The capital of Texas, Austin, is a vibrant city known for its live music, nightlife scene, and acclaimed restaurants. Home to the University of Texas at Austin, parks and outdoor spaces, lakes, and historic districts, Austin is a great place to live in central Texas.
Undoubtedly, Austin is a fantastic place for many people to live, but it may not be your number one choice. So even if your job is in the city, that doesn’t mean you’re tied to living in Austin. There are many great cities near Austin where you may want to buy a home or rent an apartment.
Redfin gathered 7 of those cities near Austin so you can decide what city meets your lifestyle.
#1: Pflugerville, TX
Miles from Austin: 17
Population: 64,000
Median home sale price: $480,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,546
Walk Score: 23
Transit Score: 39
Pflugerville, located between Austin and Round Rock, is quickly becoming one of the Austin suburbs people are moving to. Pflugerville has a strong German heritage and sponsors several activities and festivals throughout the year, such as the local Deutchen Pfest golf tournaments, bike rodeo, and Halloween and Christmas festivals. The area has a charming hometown feeling and friendly neighborliness.
Some of the top things to do in Pflugerville range from checking out local parks and enjoying local art, to eating at the best restaurants in town. You can easily spend the day at the city’s parks and green spaces, including Pfluger Park, Harris Ridge Dog Park, and North East Metropolitan Park Soccer Fields. Rio Grande Tex Mex Restaurant, Springhill Restaurant, and El Rincon Mexican Restaurant are some of the numerous popular restaurants to check out while in Pflugerville.
Homes for sale in Pflugerville, TX
Apartments for rent in Pflugerville, TX
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#2: Round Rock, TX
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Miles from Austin: 19
Population: 129,000
Median home sale price: $485,125
Average 1-bed rent: $1,602
Walk Score: 26
Transit Score: 35
Round Rock is another one of the great cities near Austin you may want to move to this year. It’s just north of Pflugerville and home to many great parks, restaurants, and shopping centers.
There are many activities that residents can do in Round Rock. Some of these activities include shopping at the Round Rock Premium Outlets, hiking and biking at the Williamson County Regional Park, playing golf at the Teravista Golf Club, and watching the Round Rock Express baseball team.
Homes for sale in Round Rock, TX
Apartments for rent in Round Rock, TX
#3: Cedar Park, TX
Miles from Austin: 21
Population: 77,000
Median home sale price: $530,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,838
Walk Score: 26
Transit Score: 40
Cedar Park is located just east of Round Rock and about 21 miles outside Austin. The city is home to the American Hockey League’s Texas Stars, where you can watch a great hockey game.
Cedar Park is home to several parks and recreation areas, including Cedar Park Scenic Park, Twin Lakes Park, and Brushy Creek Lake Park. The city also has a number of trails and greenbelts that wind through the city, including the Brushy Creek Regional Trail and the Cedar Park Trail.
Homes for sale in Cedar Park, TX
Apartments for rent in Cedar Park, TX
#4: Leander, TX
Miles from Austin: 27
Population: 61,000
Median home sale price: $555,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,715
Walk Score: 28
Transit Score: 41
Just north of Cedar Park is Leander, known for its outdoor recreation and proximity to Austin. It’s also just a short drive to Lake Travis, a popular spot to go camping, swimming, hiking, and fishing.
If you live in Leander, you have a lot of options for things to do. There are 25 parks; some of the best ones to visit are Lakewood Park, Sandy Creek Park, and Robin Bledsoe Park. Way Off Broadway Community Players is a great place to go if you want to see a live performance. And if you’re looking for some good food, you should check out Smokey Mo’s BBQ, Blue Corn Harvest Bar and Grill, and Jardin Del Ray.
Homes for sale in Leander, TX
Apartments for rent in Leander, TX
#5: Georgetown, TX
Miles from Austin: 28
Population: 75,500
Median home sale price: $483,250
Average 1-bed rent: $1,460
Walk Score: 23
Transit Score: 35
Georgetown is about 30 miles north of Austin and home to Southwestern University, the oldest university in Texas. You can find a stunning range of Victorian commercial and residential architecture as well as red poppies. The city is nicknamed the “Red Poppy Capital of Texas” for these beautiful flowers that bloom in the city in April each year.
There are many activities a resident can do in Georgetown. Some activities include visiting the Georgetown Palace Theater, going to San Gabriel Park, shopping at Wolf Ranch Shopping Center, or playing a round of golf at Berry Springs Park and Preserve.
Homes for sale in Georgetown, TX
Apartments for rent in Georgetown, TX
#6: San Marcos, TX
Miles from Austin: 31
Population: 64,000
Median home sale price: $359,900
Average 1-bed rent: $1,182
Walk Score: 39
Transit Score: 43
San Marcos is another one of the cities near Austin you may want to move to. It’s about 31 miles south of Austin and also about 50 miles north of San Antonio. San Marcos has a lively downtown with lots of shops, restaurants, and bars and is also home to Texas State University.
There are many activities that residents can do in San Marcos. Some of these activities include shopping at the many stores in the city, visiting the many parks and recreation areas, and participating in the many cultural and art events that occur throughout the year.
Homes for sale in San Marcos, TX
Apartments for rent in San Marcos, TX
#7: New Braunfels, TX
Miles from Austin: 48
Population: 85,000
Median home sale price: $388,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,452
Walk Score: 25
Transit Score: 32
New Braunfels is located just south of San Marcos, making it a great place to live between both Austin and San Antonio. Founded in 1845 by German settlers, New Braunfels is known for its German heritage and historic district, which includes several Victorian-style homes.
New Braunfels is also known for its outdoor recreation, with several parks and lakes in the area. A few other popular attractions in the city include visiting the Schlitterbahn Waterpark, touring the Gruene Historic District, and kayaking along the Comal River.
Homes for sale in New Braunfels, TX
Apartments for rent in New Braunfels, TX
Methodology:
All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Austin. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.
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