Over two years of a worldwide pandemic has done little to slow Austin’s meteoric rise as one of the fastest-rising real estate markets in the country. Desirable location, a haven for live music, booming business, quirky vibes, the list for Austin’s attractiveness for prospective homebuyers goes on and on. So what are *the* hottest spots in one of the hottest cities in all of America? Here are the five hottest zip codes to move to in the Austin metropolitan area.
5. 78722 – Cherrywood
A tree-lined enclave just northeast of downtown, Cherrywood’s median home prices have risen 16% in the past year alone, as middle-aged couples and families look to find neighborhoods just outside the hustle and bustle of downtown life. Bounded on the west side by the I-35 corridor, Cherrywood is an ideal launch pad to the rest of the Austin metropolitan area but its primo location is belied by its quiet, ‘small town’ residential feel.
4. 78704 – South Austin
Perhaps the only reason this zip isn’t ranked higher on this list is the dwindling supply of available homes near downtown Austin. That being said, those lucky enough to score a home in the coveted ‘04’ will find themselves in the heart of the vibrant and iconic ‘Keep Austin Weird’ lifestyle. Shops, music, character, and vibes galore await homebuyers along the legendary South Congress, South 1st, and South Lamar sections of this coveted zip code.
3. 78681 – Round Rock
People looking to enjoy a piece of the dynamic Austin metro area but not exactly wanting to live in the heart of it all are flocking to Round Rock. Money Magazine ranked it #25 in the best places to live in all of America. Rapid growth, low property tax, great schools, and job security put Round Rock near the top of the list for new residents in search of all the amenities that Austin has to offer, with a little less hustle and bustle.
2. 78660 – Pflugerville
Location, location, location! Southeast of Round Rock is the quickly-expanding town of Pflugerville. With average home prices a whopping 26% over last year and number of homes sold nearly 29% up in the same span, this zip is seeing massive growth due to its enviable proximity to both Austin and Round Rock. Even though prices are increasing here due to demand, there are still many areas of Pflugerville that are both desirable and affordable for prospective homebuyers. And the many parks, nightlife spots, and more – including outdoor recreation opportunities at Lake Pflugerville – are tempting more and more movers to experience their own ‘Pflugerville Pfun’ by the day.
1. 78641 – Leander
Leander is not just the hottest homebuying zip code in Austin, it’s the second hottest zip code in the entire United States. However, despite this rapid growth fueled by new construction and its proximity to fellow hotspot Round Rock, Leander is also one of the safest cities in Texas. This small town charm on the doorstep of a large metropolitan area has led to Leander more than doubling its population from 2010 to 2020. Its location on the very edge of the Austin metro area gives Leander ample room for expansion. Concurrently, this has attracted many shopping and entertainment choices for residents, who no longer have to travel to the “big city” for recreation. With a high number of new construction homes, Leander has a fresh and updated feel, with highly-rated schools and numerous parks. There are a bevy of desirable locations to move to in the Austin area, but as of 2022, no zip code is hotter than Leander’s 78641.