10 Best Affordable Austin Suburbs to Live In

Austin, Texas, “the Live Music Capital of the World®,” is quickly becoming home for many Texans and out-of-staters alike. From the legendary Tex-Mex to the unique music scene, it’s no surprise that nearly 961k people live in Austin. The city is growing in popularity and price, so if you’re considering buying a home in Austin, you can expect the median home sale price to land around $548,800. 

If that price doesn’t fit into your budget, don’t worry! We’ve rounded up a list of the 10 best affordable Austin suburbs to consider living in – and they’re all under a 45 minute drive from the city. That way you can live close to Austin and all its unique activities without paying the premium price of living there.

#1: Lockhart, TX

Median home price: $270,000 
Driving distance from Austin: 40 minutes
Lockhart, TX homes for sale

With a population of 14,379, Lockhart comes in at number one on our list of most affordable Austin suburbs. The median sale price of a home in Lockhart is nearly half that of Austin and only 40 minutes away from downtown. Living in Lockhart, you can spend the weekend fishing, camping, and hiking at Lockhart State Park. This suburb is also home to the Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches and the Caldwell County Museum where you can learn about the region’s history. 

#2: Elgin, TX

Median home price: $283,732 
Driving distance from Austin: 45 minutes
Elgin, TX homes for sale

Elgin, Texas, “the Brick Capital of the Southwest,” lands the second spot on our list. Only 45 minutes from Austin, you’ll find yourself attending a University of Texas football game in no time. Notable places to visit when living in Elgin are Morris Memorial Park and Elgin Depot Museum. If you choose to live in this suburb of 9,784 people, you can also spend time exploring Main Street and it’s charming restored brick buildings.

#3: Kyle, TX

Median home price: $345,000 
Driving distance from Austin: 30 minutes
Kyle, TX homes for sale

30 minutes away from Austin’s downtown, is the suburb of Kyle. With a population of 45,697, you’ll have a small town feel while still being close enough to explore Austin after work or during the weekend. If you move to this affordable suburb, make sure to visit Lake Kyle Park and enjoy the views. For golf fans, set aside the time to play 18 holes at Plum Creek Golf Course.

#4: Manor, TX

Median home price: $345,750 
Driving distance from Austin: 25 minutes
Manor, TX homes for sale

With homes nearly the same price as Kyle, Manor is the fourth Austin suburb to make our list. About 13,652 people live in this Texas town and you can drive to Austin in about 25 minutes. Make sure to check out the Old West storefronts at J. Lorraine, TX. Ghost Town Austin or spend the afternoon at East Metropolitan Park.  

#5: Wells Branch, TX

Median home price: $398,500 
Driving distance from Austin: 20 minutes
Wells Branch, TX homes for sale

Drive 20 minutes outside of Austin and you’ll find the suburb of Wells Branch. With 14,000 residents, buying a home in this affordable suburb can keep you close enough to Austin, while spending about $150,000 less for a home. When living in Wells Branch, spend the morning biking along the trails at Katherine Fleischer Park or take a short drive north to Round Rock. Don’t forget to stop by the Mills Pond Recreation Area to fish along the pier.

#6: Pflugerville, TX

Median home price: $415,000 
Driving distance from Austin: 30 minutes
Pflugerville, TX homes for sale

Another well-known suburb of Austin is Pflugerville, where the median home sale price is over $100,000 less than in Austin. Pflugerville is a great suburb to consider moving to and has just about 65,191 people living there. From spending summer days at Typhoon Texas Waterpark Austin to fishing at Lake Pflugerville, there’s many outdoor activities to do and see in Pflugerville. 

#8: Buda, TX

Median home price: $435,000 
Driving distance from Austin: 25 minutes
Buda, TX homes for sale

If you’ve been living in Austin for some time, the town of Buda might ring a bell. About 15,108 residents call this great suburb home, and with the short commute time, you’ll have a small fraction of Austin’s population while remaining close to the city and its attractions. After moving to Buda, plan a walk through the Historic Stagecoach Park or catch a show at the Buda Amphitheater & City Park.

#9: Round Rock, TX

Median home price: $456,500 
Driving distance from Austin: 25 minutes
Round Rock, TX homes for sale

Round Rock, Texas is a great place to consider moving to that will get you access to downtown Austin in just about 25 minutes. About 119,468 people live in this affordable suburban town, but you’ll be surrounded by small towns and nature to explore in your free time. Fun activities to do in Round Rock include exploring Rock’N River Water Park during the summer season, having a picnic at Old Settlers Park, and checking out Play for All Abilities Park.

#10: Cedar Park, TX

Median home price: $475,000 
Driving distance from Austin: 25 minutes
Cedar Park, TX homes for sale

Cedar Park, Texas takes the last spot on our list of best affordable Austin suburbs to live in. Without traffic, you can drive to Austin in roughly 25 minutes. This suburb has a population of 77,595, making it much less than Austin’s population. Home to the Austin Steam Train Association Museum, Brushy Creek Lake Park, and Elizabeth Milburn Pool, you’ll have plenty of unique activities to take part in while living in Cedar Park.

Methodology: 

Affordability based on whether a suburb is less than the median sale price of Austin and under a 45 minute drive from downtown Austin. 

Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center October 2021. 

Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau

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