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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Cedar Park, TX sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Cedar Park, TX over the last 12 months is $527,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Finding a home in the Brushy Creek community that backs directly to a quiet greenbelt is rare, but finding a single-family, two-story home with a private pool and 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms is a true standout. This property is built for a lifestyle centered around the outdoors, with a backyard that features a heated pool and spa overlooking the the Brushy Creek greenbelt, ensuring total privacy
Nestled in the exclusive gated section of the Reserve at Avery Ranch, this stunning home offers a rare opportunity to enjoy resort-style living just minutes from top amenities and shopping. A nature lover's paradise, the home has a large deck and park-like yard overlooking the pristine 18th hole and Brushy Creek Park. Step inside to be greeted by a grand foyer with soaring 29' ceilings. Custom
If you’ve been waiting for a chance to get into one of Cedar Park’s most unique neighborhoods, Shenandoah, this is it. Located in the ETJ of Williamson County, with few restrictions, this highly sought-after community offers rare flexibility in the heart of North Austin/Cedar Park. Ideal for home-based businesses, RVs, boats, or work equipment. Get chickens, more pets or maybe even a horse.
Freshly updated home with new living room engineered wood floor, quartz counter tops in kitchen and baths, wide deep stainless sink, vented range hood, shower enclosures. 2023 Roof shingles and air conditioning and heat replaced, exterior paint, and interior wall paint. All new energy efficient windows and exterior siding in 2025. Three (3) sides brick. Washer & Dryer included in sales price.
Charming Cedar Park Home with Style, Space, and Functionality Discover this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in the heart of Cedar Park. The open-concept layout fills the space with natural light and offers a seamless flow for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen is a showpiece with quartz countertops, a spacious island, and abundant light—perfect for cooking,
1102 Nelson Ranch Rd offers the kind of character and flexibility that make a home memorable. Set in Cedar Park’s established Buttercup Creek area just off Cypress Creek Blvd, this single-story Doyle Wilson-built home combines architectural personality, mature trees, a standout skylit kitchen, and a practical no-interior-steps layout. Inside, the floor plan feels open and connected while still
No Down PaymentNo origination feesNo private mortgage insuranceMaximize financial flexibilityTHIS Property Qualifies for the "Housing Opportunities are a Priority for Everyone" Loan!Text Me for the Details and get into this Home This Summer! The BEST house in the Hood just had a major price adjustment! Nestled on a quiet street, this charming DR Horton built Craftsman-style
Nestled in the desirable Deer Creek community, this charming ranch-style home offers a peaceful and inviting retreat, perfectly suited for comfortable everyday living. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, and major highways, the property combines tranquility with accessibility. Situated on a private street, the home features a well-designed mother-in-law floor plan with three spacious
Experience elevated living in this impeccably upgraded 5-bedroom, 4-bath residence in the highly coveted Ranch at Brushy Creek. This home showcases exceptional craftsmanship with wood flooring throughout—including upstairs, designer accent walls, fully paid solar panels for major energy savings, and custom closets in every bedroom by Closets By Design—delivering a true model-home feel. Situated
Welcome to this immaculate single-story home in sought-after Walsh Trails, perfectly positioned on a quiet cul-de-sac lot and designed for both comfortable everyday living and effortless entertaining! Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms, a dedicated private office, and exceptional indoor and outdoor living spaces, this home truly has it all. The well-appointed kitchen opens seamlessly to the expansive
Tucked into the established High Meadows subdivision of Cedar Park, this beautifully maintained single-story home checks every box for buyers seeking move-in ready comfort with room to breathe. A large, fully fenced backyard with mature trees creates a private outdoor retreat that feels special — complete with a 9x9 storage shed and plenty of space for entertaining, play, or simply enjoying a
Situated on a desirable cul-de-sac lot, this spacious home offers a flexible floor plan with two living areas and an unbeatable location just minutes from Highway 183, Costco, H-E-B, a library, shopping, dining, and parks. Inside, you'll find 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, with a large family room that flows seamlessly into the kitchen and additional living area featuring a cozy wood-burning
New Huge Price Reduction! Sellers retiring and motivated! Priced significantly below market! Their loss is your gain! Immaculate new paint, all new floors, renovated open entry with architectural steel beam. Great light, modern feel, spacious. Beautiful kitchen with breakfast bar and great appliances. Master bedroom functions as a suite on the ground floor. Upstairs features two additional
Nestled in the heart of Cedar Park, 104 Outpost Cv offers a perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. This stunning home is situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, providing a peaceful retreat while being just moments away from all the amenities this vibrant community has to offer. Step inside and be greeted by an open-concept layout with tons of natural light throughout. The spacious living
Nestled on a quiet, protected cul-de-sac beneath a canopy of mature trees, this beautiful limestone 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a warm and welcoming retreat with room to spread out both inside and out. The thoughtfully designed floor plan lives larger than its square footage, featuring two spacious living areas and two dining spaces that provide flexibility for entertaining, working from home,
Welcome Home to Bexley at Silverado, conveniently located in a stunning natural setting in Cedar Park just minutes from all that Austin has to offer. Our spacious homes feature fully-appointed kitchens with designer appliances, washer/dryer included, ceiling fans, and extra storage space. Ask about our fenced-in yard option! Located near great shopping, dining, and entertainment, including the
**$350 per pet fee is non-refundable** Three Points is the kind of neighborhood that makes daily life easier, gated and quiet. You’re minutes from Brushy Creek Lake Park, Sports Park, HEB, Home Depot, and everything else you need to keep your week running smoothly. This spacious Hayden floorplan gives you flexibility, comfort, and a few thoughtful extras you don’t often find in a rental,
Latitude at Presidio offers an unmatched apartment living experience just minutes from the best of Cedar Park. Choose from modern 1, 2, or 3 bedroom floor plans featuring stainless-steel appliances, kitchen islands, wood-style flooring, and private balconies. With community perks like a resort-style pool, dual-level fitness center, and vibrant social spaces, this is luxury living made effortless.
Experience elevated living in this impeccably upgraded 5-bedroom, 4-bath residence in the highly coveted Ranch at Brushy Creek. This home showcases exceptional craftsmanship with wood flooring throughout—including upstairs, designer accent walls, fully paid solar panels for major energy savings, and custom closets in every bedroom by Closets By Design—delivering a true model-home feel. Situated
Brightleaf At Lakeline is North Austin's premier choice for luxury living. Located on the 183 and Lakeline corridors, our community blends upscale living with contemporary Hill Country elements to create a community unlike any other. It's time to Live Naturally Modern.
Great 5 Bedroom home located in walking distance to all 3 schools. This home is move in ready. Located next to areserved lot/open space. Granite, tile, wood like floors, game room upstairs, primary down with wood floors, 4 bedrooms up, open floor plan, beautiful and private back yard. Community park and pool.
Welcome to The Ridge at Lakeline, where exceptional living meets style and sophistication. Our studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments for rent in Austin, TX, feature spacious layouts with designer touches, including wood-style flooring, stainless steel appliances, and natural stone countertops. Experience resort-style amenities such as private poolside lounging, a fenced dog park, and a
Clean and Ready for Immediate Move-In! Recent Updates include: Quartz counters, new sink and fresh painted cabinets in Kitchen, white painted walls, Brand new ceiling fan in the living room, and ceiling fans in all the bedrooms. The property has Hard surface tile and vinyl throughout. Also Includes a Fridge, Microwave, and Washer and Dryer! No HOA! Great Cedar Park location and a short walk to
TOUR YOUR WAY! We have a tour to fit your needs- virtual, self-guided, or agent-guided. Find your next home at MAA Brushy Creek in Cedar Park, TX. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments are designed to maximize space. Select units feature garden tubs, sunrooms, and vaulted ceilings. Residents enjoy having 24-hour access to the fitness center, relaxing by the serene basking pool, and
Looking for space, comfort, and a prime location? This spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in Ranch at Cypress Creek checks all the boxes—and then some. At the front of the home, you’ll find a formal living/ dining area, perfect for entertaining or creating a secondary lounge or office setup. Beyond the foyer, the home opens up into a light-filled, open-concept living room, kitchen, and breakfast
Welcome to Vera Cedar Park, where luxury apartment living is redefined in the heart of Cedar Park, TX. Our community offers a lavish selection of new studio, one, two, and three-bedroom homes, crafted with sophisticated design and modern convenience. Positioned near Lakeline Mall and a short drive from downtown Austin, residents enjoy the best of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Embrace a
FOR LEASE! Available for an August 1, 2026, move-in. Well-maintained home in the desirable Gann Ranch community featuring numerous updates completed in recent years. The kitchen and primary bathroom showcase beautiful Quartz countertops and soft-close cabinetry, while the secondary bathroom features brand-new Quartz counters. Additional improvements include beige walls, white textured ceilings, a
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.<br><br>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.<br><br>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.<br><br>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.<br><br>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.<br><br>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.
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