average and Median Lot Size: 0.18 and 0.15 acres
- Average and Median Close Price to Square Foot: $177.18 and $175.68
- Average and Median Close Price to Original List Price: 92.57% and 93%
- Average and Median Close Price to List Price: 97.91% and 99%
- Average and Median Time to Sell: 87 and 59 days
Kyle has transformed from a small I-35 stop into one of the more active real estate markets in the southern Austin metro. Its population has grown substantially over the past decade, and new commercial and residential development has followed. The city sits at an accessible distance from Austin via I-35, and that direct corridor keeps it well connected without the drive feeling punishing.
Kyle has earned some recognition along the way. It is known as the Pie Capital of Texas and hosts the annual Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival each Labor Day weekend. The local downtown area, while still developing, has added restaurants and local businesses that give the city more of a distinct identity than many fast-growing suburbs manage.
Kyle is served by Hays CISD. Plum Creek Trail, Kyle Veterans Memorial Park, and the KyleRec Center have added meaningful community infrastructure as the city has grown.
For more information and to search homes for sale, visit our Kyle Neighborhood Guide.
Kyle Neighborhood Map
Kyle Homes for Sale
SEARCH ALL KYLE HOMES FOR SALENo Email Required! Buda (approximately 19 miles south)
- Price Range: $212,900 – $1.67MM
- Average and Median Price: $387,829 and $350,000
- Average & Median Beds/Baths: 4/3 and 4/3
- Average and Median Home Size: 2,057 and 2,003
- Average and Median Lot Size: 0.27 and 0.14 acres
- Average and Median Close Price to Square Foot: $190.07 and $187.11
- Average and Median Close Price to Original List Price: 94.41% and 96%
- Average and Median Close Price to List Price: 97.94% and 99%
- Average and Median Time to Sell: 69 and 49 days
Buda is Austin’s most immediate southern neighbor, and its downtown has preserved more of a Hill Country small-town character than you might expect at that proximity to a major city. The historic district along Main Street still has that Texas town square feel, and the city has made investments in protecting that character even as development has expanded around it.
The Buda real estate market offers a range of options, from older homes on larger lots in established neighborhoods to newer subdivisions on the city’s edges. Buda has designated itself the Outdoor Capital of Texas, and with 13 parks including the 51-acre historic Stagecoach Park, there is genuine substance behind that designation.
Hays CISD serves the Buda area. The proximity to Onion Creek and the city’s investment in trail connectivity have given Buda a strong outdoor identity. The fact that you can find a 50-year-old ranch property and a brand-new suburban build within the same city limits speaks to the variety available here.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Buda Neighborhood Guide.
Buda Neighborhood Map
Buda Homes for Sale
SEARCH ALL BUDA HOMES FOR SALENo Email Required! Wimberley (approximately 38 miles southwest)
- Price Range: $275,000 – $6.45MM
- Average and Median Price: $720,223 and $500,000
- Average & Median Beds/Baths: 3/3 and 3/2
- Average and Median Home Size: 2,247 and 2,045
- Average and Median Lot Size: 3.31 and 0.47 acres
- Average and Median Close Price to Square Foot: $305.31 and $261.29
- Average and Median Close Price to Original List Price: 90.96% and 93%
- Average and Median Close Price to List Price: 95.78% and 97%
- Average and Median Time to Sell: 92 and 58 days
Wimberley sits at the confluence of Cypress Creek and the Blanco River, and the natural beauty of that setting shapes everything about the community. Blue Hole Regional Park, Jacob’s Well Natural Area, and the Wimberley Valley Winery are all close to town. The Wimberley Market Days, held the first Saturday of each month from April through December, draw visitors from across the region.
The real estate market in Wimberley skews toward properties with land. You will find a wider range of home characters here than in most of the suburban communities on this list, including custom homes on Hill Country acreage, historic properties in town, and newer construction in subdivisions. Prices have risen significantly over the past several years as more buyers have discovered the area.
Wimberley ISD serves the community. The distance from Austin is longer than most of the other towns on this list, so if you need to commute into the city regularly, that is worth factoring in carefully. For buyers who work remotely or travel to Austin only occasionally, it is a strong choice.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Wimberley Neighborhood Guide.
Wimberley Homes for Sale
SEARCH ALL WIMBERLEY HOMES FOR SALENo Email Required! Lockhart (approximately 30 miles southeast)
- Price Range: $65,000 – $775,000
- Average and Median Price: $309,334 and $291,000
- Average & Median Beds/Baths: 3/2 and 3/2
- Average and Median Home Size: 1,763 and 1,707
- Average and Median Lot Size: 0.54 and 0.18 acres
- Average and Median Close Price to Square Foot: $176.08 and $167.13
- Average and Median Close Price to Original List Price: 91.48% and 93%
- Average and Median Close Price to List Price: 96.06% and 97.5%
- Average and Median Time to Sell: 64 and 45 days
Lockhart holds the official Texas Legislature designation as the Barbecue Capital of Texas, awarded in 1999, and the four major barbecue restaurants here, Kreuz Market, Smitty’s Market, Black’s Barbecue, and Chisholm Trail BBQ, draw visitors from across the state. But Lockhart is more than its culinary reputation. The Caldwell County Courthouse on the downtown square is a striking piece of architecture, and the city has a genuine small-town character that is increasingly rare at this distance from Austin.
Housing in Lockhart is among the more affordable on this list, which makes it an appealing option for buyers who prioritize square footage or acreage per dollar.
Lockhart ISD serves the area. For buyers willing to absorb a longer drive and interested in a town that has not been fully absorbed by Austin’s suburban growth, Lockhart offers real value and a distinct identity.
For more information and to search homes for sale, visit our Lockhart Neighborhood Guide.
Lockhart Neighborhood Map
Lockhart Homes for Sale
SEARCH ALL LOCKHART HOMES FOR SALENo Email Required! Small Towns West of Austin
Dripping Springs (approximately 25 miles west)
- Price Range: $320,000 – $8.5MM
- Average and Median Price: $756,612 and $645,000
- Average & Median Beds/Baths: 4/3 and 4/3
- Average and Median Home Size: 2,722 and 2,671
- Average and Median Lot Size: 1.27 and 0.23 acres
- Average and Median Close Price to Square Foot: $277.52 and $251.14
- Average and Median Close Price to Original List Price: 93.42% and 95%
- Average and Median Close Price to List Price: 97.30% and 98%
- Average and Median Time to Sell: 68 and 41 days
Dripping Springs has become one of the defining Hill Country suburbs of Austin over the past decade. Known as the Wedding Capital of Texas for its abundance of Hill Country event venues, the town has also developed a strong food and beverage identity. The area around Dripping Springs includes multiple distilleries, wineries, and olive orchards, and Hamilton Pool Preserve, one of the more photographed natural attractions in Central Texas, is just a short drive away.
The housing market in Dripping Springs reflects its desirability. The city has grown, but it has managed to retain its Hill Country character better than many communities at similar distances from Austin. You will find a mix of older homes on acreage and newer master-planned communities, with prices reflecting the strong demand the area has seen.
Dripping Springs ISD is one of the most discussed school districts in the region. The combination of Hill Country scenery, a developed local food culture, and reasonable Austin commute times has made Dripping Springs one of the more sought-after communities in the western suburbs.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Dripping Springs Neighborhood Guide.
Dripping Springs Neighborhood Map
Dripping Springs Homes for Sale
SEARCH ALL DRIPPING SPRINGS HOMES FOR SALENo Email Required! Driftwood (approximately 25 miles southwest)
- Price Range: $569K – $3.26MM
- Average and Median Price: $1,178,327 and $1,094,000
- Average & Median Beds/Baths: 4/4 and 4/4
- Average and Median Home Size: 3,492 and 3,487
- Average and Median Lot Size: 2.46 and 1.58 acres
- Average and Median Close Price to Square Foot: $337.30 and $335.28
- Average and Median Close Price to Original List Price: 91.43% and 94%
- Average and Median Close Price to List Price: 96.38% and 97%
- Average and Median Time to Sell: 96 and 51 days
Driftwood is one of the more genuinely rural communities within a reasonable distance of Austin, and that character is a large part of why buyers look here. The Salt Lick BBQ put Driftwood on the map for most Texans, and the surrounding landscape of rolling hills, cedar, and open ranch land gives the area a feel that is closer to the Texas Hill Country than to any suburb. The community has no real downtown to speak of, which is exactly the point for many of the buyers who choose it.
Properties in Driftwood tend to run toward larger lots and acreage. You will find a mix of older ranch-style homes, custom builds on multi-acre parcels, and some newer development along the edges of the community. Because Driftwood is unincorporated, properties here often rely on private well and septic systems, which is worth factoring into your due diligence.
Most of Driftwood falls within Hays CISD. The proximity to Dripping Springs also means some properties may be served by Dripping Springs ISD depending on location, so confirming the specific district for any home you are considering is worth doing early in your search.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Driftwood Neighborhood Guide.
Driftwood Neighborhood Map
Driftwood Homes for Sale
SEARCH ALL DRIFTWOOD HOMES FOR SALENo Email Required! Bee Cave (approximately 15 miles west)
- Price Range: $475,000 – $1.99MM
- Average and Median Price: $943,017 and $880,000
- Average & Median Beds/Baths: 4/4 and 4/4
- Average and Median Home Size: 3,025 and 2,916
- Average and Median Lot Size: 0.77 and 0.24 acres
- Average and Median Close Price to Square Foot: $322.27 and $290.16
- Average and Median Close Price to Original List Price: 92.34% and 93.5%
- Average and Median Close Price to List Price: 96.09% and 96.5%
- Average and Median Time to Sell: 80 and 35 days
Bee Cave is the closest Hill Country-adjacent community on this list to downtown Austin, and that proximity has made it one of the more premium markets in the western suburbs. The Hill Country Galleria anchors the commercial center, and the surrounding residential areas offer a mix of established neighborhoods and newer developments, many with Hill Country views or creek settings.
The real estate market in Bee Cave reflects its location. Buyers here are generally paying for the combination of proximity to Austin and the Hill Country environment, which means prices trend toward the higher end of what you will find in the western suburbs.
Bee Cave is served by Lake Travis ISD. The proximity to Lake Travis and the Barton Creek Greenbelt makes this an appealing option for buyers who prioritize outdoor access alongside their commute into Austin.
For more information and to search homes for sale, visit our Bee Cave Neighborhood Guide.
Bee Cave Neighborhood Map
Bee Cave Homes for Sale
SEARCH ALL BEE CAVE HOMES FOR SALENo Email Required! Lakeway (approximately 20 miles west)
- Price Range: $395,000 – $2.95MM
- Average and Median Price: $933,674 and $780,000
- Average & Median Beds/Baths: 4/4 and 4/3
- Average and Median Home Size: 3,037 and 2,812
- Average and Median Lot Size: 0.37 and 0.33 acres
- Average and Median Close Price to Square Foot: $303.24 and $286.07
- Average and Median Close Price to Original List Price: 92.24% and 93%
- Average and Median Close Price to List Price: 96.47% and 97%
- Average and Median Time to Sell: 79 and 50 days
Lakeway sits along Lake Travis and has long been one of the more established communities in the western suburbs. The Lakeway Marina, the Lakeway Resort and Spa, and proximity to multiple Hill Country wineries and parks give the area a resort-like quality that attracts buyers looking for a specific lifestyle as much as a home.
Lakeway’s established character means you will find a mix of older homes on mature, tree-covered lots alongside newer construction in adjacent developments like Rough Hollow and Lakeway Highlands. The lake access is a meaningful differentiator for buyers who want boating or water recreation close to home.
Lake Travis ISD serves the Lakeway area. World of Tennis and the Lakeway Regional Medical Center are among the local institutions that support the community’s self-sufficient character.
For more information and to search homes for sale, visit our Lakeway Neighborhood Guide.
Lakeway Neighborhood Map
Lakeway Homes for Sale
SEARCH ALL LAKEWAY HOMES FOR SALENo Email Required! Spicewood (approximately 36 miles west)
- Price Range: $65K – $5.25MM
- Average and Median Price: $912,877 and $661,500
- Average & Median Beds/Baths: 4/3 and 4/3
- Average and Median Home Size: 2,851 and 2,710
- Average and Median Lot Size: 1.52 and 0.64 acres
- Average and Median Close Price to Square Foot: $305.87 and $264.47
- Average and Median Close Price to Original List Price: 90.92% and 91%
- Average and Median Close Price to List Price: 96.82% and 97%
- Average and Median Time to Sell: 99 and 74 days
Spicewood sits along the Lake Travis shoreline in western Travis and Burnet counties, and its appeal is rooted almost entirely in that setting. The lake, the Hill Country terrain, and the low-density residential character give Spicewood a distinctly unhurried feel that buyers who want a genuine escape from the suburbs find hard to replicate closer to Austin. Krause Springs, a privately owned natural swimming hole and campground on the edge of town, is one of the more beloved outdoor destinations in the region.
The real estate market in Spicewood includes a mix of waterfront and water-view properties, rural acreage, and master-planned communities like Briarcliff and Summit at Lake Travis. The range of what you can find here is wider than in most communities at this distance from Austin, from modest cabins to custom lakefront homes.
Spicewood is served by Marble Falls ISD for most of Burnet County properties, and portions closer to Lake Travis fall within Lake Travis ISD. If school district boundaries matter for your decision, verify the specific zoning for any property you are considering, as the line runs through the community.
For more information and to search homes for sale, visit our Spicewood Neighborhood Guide.
Spicewood Neighborhood Map
Spicewood Homes for Sale
SEARCH ALL SPICEWOOD HOMES FOR SALENo Email Required! Marble Falls (approximately 50 miles northwest)
- Price Range: $118,000 – $5MM
- Average and Median Price: $574,415 and $362,645
- Average & Median Beds/Baths: 4/3 and 4/2
- Average and Median Home Size: 2,246 and 2,050
- Average and Median Lot Size: 2.01 and 0.19 acres
- Average and Median Close Price to Square Foot: $243.91 and $197.40
- Average and Median Close Price to Original List Price: 88.80% and 90%
- Average and Median Close Price to List Price: 96.59% and 97%
- Average and Median Time to Sell: 142 and 86 days
Marble Falls is the farthest town on this list from downtown Austin, but it earns its place because it offers something genuinely different from the rest of the communities here. Positioned on Lake Marble Falls along the Colorado River chain of lakes, the town has a distinct character shaped by water recreation, local restaurants, and a strong arts community. The Main Street area has a collection of shops and eateries that give the downtown real energy.
For buyers who work remotely full-time or only need to be in Austin occasionally, Marble Falls delivers Hill Country living at a scale and price point that closer-in options cannot match. The Colorado River lakes system gives residents access to boating, fishing, and lakeside dining that most Austin suburbs can’t offer.
Marble Falls ISD serves the area. The Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is nearby, and Fall Creek Vineyards and other Hill Country wineries are within a short drive.
Small Towns East of Austin
Manor (approximately 12 miles east)
- Price Range: $199,000 – $2.5MM
- Average and Median Price: $373,520 and $355,000
- Average & Median Beds/Baths: 4/3 and 4/3
- Average and Median Home Size: 2,049 and 2,014
- Average and Median Lot Size: 0.49 and 0.14 acres
- Average and Median Close Price to Square Foot: $184.27 and $181.64
- Average and Median Close Price to Original List Price: 93.18% and 95%
- Average and Median Close Price to List Price: 97.70% and 99%
- Average and Median Time to Sell: 77 and 53 days
Manor is one of the closest communities to downtown Austin on this list and historically one of the more affordable. Its location just east of Austin along US-290 puts it within easy reach of the city, and its proximity to both Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and the growing Samsung and Tesla campuses along the SH-130 corridor gives it strong employment anchors.
The growth that has been radiating eastward from Austin has started to reach Manor, and the city has seen meaningful new construction activity over the past several years. For buyers who work in east Austin or need airport access, Manor is worth a close look.
Manor ISD serves the community. The city’s affordability relative to its distance from Austin has historically been one of its primary draws, and that relative value story has held even as the broader east Austin corridor has appreciated.
For more information and to search homes for sale, visit our Manor Neighborhood Guide.
Manor Neighborhood Map
Manor Homes for Sale
SEARCH ALL MANOR HOMES FOR SALENo Email Required! Elgin (approximately 30 miles east)
- Price Range: $75,000 – $1.25MM
- Average and Median Price: $325,317 and $304,320
- Average & Median Beds/Baths: 3/2 and 3/2
- Average and Median Home Size: 1,836 and 1,700
- Average and Median Lot Size: 0.74 and 0.13 acres
- Average and Median Close Price to Square Foot: $182.53 and $178.81
- Average and Median Close Price to Original List Price: 92.87% and 94%
- Average and Median Close Price to List Price: 98.29% and 100%
- Average and Median Time to Sell: 103 and 89 days
Elgin is known throughout Texas for two things: its sausage, which has been made here since the late 1800s and earned the city the title of Sausage Capital of Texas, and its brick, which was produced in local yards and used in the construction of numerous Central Texas buildings. Both of those industries have shaped the character of the community.
Elgin offers some of the more affordable housing in the Austin metro at 30 miles out, and the city’s position along US-290 and near the SH-130 corridor gives it reasonable access to employment centers on Austin’s east side.
Elgin ISD serves the community. The town has a genuine small-town character and is positioned to see additional growth as eastern Travis County and Bastrop County continue to develop.
For more information and to search homes for sale, visit our Elgin Neighborhood Guide.
Elgin Neighborhood Map
Elgin Homes for Sale
SEARCH ALL ELGIN HOMES FOR SALENo Email Required! Bastrop (approximately 30 miles southeast)
- Price Range: $149,000 – $1.65MM
- Average and Median Price: $406,559 and $365,250
- Average & Median Beds/Baths: 3/3 and 3/3
- Average and Median Home Size: 2,062 and 1,952
- Average and Median Lot Size: 0.67 and 0.23 acres
- Average and Median Close Price to Square Foot: $199.72 and $196.02
- Average and Median Close Price to Original List Price: 92.25% and 94%
- Average and Median Close Price to List Price: 97.59% and 98%
- Average and Median Time to Sell: 83 and 59 days
Bastrop has one of the more distinctive identities of any town in the Austin metro. The Bastrop State Park and its famous Lost Pines forest, a westernmost extension of the East Texas Piney Woods, give the area a landscape unlike anything else in Central Texas. The Colorado River runs through downtown, and the historic commercial district along Main Street has a collection of well-preserved 19th-century buildings that give the city real character.
Bastrop has attracted buyers looking for something different, and the real estate market here includes a wide range of options, from historic homes in town to rural acreage properties on the outskirts. Tahitian Village, Circle D Estates, and other communities outside the city limits give buyers who want space and trees additional options.
Bastrop ISD serves the community. The Bastrop State Park, Lake Bastrop, and the Colorado River all offer outdoor recreation options that most Austin suburbs cannot match.
For more information and to search homes for sale, visit our Bastrop Neighborhood Guide.
Bastrop Neighborhood Map
Bastrop Homes for Sale
SEARCH ALL BASTROP HOMES FOR SALENo Email Required! Average and median price and size data is from ACTRIS closed sales 02/16/2025-02/15/2026.
Quick-Reference: Small Towns Near Austin at a Glance
Use this table to compare communities side by side.
| Quick-Reference: Small Towns Near Austin at a Glance | |||||
| Town | Miles from Austin | Direction | Price Range | School District | Best For |
| Georgetown | ~30 | North | $197K – $3.85MM | Georgetown ISD | Historic charm + variety |
| Round Rock | ~20 | North | $165K – $2MM | Round Rock ISD | Jobs + blue-collar value |
| Cedar Park | ~22 | Northwest | $125K – $2.4MM | Leander ISD | Family living + top-rated schools |
| Leander | ~30 | Northwest | $49K – $2.69MM | Leander ISD | Tollway commuter + Rail to Austin |
| Liberty Hill | ~40 | Northwest | $265K – $2.05MM | Liberty Hill ISD | Acreage + country living |
| Pflugerville | ~15 | Northeast | $225K – $1.1MM | Pflugerville ISD | Short commute + affordability |
| Buda | ~18 | South | $213K – $1.67MM | Hays CISD | Affordable + downtown proximity |
| Wimberley | ~45 | Southwest | $275K – $6.45MM | Wimberley ISD | Remote work + nature |
| Lockhart | ~30 | Southeast | $65K – $775K | Lockhart ISD | Affordability + character |
| Dripping Springs | ~25 | West | $320K – $8.5MM | Dripping Springs ISD | Hill Country lifestyle |
| Driftwood | ~25 | Southwest | $569K – $3.26MM | Dripping Springs ISD | Rural country living |
| Bee Cave | ~15 | West | $475K – $1.99MM | Lake Travis ISD | Lake Travis lifestyle + proximity |
| Lakeway | ~20 | West | $395K – $2.95MM | Lake Travis ISD | Established community + lake access |
| Spicewood | ~36 | West | $65K – $5.25MM | Lake Travis ISD | Rural lake living |
| Marble Falls | ~50 | Northwest | $118K – $5MM | Marble Falls ISD | Hill Country living |
| Manor | ~15 | Northeast | $199K – $2.5MM | Manor ISD | Airport proximity + authentic feel |
| Elgin | ~30 | East | $75K – $1.25MM | Elgin ISD | Authentic character + land value |
| Bastrop | ~35 | Southeast | $149K – $1.65MM | Bastrop ISD | Lost Pines forest + river access |
Frequently Asked Questions about Small Towns Near Austin
Among the communities closest to Austin, Manor, Pflugerville, and Elgin have historically offered the most value per dollar. Further out, Lockhart and Bastrop tend to offer the lowest price points with the most space per dollar. That said, affordability is relative and changes with market conditions, so checking current listings in any of these towns is the most reliable way to see where your budget goes furthest.
Georgetown ISD, Dripping Springs ISD, and Lake Travis ISD are among the school districts that come up most often in conversations with Austin-area buyers. Leander ISD and Round Rock ISD are also frequently cited. That said, school quality can vary within a district by campus, so if schools are a priority, research the specific campus serving any home you are considering rather than relying on district-level ratings alone.
For buyers who need to commute into central Austin regularly, proximity and route matter more than distance in miles. Pflugerville and Manor are closest on the northeast and east sides. Buda and Kyle are closest on the south. Bee Cave is closest on the west. Round Rock and Cedar Park are strong options to the north. For buyers who specifically want to avoid driving, Leander is the only community on this list with direct MetroRail service into downtown Austin.
That depends on what you are trading off and what you value. Small-town living near Austin typically means more space, lower density, and a different community character. The trade-off is usually some combination of a longer commute, fewer walkable amenities, and a different social environment than you would find in Austin’s urban neighborhoods. For buyers who work remotely, the calculus has shifted significantly, and many people are finding that the small towns near Austin offer a lifestyle that the city cannot.
Most buyers who commute into Austin regularly find that 30 to 35 miles from downtown is about the outer limit for a five-day-a-week drive, depending on your route and tolerance for traffic. Beyond that distance, communities like Wimberley, Marble Falls, and Lockhart tend to attract buyers who work remotely or have flexible schedules. If you are considering a town more than 30 miles out and will be in the office regularly, doing a test commute during rush hour before you commit is time well spent.
Leander, Liberty Hill, Kyle, and Georgetown have all been among the fastest-growing communities in Texas in recent years, with several of them regularly appearing on national lists of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Growth means new amenities and commercial development, but it also means more traffic and construction. If small-town character is important to you, researching each community’s development pipeline before buying is worth the time.
Ready to Find Your Home in a Small Town Near Austin?
The communities surrounding Austin offer a lot of variety, and the right town for you depends on factors that are specific to your situation. Where you work, how often you need to be in Austin, what kind of home you want, and what lifestyle you are after all shape where you should be looking.
At Eleven Oaks Realty, we have been helping buyers find homes since 1978. We know these communities well, and we can help you figure out which towns fit your situation and what the current market looks like in each one. We will also tell you the honest truth about trade-offs, not just what sounds good.
If you are ready to start looking at small towns near Austin, or if you want to talk through your options before you decide, we would love to hear from you.
Call or text us at (512) 827-8323, or use the contact form below to reach out. You can also search current homes for sale in any of the towns on this list using our Austin area home search tool. We respond quickly and there is no obligation.
Contact Austin Area Buyer’s Agents
Search Homes for Sale in Small Towns Near Austin
Questions about buying in a specific town? Contact Rebecca Jacks, Broker Associate, CRS, ABR, SFR
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