Just 20 miles south of Austin, Buda is known as the “Outdoor Capital of Texas” and has quickly become one of Central Texas’ fastest-growing communities. Once a quiet suburb, Buda has doubled its population over the past decade, thanks to its strong economic base and strategic position along the booming Austin–San Antonio growth corridor.
Major employers are driving Buda’s rapid rise. Amazon opened a 300,000 square foot fulfillment center in the city, while US Foods has committed $120 million to expand its local operations. These investments have transformed Buda from a commuter town into a thriving hub of its own.
Prime Location on the Corridor
Location is another reason behind its rise. Sitting directly on I-35, Texas’ busiest urban corridor, Buda is only 20 minutes from Downtown Austin, 15 minutes from San Marcos, and an easy commute to San Antonio further south. The city is also just minutes from Tesla’s Gigafactory and within reach of major tech campuses for Google, Meta, and Oracle. For many professionals, Buda offers the best of both worlds: close to work yet set in a quieter suburban community.
Population Growth and Demographics
The city’s demographics reflect that appeal. Between 2010 and 2020, Buda’s population surged by 132%. Today, it continues to attract young families and high-earning professionals. The city’s median household income is over $111,000, which is well above the national average of $75,149 and Austin proper at $91,501. With a median age of 36, Buda reflects a youthful, family-driven community with rising consumer spending and demand for housing, schools, and retail.
Live in Buda
Families are well supported by the education system. Buda is part of Hays CISD, one of the region’s most rapidly growing districts, serving more than 23,000 students across 26 campuses. Families benefit from strong local options like the new Families are well supported by the education system. and several highly rated elementary schools. For higher education, residents are perfectly positioned between The University of Texas at Austin to the north and Texas State University in San Marcos to the south.
Daily life in Buda combines convenience with small-town character. Residents enjoy shopping at HEB Plus, Walmart Supercenter, and Cabela’s flagship outdoor store. A new HEB flagship store is set to break ground in 2026, adding even more retail options. Local dining, shopping, and entertainment venues continue to expand, making urban amenities accessible without the stress of big-city living.
What sets Buda apart is its outdoor lifestyle. With 13 public parks that cover 268 acres, it offers one of the highest ratios of parkland to residents anywhere in Texas. Historic Stagecoach Park is popular for dog walks, concerts, and weekend family picnics. The city’s annual Wiener Dog Races bring a fun, quirky spirit that highlights Buda’s community-focused character.
Industry and Investment Outlook
Behind this lifestyle lies a steady economic foundation. Buda’s economy is supported by both new and established employers. Amazon’s fulfillment center created hundreds of jobs, while the US Foods expansion is expected to add another 165 positions by 2027. Longstanding employers like Texas Lehigh Cement and Night Hawk Frozen Foods contribute further stability and diversity to the local economy.
For both homebuyers and investors, Buda provides outstanding value in the Austin metro. The city’s median home price is around $370,000, almost 30% lower than Austin proper, while the median rent is about $2,175. This produces an attractive 6% to 6.5 % rent-to-price ratio, creating strong opportunities for appreciation and stable cash flow.
A Hidden Gem for Buyers and Investors
With its rapidly growing population, strong economy, expanding amenities, and ideal position along the I-35 corridor, Buda has become one of Central Texas’ best-kept secrets.
Real International is excited to bring clients exclusive builder clearance opportunities in Buda, with brand-new single family homes starting from $250,000, special pricing not available through regular sales offices.
👉 If you’d like to learn more, contact us at info@realinternational.com