2024 Best Suburbs to Live in the Austin Area

Austin, a large city that serves as the capital city of Texas. It’s more than just a major tech hub full of numerous job opportunities; in fact, ATX provides a tame version of ‘wild Texas.’

From the weather and serene lakeside views to bustling town centers, the suburbs of Austin offer needed balance in lifestyle and modern amenities. But not all these suburbs come with a similar quality of life and prosperity for good living.

For instance, some suburbs are more primed for affordability, while others tend to be more dotted with amenities. Depending on your needs, there is always an exquisite suburban paradise perfect for anyone to call home. 

Here are some of the top picks for 2024 best suburbs to live in the Austin area:

Quick Overview

• Brushy Creek, TX — Most Family-Friendly Suburb
• Round Rock, TX — Most Diverse Austin Suburb
• Cedar Park, TX — Excellent Career Growth Opportunities
• Lakeway, TX — Best Suburb for Retirees
• Leander, TX — Great for first-time homebuyers
• The Hills, TX — Best Educational Institutions
• Georgetown, TX — Most Serene Area

Brushy Creek, TX

Might not always be the talk of the town, but Brushy Creek is that place you wish you found sooner. 

Although a CDP, its lush greenery, creeks, and parks are dreamy and well-maintained. If you love to hike, bike, or just chill in the great outdoors, you will fit right in. 

Brushy Creek might be only about 41 miles away from Austin and less than an hour’s drive from it, but this suburb has a calm vibe that is ideal for anyone who wants a break from the city’s chaotic scene.

What makes Brushy Creek stand out is its super family-friendly environment. Plus, with low crime rates, you should be itching to live in one of its moderately priced homes.

• Population: 22,519
• Median Household Income: $133,060
• Average House Rent: $1,175
• Median Home Value: $580,900
• Best For: Families and nature enthusiasts

Round Rock, TX

Thanks to Dell’s headquarters here, you probably heard of Round Rock. But there’s so much more to Round Rock than a tech hub — the city has an incredible sense of community with a family-oriented environment.

Top-rated schools, beautiful parks, and a thriving downtown scene all add to the city’s appeal. With plenty of job opportunities and affordable living, it’s no surprise Round Rock is booming.

Moreover, the proximity to Austin ( just 37 miles away) makes it easy for any moving company Greater Austin area to help you relocate to Round Rock. 

Here, you can enjoy suburban comforts with a slice of big-city perks, which attract some of the most diverse groups of people in Austin.

• Population: 119,468
• Median Household Income: $91,888
• Average House Rent: $1,514
• Median Home Value: $440,000
• Best For: Families, tech workers, and young professionals

Read more: Local movers in Austin, TX

Cedar Park, TX

If you can picture a life where new people and businesses flock in, then you are just locked in on Cedar Park. 

Any young professional just starting and wanting a tempered cost of living while accessing the best career growth opportunities should hold Cedar Park close to heart.

Being near to Austin’s tech jobs means you can have the best of both worlds: the work-life balance and a bit of urban excitement without all the traffic.

You also have plenty of entertainment options, including parks, shopping, restaurants, and even the H-E-B Center for concerts and hockey games. 

When you add low crime rates to the mix, Cedar Park checks all the boxes as one of the 2024 best suburbs to live in the Austin area.

• Population: 77,595
• Median Household Income: $118,903
• Average House Rent: $1,590
• Median Home Value: $424,500
• Best For: Young professionals

Lakeway, TX

Imagine waking up to a stunning view of Lake Travis everyday — Lakeway makes that dream a reality. 

This is the place for luxury lakeside living with a year-round vacation feel. Boating, golfing, and sunsets are part of your daily routine. 

The community is upscale and quiet, with high-end dining and gorgeous homes. Sure, it’s pricier, but Lakeway is your spot if you’re craving that resort-style life. 

While the job market locally might not be huge, it’s close enough to Austin for an easy commute. Crime? Pretty much non-existent here, making Lakeway among the 2024 best suburbs for retirees to live in the Austin area.

• Population: 19,189
• Median Household Income: $154,118
• Average House Rent: $1,888
• Median Home Value: $660,600
• Best For: Retirees and luxury seekers

Leander, TX

For all the right reasons you can think of, Leander is growing pretty fast!

Think of this suburb as the perfect spot for anyone looking for affordable living with a small-town feel. The development here is impressive, with new shops, restaurants, and schools popping up like bean sprouts. 

You know what’s even better? You can hop on the MetroRail for a quick trip into Austin, making commuting a breeze. 

That’s not all; Leander has the perfect balance of affordable homes and access to the big city. Plus, its low crime rates make it ideal for families and first-time homebuyers. 

• Population: 59,202
• Median Household Income: $129,684
• Average House Rent: $1,627
• Median Home Value: $415,400
• Best For: Commuters and families

The Hills, TX

It’s all about living the high life when it comes to The Hills.

Imagine a gated community that redefines elegance and luxury. Most people describe it as having a rural feel having top qualities, with most of the residents (about 96% of them) owning their homes. 

Despite its more rural leanings, The Hills is studded with top-notch amenities like private golf courses and exclusive country clubs. It’s even close to Lake Travis for those who love water activities. 

Moreover, its schools, like Lake Travis High School, are among the best in the Austin area.

The Hills offer the perfect escape if you’re looking for quiet, upscale living with a side of fabulous. While it’s on the pricier end of the affordability spectrum, the sense of security and exclusivity you get here is well worth it. 

• Population: 2,505
• Median Household Income: $152,250
• Average House Rent: $1,910
• Median Home Value: $910,000
• Best For: Golfers and those seeking a luxurious lifestyle

Georgetown, TX

Georgetown has the classic, small-town vibe that comes with a beautiful town square and stunning old buildings. 

However, its humble, if not modest, appearance is not the reason for its rave as one of 2024 best suburbs to live in the Austin area.

There’s a great mix of new development, local boutiques, and natural beauty like Blue Hole Park. Although serenity is a watchword here, you will always find fun festivals and events happening downtown. 

Job opportunities are also on the rise, with industries like healthcare and education taking the lead. Meanwhile, Georgetown’s low crime rates make it a top choice for those looking for a safe community.

• Population: 67,176
• Median Household Income: $87,465
• Average House Rent: $1,637
• Median Home Value: $406,300
• Best For: History buffs, retirees, and young families

Read more: What is career cluster?

Final Thoughts: Suburbs of Austin

It’s one thing to argue that these places are the 2024 best suburbs to live in the Austin area; it is another to provide proof of the diversity of their offerings. 

Amidst the plethora of opportunities in Round Rock and Brushy Creek, they manage to maintain a diverse and family-friendly environment. But if you want to leverage Cedar Park’s explosive job market as a young professional, you are free to do so. 

However, when your work years are over, think about Lakeway and The Hills to reward you with the quiet and luxury your retired years need. Not to forget that if you want to buy your first home in the Austin area, Leander is where you should be looking.

So, make that choice today, and you won’t regret it!

Written by Billy Guteng. October 7, 2024

Billy is a content writer for Kukun. He was born in France, and has lived in multiple cities around the world ever since. He loves art, design and architecture as well as construction and real estate.