Affordable Homes in Austin and Its Suburbs: Where to Buy Under the Median Price

If you're looking to buy a home in the Austin, Texas area, you may have noticed that home prices have been rising rapidly over the past few years. As of the latest stats, the median home price in Austin itself is $555,000, which is significantly higher than the national median of $419,000. This leaves many prospective homebuyers wondering: Where can I find a home that fits my budget in the Austin area?

The good news is that there are still many affordable options outside of Austin city limits, with several suburbs offering homes well below the median price of Austin. If you're flexible on location, these suburbs could be the perfect place to find your dream home without breaking the bank.

In this blog, we'll take a look at some of the most affordable suburbs around Austin where you can find homes under the national median price of $419,000. We'll also discuss some of the areas just above that price range for those willing to stretch their budgets a bit further.

Top Affordable Suburbs Around Austin

Leander: Median Price - $400,000

Located about 25 miles north of Austin, Leander offers a more affordable alternative to the city while still providing access to all that Austin has to offer. With a median home price of $400,000, Leander remains under the national median, making it a great choice for families looking for a suburban lifestyle with more space.

Leander has also seen significant growth in recent years, with new construction homes being built regularly. As a result, there are plenty of modern options available in various price ranges. It's also known for its excellent school districts, parks, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Cedar Park: Median Price - $450,000

Cedar Park, located just north of Austin, has long been a popular choice for families and homebuyers looking for a suburban feel while remaining close to the city. The median price in Cedar Park is slightly higher at $450,000, but it still offers a variety of affordable homes in the lower $400,000s.

With a range of amenities, including shopping centers, restaurants, and parks, Cedar Park provides a convenient and family-friendly atmosphere. While the median price is slightly above the national median, it's still a more affordable option compared to Austin proper.

Round Rock: Median Price - $430,000

Round Rock is another highly sought-after suburb located just north of Austin. Known for its great schools, excellent public services, and thriving economy, Round Rock offers a wide variety of homes at various price points. The current median price is $430,000, which is just above the national median but still more affordable than many other Austin neighborhoods.

Round Rock also has plenty of parks, recreational activities, and a robust downtown area, making it a great place to raise a family. It's also home to the Round Rock Express, a minor league baseball team, and several high-tech companies.

Liberty Hill: Median Price - $449,000

For those looking for a quieter, more rural setting while still being relatively close to Austin, Liberty Hill might be the perfect choice. With a median home price of $449,000, Liberty Hill offers more affordable homes compared to the Austin city limits.

The area features new construction homes, as well as properties on larger plots of land, providing homebuyers with more space and privacy. Liberty Hill is ideal for people looking for a suburban lifestyle without the hustle and bustle of city life.

Georgetown: Median Price - $450,000

Georgetown, known for its charming historic district and friendly small-town atmosphere, is located about 30 miles north of Austin. The median price of a home here is $450,000, which puts it just above the national median, but it's still much lower than Austin's median.

Georgetown is well-regarded for its excellent schools, beautiful parks, and vibrant downtown area. It's also home to the Sun City retirement community, which draws many active adults looking for a peaceful, laid-back lifestyle.

Dripping Springs: Median Price - $552,000

Dripping Springs, often referred to as the "Gateway to the Hill Country," offers a more rural lifestyle while still being within driving distance of Austin. The median home price in Dripping Springs is on the higher end at $552,000, but there are still homes available under the $500,000 mark, especially if you're willing to move a little farther out.

Dripping Springs is known for its picturesque views, wineries, and outdoor recreational opportunities. It has become increasingly popular for families and retirees looking for a more serene setting close to Austin.

Bastrop: Median Price - $356,000

Located about 30 miles southeast of Austin, Bastrop offers a more affordable alternative for homebuyers looking to live near Austin but at a lower price point. The median price here is $356,000, which is well below the Austin median and closer to the national median.

Bastrop is a charming town with a historic downtown area and easy access to the Colorado River. It's also home to Bastrop State Park, making it an ideal choice for nature lovers.

Kyle: Median Price - $332,000

Kyle, located about 20 miles south of Austin, is one of the most affordable suburbs in the area, with a median price of $332,000. This price point is much lower than both the Austin median and the national median, making Kyle an excellent option for budget-conscious homebuyers.

Kyle has been growing rapidly in recent years and is becoming more popular due to its affordable housing, excellent schools, and proximity to both Austin and San Marcos. It's a great choice for those who want a suburban lifestyle with easy access to the city.

San Marcos: Median Price - $367,000

San Marcos, located about 30 miles south of Austin, offers affordable housing with a median price of $367,000. The city is known for its vibrant downtown area, the San Marcos River, and Texas State University.

San Marcos is a popular choice for students, faculty, and families, and its affordable housing options make it an attractive alternative to living directly in Austin.

Lockhart: Median Price - $290,000

If you're willing to venture a bit farther from Austin, Lockhart offers homes at incredibly affordable prices, with a median home price of just $290,000. Known as the "Barbecue Capital of Texas," Lockhart offers a small-town feel with great food and a slower pace of life.

Lockhart is about 30 miles southeast of Austin and has been experiencing some growth due to its affordability and charm.

Gerald: Median Price - $277,000

At the top of the list for the most affordable suburb near Austin is Gerald, with a median home price of $277,000. Located about 45 minutes north of Austin, Gerald offers a rural setting with ample space and affordable homes.

The area is experiencing significant growth due to a new development plan that includes over 14,000 homes. Gerald is a great option for those who want to live in a quieter, more laid-back area but still have access to Austin and its amenities.

Conclusion: Finding Affordable Homes in Austin's Suburbs

While Austin may be out of reach for many homebuyers due to the high median home prices, there are plenty of affordable alternatives in the suburbs surrounding the city. Whether you're looking for a suburban neighborhood with great schools, a rural property with acreage, or a small-town atmosphere, there are options for every budget.

If you're looking for affordable homes near Austin, consider suburbs like Leander, Cedar Park, Round Rock, and Liberty Hill, all of which offer homes at or below the national median price. For those looking to go further out, places like Kyle, San Marcos, Bastrop, and Lockhart offer even more affordable options.

Before making your decision, be sure to reach out, we can help guide you to the best neighborhoods for your needs and budget. Happy house hunting!