Thinking about moving to Austin but not sure how far your budget will go or how long your commute might be? You are not alone. Many buyers relocating to Travis County want a clear picture of housing costs, HOA fees, and what daily travel really looks like across the city.
In this guide, you will learn the typical price ranges by home type, the most common HOA costs, and the tradeoffs along Austin’s major commute corridors. You will also get a simple, step-by-step framework to shortlist neighborhoods that fit your budget and commute tolerance. Let’s dive in.
What housing costs look like in Austin
Austin’s market varies a lot by home type and distance to the core. Here is what you can expect across common options.
Condos and downtown apartments
- Typical resale units often range from about $200,000 to $450,000 in many parts of the city.
- Luxury or newer downtown buildings frequently exceed $600,000.
- Fees in condo buildings can be higher due to amenities and building insurance, so include HOA costs in your monthly budget.
Townhomes and attached houses
- Townhomes commonly range from $300,000 to $700,000.
- Inner-city townhomes trend higher per square foot, especially in areas like East and South Austin.
Single-family in central neighborhoods
- In core neighborhoods like Zilker, Tarrytown, Travis Heights, and Hyde Park, many homes list from about $700,000 to well over $2 million.
- The central location premium is strong, especially for properties within a 10 to 15 minute drive to downtown.
Single-family in inner-ring areas
- In neighborhoods such as Mueller, North Loop, Brentwood, and Montopolis, single-family homes often range from about $450,000 to $900,000 depending on size and updates.
Single-family in outer-ring suburbs
- In parts of Travis County and nearby counties, newer subdivision homes typically range from about $350,000 to $650,000, with larger-lot properties pricing higher.
- Some outer communities offer builder incentives that can improve affordability, though commuting times can increase.
New construction and master-planned communities
- Entry to mid-range new single-family homes often fall between about $400,000 and $700,000.
- Custom builds and properties in western hill country areas can go much higher.
Taxes, insurance, and flood risk
Housing costs are more than the purchase price. Plan for taxes, insurance, and location-specific risks.
Property taxes in Travis County
- Texas relies heavily on property taxes. Combined local rates often land around 1.8% to 2.4% of assessed value, depending on taxing entities and exemptions.
- Check the exact tax rate for your property’s school district and municipality, and review exemptions you might qualify for.
Flood zones and insurance
- Some parts of Austin sit in FEMA flood zones, including corridors like Shoal Creek or Onion Creek.
- Review floodplain maps and ask about any recent City of Austin floodplain updates for a property you like.
- If a home is in a flood zone, your lender may require flood insurance. Even if not required, consider a quote to understand your risk and budget.
HOA costs and what to check
HOAs are common in condos, townhomes, and many newer subdivisions. Know the typical ranges and what to review.
Where HOAs are common
- Condos and townhomes almost always have an HOA.
- Newer single-family subdivisions and master-planned communities often include HOAs with shared amenities and maintenance.
- Historic central neighborhoods are less likely to have HOAs, though deed restrictions may apply.
Typical fee ranges
- Condos: about $200 to $600+ per month depending on amenities, building insurance, and reserves.
- Townhomes and small developments: about $100 to $350+ per month.
- Single-family communities: about $50 to $400+ per month, higher where landscaping, pools, private roads, or security are included.
What HOA fees usually cover
- Common-area maintenance, landscaping, pools, parks, and sometimes trash and recycling.
- Building insurance in condos, reserves, and professional management.
- Security and maintenance for private roads or gated entries when present.
Your due-diligence checklist
Request and review these items before you commit:
- CC&Rs, bylaws, rules and regulations, budgets, reserve study if available, financials, and recent meeting minutes.
- Insurance coverages, any pending litigation, and disclosure of any planned special assessments.
- Specific policies on rentals, short-term rentals, pets, exterior modifications, and late fees.
- Required resale certificate and statutory timelines under Texas Property Code.
Commute tradeoffs across Austin
Daily travel in Austin varies widely by corridor and time of day. Your route will shape what is realistic for your home search.
How long do typical commutes take
- Short commutes of 20 minutes or less usually require living inside or very close to the core. Expect higher prices and limited inventory.
- Moderate commutes of 20 to 35 minutes are common from many inner-ring neighborhoods and some outer areas.
- Long commutes of 35 minutes or more are typical during peak hours from farther suburbs or exurban locations. Toll roads can help improve reliability in some cases.
Major corridors to know
- I-35 is the busiest north-south spine with significant peak congestion. East-of-I-35 neighborhoods often have quick CBD access but can face noise and air quality considerations.
- Mopac Expressway serves much of the west side. Managed lanes help, though bottlenecks still occur around central interchanges.
- US 183 is a key connector for the north and northeast, with heavy traffic at major nodes.
- SH 71 and US 290 are important east-west routes, especially for south Austin and airport access.
- RM 2222, Loop 360, and similar west-side roads are scenic but can be slow and curvy, with incident-sensitive travel times.
Toll and managed-lane options
- SH 130 and 183A, along with certain managed lanes on Mopac or I-35, can provide faster travel at a cost.
- If you plan to use toll roads often, estimate your monthly toll spend and include it in your budget.
Transit and active options
- Capital Metro’s bus network and the MetroRail Red Line offer alternatives to driving along select corridors, with park-and-ride support in some areas.
- Project Connect is an approved regional expansion plan that will add light rail and more high-capacity routes over time. Timelines and phases matter if you are planning a long hold.
- Central areas tend to have better walk and bike access, especially near trails like the Lady Bird Lake area.
How to balance cost and commute
You can find good fits by first choosing your commute tolerance and then exploring neighborhoods that match your budget within that ring.
Decide your maximum commute
- Pick a reliable, door-to-door time you can live with, such as 20, 30, or 45 minutes.
- Note if toll routes are okay and how often you expect to commute during peak hours.
- Consider school, daycare, and mid-day errands that may add extra trips.
Mix-and-match examples
- If you want 20 minutes or less, plan on paying a premium for central or close-in neighborhoods. Condos and townhomes can be a smart way to buy closer to the core.
- If you are comfortable with 20 to 35 minutes, many inner-ring areas open up with more single-family options and moderate HOA fees.
- If you are comfortable at 35 minutes or more, outer-ring suburbs and newer subdivisions may offer the most space for your budget, with tradeoffs in peak-time variability.
Test before you buy
- Run door-to-door Google Maps tests for each home you like during your exact commute windows in both directions.
- Drive the route at least once during rush hour, and test alternate routes with and without tolls.
- If transit is part of your plan, check park-and-ride options, schedules, and frequency for your likely stops.
A simple shortlist framework
Use this step-by-step method to narrow the field and keep your search focused.
Define your variables
- Budget: purchase price plus estimated monthly carrying cost, including taxes, HOA, and insurance.
- Commute tolerance: maximum reliable time and whether you will use tolled routes.
- Home type priorities: condo, townhome, single-family, new-build versus resale, and parking needs.
- Lifestyle: walkability, dining access, trails and parks, yard size, tree cover, and pet rules.
- Non-negotiables: floodplain status, HOA restrictions, commute cap, age of home, and bedroom count.
Build your shortlist in 6 steps
- Map three commute rings from your main destination: 20 minutes or less, 20 to 35 minutes, and more than 35 minutes.
- Overlay typical price bands and home types in each ring to see which areas match your budget.
- Select 6 to 12 candidate neighborhoods across the rings that fit your core priorities.
- Create micro-profiles for each: price ranges, common home types, HOA prevalence and fees, school district, commute routes and toll options, walkability, and flood risk pockets.
- Have your agent pull 8 to 12 active listings plus recent comps for each area, and summarize inventory and expected time on market.
- Schedule grouped showings by commute ring so you can feel the drive times and neighborhood pace in one sequence.
Decision checklist before you offer
- Review all HOA documents and the required resale certificate.
- Confirm taxes and any special districts that apply to the property.
- Test the commute during peak hours on at least one weekday.
- Check flood zone status, elevation certificate if available, and get insurance quotes.
- Complete mortgage preapproval and calculate total monthly cost including taxes, HOA, and insurance.
Local nuances that affect value
The right fit depends on your timeline, budget, and comfort with renovations or rules.
Infill versus new-build
- Infill or older homes bring central access and mature trees. They may need more updates and can have constraints tied to utilities, flood, or historic features.
- Newer subdivisions offer modern floor plans and builder warranties, often on smaller lots. Expect HOA rules and potentially higher long-term fees.
School districts and boundaries
- Multiple districts serve the Austin area, including Austin ISD, Eanes ISD, Round Rock ISD, Leander ISD, Pflugerville ISD, and Manor ISD.
- Boundaries cross municipal lines and can influence pricing and commute patterns. Always verify the current boundary for any address you are considering.
Future infrastructure
- Project Connect and road projects will shift travel patterns over time. If you plan to hold for 10 years or more, understand what is planned, but avoid assuming immediate commute relief.
Ready to run the numbers together?
If you are weighing tradeoffs between budget and drive time, a clear plan makes all the difference. We can help you build a tailored shortlist, estimate true monthly costs, and test commute options before you make an offer. When you are ready, reach out to Melvin Li’ah for a friendly, step-by-step consult that treats you like family.
FAQs
What are typical Austin condo HOA fees?
- Many condo buildings range from about $200 to $600+ per month, depending on amenities, building insurance, and reserve needs.
How much are Austin-area property taxes?
- Combined rates often land roughly in the 1.8% to 2.4% range of assessed value, but you should verify the exact rate for your property’s school district and city.
How long is the average commute in Austin?
- The metro’s average commute often sits in the mid-20-minute range, but peak-hour drive times vary widely by corridor and direction.
Which Austin corridors see the most traffic?
- I-35 experiences the heaviest congestion, with Mopac, US 183, SH 71, and US 290 also seeing peak slowdowns at major interchanges.
Are toll roads worth it for Austin commuters?
- Toll routes like SH 130 and 183A can reduce travel time and improve reliability. If you will use them frequently, estimate your monthly toll spend in your budget.
How do I check flood risk before I buy?
- Review FEMA flood maps and the City of Austin floodplain portal for the property’s location, then get insurance quotes to understand potential coverage and cost.
What should I review in HOA documents?
- Focus on CC&Rs, bylaws, current budgets, reserves, insurance coverages, meeting minutes, and any special assessments or litigation disclosures.
