When you blend its relatively low cost of living, enormous job opportunities and no individual state income tax, you have a trifecta of great reasons to move to Austin, Texas. From college students to tech investors to legislators, the capital of the Lone Star State is a popular choice. CNBC has named the city as the No. 1 place to live in the country for three consecutive years. If big city living isn’t your cup of tea, however, consider relocating to one of the 10 top suburbs around Austin. (And if you need to hire an Austin moving company, we’ve got you covered.) Take a look and discover which one is best for you, while also noticing the 10 safest cities in Texas.
10. Hutto
- Population: 26,434
- Median Home Value: $184,100
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 32.9 minutes
- School Ranking: B+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 87
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 11
A friendly and growing city, Hutto sits about 30 minutes northeast of Austin, making it perfect for commuting. It has low crime rates, good schools and many local amenities to enjoy. Looking for your new home? You will find it here.
9. Georgetown
- Population: 74,180
- Median Home Value: $255,300
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 28.7 minutes
- School Ranking: B+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 731
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 78
Roughly 25 miles north of Austin is Georgetown, home to the “Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas.” Southwestern University, the oldest university in Texas, has a stately presence here. When you stroll down the tree-lined streets and gaze upon the restored Victorian homes, you may forget tat you don’t actually live in that era. If you enjoy outdoor activities, you’ll find plenty of mountain bike trails, walking trails and golf courses. Find the home that best suits your lifestyle in Georgetown.
8. Wells Branch
- Population: 12,120
- Median Home Value: $221,200
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 25.8 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,759
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 305
Barely 12,000 people call this area less than 20 miles north of Austin home. It’s located in the middle of plenty of shopping, dining and recreational options and close to a number of major employers.
7. Shady Hollow
- Population: 5,004
- Median Home Value: $362,900
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 32.2 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 615
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 107
The community of Shady Hollow is located about 10 miles southwest of downtown Austin. It’s part of the Austin school district, good news for families with school-age children. Shady Hollow is close to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, plus numerous parks and outdoor recreational activities.
6. Leander
- Population: 56,111
- Median Home Value: $235,900
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 30.2 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 501
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 48
Less than 30 miles north of Austin is Leander, one of the state’s fastest-growing cities but a place that still maintains its old town flavor. Its Chamber of Commerce sponsors annual festivals and events that residents of all ages can enjoy. The ever-expanding school system has top marks and crime is low. Come stake your claim in this jewel of a city.
5. Pflugerville
- Population: 64,431
- Median Home Value: $219,500
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 28.5 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 819
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 203
Pflugerville, located less than 20 miles northeast of Austin, offers a prime spot for those interested in the area’s strong economy. You’ll find a great education system and plenty of amenities, including nearby Lake Pflugerville. The city also has a pop culture connection: Friday Night Lights filmed some football scenes at the local Kuempel Stadium. Find your new energy-efficient home among Pflugerville’s available new home communities.
4. Round Rock
- Population: 128,739
- Median Home Value: $230,100
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 25.8 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,494
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 154
Round Rock, the largest suburb on our list, is home to more than 100,000 people, along with an outstanding school system. You can find plenty of shopping and dining options, plus you can cheer on the Round Rock Express Minor League Baseball team at Dell Diamond. Come find your new home in Round Rock!
3. Brushy Creek
- Population: 21,764
- Median Home Value: $281,800
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 28.7 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,018
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 177
About halfway between Round Rock and Cedar Park is the area known as Brushy Creek. Only 20 miles from Austin, it’s perfect for commuters. With a number of parks surrounding area neighborhoods, Brushy Creek offers a lifestyle and homes perfect for active families.
2. Lakeway
- Population: 15,673
- Median Home Value: $464,100
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 30.8 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 154
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 22
Perched on Lake Travis is the majestic city of Lakeway. With only about 15,000 residents, it offers a small community feel. Buyers will have a choice of several thousand new construction homes. They range from small to sprawling. From lake activities and tennis courts to tee times on some of the best golf courses, you may end your search in Lakeway.
1. Cedar Park
- Population: 76,999
- Median Home Value: $279,900
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 28.3 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 966
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 97
Austin’s top suburb is Cedar Park. Only 16 miles from downtown Austin, it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas. This thriving affluent community is a magnet for builders and families. In addition to ample amenities, the city also strives for academic excellence. Cedar Park is home to a robust blend of businesses representing the health care profession, software, biotech, advanced manufacturing and oil exploration industries. Get ready to make Cedar Park your new home!
Additional Suburbs
| Suburb | Pop. | Median Home Value | Mean Travel to Work | School Rank | Property Crimes | Violent Crimes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buda | 16,449 | $241,400 | 36.9 minutes | B+ | 277 | 20 |
| Taylor | 17,167 | $144,600 | 28.7 minutes | B- | 387 | 50 |
| Kyle | 46,874 | $180,800 | 35.7 minutes | B- | 538 | 80 |
| San Marcos | 63,509 | $163,500 | 21.9 minutes | C+ | 1,415 | 263 |
| Bastrop | 9,420 | $173,300 | 31 minutes | C+ | 389 | 94 |
| Luling | 5,954 | $89,000 | 26.9 minutes | C | 97 | 35 |
| Elgin | 10,207 | $135,100 | 26.4 minutes | C- | 94 | 12 |
| Lockhart | 13,924 | $138,000 | 30 minutes | C- | 171 | 12 |
| Manor | 11,173 | $160,600 | 33.2 minutes | C- | 220 | 41 |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.
Other Austin Area Resources
Heather Allen is a freelance writer who began her career 20 years ago at a small Texas NBC affiliate, while attending SFASU. She’s written blogs on a diverse range of topics.
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