What is the cheapest place to live near Austin TX?

The city of Austin is a wonderful place to call home. Texas' state capital is popular, populous, and conveniently located in Central Texas, making it easy to travel to other parts of the state for many exciting options for fun and relaxation. If you've been considering a move to Austin, but aren't sure about moving to the city itself, don't worry; there are plenty of options for where to find a great new home. Want to learn more about some of the best suburbs of Austin new homebuyers should check out? Read on to discover the most affordable suburbs of Austin in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

San Marcos

San Marcos Amenities

• San Marcos River
• Large greenspace
• Hiking & biking trails
• Shopping centers
• One-of-a-kind attractions

San Marcos sits approximately 30 miles south of Austin on Interstate 35. Its location on the San Marcos River provides year-round outdoor adventure. Residents and visitors can swim in the spring-fed water that stays at a constant 72° F, take a glass-bottom boat tour, or go kayaking and paddling. There are also miles of natural trails for hiking and 1,200 acres of green space for relaxing and enjoying nature.

Another attraction that draws visitors from all over the world is Wonder World Cave and Adventure Park. The Balcones Fault Line Cave, discovered in 1893, is the only earthquake cave in the world open to the public for viewing.

San Marcos also has a thriving art scene, centered around its title as the "Mermaid Capital of Texas." Mermaid March consists of 10 seven-foot mermaid statues located around the city, each painted by regional artists.

San Marcos' shopping district is bustling, with the largest outlet shopping center in the country. When it's time to fuel up with good food, Hays Co Bar-B-Que and the Root Cellar Café both offer mouth-watering meals.

There is a wide range of homes for sale in San Marcos, including condominiums, two-story townhomes, one- and two-story new construction homes, and single-family homes. These homes offer an affordable option for home buyers, with prices usually starting below $250,000 for a three-bedroom home and rental prices often starting around $450 per month for a two-bedroom apartment.

Taylor

Taylor Amenities

• Best barbecue in Texas
• History & culture
• Live music
• Parks & trails
• Small-town charm

Taylor is located approximately 35 miles northeast of Austin, at the conjunction of Highways 79 and 95. It offers a mix of small-town atmosphere with big city fun. The city has an interesting history. It is the hometown of Texas' youngest governor, Dan Moody. His fully restored boyhood home now houses the Moody Museum. History buffs can also take an architectural walking tour that features over 25 historic buildings.

For those who would rather shop, Taylor's 9-block historic downtown district also has many antique shops and artisan boutiques. Taylor has a great reputation for live music and art. They feature talented musicians every weekend on their stages and showcase regional artists at the 120Art Gallery. Taylor is on the Texas BBQ Trail and is home to four championship barbecue joints: Taylor Café, Davis BBQ, Buckalew's BBQ, and Louie Mueller Barbecue, which has been featured on the Food Network and the Travel Channel and is considered by some to be the best barbecue restaurant in Texas. Stop by and fill up on mouth-watering ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and sausage.

For visitors who decide to stay in Taylor, there are a variety of Taylor homes for sale that include duplexes, apartments, older well-maintained ranch-style homes, new construction one- and two-story homes, and luxury homes on acreages. Rental prices typically start around $400 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and about $1,000 for a two-bedroom duplex. Home prices generally range from under $200,000 for a two-bedroom home to over $1,000,000 for five-bedroom homes on large lots. With so many options, there is a home for everyone in Taylor.

Wells Branch

Wells Branch Amenities

• Small-town charm
• Parks
• Trails
• Water conservation
• Easy commute

Wells Branch lies only 13 miles north of Austin, situated between Interstate 35 and Highway 1. It is a smaller suburb of Austin, with approximately 12,000 residents. Even with its small stature, it is often ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Its proximity to Howard Train Station reduces the commute for those who work in Austin. Residents enjoy the outdoor amenities, including three large parks, a fishing pond, playgrounds, miles of walking and hiking trails, two pools, and several sports fields and courts. There are also tasty dining options in Wells Branch, including New Sitara Indian Cuisine and Crawfish Shack & Oyster Bar.

There are both well-established and newer residential communities in Wells Branch, with housing options that include apartments, duplexes, and one- and two-story single-family homes on large treed lots. Rental prices generally start around $1,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and around $1,500 for a three-bedroom duplex. Home prices in Wells Branch typically range from $300,000 to $700,000 for a three-bedroom home.

Leander

Leander Amenities

• History & culture
• One-of-a-kind sites
• Outdoor adventure
• Festivals

Approximately 30 miles northwest of Austin on Highway 183, Leander is a hidden gem with historic charm. History buffs will enjoy exploring the historic homes, churches, and other historic sites. The "Leanderthal Lady," the skeletal remains of a 10,000-year-old woman, was discovered on a construction site in Leander in 1983. It is one of the earliest intact burial sites found in the United States. Budding paleontologists will love examining the fossilized dinosaur tracks in the San Gabriel Riverbed.

The city also gave a nod to its founding father by establishing the Trail of Trains. Train enthusiasts can spend a day exploring the hand-painted concrete trains located throughout the city. Residents of Leander don't go hungry due to the tasty variety of restaurants, food trucks, and bakeries, including Blue Corn Harvest Bar & Grill, Guaco Taco, and Casa Costa Bake Shop.

Homes in Leander range from apartments and condos to smaller single-family homes and large custom-built homes. Rental prices typically start around $800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, around $1,500 for a two-bedroom condo, and around $1,700 for a three-bedroom house. Home prices generally range from $300,000 for a three-bedroom home to over $4,000,000 for five- to seven-bedroom homes on acreage.

Round Rock

Round Rock Amenities

• Kalahari Resorts, America's largest waterpark
• Outlet shopping
• Minor League baseball
• Sports & recreation
• Dining variety

Round Rock sits approximately 20 miles north of Austin, on Interstate 35. This dynamic city offers something for everyone, from its laid-back historic downtown to its minor league baseball team, the Round Rock Express. The 645-acre Old Settlers Park and Kalahari Resorts, the largest indoor waterpark in America, both offer fun for kids of all ages. Shoppers can find the perfect gift at Round Rock Premium Outlets and then enjoy a mouth-watering meal at one of the fine restaurants, including Greenhouse Craft Food, Juarez Restaurant & Bakery, and Palermo Pasta House.

For those who wish to stay and soak up more of the vibe in Round Rock, housing options include everything from rental apartments to gated communities to beautiful ranch-style single-family homes and Tuscan-style mansions. Rental prices start around $800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, around $1,300 for a one-bedroom townhome, and around $1,700 for a three-bedroom house. Homes in Round Rock typically list for anywhere from $200,000 for a two-bedroom home to over $1,000,000 for five-bedroom homes on an acreage.

Georgetown

Georgetown Amenities

• History & culture
• Historic architecture
• Museums
• Parks & trails
• One-of-a-kind attractions

Georgetown, home of "The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas", sits approximately 25 miles north of Austin, on Interstate 35. The city is steeped in history and culture, with a charming downtown ripe with beautifully-restored Victorian architecture. The Williamson Museum highlights that rich history. Any visit to Georgetown should include stopping in at their unique shops and boutiques, followed by a wine-and-dine experience at some of their fine restaurants and wineries, including Tony & Luigi's and Georgetown Winery. For a unique experience, visitors can explore Inner Space Cavern, an 80,000-year-old living cave, and view the fascinating formations and prehistoric animal bones.

This historic and eclectic community offers a variety of housing options, from apartments and duplexes to historic Victorian homes, golf course homes, and luxury real estate. Rental prices usually start around $800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, around $1,300 for a two-bedroom duplex, and around $1,600 for a three-bedroom house. Homes in Georgetown generally range from $250,000 for a two-bedroom home to over $3,000,000 for six-bedroom homes on an acre.

Hutto

Hutto Amenities

• Small-town charm
• History
• Golfing
• Parks
• Hiking & biking

Hutto is located approximately 30 miles northeast of Austin on Highway 79. It is a small town that is big on fun. Starting with the Hutto greetings wall, visitors are welcomed by the Hutto Hippo. They are then invited to take a selfie with Henrietta, the 14,000-pound concrete town mascot, and explore the rest of the city to find the other 3,000 concrete hippos.

For those who prefer hunting for the perfect green, Hutto is also home to one of the best golf courses in Texas, The Golf Club at Star Ranch. Schedule a tee time, play a round on their lush green fairways, and stop by the 15,000-foot clubhouse, restaurant, and pro shop. When golfing and hippo hunting work up a hungry hippo appetite, dine at one of the many mouth-watering restaurants, like the Downtown Hall of Fame and the Texan Café & Pie Shop, where diners can also savor a slice of the best pie in Texas.

Hutto has a mix of affordable and luxury housing options, including apartments, new construction homes, high-end homes on acreages, and large equestrian estates. Rental prices typically start around $1,200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and around $1,700 for a three-bedroom house. Hutto homes for sale usually range from $300,000 for a three-bedroom home to over $1,000,000 for four-bedroom homes on acreage.

Pflugerville

Pflugerville Amenities

• Lake Pflugerville
• Fishing
• Watersports
• Parks & trails
• Local history

Pflugerville, located approximately 20 miles northeast of Austin, off Interstate 35 and Highway 685, is Pfun, with a capital P. It is a must-see destination for outdoor lovers, with a lake, creekside parks, and over 30 miles of trails. Lake Pflugerville is the highlight of the parks system, with fishing piers, boat rentals, picnic tables, and a 3-mile trail around the lake. Visitors are invited to fish, swim, kayak, kite surf, or bathe on the beach. Residents and visitors also enjoy the large rec center, modern bowling alley, theater, and shopping center. Golf lovers also feel at home in Pflugerville at their championship golf course, Blackhawk Golf Club. There are also dining options to please every palette, including Huahuasco Grill and Island Fork. All are welcome to join in the Pfun year-round.

There are homes for sale in Pflugerville to fit every style and budget, with apartments, smaller single-family homes, spacious new construction homes, and luxurious golf course homes. Rental prices usually start around $700 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and approximately $1,700 for a three-bedroom house. Home prices generally range from $275,000 for a three-bedroom home to over $900,000 for a five-bedroom new construction home.

Fun and Affordable Living in Central Texas

Austin, one of the most vibrant cities in Texas, is the place to go for fun, shopping, dining, and adventure. These suburbs provide easy access to all Austin has to offer, with the addition of their own unique charm, beauty, and fun experiences.

If you're looking for your dream Austin home, contact The RealFX Group at (512) 956-7390 to reach an experienced local real estate agent and discover your new Austin home today.

Which city in Texas has the lowest cost of living?

Where can I live outside of Austin?

Where can I move instead of Austin?

What is a livable wage in Austin Texas?