Austin is incredible. So many great food options, live music, outdoor spaces (like iconic Zilker Park), and the creative spirit. Between the increasing cost of living, traffic, and the average sized backyard (for a median home) being small or non-existent, it’s understandable why more and more people are looking north—and loving it!
So, what is it about the ‘burbs north of Austin?
1. More Space and Yard for Your Money
Compared to central Austin, northern suburbs like Pflugerville, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and Georgetown offer more house for your money—more space with more features and bigger yards. Perfect for anyone craving more room to breathe and enjoy their home in. All of this offers a different sense of value than a home in central Austin.
All of this without giving up access to Austin. Want to catch a live show? Brunch downtown? You can easily do it. Thanks to toll roads like 183A and SH-45, you can be in the city in 30–45 minutes (or less), depending on where you live.
2. Top-Rated Schools
Many of the school districts in this area—like Leander ISD, Round Rock ISD, and Georgetown ISD—have strong reputations. They are consistently praised for strong academics, extracurriculars, and community involvement. Whether you’ve got little ones now or you’re planning ahead, education is a big reason why families like these areas.
3. City Access Without Living In the City
You can live a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle (with more home for your money) while still having easy access to Austin for work, fun, or food (and coffee shops!).
4. Booming Job Market
Tech and healthcare hubs are growing quickly in these areas. Big companies like Dell (in Round Rock), Apple, Samsung, and Tesla have created a ripple effect of jobs and economic growth throughout the North Austin suburbs.
5. Outdoor Living + Recreation
The North Austin burbs have so many parks, trails, and lakes—like Lake Pflugerville, the Brushy Creek Trail, the South San Gabriel River, and Lake Georgetown. Love to hike, bike, kayak, or weekend picnic? You'll find your favorite places in no time.
A lot of master-planned communities even have their own trails, dog parks, and greenbelts—so your next outdoor adventure might be in your neighborhood.
6. Local Charm + Modern Perks
Cities like Georgetown and Liberty Hill still have a classic Texas feel—historic downtowns, community events, and a slower pace—while offering modern amenities like breweries, coffee shops, fun dining experiences, and shopping.
Some local favorites:
- The Domain NORTHSIDE (technically Austin, but way north): A high-end, open-air shopping, and dining destination that’s basically a mini city.
- Downtown Georgetown Square: The famous, fun, and complete with boutique shops, local eats, live music, and small-town charm.
- Round Rock Donuts: Their famous giant, yellow-glazed donuts are so good!
- Cedar Park Center: Experience a concert or a Texas Stars hockey game.
- Via 313 (Round Rock & Cedar Park): Detroit-style pizza, originally started out as a food truck in Austin.
- Sweet Eats Fruit Farm (Georgetown): Seasonal fruit picking, fall festivals, and goats!
If you're a brewery or coffee person, spots like Red Horn Coffee House & Brewing Co., Whitestone Brewery, and The Good Lot are fun, relaxing, and all about the atmosphere.
7. Master-Planned Communities
One of the best parts of life up north? The neighborhoods are designed to make your day-to-day easier, more relaxing—and more enjoyable. Think resort-style amenities, community pools, event lawns, walking trails, and even food trucks. Places like:
- Santa Rita Ranch (Liberty Hill/Georgetown): Voted one of the best master-planned communities in Texas—complete with a water park, fitness center, and fun events all year.
- Bryson (Leander): A modern, nature-inspired neighborhood with tons of character.
- Rancho Sienna (Georgetown): Beautiful views, miles of trails, and seriously friendly neighbors.
- Palmera Ridge (Leander): Friendly atmosphere, open spaces, plus pools, parks, and ponds.
- The Ranch at Brushy Creek (Cedar Park): Thriving neighborhood, outdoor options, community events, and Brushy Creek Park.
8. Community Vibes
These areas are generally seen as friendly, community-oriented, and full of events and lifestyle amenities—farmers' markets, neighborhood activities, dining, shopping, and more.
It’s Easy to Love It Up Here
Moving north of Austin means you get to have more of what you love. More space, more community, more fun, and more calm. Whether you’re buying your first home, relocating, or just someone craving a little more room to breathe and live, the suburbs north of Austin offer the lifestyle so many people love and are looking for.
Ready to Explore the Best Suburbs North of Austin?
Whether you're just starting your home search or seriously considering a move, we would love to help you find the neighborhood that fits your lifestyle.
- Schedule a free, no-pressure consultation with us—reach out here.
- Browse available homes for sale in the Austin suburbs—explore homes.
- Read through our free buyer's guide: “A Step-By-Step Buyer's Guide”—check it out.
You don’t have to choose between city convenience and suburban serenity—you can have both. Let’s find your next home in a place that fits you.