America's fourth-fastest-growing city conjoins surrounding comforts
Long before arenas, shopping malls and subdivisions cropped up roughly 16 miles north of Austin, Cedar Park was called Running Brushy, named for a spring at the headwaters of a nearby creek. By 1874, its first post office opened, followed by a railroad stop between Austin and Burnet. But it wasn't until the 1970s that Cedar Park came into full view, incorporating as an independent city and growing its population from 125 to over 3,000. Today, Cedar Park is home to 77,000 people, and it remains one of the fastest growing cities in the country. While it lacks a brimming downtown, the city offers suburban comforts in the center of a fast-growing region. "Cedar Park is pricey, but not compared to somewhere in Austin proper," says Realtor Adam Zell of the Zell Team for Compass RE Texas. "I feel like Cedar Park is kind of a kind of a 'tweener. It's sort of a combo of all these cities around it, like Round Rock, Georgetown and Leander."
Context shot, residential neighborhood
Enjoy the best at Caballo Ranch Bar and nearby high-rated restaurants.
homes
Cedar Park boasts a variety of shopping and dining options.
1/4
Continuous housing development since the 1970s
Cedar Park’s master-planned subdivisions include well-established communities with HOAs, like Buttercup Creek, as well as brand-new subdivisions like The Place. The new traditional homes with Craftsman or Prairie-style touches often sport large, attached garages, surrounded by quiet streets and resident-only parks. However, some subdivisions are more densely packed, including communities of attached multiplex homes. A handful of homes are still standing from Cedar Park's 1970s housing boom, often in southernmost neighborhoods like Cedar Park Ranchettes. As development chugs along, new projects include the highly anticipated Bell District project, bringing retail and dining space, high-density housing, a new public library and office space.
The median price for a single-family home in Cedar Park is around $510,000. Townhouses see a median price of $394,000, while smaller homes often begin around mid-$300,000. However, some new construction is listed as high as $1.7 million.
Walking sidewalks at Caballo Ranch are perfect for evening strolls.
Cedar Park offers dog-friendly walking paths.
Cedar Park is defined by sprawling suburbs and booming population.
Locals enjoy the new Cedar Park Public Library, which offers free wi-fi.
1/4
H-E-B and other Austin-based chains reign supreme
Supercharged development in Cedar Park results from tech employers moving into nearby cities like Round Rock and Georgetown and a few new companies within Cedar Park, like Firefly Aerospace. However, the Cedar Park Regional Medical Center remains the city's largest employer. Nevertheless, tech growth has stimulated largescale commercial developments. Whitestone Boulevard and other major roads are now home to large concentrations of retail and dining, including shopping centers like the Lakeline Mall or 1890 Ranch. Shoppers have no shortage of regional favorites nearby, including local chains like P. Terry's Burger Stand, Thundercloud Subs and Whataburger. While some shop for groceries from national chains like Whole Foods and Target, a particular regional chain supermarket reigns supreme. "People love H-E-B around here," says Realtor Joaquin Sanchez of the Zell Team for Compass RE Texas. "I've lived all over this country, and I believe that H-E-B is by far the best. Even the stuff they make themselves, like the tamales. It's a very random selection, but there's a lot of really tasty stuff." Of course, local businesses like barbecue smokehouses, comic book shops and plant nurseries can be found in between the many chains along Bell Boulevard too.
Cedar Park's Whole Foods Market features fresh produce.
Nearby HEB is a favorite spot for Silverado Ranch.
Locals living in Cedar Park can enjoy rapid access to the Lakeline Mall nearby.
P. Terry's is a local favorite burger chain in Cedar Park.
1/4
High test scores and early college credits from Leander ISD
Cedar Park's high-quality public schools are a significant draw. Most students are zoned for the Leander Independent School District, which has an overall A-plus Niche rating. A few students are zoned for the Round Rock Independent School District, which is A-rated. "The high school sports facilities are pretty good. They have a lot of pretty famous tennis players that'll sometimes come back and practice at the high school courts," says Lexi Zell of the Zell Team for Compass RE Texas. Leander ISD is ranked the 2nd best district in the Austin area. While its athletics are fairly distinguished, the district also boasts high graduation rates and an average SAT score of 1240, well above the national average score of 1050. Leander ISD serves more than 42,000 students across 50 schools, including one early college high school where students can earn up to 60 college credit hours and a specialty high school offering individualized instruction. Even so, Leander ISD has an average class size of 16 to 1, below the national average of 17 students per teacher. Cedar Park is also home to the Austin Community College Cypress Creek campus, which offers a dual enrollment program with Leander ISD.
Artie L Henry Middle fosters creativity and growth.
Stiles Middle School educates 1,446 students in grades 6-8.
Vista Ridge High School is a public high school located in Cedar Park, Texas.
Monta Jane Akin Elementary School serves students in kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade.
1/4
Headliner concerts and ice hockey matches at the H-E-B Center
Before the Cedar Park Center became the H-E-B Center in 2009, Cedar Park was a relatively sleepy place where residents mainly sought entertainment from local organizations and HOA-led events. But nowadays, the city's premier fixture competes with Austin's famed downtown venues for headliner concerts, sports games and special events. "The H-E-B Center is the main thing we visit up there," says Realtor Lexi Castles of the Zell Team for Compass RE Texas. "That's where I graduated high school actually, but they do concerts and minor league hockey there too." As the home arena for both an NBA G League team and the Austin Stars, the H-E-B Center's sporting events are frequent and highly attended. But residents find other ways to remain social aside from sports games and concerts, like an annual 4th of July fireworks show in Elizabeth Milburn Park, free events at the Cedar Park Public Library, a weekly farmer's market at the Lakeline Mall or the Cedar Fest Barbecue Cook-Off every spring.
Cedar Park's H-E-B Center hosts concerts and events.
Biker on trail
Elizabeth Milburn Park features a BMX track, public pool, playing fields & a rock-climbing wall.
The brand new Cedar Park Public Library is open and ready for all book lovers.
1/4
Light rail connections with the Domain and Downtown Austin
U.S. Highway 183 forms the backbone of Cedar Park, connecting it with major commuter routes that lead into downtown Austin, like the MoPac Expressway and Interstate 35. Traffic gets heavy on North Austin's commuter highways around peak hours. However, many residents only commute halfway to major employers like Cisco, IBM, and Charles Schwab, which occupy the Domain -- "the new downtown" for North Austin, as many locals call it. Residents can commute to the Domain and Downtown Austin using CapMetro's light rail line, although most rely on personal vehicles.
Cedar Park has several convenient bus stations.
CapMetro Rail connects Cedar Park to major Austin destinations.
Access to Highway 183 makes commuting easy from Caballo Ranch.
Highways 183 and 45 intersect in Cedar Park.
1/4
A taste of Texas Hill Country
Roughly 11 miles east of Lake Travis, proximity to Hill Country ensures ample recreation at the parks, zipline courses, marinas and hiking trails that enwrap the reservoir. Within Cedar Park, 49 park facilities eclipse 1,000 acres of public recreational space, and additional resident-only parks and playgrounds are available within certain subdivisions. Brushy Creek Lake Park is where most locals put in a kayak or catch fish. Central gathering spaces like Elizabeth Milburn Park host frequent outdoor events, including concerts and movie nights. Veteran’s Memorial Park features a popular dog park, an 8,500 sq. foot splash pad and an outdoor amphitheater.
Fishing is a popular activity at Lakewood Park in Caballo Ranch.
Cedar Park's Brushy Creek Lake Park is perfect for biking.
Body of water - Whitewater Cave Preserve
Caballo Ranch residents enjoy the local playground for outdoor fun.
1/4
Low crime rates and coyote sightings
According to FBI crime data, rates of violent and nonviolent crime in Cedar Park fall below state and national figures, and below the rates in Austin proper. However, violent crime has been on a slight rise since early 2021. Brushy Creek and its intermittent tributaries form flood zones throughout the city, although this only becomes a hazard when flash floods occur from Hill Country's notoriously heavy rainstorms. Wildfires are more of a concern in Cedar Park, where 50 acres were charred in 2023. Core neighborhoods are well protected from wildfires, particularly around Buttercup Creek, but the rest of the city is in an ember zone, and areas with high vulnerability sit roughly 8 miles north. In response, the city has a fire department division trained to combat brushfires.
Written By
Tom Jakob
Photography Contributed By
Saeid Zare
Video By
Maurice McNeil
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Erin Bara,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Cedar Park, TX sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Cedar Park, TX over the last 12 months is $515,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Immaculate Townhome in The Arbors at Lakeline – Prime Location Near Austin! Discover the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and modern living in this beautifully maintained home located in The Arbors at Lakeline. Step inside to find soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, and an abundance of natural light flowing through the open-concept living spaces. The chef-inspired kitchen overlooks the main
This inviting two-story home in the highly sought-after Ranch at Brushy Creek community offers 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and a thoughtful layout designed for both comfort and functionality. The main-level primary suite features high ceilings, a walk-in closet, and a double vanity ensuite bath with a soaking tub and separate shower. The kitchen opens seamlessly to the spacious living room,
Breakaway Airpark (40XS) Neighborhood in the Heart of Cedar Park. 1-Story Home on wooded 1.51 Acres. Custom built in 2000 by Tom Pitt Builders. Fenced swimming pool and hot tub, Circle Driveway, detached 3-car garage, Carport entry. 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1 half bath, 2 home offices, 2 living, 2 dining, Gourmet Kitchen. dedicated Laundry, and Architectural Touches of elegance everywhere.
-Motivated Seller! Huge Price Drop; Priced well below market.Twin Creeks Beauty – Now at 779,0005 Bedrooms • 4 Bathrooms • 3,501 Sq Ft • Cul-de-sac LotFreshly updated and move-in ready! This beautifully maintained home in Twin Creeks offers spacious living with an open floor plan, upgraded finishes, and a private backyard retreat. Recent upgrades make this one shine above the
Immaculate Townhome in The Arbors at Lakeline – Prime Location Near Austin! Discover the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and modern living in this beautifully maintained home located in The Arbors at Lakeline. Step inside to find soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, and an abundance of natural light flowing through the open-concept living spaces. The chef-inspired kitchen overlooks the main
Nestled in the highly sought-after Forest Oaks community, this beautifully maintained single-story home with an upstairs bonus room offers the ideal blend of comfort, efficiency, and convenience. Situated on an oversized .23 acre northeast-facing lot, the property features a heated in-ground pool, perfect for relaxing or entertaining year-round. Inside, you’ll find a thoughtfully designed floor
Beautiful 3 bedroom 2 and 1/2 bath unit with high ceilings in kitchen & living room. Granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. Fenced backyard
Beautiful two-story home in west Cedar Park zoned to CEDAR PARK HIGH SCHOOL. Four bedrooms, with master bedroom downstairs. Three-car garage for lots of storage (No need to rent a storage unit while leasing!) Wood floors run throughout the home, with tile in wet areas, NO CARPET. Convenient location across from Veterans Memorial Park to visit the dog park, play pickleball or tennis, basketball,
3510 Roanoke, Cedar Park, TXSpacious Home in the Heart of Cedar Park — Great Lease Value!Discover comfort, space, and convenience in this beautifully maintained home located in the heart of Cedar Park near the Lakeline thoroughfare. This property offers an exceptional lease opportunity at an unbeatable price!? Property Highlights:Large Living Room with a cozy
Located less than 25 miles north of Austin, Caballo Ranch offers a seamless blend of suburban charm, access to nature and proximity to Leander and Cedar Park. “You’re still away from the hustle and bustle of downtown (Austin) but yet still close enough to where you can get groceries without having to drive 20 miles (away). You’re close to everything family-oriented,” says Rica Greenwood, a broker with Keller Williams Realty.
Many homes in Caballo Ranch have views of Block House Creek or Brushy Creek. Homes have generous lots on suburban-style streets with neat, tidy lawns and backyards. Modern, ranch and transitional-style homes are common and have masonry sidings of stone or brick. Prices for a four-bedroom home start around $600,000 and can rise to more than $800,000. Houses with additional bedrooms and extra space can cost $1 million or more.
Kids can attend highly rated schools in the Leander Independent School District. Students can start at Akin Elementary School before heading to Stiles Middle School and graduate from Vista Ridge High School, all graded A by Niche. The high school not only offers traditional advanced placement classes like calculus and history, but also AP art and STEM courses such as drawing, computer science, and 2-D art and design.
The Caballo Ranch Amenity Center has a playground, walking trails and a community pool for residents to enjoy. Anglers can take advantage of the neighborhood’s two catch-and-release fishing ponds. However, one of the neighborhood’s biggest draws is its proximity to Southwest Williamson County Regional Park. Members of the Hill Country Cricket Association love the park's cricket field, while kids like to cool off at the Quarry Splash Pad on hot summer days. Runners sprint around the 400-meter track, and hikers and bikers utilize the crushed granite trail along the park’s perimeter. Also nearby is Lakewood Park, which features a skatepark and a sculpture garden trail. Perfect Game, the world’s biggest youth baseball and softball scouting organization, has chosen nearby Cedar Park as its future headquarters. Plans call for the headquarters to include a baseball and softball tournament complex with hotels, retail and other amenities.
Whitestone Boulevard, also locally known as FM1431, is lined with amenities, restaurants and big-box stores like H-E-B, Walmart and Target. The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen is also on Whitestone Boulevard, which specializes in New American fare and features a large patio. Hopdoddy Burger Bar offers hand-crafted burgers, while Jack Allen’s Kitchen is an Austin favorite that serves up spirited Texan cuisine.
Caballo Ranch is located directly off of Ronald Reagan Boulevard, a major thoroughfare. “If you are on the Ronald Reagan corridor, then the (home) values skyrocket,” Greenwood says, largely due to the location. The neighborhood also has access to Interstate 35, which connects to Dallas and San Antonio, and the 183A Toll Road. Caballo Ranch is less than 3 miles from Cedar Park Regional Medical Center, less than 25 miles north of downtown Austin and 30 miles north of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
