13 Small Towns Near Austin TX Within an Hour (2026) | Berbas Group
Commute Times, Home Values and Growth for the Best Small Towns Around Austin, Texas
The best small towns near Austin TX within about an hour of downtown include Manor, Dripping Springs, Elgin, Lockhart, Liberty Hill and Bastrop, all roughly 20 to 40 minutes away, plus Hill Country towns like Wimberley, Blanco and Johnson City closer to an hour out. Census home values in these towns range from $251,600 in Lockhart to $635,600 in Dripping Springs, compared with $555,300 in the city of Austin.
Our 2025 guide to small towns near Austin is still the most-read post on our site, and the question I hear most from readers is simple. Which of these towns actually work if you need to get into Austin regularly? So for 2026, I narrowed the list to towns within about an hour of downtown and rebuilt every number from public sources (yes, there's a spreadsheet behind this one too).
Which Small Towns Are About 30 Minutes From Austin?
Manor, Dripping Springs and Elgin are the closest, at roughly 18 to 33 minutes from the Texas Capitol in light traffic. Lockhart, Liberty Hill and Bastrop come next at about 36 to 38 minutes.
I checked each drive in Google Maps on a November 2026 weeknight evening, starting at the Texas Capitol, so these are light-traffic times. Expect longer drives at rush hour.
Manor. About 14 miles, roughly 18 minutes
Dripping Springs. About 24 miles, roughly 30 minutes
Elgin. About 25 miles, roughly 33 minutes
Lockhart. About 34 miles, roughly 36 minutes (using the SH 130 toll road)
Liberty Hill. About 33 miles, roughly 36 minutes
Bastrop. About 33 miles, roughly 38 minutes
Taylor. About 36 miles, roughly 40 minutes
Smithville and Wimberley. About 38 to 46 miles, roughly 47 minutes
Salado. About 51 miles, roughly 48 minutes
Johnson City and Blanco. About 48 to 50 miles, roughly 55 minutes
Marble Falls. About 49 miles, roughly 58 minutes
What Are the Best Small Towns East of Austin?
East of Austin you get the shortest drives and some of the most approachable prices on this list. Manor and Elgin are closest, while Bastrop and Smithville trade a longer drive for state parks and the Lost Pines.
Manor (about 18 minutes from downtown)
Drive from downtown Austin. About 14 miles, roughly 18 minutes in light traffic
Population. 13,652 in 2020 and about 23,070 in 2025, up 68.7% (Census estimate)
Median home value. $347,900, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024)
County and schools. Travis County, served mainly by Manor ISD (part of Manor is in Elgin ISD)
Best for. Buyers who want newer homes and the shortest drive on this list
Manor is the closest town in this guide, and it has grown fast. The Census Bureau estimates it added more than 9,000 residents between 2020 and 2025, so expect plenty of newer subdivisions alongside the original small-town core.
Why buyers choose Manor. A short drive into Austin and a newer housing stock, at a median home value well below the city of Austin.
Elgin (about 33 minutes from downtown)
Drive from downtown Austin. About 25 miles, roughly 33 minutes in light traffic
Population. 9,784 in 2020 and about 13,327 in 2025, up 37.4% (Census estimate)
Median home value. $326,400, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024)
County and schools. Mostly in Bastrop County, with portions in Travis and Williamson Counties, served by Elgin ISD
Best for. Buyers who want small-town character and a manageable drive
Elgin has real history. The Texas State Historical Association notes its old nickname, the "Brick Capital of the Southwest," and says Elgin Hot Sausage "continued to enjoy a widespread reputation." If you love a town with a story (and a good sausage), Elgin is worth a look.
Why buyers choose Elgin. Small-town character, a reasonable drive and home values below the Austin median.
Bastrop (about 38 minutes from downtown)
Drive from downtown Austin. About 33 miles, roughly 38 minutes in light traffic
Population. 9,688 in 2020 and about 13,383 in 2025, up 38.2% (Census estimate)
Median home value. $339,600, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024)
County and schools. County seat of Bastrop County, served by Bastrop ISD
Best for. Buyers who want pine forests and outdoor space
Bastrop is home to Bastrop State Park, where Texas Parks and Wildlife describes cabins "among the magical Lost Pines." It feels like a getaway, and it's still under 40 minutes from downtown on a good day.
Why buyers choose Bastrop. Pine forests, state park access and room to spread out.
Smithville (about 47 minutes from downtown)
Drive from downtown Austin. About 46 miles, roughly 47 minutes in light traffic
Population. 3,922 (2020 Census)
Median home value. $254,400, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024)
County and schools. Bastrop County, served by Smithville ISD
Best for. Buyers who want a true small town and lower prices
Smithville is the smallest of the east side towns and one of the most affordable on this list. Buescher State Park, which Texas Parks and Wildlife calls the sibling of Bastrop State Park, is right outside town.
Why buyers choose Smithville. A quiet town, state park access and one of the lowest median home values in this guide.
What Are the Best Small Towns South and Southwest of Austin?
This group runs from barbecue country in Lockhart to the Hill Country edge in Dripping Springs and Wimberley. Prices vary the most here, from the lowest median on the list to the highest.
Lockhart (about 36 minutes from downtown)
Drive from downtown Austin. About 34 miles, roughly 36 minutes using SH 130, or about 30 miles and 41 minutes on US 183
Population. 14,379 in 2020 and about 18,159 in 2025, up 26.2% (Census estimate)
Median home value. $251,600, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024)
County and schools. County seat of Caldwell County, served by Lockhart ISD
Best for. Value-focused buyers who still want a reasonable drive
The Texas House of Representatives recognized Lockhart as the Barbecue Capital of Texas in 1999, and the title still fits. Lockhart also has the lowest median home value of any town in this guide.
Why buyers choose Lockhart. The best value on the list, county seat convenience and a drive that is shorter than many people expect.
Dripping Springs (about 30 minutes from downtown)
Drive from downtown Austin. About 24 miles, roughly 30 minutes in light traffic
Population. 4,650 in 2020 and about 11,167 in 2025, up 126.5% (Census estimate)
Median home value. $635,600, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024)
County and schools. Hays County, served by Dripping Springs ISD
Best for. Buyers who want Hill Country living close to Austin
Dripping Springs is the priciest town on this list, and its median home value is higher than the city of Austin's. It was designated an International Dark Sky Community in 2014, so the stars really are brighter out here. Our Dripping Springs page has more on the area.
Why buyers choose Dripping Springs. Hill Country scenery and acreage about half an hour from downtown.
Wimberley (about 47 minutes from downtown)
Drive from downtown Austin. About 38 miles, roughly 47 minutes in light traffic
Population. 2,839 (2020 Census)
Median home value. $550,800, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024)
County and schools. Hays County, served by Wimberley ISD
Best for. Buyers who want a small Hill Country town with natural beauty
Wimberley is home to Jacob's Well Natural Area, an 81-acre Hays County park. One note for swimmers, the county says swimming there is canceled for now due to low water levels, so check before you go. Wimberley is a small town, so the Census figures come with a wide margin of error.
Why buyers choose Wimberley. Natural beauty and a close-knit small-town feel within an hour of Austin.
What Are the Best Hill Country Towns West of Austin?
These three towns sit closer to an hour from downtown, so they suit buyers who work remotely or only head into Austin a few days a week.
Blanco (about 55 minutes from downtown)
Drive from downtown Austin. About 50 miles, roughly 55 minutes in light traffic
Population. 1,682 (2020 Census)
Median home value. $265,500, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024)
County and schools. Blanco County, served by Blanco ISD
Best for. Buyers who want a tiny Hill Country town at a lower price
Blanco is small and affordable for the Hill Country. Blanco State Park sits right in town on the spring-fed Blanco River, which makes summer weekends easy.
Why buyers choose Blanco. A state park in town, river access and Hill Country living without Dripping Springs prices.
Johnson City (about 55 minutes from downtown)
Drive from downtown Austin. About 48 miles, roughly 54 minutes in light traffic
Population. 1,627 (2020 Census)
Median home value. $452,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024)
County and schools. County seat of Blanco County, served by Johnson City ISD
Best for. Buyers looking for history and a slower Hill Country pace
Johnson City is home to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, including President Johnson's Boyhood Home and a visitor center. With fewer than 2,000 residents, the Census home value estimate has a wide margin, so I'd lean on recent sales here.
Why buyers choose Johnson City. A historic small town in the heart of the Hill Country.
Marble Falls (about 58 minutes from downtown)
Drive from downtown Austin. About 49 miles, roughly 58 minutes in light traffic
Population. 7,037 in 2020 and about 9,633 in 2025, up 36.3% (Census estimate)
Median home value. $338,800, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024)
County and schools. Burnet County, served by Marble Falls ISD
Best for. Lake lovers and buyers who work locally or remotely
Marble Falls sits on the banks of Lake Marble Falls, part of the Highland Lakes on the Colorado River. Residents' average commute to work is just 14.9 minutes, according to the Census Bureau, which tells me most people here work close to home.
Why buyers choose Marble Falls. Lake living, Hill Country views and a self-contained town.
What Are the Best Small Towns North of Austin?
North of Austin you'll find the fastest-growing town on this list and a new chip plant that could reshape the area.
Liberty Hill (about 36 minutes from downtown)
Drive from downtown Austin. About 33 miles, roughly 36 minutes in light traffic
Population. 3,646 in 2020 and about 13,317 in 2025, up 276.6% (Census estimate)
Median home value. $403,200, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024)
County and schools. Williamson County, served by Liberty Hill ISD
Best for. Families who want newer homes and room to grow
Liberty Hill is the fastest-growing town in this guide by a wide margin. The Census Bureau estimates its population more than tripled between 2020 and 2025, so expect a lot of new construction.
Why buyers choose Liberty Hill. New homes, Williamson County convenience and a still-small-town feel.
Taylor (about 40 minutes from downtown)
Drive from downtown Austin. About 36 miles, roughly 40 minutes in light traffic
Population. 16,267 in 2020 and about 18,402 in 2025, up 12.9% (Census estimate)
Median home value. $285,800, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024)
County and schools. Williamson County, served by Taylor ISD
Best for. Buyers betting on job growth at an approachable price
Taylor is home to Samsung's semiconductor plant. The Texas Real Estate Research Center reported that construction began in 2022 and was expected to finish in 2026, and the Korea Times reported in July 2026 that production was set to begin soon.
Why buyers choose Taylor. Lower prices and a major new employer in town.
Salado (about 48 minutes from downtown)
Drive from downtown Austin. About 51 miles, roughly 48 minutes in light traffic
Population. 2,394 (2020 Census)
Median home value. $445,900, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024)
County and schools. Bell County, served by Salado ISD
Best for. Buyers who want a historic village feel within an hour of Austin
The Texas State Historical Association calls Salado "a picturesque, historic village on Salado Creek." Its historic Stagecoach Inn dates back to 1852.
Why buyers choose Salado. Historic charm, Salado ISD and a quiet village pace.
How Do Home Values Compare in Small Towns Near Austin TX?
Lockhart, Smithville and Blanco have the lowest Census median home values in this guide, while Dripping Springs and Wimberley are the highest. For context, the median sold price across the Austin metro was $415,360 in September 2026, according to our September report.
Under $300,000. Lockhart ($251,600), Smithville ($254,400), Blanco ($265,500), Taylor ($285,800)
$300,000 to $400,000. Elgin ($326,400), Marble Falls ($338,800), Bastrop ($339,600), Manor ($347,900)
$400,000 to $500,000. Liberty Hill ($403,200), Salado ($445,900), Johnson City ($452,000)
Above $500,000. Wimberley ($550,800), Dripping Springs ($635,600)
These Census figures are owner estimates averaged over 2020 to 2024, so they lag today's market and carry wide margins in the smallest towns. They're great for comparing towns to each other. For a specific home, we'll pull current sales.
What Should You Know Before Buying in a Small Town Near Austin?
Test the commute, check the school district boundaries and ask about utilities before you fall for a house. Small towns can be wonderful, but the details vary block by block.
Drive it at rush hour. The times above are light-traffic estimates. Do the drive on a weekday morning before you commit.
Confirm the school district by address. District lines don't always match city limits (part of Manor is in Elgin ISD, for example).
Ask about water, sewer and taxes. Rural lots may need a well or septic system, and some newer subdivisions carry special district taxes. Our guide to buying land near Austin covers what to check.
Look beyond the MLS. Small-town homes often sell quietly. Ask us about off-market homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What small towns are about 30 minutes from Austin?
Manor (about 18 minutes), Dripping Springs (about 30 minutes) and Elgin (about 33 minutes) are the closest, based on light-traffic Google Maps drive times from the Texas Capitol in November 2026. Lockhart, Liberty Hill and Bastrop are roughly 36 to 38 minutes away.
What is the most affordable small town near Austin?
Among the towns in this guide, Lockhart has the lowest Census median home value at $251,600, followed by Smithville at $254,400 and Blanco at $265,500 (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024).
Which small town near Austin is growing the fastest?
Liberty Hill grew from 3,646 residents in 2020 to about 13,317 in 2025, a 276.6% increase according to Census estimates. Dripping Springs (up 126.5%) and Manor (up 68.7%) are also growing quickly.
What are the best Hill Country towns near Austin?
Dripping Springs is the closest Hill Country town at about 30 minutes from downtown. Wimberley, Blanco, Johnson City and Marble Falls are about 45 minutes to an hour away and offer rivers, lakes and small-town charm.
Is it cheaper to buy a home in a small town near Austin?
Usually, yes. The city of Austin has a Census median home value of $555,300, while most towns in this guide are well below that. Dripping Springs is the exception at $635,600.
How long is the commute from small towns near Austin?
Most towns in this guide are 20 to 60 minutes from downtown Austin in light traffic. Rush hour can add a lot, so test the drive at the times you would actually commute.
If you're comparing small towns near Austin TX, we'd love to help you narrow it down. Contact our team to talk through commute, schools and budget, browse our current listings, or see our relocation resources if you're moving to Austin from out of state.
Jen Berbas is the founder of Berbas Group, an Austin real estate team based at 3812 Duval St in Hyde Park. A Certified Negotiation Expert and former options trader, she has been licensed in Texas since 2006 and working in real estate full time since 2012.
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