Neighborhood Overview

Austin real estate comes in a wide enough variety to fit just about everyone’s budget. There is a diverse assortment in age of homes, topography, lifestyles, and price ranges. I’ll try to present a sampling to give you a general flavor.

Let’s start with downtown Austin. Living downtown gives you instant access to the business world with abundant office buildings including the state Capitol as well as the rich art and cultural life Austin is famous for. There are dozens of condo and apartment high rise projects currently being added offering everything from basic to ultra luxury for those seeking an active lifestyle at their doorstep. Newer condos start around $200k and can get up to $2 million with the penthouse class.

South and Southwest Austin offer affordable homes within 5-10 miles of downtown. It’s a pleasant mix of homes, mature trees, and abundant retail. You can actually find some home on acre lots. Home prices start a bit over $100k ($170k average) and go up as you go west - that’s where our Hill Country starts.

West Austin provides dramatic Hill Country and a commute of minutes from downtown. It features tastefully updated homes, and it’s our one of our more expensive areas with prices averaging $800k.

North Austin consists of older affordable homes with access to a wide range of employment opportunities. You can find neighborhoods with a mature trees and park-like settings and costs in $100-300k ranges. You’re also within 5-10 miles of all the downtown activity. Much of the housing in East Austin was built before the 1950’s, and it’s an area experiencing rapid change as old structures are being replaced by newer ones. Several master planned communities are currently under development, and prices average under $200k.

Several great towns, cities, and areas on the outskirts of Austin are noteworthy.

For those who want the ultimate of scenery and elbow room, the Dripping Springs and Wimberley areas provide an abundant mix of country living, scenery, and charm. You’ll find many newer homes with several acres, and it wouldn’t be Texas without room for horses as well. Prices average in the $300-400k range.

The 65-mile long Lake Travis offers plenty of water activities and some incredible views. Lakeway on the south end is the biggest community on the lake, and it’s 20 miles from downtown. You have the water plus Hill Country, and most homes are on 1/3 acre lots. Prices average $450k, and you can find ranges from $200k into seven figures. The northern part of the lake is less built up (as of now). Lago Vista is the biggest community on the north shore, and prices average $300k.

The Cedar Park and Leander areas in the northwest have seen a tremendous growth of new subdivisions over the last decade. New construction under $200k is common and these areas have exploded with Austin’s population influx. High speed rail lines are toll roads are being built to provide convenient access to downtown Austin.

Round Rock is 20 miles north of downtown Austin, and it’s where Dell is headquartered. It’s easy to understand its growth over the past two decades with Dell employing 16,000 people in the area. Many homes were built in the last twenty years, and you can find neighborhoods in everything from $150k to luxury developments at $500k and up. Round Rock is a dynamic and diverse city with exceptional amenities.

Georgetown is just north of Round Rock, and it was founded in 1846, making it a pleasant balance with old style charm and modern conveniences. Many quaint shops align its historic downtown, and the locals are passionate about preserving the city’s beauty.

Austin has a daunting selection of great areas, prices, and lifestyles for those fortunate enough to become its new residents. I’d be happy to personally respond to any questions you might have to help make your search easier.