Austin Real Estate & Home Prices

Living in Austin

If you’re planning a move to Austin, TX, you’ve made a wonderful choice. The locals here are incredibly friendly. Despite the fact that this city has a population of nearly 1 million residents, you’ll enjoy the quirky, eclectic, small-town vibe of this metropolitan area. 

It’s a young city, too, with millennials comprising about a third of Austin’s population. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. With many miles of hiking and biking trails, along with places to canoe, kayak, and swim (the breathtaking Colorado River cuts right through this city, after all), you’ll never feel more connected to nature than you will when living in Austin.

Austin’s food scene can’t be ignored, either. This city is known as the “food truck capital of America,” meaning it’s easy to find a quick meal whenever hunger strikes. And you might have heard that Austinites really love their Tex Mex and BBQ — people even wait hours in line to eat at the famous Franklin Barbecue. 

If the snacks don’t entice you to move here, the music and cultural scene will. In addition to being the food truck capital, Austin is also the live music capital of the world with more music venues per capita than any other city in the nation. Each year, the city also hosts South by Southwest, one of the most famous music, art, and film festivals in the world. 

Financially, there are plenty of incentives to consider when moving to Austin. There’s no state income tax, so while it can be costly to live within city limits, you may find that you still save money by moving here from another state where income taxes are stifling. 

Several major companies have moved to Austin in recent years, including Tesla and Google, so the economy here is on the upswing. The city is a major center for big tech, but it’s also becoming a leader in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and manufacturing industries, too. 

Architecture and history of homes in Austin

Austin homes have a rich and diverse architectural history. There are many different styles of homes here, each of which reflects the unique blend of influences that makes Austin so eclectic. The good news is that these homes are undeniably beautiful. The city’s slogan might be, “Keep Austin Weird,” but fortunately, there’s nothing weird about homes in Austin.

Victorian architecture, particularly Queen Anne-style houses, is popular in the city’s older homes. Smaller Queen Anne cottages are known for their large wrap-around porches and gabled roofs. The Hyde Park neighborhood in Austin is filled with homes like these.

Classic American Craftsman homes are popular, too. These houses have low-hanging eaves, dramatic rooflines, and attractive gables. These homes tend to be open and simple, with kitchen, dining, and living areas all featuring open-concept floor plans. 

Another style you’ll find in Austin is Hill Country architecture. These homes combine the contemporary features of modern architecture with more laid-back vibes of rustic immigrant homesteads. Masonry with local rock, like white limestone, is common and often combined with features like exposed beams, wood floors, and timber siding. In fact, Realm’s data analysis revealed that wood floors are among the top five most popular home features, with mentions in 2,762 Austin housing market listings.

Of course, the Austin real estate boom has led to an explosion in the number of new contemporary-style homes being built, too. These tend to combine the most sophisticated building techniques, old and new alike. Often, these have sleek lines, panoramic views, and “smart home” elements. 

Tips for Austin homeowners

With a remarkable 228 days of sunshine each year (on average), Austin is known for being one of the sunniest cities in the country. While summers get quite hot, winters are mild, so you won’t have to worry much about frigid snowstorms. Austin does sit inside Central Texas’s “flash flood alley,” so homeowners should be aware of the potential for floods. But Realm’s analysis found that 98% of all homes within Austin’s city limits weren’t in a flood zone. 

Fire isn’t something you’ll have to worry much about, either, as 100% of homes were not within a designated perimeter for wildlife that occurred within the last five years. 

Although summers here are mild in comparison with the rest of the state, it’s important to remember that you're still living in Texas. That’s one reason why patios and pools hold the top two spots for more popular features in the local housing market. Realm’s data found patios mentioned in 4,123 recent listings, while pools showed up in 3,876 recent Austin real estate listings. Decks are also among the most popular features and were mentioned in 2,364 listings. 

Having a swimming pool can help you escape from those high summertime temperatures, but it’s also smart to make sure your home inspector gives the HVAC system in any potential home a thorough review. Austin homeowners may want to invest in additional systems, like air purifiers, to help filter out potential allergens that can make you uncomfortable during the city’s long summer and spring allergy seasons. 

Realm’s data analysis found that most homes in Austin were built in 1983. But if you’re considering newer builds, keep an eye out for homes that use green building technologies and techniques. Austin is one city that’s taking the lead when it comes to sustainable architecture, so it’s common to find homes here with features like solar panels, active solar heating, rainwater catchment systems, and even composting toilets. They may add a bit to the sale price, but these features can help save you money over time. 

One thing to keep in mind when building or buying a home in Austin is that you’ll definitely want a property with a garage. Public transportation is one area in which Austin does not excel, so it’s a good idea to invest in a home with a garage to keep your car protected. 

Frequently asked questions about Austin real estate

Is Austin a good place to live?

Austin is repeatedly recognized as one of the best cities to live in the United States. It has warm weather, affordable housing, and a great metropolitan culture. 

What is the best area in Austin, Texas to live?

Some of the best neighborhoods in Austin include Allandale (which offers easy access to the downtown area), Cedar Park, Cherrywood, and Barton Hills. However, there are countless others depending on what sorts of amenities, features, and local resources you want to access.

Is real estate good in Austin, Texas?

There are several reasons why the housing market in Austin is considered one of the best in the country. For one, there are lots of new homes being built and older homes being sold. Also, businesses are relocating to Austin in droves. Average housing prices are increasing, yet the value of those homes is increasing, too, so buying a home here is a solid investment. With more businesses spending more money here and attracting more workers, it only makes sense that Austin real estate is hot.