Move to One of These Top Cities Near Austin

Have you always wanted to live in a warm climate with lots of access to the outdoors as well as first-class entertainment and cultural options? Then you should consider moving to one of the best cities near Austin! The Live Music Capital of the World isn’t just for music enthusiasts, and lots of folks choose to live in proximity of this fun Texas city because of the good job growth, the outdoor activities available year round, and the thriving dining and arts scene. 

Cities Near Austin, TX — FAQs

Q: What cities are surrounding Austin?
A: Some cities that surround Austin include Round Rock, Rollingwood, and Cedar Park.

Q: What cities are 30 minutes from Austin, TX?
A:  Lago Vista and Hutto are around 30 minutes from Austin, TX.

Q: What cities are 50 miles from Austin?
A: Blanco and Johnson City are about 50 miles from Austin. 

Q: What are the nicest small towns near Austin?
A: Lago Vista and Blanco are some of the nicest small towns near Austin

These Are the Top 10 Cities Near Austin

Moving to one of the top cities or towns near Austin ensures you get all the benefits of the lively state capital of Texas (such as live music, festivals like SXSW, and UT football) but with more space for your money and a slower pace of life. So whether you want to move to one of the small towns near Austin, TX, or to a larger area, here are our top 10 choices to consider. 

Round Rock gives you easy access to Austin, only 30 minutes away by car.

1. Round Rock, TX 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,525
• Average home value: $441,300
• Great for: Families, good schools, youth sports
• Commute to Downtown Austin: 27-minute drive

If you’re looking for one of the best cities near Austin that’s less than 30 minutes from the capital, then consider moving to Round Rock, TX. This city is ranked as one of the best places to raise a family, and it’s apparent by the strong schools like Chaparral Star Academy and Stiles Middle School. There’s also an emphasis on getting the youth of the community active in sports of all kinds — Round Rock has earned the title of Sports Capital of Texas and hosts youth and recreation sports tournaments frequently. 

Round Rock is in the heart of the beautiful Texas Hill Country, so you’ll always be near an outdoor adventure. Residents love fishing and walking around Brushy Creek Lake Park, and there’s also a skatepark and golf club. And when you’re in the mood for some delicious home cooking, be sure to check out Kerbey Lane Cafe. 

2. Lakeway, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,875
• Average home value: $778,400
• Great for: Families, good jobs, water recreation
• Commute to Downtown Austin: 40-minute drive

If you’ve always wanted to live near the Colorado River, then a home in lovely Lakeway may be perfect for you. This city near Austin, TX, is situated right along a bend in the river, with easy access to marinas so you can enjoy boating, water skiing, and swimming. After a busy day of outdoor recreation, head over to Captain Pete’s Boathouse for seafood right on the water, or enjoy the views of boats passing by from Canyon Grille.

Residents of Lakeway also enjoy a vibrant community spirit that seeks to engage people of all ages. They love their festivals and events, as it truly draws everyone out. The Enchanted Forest Walk, for example, features fairy and gnome homes along the City Hall Trail. Be sure to also check out the Cool Arts Show & Studio Tour in the summer!

3. Rollingwood, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,975
• Average home value: $2.57M
• Great for: Families, professionals, parks, good schools
• Commute to Downtown Austin: 10-minute drive

Looking for a smaller city near Austin? Then you’ll have to check out Rollingwood. This tight-knit community is located right along the Colorado River and Lady Bird Lake, and it's just a short walk to the large Zilker Metropolitan Park, which hosts festivals and concerts throughout the year. Walk or bike the many trails of the park, or check out the nature preserve, the Austin Nature & Science Center, or the Barton Springs Pool. Rollingwood Park is also in the heart of the community, and it’s where residents gather to exercise, play tennis, chat, or simply let the kids play. 

The growing commercial district on Bee Caves Road has all the shopping you could want, including the Shops at Mira Vista Mall, Trader Joes, and local Austin Art & Frame. You can also grab coffee at Panera, Mexican at Pepita’s, or Chinese at Chinatown Westlake — all within close proximity!

Cedar Park is a family-focused city near Austin with a healthy population. 

4. Cedar Park, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600
• Average home value: $501,300
• Great for: Young professionals, families, outdoor activities
• Commute to Downtown Austin: 25-minute drive

One of the larger cities near Austin, TX, is Cedar Park. This safe community offers great schools like Vandegrift High School and St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, as well as a shopping district that’s convenient to get to. The 1890 Ranch shopping center offers Target, HEB, Whole Foods, Marshall’s, Costco, and more. And you can rest easy knowing that the Cedar Park Regional Medical Center is a short drive away for specialists and routine care.

Residents of Cedar Park love taking advantage of the mild Austin climate and staying active year round. You can relax or let the kids play at Lakeline Park or Cedar Elm Cave Preserve, or head over to the Sandy Creek part of the Colorado River for some fun on the water. You can rent a boat or just enjoy a bite with a view from Shack 512.

5. Alamo Heights, TX 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,500
• Average home value: $736,500
• Great for: Families, schools, nightlife, good commute
• Commute to Downtown Austin: 90-minute drive

If you want to branch out a little more from the city, Alamo Heights is within 100 miles of Austin, and it’s worth the drive. This city is also close to San Antonio, giving you easy access to two fantastic Texas cities! You’ll love how easy it is to get to everything you need. It’s situated right along Route 281, so you can go shopping at Whole Foods or Trader Joes, or grab a southern-style lunch at Ida Claire or Grimaldi’s Pizzeria. The city’s center also offers cute coffee shops like Merit Coffee and Bird Bakery, and residents love to stroll around the walkable streets while doing some window shopping.

The Olmos Basin Park is a great outdoor area to explore and offers trails, soccer fields, and the beautiful Olmos Creek. You can also spend a little time on the green at the San Antonio Country Club or San Pedro Par 3.

6. Hutto, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600
• Average home value: $361,300
• Great for: Families, good jobs, affordable cost of living
• Commute to Downtown Austin: 32-minute drive

Located just over a half hour away from Austin and close to nearby Round Rock is the fun city of Hutto. Residents here like to take advantage of the beautiful historic downtown area that not only includes nods to Hutto’s agricultural past (there’s a cotton gin sculpture!) but also offers a convenient Co-Op District that includes entertainment options, retail, residential areas, and civic offices. Grab a coffee at the Texan Cafe & Pie Shop, window shop in the Town Green, or see what the Hutto Public Library has to offer.

The Brushy Creek Amphitheater is the spot in Hutto to watch live music outdoors in the community among the peaceful creek and trees of Adam Orgain Park. And you can stay active walking the Brushy Creek Trail or improving your swing at the Golf Club at Star Ranch. The community also loves to cheer on the Hutto High School Hippos on Friday nights. In fact, you’ll find lots of displays of concrete hippos near houses and businesses to show support! 

7. Lago Vista, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,475
• Average home value: $421,000
• Great for: Retirees, professionals, golf enthusiasts
• Commute to Downtown Austin: 30-minute drive

A great city near Austin that’s perfect for retirees and within 50 miles of the big city is Lago Vista. It’s located along the winding Colorado River and Lake Travis and offers a variety of quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods ideal for a slower pace of life. The Lago Vista Golf Course is one of the most popular places to meet up with friends and work on your swing — with stunning views of the water to boot!

Head across the water to Pace Bend Park to walk or bike the trails, or bring the whole family for a camping adventure at one of the many campsites. Residents also love the Lighthouse Restaurant & Lounge for their seafood, beer, and beautiful views, but you could head to the town’s shopping area and grab a pint at the Lago Vista Brewing Company, as well.

Georgetown offers plenty of the amenities that Austin does without the crowds or hefty price tag.

9. Buda, TX 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,500
• Average home value: $383,800
• Great for: Families, schools, good jobs
• Commute to Downtown Austin: 25-minute drive

A great small town near Austin is Buda, TX (pronounced Byoo-dah). This place would make a great home for anyone who wants those small-town community vibes with easy access to the outdoors. Not to mention Austin isn’t too far away! Buda was named the Outdoor Capital of Texas thanks to all the available parkland, so if you love getting outdoors and enjoying the mild Texas weather, Buda’s the place for you. There are 13 parks, including the beautiful 51-acre historic Stagecoach Park. The Buda Amphitheater also offers lots of shows throughout the year, including the popular summer concert series and the Railcar Revival.

If you’re looking for some more entertainment options, try heading over to the popular Doc’s Drive-In Theatre and catching a flick, or go bowling, play arcade games, and grab a bite to eat at EVO Entertainment. And don’t forget about the authentic Texas BBQ. You’ll find plenty at Bill Miller BBQ!

10. Blanco, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,300
• Average home value: $539,800
• Great for: Families, retirees, good schools
• Commute to Downtown Austin: 60-minute drive

One of the nicest small towns near Austin, TX, (and just over 50 miles away) is the quaint community of Blanco. While still largely a cattle and ranching community, this town offers residents lots of opportunities to have fun and get to know their neighbors. Friday nights during the fall, you’ll find most residents at Panther Stadium to cheer on the Blanco High School football team. Head over to the Redbud Cafe afterward for a burger or something sweet to eat. You can also go swimming, fishing, or camping in Blanco State Park, or enjoy a performance like “Shakespeare Under the Stars” at the EmilyAnn Theatre.

All the cities near Austin take their art seriously, and Blanco is no different. Spend time admiring the art in the sculpture garden at Echo Gallery, see what’s new at the Christensen Gallery, or hear live music at the Blanco Performing Arts center. Want to try some local Blanco beverages? Although this is a charming small town in the heart of Hill Country, you can still quench your thirst at nearby breweries (Real Ale Brew Co.), distilleries (Garrison Brothers), and wineries (Esperanza Winery).

PODS has the know-how to get you to your next home in a city near Austin.

Get to a Great City or Town Near Austin, TX, With PODS!

If you’re ready to move close to the Live Music Capital of the World, then consider any one of the cities near Austin, and let PODS help you get there. With a PODS portable storage container, you can load up all your belongings on your schedule. And when you’re done, a PODS driver will pick it up and drive it to your new home in one of these cities or towns near Austin, TX. Then you can either unload it at your leisure or store it in a secure PODS facility. The best part? One month of storage is included with each move!

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe, and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.