5 Best Austin Suburbs
Thinking about that big move to Austin, TX? There is no shortage of fun things to do in Austin. It’s a city filled with nightlife, Michelin-starred dining and is also the “Live Music Capital” of the world, making it home to over 250 live venues and massive festivals like Austin City Limits and SXSW. But it isn’t all fun and games. Tech titans are flocking to this Texas spot, and Austin has become one of the largest tech cities in America. According to the Austin American-Statesman, Austin is ranked the second-best tech metro in the South, rivaling major hubs like Silicon Valley. Entrepreneurs and families alike can appreciate the tax benefits of living in the Lone Star State, too – Texas doesn’t have a state income tax!
All of these perks make it no surprise that many people are looking to make the leap to this Central Texas city. In fact, the Austin metro area is one of the fastest-growing in the nation. But it also comes with a pretty hefty price tag to be in the middle of it all. Thankfully, there are plenty affordable places to live near Austin that offer up their own unique flair, all within a stone’s throw of the city. Here are five of the best Austin suburbs to consider.
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1. Round Rock, Texas
Distance from Austin: 19 miles
Round Rock, TX, is precisely what it sounds like. The city got its name from a large, limestone rock that sits in the middle of Brushy Creek; however, the town has much more to offer than this. With a population of 128,000, Round Rock is home to some of the nation’s largest tech companies, including the global headquarters of Dell. Families and young professionals alike are drawn to Round Rock’s affordability and safety. In fact, the city was ranked as the 26th safest city in America on an annual study done by MoneyGeek.
For starters, Round Rock earned top scores in nearly every category on Livability’s 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live list. The town takes care of its residents, too, with the median household income being just over $140,000. Additionally, Round Rock residents can appreciate a median home value of $463,739, which offers significant savings for those seeking the Austin experience without breaking the bank.
One of the biggest reasons Round Rock tops the list as a best Austin suburb is that it is home to multiple thriving industries, including tech and education. Some of the nation’s largest firms have their global headquarters here, including Dell Technologies, Emerson Automation Solutions and Toppan Photomasks, Inc. Aside from work, there’s plenty to do in Round Rock, including Central Texas’ very own MiLB team, the Round Rock Express.
2. Leander, Texas
Distance from Austin: 26 miles
Travel a bit further west and land in Leander. With just under 80,000 people, Leander is still considered one of the fastest-growing cities in America. Leander is also a very popular destination for families, as it boasts some of the best schools in Central Texas. Niche.com ranks Leander ISD as the second-best school district in the Austin area and the 21st best overall in the state of Texas.
Aside from its stellar school district, Leander is also filled with rich history as it is a famous rail town in Texas. Leander was a main stop along various railways, and to this day, you can find different trains decorated and spread throughout the city on the Leander Trail of Trains.
However, one of the aspects that makes Leander stand out so much is the city’s adaptability to Austin’s rapid growth. According to Culture Map Austin, city officials in Leander have made it a priority to develop two award-winning land planning initiatives in the city, which allow the city to prioritize local businesses already there and continue growing sustainably. If you’re considering a move to the suburbs of Austin, Leander might be your place!
3. Cedar Park, Texas
Distance from Austin: 20 miles
Cedar Park is a suburb just North of Austin, but it feels much closer due to its popularity. If you are an outdoor person, Cedar Park is exactly the place for you. It is widely known for its extensive park system and offers a nature fix unmatched across Central Texas. Cedar Park is the perfect place to stretch your legs and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Residents can take advantage of the town’s more than 40 different parks and their 1,000 acres of parkland.
Cedar Park has lots to offer when it comes to nature, restaurants, good schools and more. One of the coolest features the town has to offer is the HEB Center. This arena can hold up to 8,000 people for a variety of musical concerts, sports events and more. It even hosts the San Antonio Spurs and Texas Stars regularly.
Additionally, Cedar Park residents can appreciate the city’s median household income of $130,324 and a median home value of $503,708, making it a great option to live in right outside of Austin.
4. Georgetown, Texas
Distance from Austin: 28 miles
Georgetown is the furthest suburb from Austin on our list, but don’t let that fool you. Georgetown isn’t a far drive from ATX, but this city is so special on its own that you may never want to leave in the first place. One thing that draws people to Georgetown is its growth. For several years running, Georgetown has experienced an influx of newcomers (and new opportunities!) and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But all of that growth hasn’t made the city entirely unaffordable – the median home value in Georgetown is right at $461,322.
Georgetown’s proximity to Austin and recent population boom have contributed to the city’s success. Georgetown residents can appreciate this Texas suburb’s close-knit community and historic charm. Georgetown is known for its historic downtown area, which has been dubbed the most beautiful town square in the state of Texas. The charming centerpiece is home to a variety of shops, restaurants and hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, contributing to the tight-knit feel of Georgetown. Plus, Georgetown is located in the Texas Hill Country, providing plenty of scenic stops and outdoor opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Georgetown is handily one of the best Austin suburbs to consider for planting roots!
5. Pflugerville, Texas
Distance from Austin: 17 miles
Pflugerville, one of the most notable area suburbs, routinely makes lists for the best Austin suburbs. Pflugerville is situated in a perfect spot just off Interstate 35, a main travel corridor running throughout Texas. This has allowed the growing business scene to emerge quite successfully in Pflugerville, making it a rival to Austin.
The city’s strategic location and highly-rated public schools also make Pflugerville a hot spot for families. The Pflugerville Independent School District is one of the most diverse districts in the state and excels in education thanks to its highly-ranked teachers and athletics. The city’s reputation of being family-friendly also means there is no shortage of fun things for kids to do, including the Typhoon Texas Waterpark and numerous splash pads throughout town.
Pflugerville sits in a triangle of sorts with Round Rock and Cedar Park above Austin; however, with it being more northeast, it offers a quick passageway to everything the east side of Austin has to offer.
Pflugerville is known as the trail capital of Texas and is home to Lake Pflugerville and over 56 miles of trails, making this Austin suburb one of the most valuable cities for outdoor exploration. During the dog days of summer, cool off at Lake Pflugerville, where visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing and kayaking. Or take advantage of the city’s fully packed festival and events calendar.
Similar to the other Austin suburbs mentioned above, Pflugerville has a historic downtown, giving you the small-town feel just miles north of the major city life that is Austin, TX.