16 Cities Near Austin, TX to Live in 2024

Are you captivated by Austin's charm but feeling overwhelmed by its growing population and bustling traffic? Worry not! Central Texas is home to an array of enchanting cities near Austin, offering a delightful blend of tranquility and vibrancy.

To ease your search, we've meticulously curated a list of top-tier cities in close proximity to Austin, Texas. These hidden gems provide an ideal retreat for those seeking to relish the essence of Austin while enjoying a serene living space.

Join us as we embark on an exciting exploration of these remarkable cities near Austin, TX – your potential new havens!

All of the rental data included here comes from our internal database of rent estimates, which is available for download. Transit scores come from walkscore.com and census information comes directly from the U.S. Census website.

1. Pflugerville

• Distance from downtown Austin: 17.8 miles
• Commute time to Austin via car: 22 minutes via I-35 S.
• Commute time to Austin via public transport: N/A
• Commute time to Austin via bike: 1 hour and 33 minutes via W. Guadalupe Street
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,920
• Population: 65,556
• Median household income: $98,398
• Walk score: 23
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 39

Pflugerville was founded in the mid-1800s by a German settler named Henry Pfluger, who purchased 160 acres of land in the area. When the Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad arrived in 1904, the area experienced a population boom, a wave of growth that continues today.

Pflugerville consistently ranks highly on lists for livability, quality schools, and well-educated residents. The area is also seeing ongoing development, with an increasing number of mixed-use spaces and retail and dining opportunities. It even has a tequila factory.

Older mid-rise complexes are less expensive in Pflugerville. You'll also find reasonably priced new apartment buildings near restaurants and amenities. If you want to live near green space, choose options closer to Northeast Metropolitan Park or Stoney Creek Park.

2. Round Rock

• Distance from downtown Austin: 18.5 miles
• Commute time to Austin via car: 21 minutes via I-35 S.
• Commute time to Austin via public transport: 1 hour and 34 minutes via bus No. 980
• Commute time to Austin via bike: 1 hour and 50 minutes via Metric Boulevard
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,840
• Population: 126,697
• Median household income: $86,587
• Walk score: 26
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 35

Living in Round Rock is a dream. With relatively low median rent prices and a decent urban environment, this city offers a happy medium for those wanting to stay close to Austin without giving up daily access to city life.

One thing to note — if you’re looking to rent in the Round Rock rental market, get ready to be at the top of your game. This Austin suburb is in high demand, as its cozy community feel, proximity to Austin, and multifarious entertainment options are just what many renters are looking for. The many apartment complexes in the area offer significant amenities without the traditionally exorbitant prices, making Round Rock a strong competitor of the best neighborhoods in Austin.

3. Brushy Creek

• Distance from downtown Austin: 21.2 miles
• Commute time to Austin via car: 25 minutes via N. Mopac Expressway
• Commute time to Austin via public transport: N/A
• Commute time to Austin via bike: 1 hour and 53 minutes via W. Parmer Lane
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,350
• Population: 22,972
• Median household income: $116,699
• Walk score: 15
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 29

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Austin, one of the best towns near Austin, TX, is the small town of Brushy Creek. With proximity to Pflugerville and Round Rock via State Road 45, many people in Brushy Creek enjoy relatively large plots of land and work outside of town.

Though you’ll find some updated properties, most of the homes in Brushy Creek were built in the 1970s along windy tree-lined streets. Parks are a big deal in terms of recreation, and north of FM 620, you’ll find a few restaurants and coffee shops at the Brushy Creek commercial corridor. Residents also value St. David’s Hospital, which borders the city limits.

4. Shady Hollow

• Distance from downtown Austin: 13.2 miles
• Commute time to Austin via car: 18 minutes via TX-1 Loop N.
• Commute time to Austin via public transport: N/A
• Commute time to Austin via bike: 59 minutes via Brodie Lane
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,667
• Population: 4,587
• Median household income: $147,674
• Walk score: 14
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 36

The suburbs of Shady Hollow lie fewer than 15 miles southwest of Austin proper, next to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and Bauerle Ranch Park. This town is a 600-acre master-planned community that offers plenty of modern residences and estates from which to choose.

Shady Hollow is the closest city to Austin, Texas, on this list and one of the best for those who want to take advantage of suburban living. It is a desirable suburb full of gorgeous stone- and brick-faced homes. Families enjoy the fact that it’s part of the Austin Independent School District. However, as Shady Hollow is a planned community, it isn’t home to any shopping centers, meaning you’ll have to head to neighboring towns for errands.

5. Wells Branch

• Distance from downtown Austin: 15 miles
• Commute time to Austin via car: 18 minutes via I-35 S.
• Commute time to Austin via public transport: 1 hour and 33 minutes via bus Nos. 243 and 801
• Commute time to Austin via bike: 1 hour and 20 minutes via Metric Boulevard
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,720
• Population: 13,837
• Median household income: $58,583
• Walk score: 46
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 44

Wells Branch was still a part of Mexico when Wayman and Mary Emily Wells settled in the area in the 1820s. During the Texas Revolution, Wayman Wells served as a spy for Texian settlers. Today, the residential neighborhood offers family-friendly fun and quick access to downtown Austin. Wells Branch also has its own greenbelt with approximately six miles of hiking and biking trails.

Wells Branch enjoys a reputation for being affordable and convenient. Renters comprise most residents and live in low-rise and renovated buildings. Some newer apartments and duplexes are also available, with most rentals situated near Interstate 35.

Cities Near Austin With Higher Commute Times

Don’t finalize your plans to move to Austin just yet!

As remote work is expanding, it’s important to note that Austin is one of the most remote-friendly cities in the country. Whether you’re a writer, graphic designer, software developer, or in another remote-friendly position, you’ll be able to find a great apartment in one of the many excellent towns and cities around Austin, TX.

6. Leander

• Distance from downtown Austin: 27.1 miles
• Commute time to Austin via car: 27 minutes via U.S. Route 183 S.
• Commute time to Austin via public transport: 56 minutes via bus No. 985
• Commute time to Austin via bike: 2 hours and 27 minutes via W. Parmer Lane
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,820
• Population: 74,375
• Median household income: $117,090
• Walk score: 28
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 41

When the Austin and Northwestern Railroad Company came through in 1881, Leander (which was established one year later in 1882) was a point of connection between Austin and Abilene and brought growth to the area.

Today, Leander is among the fastest-growing cities around Austin, Texas, offering natural attractions, a commuter rail, and business demand. Swimming, fishing, hiking, and camping are popular at nearby Sandy Creek Park, while the Volente Beach Resort and Waterpark is popular among families and locals looking to beat the Texas heat.

Leander is home to new apartment complexes, mid-rises, townhomes, and duplexes. You'll find options that offer amenities like swimming pools and on-site fitness centers. Many of Leander's newer apartments are located along U.S. Route 183 for convenient access to the rest of Greater Austin.

7. Lakeway

• Distance from downtown Austin: 22.2 miles
• Commute time to Austin via car: 31 minutes via State Highway 71 E.
• Commute time to Austin via public transport: N/A
• Commute time to Austin via bike: 1 hour and 51 minutes via Bee Caves Road
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,300
• Population: 19,429
• Median household income: $142,566
• Walk score: 16
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 6

Lakeway is an ideal choice for anyone who wants direct and extensive access to the Lake Travis waterfront. You’ll find rentals along the lake’s shoreline, tucked away in the hills, and spread across the southern and western valleys. There’s something for everyone.

Naturally, boating is a way of life in Lakeway, with docking opportunities at Hurst Harbor Marina, Freedom Boat Club, and Lakeway Marina. You’ll also find four golf courses within 20 minutes of one another, as well as the Oaks at Lakeway, which hosts dozens of retail shops, including a grocery store, dining and shopping spaces, and a hotel.

8. Georgetown

• Distance from downtown Austin: 28.2 miles
• Commute time to Austin via car: 29 minutes via I-35 S.
• Commute time to Austin via public transport: 1 hour and 43 minutes via bus Nos. 1511 and 4
• Commute time to Austin via bike: 2 hours and 43 minutes via N. Mays Street
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,840
• Population: 86,507
• Median household income: $80,416
• Walk score: 23
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 35

Like many other cities surrounding Austin, TX, on this list, Georgetown offers a phenomenal mix of small-town and city living. What sets Georgetown apart is its variety and affordability — put simply, you have plenty of options when renting in Georgetown, few of which will break the bank. College students make up a portion of the population, as Southwestern University is right in town.

Though you’re looking at a half-hour commute to downtown Austin, you’ll rarely have to head out of town to get similar big-city vibes. Head to Georgetown’s bustling downtown area to enjoy its many historic buildings, family-owned businesses, and college town air.

9. Hutto

• Distance from downtown Austin: 27.9 miles
• Commute time to Austin via car: 28 minutes via TX-130 S.
• Commute time to Austin via public transport: N/A
• Commute time to Austin via bike: 2 hours and 14 minutes via FM 685 S.
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,720
• Population: 36,655
• Median household income: $94,807
• Walk score: 71
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 48

Located northeast of Austin, Hutto was established when the International-Great Northern Railroad passed through in 1876.

Today, Hutto is a cozy but quickly growing area with historic charm. The commercial historic district comprises 12 buildings that are on the National Register of Historic Places. Wide-open spaces are also plentiful in Hutto, making it a popular place for young professionals and families.

Most apartments are on the west side of Hutto, conveniently located along Interstate 30 and U.S. Route 79. Choose from older complexes, renovated buildings, and new apartments with updated amenities.

10. Temple

• Distance from downtown Austin: 67.8 miles
• Commute time to Austin via car: 1 hour and 4 minutes via I-35 S.
• Commute time to Austin via public transport: 1 hour and 39 minutes via Texas Eagle Line
• Commute time to Austin via bike: 6 hours and 43 minutes via Ronald Reagan Boulevard
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,380
• Population: 89,458
• Median household income: $56,058
• Walk score: 29
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 36

Temple is one of the older cities close to Austin, Texas, with a rich history contributing to its reputation as a medical hub. Temple’s most significant economic driver is its medical centers throughout the city. This is a large part of the reason why Temple ranks as one of the best places to live in Texas.

If you’re renting in Temple, start by narrowing down your neighborhood choices. The northwest neighborhood has many housing options and is relatively affordable, and new developments in the area mean you’ll find modern housing options. If you prefer less competition and don’t mind spending more, check out the south neighborhood.

11. New Braunfels

• Distance from downtown Austin: 48.6 miles
• Commute time to Austin via car: 46 minutes via I-35 N.
• Commute time to Austin via public transport: N/A
• Commute time to Austin via bike: 4 hours and 17 minutes via S. Congress Avenue
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,810
• Population: 104,707
• Median household income: $76,890
• Walk score: 25
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 32

In New Braunfels, residents enjoy visiting Schlitterbahn Waterpark, hitting the streets for local festivals, and taking short drives to major nearby cities like San Antonio and Austin. Residents primarily enjoy activities that allow them to take advantage of the town’s warm weather.

If you’re lucky, you might even find an apartment with a lake view or even one with a barbecue area. Just be aware that you’ll likely pay extra for these amenities.

Like many of the cities close to Austin on this list, detached homes are available for rent in New Braunfels. This might be the perfect opportunity to rent with roommates and save big. In New Braunfels, that might mean spending as little as $485 a month renting a three-bedroom house with roommates.

12. Marble Falls

• Distance from downtown Austin: 48.5 miles
• Commute time to Austin via car: 56 minutes via State Highway 71 E.
• Commute time to Austin via public transport: 2 hours and 44 minutes via bus Nos. 1512 and 2
• Commute time to Austin via bike: 4 hours and 45 minutes via Hamilton Pool Road
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,130
• Population: 7,423
• Median household income: $48,239
• Walk score: 67
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 36

Looking for towns around Austin, Texas, that are a little farther from the city center? Marble Falls fits the bill. With a little over 7,000 residents, Marble Falls isn’t a city by any means, but it offers public recreation opportunities that rival larger cities.

Marble Falls boasts six lakes, allowing residents to boat, fish, swim, kayak, and more. On land, there are restaurants, shops, vineyards, and parks that can keep you entertained in your free time.

That said, you may not have a ton of options in Marble Falls when it comes to rental homes. There are some apartment communities and houses on the market, but not much else.

13. Hornsby Bend

• Distance from downtown Austin: 11.5 miles
• Commute time to Austin via car: 21 minutes via FM 969 W.
• Commute time to Austin via public transport: N/A
• Commute time to Austin via bike: 1 hour and 5 minutes via FM 969 W.
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,699
• Population: 9,866
• Median household income: $66,766
• Walk score: 39
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 43

Hornsby Bend offers the best of both worlds to those who can’t choose between the bustling city life and the quaint rural life. Whenever you get the urge to join downtown’s urbanites, Hornsby Bend is one of the few towns near Austin, Texas, that’ll get you there in less than half an hour, which is perfect because the town itself is fairly quiet. That is, unless you’re into birdwatching, as the town is home to the Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory.

That said, most rental units in Hornsby Bend are houses, so you may be able to have fun in your own backyard.

14. Buda

• Distance from downtown Austin: 15.7 miles
• Commute time to Austin via car: 19 minutes via I-35 N.
• Commute time to Austin via public transport: N/A
• Commute time to Austin via bike: 1 hour and 17 minutes via Old San Antonio Road and S. Congress Avenue
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,730
• Population: 16,086
• Median household income: $87,571
• Walk score: 56
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 44

Buda offers renters simple, solid rental options. There are many homes on the market that stand alongside the town’s numerous apartment communities. Whatever your preference, you’re sure to find a home that suits your needs.

If you have a dog, Buda is the place to be — the town hosts an annual Wiener Dog Race, for goodness’ sake. You and your best pal will be in good hands in Buda, and you shouldn’t have a hard time finding a pet-friendly rental.

If you’re unsure where to start your Buda apartment search, try Whispering Hollow for its proximity to trails and other outdoor activities. Or, if you prefer to stay as close to the action as you can get, try Tuscany Park at Buda.

15. Cedar Park

• Distance from downtown Austin: 21 miles
• Commute time to Austin via car: 22 minutes via U.S. Route 183 S.
• Commute time to Austin via public transport: 1 hour and 5 minutes via bus Nos. 214 and 985
• Commute time to Austin via bike: 2 hours via W. Parmer Lane
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,690
• Population: 77,642
• Median household income: $110,478
• Walk score: 26
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 40

Cedar Park is another one of our favorite small towns around Austin, TX, with a suburban vibe. You’ll find a mix of rental units in this town, with your choices ranging from standard units in apartment complexes and single-family houses on the rental market.

Though Cedar Park isn’t exactly a metropolis, it’s not a boring place to live. There are tons of fun events on the town’s calendar, including Jazz and Art on Main, Outdoor Storytime, and much more.

16. San Marcos

• Distance from downtown Austin: 31.1 miles
• Commute time to Austin via car: 32 minutes via I-35 N.
• Commute time to Austin via public transport: 51 minutes via Texas Eagle Line
• Commute time to Austin via bike: 2 hours and 45 minutes via S. Congress Avenue
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,490
• Population: 70,301
• Median household income: $42,500
• Walk score: 39
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 43

Both Lyndon B. Johnson and George Strait have called the now-marquee college town of San Marcos home. With an endless supply of dining options, 1,200 acres of parkland, and a booming college scene thanks to Texas State University, it’s one of the best cities around Austin for young people looking to get their feet wet out near Austin.

Head downtown, and you’ll find exquisite Craftsman and Classic Revival architecture, or take a tube out on the San Marcos River when the southwest heat gets intense. The fun in San Marcos is never-ending.

Make Your Move: Start Apartment Hunting With Apartment List

The cities near Austin, Texas, offer the benefits of proximity to Austin and flexibility for you to find the perfect place. Whether you’re looking for a thriving city to meet new people or a quiet, family-friendly community in which to plant your roots, you’ll be able to find an apartment that suits your needs.

There’s no better way to start your apartment search than with Apartment List. Start your journey by taking our quiz to find your dream apartment! With us, you’ll spend 5 minutes and save 50 hours searching.