Austin, TX: Surrounding Suburbs Guide

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The capital of Texas is a great place to live in: the cost of living is low, the job market is robust, and the income tax rates are the minimum. However, living in a major city can have a couple of downsides. For instance, the city traffic can get a bit annoying if you’re more of a person who prefers a quiet surrounding to read a book. And then there are crowds you have to wade through; really huge crowds.

If you relate to those problems above, moving to the suburbs will be a better choice. It has all the qualities of a city but without the traffic. Also, suburbs are pretty close to the city, so just in case you miss what a major city feels like, you can just drive over there.

CALCULATE MY MOVE

We have curated a few suburbs surrounding Austin which will help you to decide what is best for you. Let’s dive right into it!

1. Cedar Park

Population: 74,814

Median Home Value: $301,600

Median Rent: $1,408

Median Household Income: $104,019

Commute Time To Work: 28.4 minutes

Violent Crimes Per Year (US Average is 22.7): 12.7

Property Crimes Per Year (US Average is 35.4): 23.3

Unemployment Rate (US Average is 6.0%): 5.0%

A Little Bit About Cedar Park

Located in Williamson County, Cedar Park is one of Austin's fastest-growing and well-recognized suburbs. Despite the growth, you won’t feel much of the traffic and it’s generally a quieter area than most suburbs. Whether you need help with fixing your car or mowing the lawn, the neighbors are always ready to lend a helping hand. You definitely won't feel left alone in this place as the community is tightly knit.

Located just 16 miles away from downtown Austin, Cedar Park residents have it both ways: close proximity to city living and the serenity of small-town living.

For all those who have been following the American Hockey League, you should know that the Texas Stars is based here in Cedar Park. Also, the Austin Spurs from the NBA G League are from this suburb. So if you move to this suburb, you’ll have new teams to cheer for.

Where commute is concerned, the highways are networked efficiently around and to Cedar Park. Hence, residents here prefer driving rather than using public transit. Speaking of public transit, the frequency is pretty low, so you might have a hassle if you don't have a car. But the Capital Metro has a rail service that extends to east Austin from Leander with a stop near Lakeline Mall in Cedar Park. It’s not really the most efficient manner of transport, but something is better than nothing, right? You can check the Capital Metro website for schedules.

Key Attractions

H-E-B Center: This place is Cedar Park’s main point of leisure. From hockey games to concerts, such diversity in entertainment will surely help you unwind from a busy day at work. Apart from the Texas Stars and Austin Spurs, the Dallas Stars and the San Antonio Spurs are affiliated to this center as well.
Twin Creeks Country Club: If you need a place to practice your golf swing, then you should visit this country club. With a golf course of 7,033-yard par 72, set according to championship standards, you can be sure of having a feel of being a professional golfer in this place. Not much of a golfer? Then spend the afternoon on their onsite waterpark or score a few points on their tennis court.

The Best Schools in Cedar Park

Elementary

Charlotte Cox Elementary School, Leander Independent School District
Ronald Reagan Elementary School, Leander Independent School District
Westside Elementary School, Leander Independent School District

Middle

Artie L Henry Middle School, Leander Independent School District
Running Brushy Middle School, Leander Independent School District

High

Cedar Park High School, Leander Independent School District
Vista Ridge High School, Leander Independent School District

2. Shady Hollow

Population: 4,473

Median Home Value: $402,400

Median Rent: $2,294

Median Household Income: $130,000

Commute Time To Work: 31.5 minutes

Violent Crimes Per Year (US Average is 22.7): 10.1

Property Crimes Per Year (US Average is 35.4): 20.3

A Little Bit About Shady Hollow

If you’re looking for a good place to start a family, then you should put Shady Hollow on your list of potential moves. Located 10 miles southwest of Downtown Austin, just like Cedar Park, you have close proximity to the city. What makes Shady Hollow unique from other areas is the presence of abundant wildlife. You’ll sometimes spot deers, roadrunners, and even foxes. Adding to that, the area is quiet but not secluded, the people are friendly and the shopping and dining options are plentiful.

Also, Shady Hollow is home to numerous parks and recreational amenities like one basketball court and two tennis courts. The community center is a great place to have birthday parties or educational classes. With that, we can say your time in Shady Hollow won't be "shady" but instead a pleasant one.

Key Attractions

Capistrano Park: Remember we spoke about those tennis courts and that one basketball court? This is the place to avail them. In addition to those facilities, they have a swimming pool, wading pool, picnic tables, two playscapes, two playgrounds, and barbecue grills. There’s always something for someone to enjoy. Note that dogs are not allowed on the playgrounds.
Gatling Gun Park: If you want to spend the day out with family, friends, or even yourself, then Gatling Gun Park is the place you should visit. It is vast and filled with amenities such as barbecue grills, picnic tables, playscapes, and walking paths. This is a fun place if you want to catch up with friends, walk your dog, or ride a bike on the clean footpaths.

The Best Schools Serving Shady Hollow

Elementary

Kiker Elementary School, La Crosse Avenue, Austin Independent School District
Baranoff Elementary School, Austin Independent School District
Cowan Elementary School, Kentish Drive, Austin Independent School District

Middle

Gorzycki Middle School, West Slaughter Lane, Austin Independent School District
Bailey Middle School, Lost Oasis Hollow, Austin Independent School District
Small Middle School, Monterey Oaks Boulevard, Austin Independent School District

High

Bowie High School, West Slaughter Lane, Austin Independent School District
Austin High School, West Cesar Chavez Street, Austin Independent School District

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3. Round Rock

Population: 124,434

Median Home Value: $244,300

Median Rent: $1,316

Median Household Income: $82,676

Commute Time To Work: 26.2 minutes

Violent Crimes Per Year (US Average is 22.7): 10.1

Property Crimes Per Year (US Average is 35.4): 32.0

Unemployment Rate (US average is 6.0%): 4.8%

A Little Bit About Round Rock

Do you know that the Victorian house in the 1974 cult horror film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was then situated in Round Rock? Presently, that place is called La Frontera.

Round Rock is by far the largest suburb mentioned on this list. Its fast-growing population is attributed to the cheap housing and robust economy. You’ll see that getting a well-paying job in this area will not be a challenge because the job market is diverse, so you don't have to worry about supporting yourself or your family.

Talking about distance, Round Rock is just 20 miles from Austin, hence you won't feel amiss of the hustle and bustle of city noise is what you're used to.

Key Attractions

Old Settlers Park: If you want to experience more of Round Rock’s outdoors, then Old Settlers Park has got you covered. With its twenty baseball fields, twelve tennis courts, and around five soccer fields, we can say that you have good options to exercise and stay fit.
Rock’N River Water Park: Texas can get pretty hot in the summer and to beat the summer heat, you need to visit this water park. With several crazy slides and tipping buckets, you can be sure of having a good time. Or if you just feel like floating while enjoying the heat, this park has a ‘lazy river.’ Have fun floating away!

The Best Schools Serving Round Rock

Elementary

Pond Springs Elementary School, Elkhorn Mountain Trail, Round Rock Independent School District
Double File Trail Elementary School, Chandler Creek Boulevard, Round Rock Independent School District
Union Hill Elementary School, Gulf Way, Round Rock Independent School District

Middle

James Garland Walsh Middle School, Walsh Ranch Boulevard, Round Rock Independent School District
Ridgeview Middle School, Via Sonoma Trail, Round Rock Independent School District
Hopewell Middle School,Gulf Way, Round Rock Independent School District

High

Round Rock High School, Deep Wood Drive, Round Rock Independent School District
Cedar Ridge High School, Gattis School Road, Round Rock Independent School District
Mcneil High School, McNeil Drive, Round Rock Independent School District

4. Georgetown

Population: 71,004

Median Home Value: $266,900

Median Rent: $1,231

Median Household Income: $73,822

Commute Time To Work: 28.8 minutes

Violent Crimes Per Year (US Average is 22.7): 8.6

Property Crimes Per Year (US Average is 35.4): 20.0

Unemployment Rate (US average is 6.0%): 6.1%

A Little Bit About Georgetown

This is another fastest-growing suburb which is located 30 miles from Austin. You may think Georgetown is like any other suburb, but what makes it so special? In simple words: the architecture. When you step out, you will notice Georgetown's wide range of Victorian architecture that signifies the rich history this suburb holds. Some 46 structures have been registered to the National Register of Historic Places.

Speaking of historical places, Texas’ oldest university, Southwestern University, is based here in G-town.

Just a fun fact, Georgetown is recognized as Texas' red poppy capital because of the quantity of poppy grown throughout the area. Annually, Georgetown hosts the Red Poppy Festival where thousands of visitors come to indulge in a bit of the culture by taking part in competitions and activities of the festival.

Key Attractions

The Palace Theatre: If you want to learn about Georgetown's historic worth, then this place will act as a good starting point. Built during the Depression, the Palace Theatre now hosts various quality performances and educational programs.
Georgetown Public Library: This library is around 50 years old and has more than just books or periodicals. The attached coffee shop, concert hall, and art gallery are the sites that attract visitors. You could always read a book or two while sipping on your hot coffee.

The Best Schools Serving Georgetown

Elementary

Village Elementary School, Village Commons Boulevard, Georgetown Independent School District
Jo Ann Ford Elementary School, Woodlake Drive, Georgetown Independent School District
Raye Mccoy Elementary School, Bellaire Drive, Georgetown Independent School District

Middle

Douglas Benold Middle School, Northwest Boulevard, Georgetown Independent School District

High

Georgetown High School, North Austin Avenue, Georgetown Independent School District
East View High School, East University Avenue, Georgetown Independent School District

CALCULATE MY MOVE

Must Read: Austin TX Relocation Guide | Moving From NYC To Austin – Expert Tips & Advice

Some Notable Mentions

Hutto

Population: 25,320

Median Home Value: $194,000

Median Rent: $1,544

Median Household Income: $78,942

Violent Crimes Per Year (US Average is 22.7): 9.7

Property Crimes Per Year (US Average is 35.4): 15.6

Unemployment Rate (US average is 6.0%): 5.7%

Pflugerville

Population: 61,737

Median Home Value: $238,700

Median Rent: $1,414

School Ranking (Niche): A

Median Household Income: $93,627

Violent Crimes Per Year (US Average is 22.7): 10.7

Property Crimes Per Year (US Average is 35.4): 25.0

Unemployment Rate (US average is 6.0%): 6.8%

Leander

Population: 53,716

Median Home Value: $263,400

Median Rent: $1,511

Median Household Income: $101,872

Violent Crimes Per Year (US Average is 22.7): 8.2

Property Crimes Per Year (US Average is 35.4): 21.2

Unemployment Rate (US average is 6.0%): 5.1%

Conclusion

Austin has a lot of interesting suburbs to choose from. Each suburb mentioned in our article has its own vibe and charm. Now it is up to you to select which one will suit you best. So plan and decide accordingly.