Neighborhood guide · Greater Austin
Austin, Cedar Park, Leander, and Liberty Hill each trade off price, space, schools, and commute differently. Here's how they compare right now.
Best for city living, short commutes downtown, and the widest choice of home styles.
Best for an established, top-rated suburb close to northwest Austin employers.
Best for newer homes, builder incentives, and Hill Country views for less than Cedar Park.
Best for the newest homes, the most negotiating room, and more open space, with a longer drive.
*Inside city limits. Most Liberty Hill homes are outside city limits, where listings median about $555K.
How to choose
Relocation guide · Bay Area · Los Angeles · San Diego
Here's what moving from California to Greater Austin really changes: what you can buy, what you'll pay in taxes, and the trade-offs to plan for.
20% down, 7% 30-year fixed, before taxes, insurance, and HOA.
Taxes
Texas property tax rates are higher, but on a much lower price, and there's no state income tax.
Approximate California state income tax you'd stop paying
Estimates before credits and deductions beyond the standard deduction; not tax advice. Talk to a CPA about your situation.
The honest cons
About 31 days a year at 100°F or hotter from 2020 to 2025, and 71 in 2023. Plan for higher summer electric bills.
Higher rates than California. Always compare the full monthly payment, not the price alone.
Suburbs are built for driving. Cedar Park's Walk Score is 26.
Lake Travis, rivers, and springs replace the ocean.
They drive home insurance costs, and the February 2021 winter storm caused wide power outages.
Winter mountain-cedar pollen allergies are common in Central Texas.
Where Californians look first
Redfin's search data shows strong interest in Cedar Park from San Francisco buyers, and in Leander from Los Angeles and San Francisco buyers.
Shorter drives to north Austin tech campuses and established neighborhoods.
Newer homes with builder incentives, or city living with restaurants and culture.
More space and new construction at lower prices.
Your move, step by step
Book a 15-minute call. I'll match your budget to real homes, taxes, and builder incentives.
Get a free home value and a pricing plan built on recent sales and nearby builder competition.
Request a free analysis of any home: price after incentives, expected rent, and holding costs.
Anand Venkatesh · REALTOR® · eXp Realty · (737) 403-2842 · ananda.venkatesha@exprealty.com · TREC #857896-SA