Posted by Mikki Ludecke in Austin, Local Guides and Resources

Austin, Texas is one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in the United States. With a thriving economy, friendly locals, and a rich cultural heritage, it's no wonder that more and more people are considering moving to the Greater Austin area.

But with so many great neighborhoods and communities to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to the best places to live in Austin, Texas.

Learn a little more about the locations M/I Homes builds in and uncover some of our top recommendations around the Austin area!

Downtown Austin

Why Austin, Texas?

No Income Tax

One of the most appealing aspects of Austin is that Texas is one of only a few states in the country that doesn't have a state income tax. This means that you'll keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket and have more money to put towards the things that really matter.

Plenty of Major Businesses With Jobs Galore

Austin is home to a thriving economy, with a wide range of major businesses and corporations located in the area.

Austin is becoming one of the top American tech hubs with a number of major tech companies, including Meta, Google, Salesforce, and Dell all calling Austin home. This provides plenty of job opportunities for people looking to relocate here.

A Friendly City to Call Home

Austin is known for its friendly and laid-back residents, who are always eager to welcome newcomers to the area. Whether you're looking to make new friends or start a new business, you'll find a supportive and welcoming community here!

Stunning Landscape

With its rolling hills, crystal-clear lakes, and lush green spaces, Austin is situated right in the heart of nature. From leisurely hikes to breathtaking sight-seeing, you’ll never tire of the views from any vantage point.

Rich Culture and Unique Background

 

Austin has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in everything from its music scene to its eclectic food and drink scene. Explore the city’s history and find one-of-a-kind cultural events to add to your calendar!

 

Couple Embracing

The Best Places to Live Near Austin, TX

Whether you’re looking to start a family or take your career to the next level, the surrounding cities of Austin have something to offer for everyone. These cities provide residents with a wide range of local amenities, including parks, shopping, job opportunities, and excellent schools!

Consider the following cities near Austin for your move.

Bastrop

This charming small town is just a short drive east of Austin and is known for its beautiful scenery and quiet atmosphere. People of all ages are flocking to Bastrop to take in the abundance of outdoor activities and local shopping, helping Bastrop become a fast-growing city in Texas!

Bastrop Football Field  

Georgetown

Georgetown is a historic city located just north of Austin, making it a great choice for those looking to live in the Greater Austin area. Visit the beautiful town square or enjoy several local festivities, farmer’s markets, and events for a special sense of community.

Georgetown New Communities

 

Kyle

The growing city of Kyle offers a unique combination of small-town charm and urban conveniences, making it an excellent choice for families and young professionals alike. Located south of Austin, Kyle is known for its excellent schools and endless list of things to do.

Students at Hays ISD

Dripping Springs

Discover the growing city of Dripping Springs, Texas where you’ll find the perfect blend of suburban and rural living. With an A-rated school district, Dripping Springs is a great location for growing families.

Dripping Springs New Communities

 

Leander

Located in Central Texas with easy access to Downtown Austin, you’ll love the convenience and accessibility Leander has to offer. With a variety of schools and a welcoming community, Leander is a great city to call home.

Leander New Communities


Lost Woods Preserve Aerial Shot


Jarrell, TX

Looking for a welcoming environment with easy access to major employment hubs like Georgetown and Round Rock? Look no further than Jarrell! You can enjoy local parks like Jarrell Memorial Park or explore nearby attractions such as Lake Creek Park, Mother Neff State Park, Berry Springs Park, and Blue Hole Park for endless outdoor adventures.

Jarrell New Communities



Things to Do Around Austin

No matter where you choose to live in the Austin area, you'll never run out of things to do. Here are just a few of the many activities and attractions you can look forward to!

Best Places to Eat

Austin is known for its amazing food and drink, with a wide range of local restaurants and bars serving up a variety of dishes. Franklin Barbecue—known for serving some of the best barbecue in Texas—serves up delicious meats for any foodie in Austin.

Austin Barbecue

If you're looking for a more upscale dining experience, try out Uchi, a Japanese-inspired restaurant offering a unique sushi and sashimi menu.

Outdoor Activities

From exploring the city's many parks and green spaces to stargazing outside of downtown, you’ll have so many outdoor adventures to add to your bucket list once you move to the area.

Austin, Texas is home to some of the most beautiful parks and outdoor spaces in the entire state, perfect for hikes, picnics, and even outdoor photoshoots. Here are just a few popular parks in Austin:

  • Zilker Park is a 361-acre park located in the heart of Austin, with picnic facilities, bike and canoe rentals, disc golf, and Barton Springs Pool to jump in and enjoy the spring-fed waters.
  • Climb up to Covert Park at Mount Bonell to take in some of the best views Austin has to offer. You’ll have panoramic views of the Colorado River and Downtown Austin. Get there before sunset for an amazing photo opportunity!
  • Hike or bike along the Trail at Lady Bird Lake—a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. You can bike or hike along the trails, take out a kayak, or canoe down the lake to find a spot for a picnic!
Kayaking in Austin

Music Capital of the World

With a thriving live music scene, Austin is home to countless venues, festivals, and events that showcase a wide variety of musical styles and genres. From indie rock to the blues to country to hip-hop, there’s something for every music-lover.

Held annually in Zilker Park, the Austin City Limits (ACL) Festival is a two-weekend long event that features some of the biggest names in music, as well as up-and-coming acts from around the world. You won’t want to miss this event right in your own backyard!

One of the most popular events in Austin is the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival, which attracts thousands of fans from around the world. With hundreds of acts performing over the course over several days, SXSW is must-visit event for anyone who loves music!

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Moving to the Austin Area

Austin has something for everyone. With a growing housing market, a variety of schools, and a vibrant music and art scene—Austin is a great city to live, work, and play!

If you’re relocating to Austin, read what other homeowners have to say about moving long-distance to their new homes here!

Family in Austin

We’re confident you’ll find the best place to live in Austin, Texas based on your needs for work, home size, location, and lifestyle. We’d be honored to help you find your dream home in Austin.

Contact me for more information about M/I Homes – Austin today!



Author

Email | Mikki Ludecke | Signature Photo
Mikki Ludecke

Blog Author

Mikki has over 15 years of experience in new home sales and a deep passion for real estate, inspired by her father's work in home building industry. She fell in love with Central Texas while attending Southwestern University in Georgetown and now enjoys helping people navigate the homebuying process in her role as Internet Sales Manager at M/I Homes! Outside of work, she cherishes time with her husband, two daughters, and three cats.

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