Living in Buda TX Ultimate Moving to Buda TX Guide
If you're on the hunt for cities near Austin TX, then look no further than Buda! Buda is situated in the Texas Hill Country and is known as the “Outdoor Capital of Texas” because it has 14 scenic parks, rolling hills, and plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors. Therefore, living in Buda TX is a great option for nature lovers. Some of the most popular parks are Historic Stagecoach Park, Jackson Tyler Norris Memorial Skate Park, and the Buda Sportsplex.
The vibrant Main Street and charming downtown area attract both tourists and residents, offering a variety of arts as well as many local dining, live music, and shopping opportunities. Buda hosts its annual wiener dog races every April, attracting national attention. The city is also known for its wonderful educational institutions and close proximity to major cities like Austin and San Antonio. As such, Buda TX is a good place to live.
Here's what you can look forward to after moving to Buda TX!
Is Buda TX a Good Place to Live?
Buda TX is a good place to live. Residents and visitors alike agree that Buda is a wonderful place for people of all ages and families of all sizes.
Where Is Buda Texas?
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When living in Buda TX, you will be situated in the perfect location. Buda is located in Hays County, about 15 miles southwest ofAustin in the Central Texas hill country. Buda is part of the Austin Metro Area and is one of the fastest-growingsuburbs in Austin. Buda is bordered by Hays to the northwest, Mountain City to the southwest, Manchaca to the north, and Creedmoor to the east. It is also only 16.5 miles from Buda TX to San Marcos TX, and 7.7 miles from Buda TX to Kyle TX.
In addition to Austin and San Marcos, you can enjoy a quick day trip to San Antonio when living in Buda Texas. It is 64.6 miles from Buda to San Antonio.
If living in Buda TX sounds great to you, then get in touch with our Buda moving company. Our Buda movers are experienced and ready to handle any relocation.
Buda Texas Population & Demographics
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Living in Buda TX offers a small-town feel while still providing easy access to major urban centers. The Buda, Texas, population has grown immensely since 2010. The population is 16,090 according to the 2024 Census, which is a 6.5% increase from the 2020 census! The racial makeup of Buda is 72.5% White (63.6% Non-Hispanic), 1.4% Black or African American,0.3% Asian, and 19.3% two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos make up 30.5% of Buda’s population.
Buda TX demographics:
- Population density: 1,649.4 /sq mi
- Median age: 37.2
- Sex ratio: 48.7% females to 51.3% males
- Median household income: $123,766
- Educational attainment: 95.5% high school grad or higher, 50.1% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 4.7%
- Veteran population: 1,030
What is the crime rate in Buda Texas? The crime rate is 1,768.1 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 27.24% below the state average and 3.8%. In Buda, you have a 1 in 740.4chance of becoming a victim of crime. As such, living in Buda TX is very safe. The Buda Police Department serves the residents of Buda. Check out their crime map for monthly updates on where crimes are committed in the city.
Buda Cost of Living – Is Buda, TX Expensive?
Is Buda Texas expensive? Luckily, living in Buda TX is affordable! Buda is one of the most affordable Austin suburbs. The cost of living in Buda TX is equal to the national average. The cost of goods and services exceeds the national average by only 1%. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are cheaper than the national average, although housing and healthcare are slightly higher.
The largest expense you'll encounter when living in Buda TX is housing, yet housing is relatively affordable. Housing costs are 8% over the national average. The Buda housing market is somewhat competitive, and the Buda median home price is $425,000, down 4.7% from last year, making it a good time to buy. Austin residents pay an average of $530,000 for a home, by comparison. Homes in Buda sell in around 37 days. Check out homes for sale Buda TX to get an idea of what a home when living in Buda TX will cost you.
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If you are looking for apartments in Buda, the average rent for an apartment is $1,611, and the average apartment size is 933 square feet. By comparison, it will cost you about $1,623 for an apartment in Austin. According to the Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator, monthly costs for a family of four living in Buda TX are $9,522.
Typical Buda Living Expenses
These are a few typical living expenses you'll encounter when living in Buda TX.
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- Domestic beer: $7.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.51
- Dozen eggs: $4.59
- 1 pound chicken: $5.78
- Average Buda monthly utility bill: $197.33
Source: Numbeo, for the Austin Metro Area
Buda Neighborhoods
There are plenty of amazing neighborhoods to consider when living in Buda TX. Buda has many neighborhoods to choose from that are close to parks and schools, and have a wide range of amenities. Whether you want to be close to Downtown Buda or embrace the green spaces in the Outdoor Capital of Texas, there's something for you. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Buda to choose from, depending on what you’re looking for:
Ruby Ranch | Best Buda Neighborhood for Professionals
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Ruby Ranch is one of the most popular options for those living in Buda TX. Ruby Ranch is a family-friendly, partially gated community featuring beautiful custom 3 to 5-bedroom homes on large lots ranging from 1 to 5-acre lots. The Texas ranch-style and Spanish-influenced homes were constructed in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Most include large kitchens, vaulted ceilings, and lots of outdoor space.
With its proximity to downtown Austin, Ruby Ranch is a great community for commuters working in Austin and for easy access to all the amenities downtown Austin has to offer, such as restaurants, shops, and other conveniences. For outdoor adventures, Lake Kyle is a short drive from the neighborhood. Home prices in Ruby Ranch average $930,000.
Turner’s Crossing | Best Neighborhood in Buda for Young Families
One of Buda’s newest neighborhoods, Turner’s Crossing, offers one and two-story homes for residents living in Buda TX, ranging from 1,200 to over 2,000 square feet. This master-planned community has the feel of living in the country. The neighborhood is full of amenities, including fishing ponds, wildflower meadows, and two clubhouses with playgrounds and swimming pools.
The 286 acres of parkland with hiking trails are perfect for residents who want to get out and explore nature. New home prices in Turner’s Crossing range from $442,990 to $509,990.
Sunfield | Affordable Houses for Sale in Buda TX
Sunfield is a large Buda neighborhood with over 4,000 3 and 4-bedroom homes. Although a master-planned, resort-style community, the homes are affordable. The average price for a home in Sunfield is $420,000. The community was developed in 2012 and features Texas traditional and craftsman-style designs.
Living in Sunfield comes with plenty of amenities, including hiking and biking trails, a stocked fishing pond, a community dog park, a community garden, Frisbee golf, an outdoor pavilion, a junior Olympic lap pool, a 1,000-foot lazy river, and a children’s splash area.
Weather in Buda TX
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What kind of weather can you expect when living in Buda TX? Weather in Buda has summers that are typically hot and muggy, while the winters are short, cold, and windy. Summer starts at the beginning of June and ends in mid-September. August is the hottest month in Buda, with an average high of 95°F and a low of 73°F. Winters last from the end of November to the end of February.
The coldest month in Buda is January, with an average low of 40°F and a high of 61°F. It rains about 36 inches a year in Buda, about the same as the national average. These mild weather patterns make it easy to enjoy the Outdoor Capital of Texas.
Things To Do in Buda TX
There are plenty of activities and fun things to do and see for all ages while living in Buda TX. You can enjoy the bustling Downtown Buda city park, wander down Main Street, and enjoy live music 7 days a week. In addition, Buda has many local boutiques, the Old Town Buda Antique Mall for antique lovers, the Sunfield Center Mall, and Cabelas. Here are some of the best things to do in Buda:
Pinballz Kingdom
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Pinballz is one of the best things to do when living in Buda TX. Located near Downtown Buda, Pinballz is more than just an arcade. Of course, they have tons of pinball games, vintage arcade games, and modern video games, but they also have bumper cars, an escape room, bingo music on Thursday nights, live music on the weekends, and much more! This is a top Buda attraction for kids.
15201 S IH 35, Buda, TX 78610, (512) 523-4080
Stagecoach Park
For a taste of local history that also doubles as a park, historic Stagecoach Park is the place to go. The 51-acre park features hiking trails, an amphitheater, a playground, picnic areas, a pond, and a pavilion. Visit Clint's Cabin and other historic sites in the park as well.
880 Main St, Buda, TX 78610, (512) 295-7170
Jackson Tyler Norris Memorial Skatepark
For skating enthusiasts living in Buda TX, Jackson Tyler Norris Memorial Skatepark is an ideal spot to skate and have fun. Even if you don’t skate yourself, you can watch local skaters skate and do amazing tricks. The park consists of a custom in-ground concrete skate park with various skate elements. Lights allow park users to skate after dark.
480 S Loop 4, Buda, TX 78610, (281) 770-7279
Additional Attractions in Buda:
Still looking for things to do in Buda? You'll have plenty of options when living in Buda TX! Buda Parks & Recreation manages 14 parks featuring playgrounds, basketball courts, fishing, concerts, movies, hiking and biking trails, kids’ splash areas, sports and recreation fields, and more! Check out the Buda city events calendar for more community events to enjoy while living in Buda TX.
Restaurants in Buda TX
When living in Buda TX, you'll have an abundance of restaurants to choose from. Buda features everything from authentic Mexican restaurants to American diners and everything in between. Here are some of the top-rated restaurants in Buda:
Garcia's
Garcia's has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine in Central Texas for over 25 years. This family-owned restaurant serves Mexican favorites using their own family recipes. They strive to offer the best service and great food at a fair price. If you like homemade fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas, you’ll love Garcia’s!
104 S Main St, Buda, TX 78610, (512) 295-7921
Buda Soda Fountain
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The 5-star rated Buda Soda Fountain takes you back to an old-time soda fountain where they still make ice cream floats, real milkshakes and malts, and traditional banana splits. The casual diner serves sandwiches, soups, and salads, including Pecan and Cranberry Chicken Salad, Turkey and Cheese sandwiches, beef hot dogs, and chili cheese dogs.
203 Railroad St, Buda, TX 78610, (512) 312-2172
Im Thai Cuisine
If you’re looking for the best Thai food restaurant in the area, you've found it at Im Thai Cuisine. Their spring rolls are always freshly made and crunchy. Their classic Thai dishes include crispy fried catfish, steamed scallops, and marinated chicken, beef, and pork. They also serve mouth-watering stir-fry dishes, noodles, fried rice dishes, and tasty desserts!
1671 Main Street Suite C, Buda, TX 78610, (512) 312-4013
Jobs in Buda TX
When living in Buda TX, you'll likely want to explore the job opportunities. The area is very popular among young professionals, so there are plenty of job opportunities to explore. The average salary in Buda is $77,000 a year, according to PayScale. Some of the most common jobs in Buda are in office & administrative support, sales & related occupations, and management.
Major employers in Hays County:
- HEB Grocery
- Industrial Asphalt
- Jardine Foods
- Kloeckner Metals
If you are looking to start your own business while living in Buda TX, then the Buda Economic Development Corporation is a great resource.
If you’re ready to explore your career opportunities in Buda, check out the Buda city job board and employment on Indeed or other job search sites.
Schools in Buda, TX
Will you be living in Buda TX with school-aged children? Buda is served by the Hays Consolidated Independent School District. The district consists of over 20 campuses and serves more than 20,000 students. Buda students attend Carpenter Hill Elementary, Elm Grove Elementary, Dahlstrom Middle, Jack C. Hays High, and Moe and Gene Johnson High. Students can also enjoy the free Buda City Hall & Library.
Of the 34 colleges within 100 miles of Buda, the closest school is Saint Edward's University in Austin, at a distance of 11.3 miles. The top-rated school in the area is Trinity University in San Antonio, and the largest college in the area is Texas A&M University in College Station, with 72,530 students. Temple College in Temple is the most affordable school in the area, with a yearly tuition of $1,848.
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Buda Statistics & Information
- County: Hays
- Area: 6.16 square miles
- Buda zip code: 78610
- Buda area code: 512, 737
- Buda elevation: 702 feet
- Buda time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC -5 and -6)
- Closest airport to Buda: Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), 22 miles away
Buda, TX Map
Explore the area and try out other fun attractions and delicious restaurants with this map of Buda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buda, Texas Expensive?
Buda, Texas, is more affordable than Austin. However, costs have risen as more people move south of the city. Housing is the most expensive factor since Buda appeals to residents who wish to have easy access to Austin without paying central Austin prices.
What Is Buda Famous For?
Buda TX is known for its small-town character, historic downtown, annual Wiener Dog races, and outdoor recreation. The city is affectionately called the “Outdoor Capital of Texas” with green open spaces, picnic tables, and outdoor seating in parks like Stagecoach Park and Bradfield Village Park. Buda TX is in Hays County and is a quieter alternative to the hustle and bustle of Austin, TX.
How Far Is Buda From Austin?
Buda TX is 15 miles south of Austin if traveled by car. When using a motorized vehicle, using the I-35 route is the general path. Travel time is expected to be between 20 minutes to 25 minutes with light traffic. However, rush hour can make the commute longer.
What Are People From Buda, Texas, Called?
People from Buda, Texas are often referred to as Budans. The term is locally associated with the residents of the city and is used to provide civic identity. Buda, TX is in Hays County and has grown from being a small railroad town into a rapidly developing community.
What Major City Is Buda, Texas, Close to?
Austin is the closest big city to Buda, Texas. It’s 15 miles south of Austin and is accessible through the I-35. Buda TX is a small town where many Austin employers of entertainment districts, hospitals, and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport reside.
Hire Unicorn Moving & Storage for a Master Planned Move in Buda TX!
So, is Buda TX a good place to live? Living in Buda TX has never been better! If you’re moving to Buda TX, trust Unicorn Moving’s Buda movers to take care of everything for you. Call us today at (512) 339-9922 for a free moving estimate!