Austin overflow brings growth to the Innovation Corridor
While Austin has become the country's fastest-growing metropolitan area over the past decade, that popularity has led to skyrocketing home prices and cost of living. In response, many homebuyers have turned to outer cities within reasonable driving distance of Austin, many still offering lower-priced homes as they proceed full-steam ahead with growth to match their demand. Kyle, a small city in Hays County just 22 miles south of Austin, is one of those places. Kyle's small downtown is full of local businesses, but residents also have access to a more recent influx of popular chain retailers and restaurants. Infrastructure, parks and trails are under development, accommodating the many commuters who are moving there. "In the year 2000, we had a population of 5,000 people. Now we have estimated over 58,000 people, closer to 60,000," says Rachel Sonnier, communications director for the city of Kyle. "We're along what's called the 'Innovation Corridor' now. It's like the economic development world's term for anywhere between Austin and San Antonio along the Interstate 35 corridor, and there's definitely been explosive growth we've seen."
The pie capitol of Texas, Kyle, sits on the outskirts of the greater Austin area.
Kyle's housing has increased drastically, leading to a buyers market full of renovations.
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An Austin-area small city with a distinct lifestyle and history
Downtown Kyle looks like an exemplary Texas small town, with locally owned bookstores, hair salons and barbecue joints surrounding a square park, all laid out in a grid abutted to the east by the shoulders of I-35. "We like to have the small town feel insofar as people know each other and there is a general warmth here," Sonnier says. "We have a distinct history from Austin. We were started by a railroad and just kind of have a different feel and look outside of Austin. In that sense, we're not really a suburb outside of Austin, as much as we are a city in the general vicinity of Austin." Residents dine at downtown Mexican and pizza restaurants, then hop across the railroad tracks for a country concert at the Railhouse. North of downtown, several chain restaurants, supermarkets and big-box stores are located at the Kyle Crossing shopping center on Kyle Parkway. Because the Interstate is so close to downtown, traffic in the area can be an issue, but the city is making investments to improve this. "In November of 2022, Kyle voters approved eight different roadway projects all throughout the city, and essentially all of them are meant to increase connectivity from the east side to west side across I-35," Sonnier says. "We also have a lot of water and wastewater infrastructure projects over the next five years that will be hugely critical to our growing infrastructure."
The Texas Pie Company of Kyle is a staple, famous for their desserts.
Classic cars, antique stores, and historic museums make Kyle a charming town.
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Job growth between two of the largest cities in Texas
Kyle doesn’t have a fully-fledged public transit system, but it does have microtransit service through the Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) Country Bus. This allows riders to request bus service and be picked up from their home with 24 hours' notice, with transportation only within Hays County. But with Kyle being a popular commuter city, most residents use a personal vehicle to get from A to B. I-35 cuts through town, providing direct connections to other in-between cities like San Marcos, which is 10 miles south. San Antonio is 60 miles south, but the gap between it and Austin is quickly closing as commuters flock to those in-between cities for convenient access to major employers along the Innovation Corridor, like Tesla and Amazon. "You can almost already see it happening. At some point, I don't think there's really going to be any break between Austin and San Antonio. All of those towns between Austin and San Antonio are all growing really quickly," says Realtor Miriam Moorman of Fathom Realty. For frequent flyers, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is just 30 miles north. Meanwhile, the San Marcos Regional Airport, a much closer trek of 8 miles south, offers connections with major international hubs in Denver, San Diego, Atlanta and others.
Ascencion Seton Hospital still remain Kyle's largest employer.
Kyle Crossing and the I-35 corridor is host to Amazon warehouses and distribution points.
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A buyer's market of new builds aplenty
Kyle's established housing styles include a few older Craftsman and ranch-style homes. But with the recent growth in the city, most listings are for newly built modern traditional homes with brick exteriors and built-in garages. The median price of a single-family home in Kyle is $365,000, almost half the median price for a single-family home within Austin city limits. But homes generally take longer to sell right now unless they’re priced competitively, making Kyle a buyer's market. Homes typically sell after an average of 89 days on the market, compared to the national average of 44 days.
A charming traditional craftsman home commonly found in Kyle.
A row of stone traditional homes newly constructed in Kyle.
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Holiday parades, barbecue cook-offs and world record setting
Events are also a staple fixture of downtown. The biggest event of the year is the Kyle Fair, a weekend-long music festival with carnival rides and cooking competitions for barbecue, fajitas and margaritas. During the holiday season, the parks and recreation department decorates downtown with colorful Christmas lights in preparation for Santa's Arrival, a tree lighting ceremony and parade down Center Street. "In the past, we've also had the Guinness World Record attempt for gathering the most Kyles in the same place at the same time," Sonnier says. "This year, we will not be doing it. We're going to do it every three years because it's a big ordeal."
Locals can gather at the downtown Kyle Park for the 25 Days of Christmas in Kyle.
Locals can gather and enjoy live music every week at Nate's.
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Students in the arts, STEM and JROTC
Kyle is in the Hays Consolidated Independent School District, which has an overall B rating from Niche and serves over 23,000 students across 15 elementary schools, six middle schools and three high schools. Elementary students are offered a STEM magnet program, while high schoolers can participate in Navy or Marine JROTC programs. The district is known for its award-winning band, choir, visual arts and athletic programs.
Lehman High School is a new school in a developing area with speciality education opportunites.
Rosalio Tobias Elementary School is located on edge of Kyle on FM 150.
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Hill Country recreation and its weather patterns
When living just east of the scenic Texas Hill Country, Kyle residents are close to numerous outdoor adventure businesses around towns like Wimberley, roughly 18 miles west. But the city has seven parks of its own, like Steeplechase Park, popular for its disc golf course. Next door, Lake Kyle Park is a popular fishing hole stocked with sunfish, catfish and largemouth bass. Residents will soon be able to freely travel between city parks with the Plum Creek Trail, a planned 8-mile hike and bike trail. However, Plum Creek is prone to flash flooding because of its proximity to Hill Country, which is subject to frequent droughts followed by heavy rainfall. That common weather pattern also spells an elevated risk of wildfires, especially during dry spells.
Many residents in Kyle can beat the summer heat by having a river day.
A beautiful white-tail buck roaming the neighborhoods in Kyle.
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Rising crime rates remain below average
Data from the FBI's Uniform Crime Report shows that crime rates in Kyle have increased over the past decade. But the most recent data also shows that the city's average crime rate of 90.72 per 100,000 residents is well below the state and national averages, which are 126.11 per 100,000 and 129.98 per 100,000, respectively. Kyle Police have several ways for residents to report anonymous tips, including programs like the Hays County Crime Stoppers and technology solutions like the P3 Tips app.
Written By
Tom Jakob
Photography Contributed By
Austin Rowdy Winters
Video By
David Strayer
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Christopher Hernandez,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Kyle, TX sell after 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Kyle, TX over the last 12 months is $326,990, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 471 Thicket Ln, a spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offering 2,658 square feet of comfortable living in Kyle. The thoughtful two-story layout keeps all four bedrooms upstairs, while the main level provides plenty of room for everyday living and entertaining. This home has seen numerous valuable upgrades in recent years, including a newer dual-zone Trane HVAC system with separate
Hands down just a stunningly beautiful home with all the bells and whistles, this exceptional property sits on a premium corner lot in Kyle’s sought-after Stagecoach neighborhood, offering lightning-fast access to downtown and I-35. From the moment you approach the beautiful stone and stucco exterior and step through the impressive 8-foot front door, you are greeted by an airy foyer, a convenient
Welcome to 360 Jefferson Drive in the sought-after community of Anthem in Kyle, TX. This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom single-story home offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and location. Situated near the front of the neighborhood for easy access to FM 150, the home also enjoys the privacy of the quiet end of a half cul-de-sac.Designed for everyday living
Welcome to 684 Billowing Way, a beautifully crafted Highland Home nestled in the highly sought-after Crosswinds community in Kyle. This move-in ready home for sale in Kyle features a functional and spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom layout designed to accommodate both everyday living and flexible use. The open-concept main living area is filled with natural light from large, thoughtfully placed
Welcome to this inviting single-story home in Crosswinds featuring a spacious open floor plan, fresh interior paint, granite countertops, white cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a wide open floor plan. The refrigerator, washer, and dryer are all included!! Outside, enjoy a covered patio with a ceiling fan, a fenced backyard, and a storage shed for extra space.
This home qualifies for $7,500.00 Closing Cost assistance as a GRANT from Bank of America. Plus, your Buyer can get a $10,000 GRANT in Addition for DOWN PAYMENT assistance. A First Time Homebuyer qualifies for both Closing Cost and Down Payment Grants. If not a First Time Home Buyer, only the Down Payment Assistance is available.Welcome to 151 Arches Dr, a beautifully designed 2024-built
This beautifully designed one-story home offers an ideal floor plan with an oversized 2½-car garage and exceptional flexibility with a home office off kitchen. The thoughtfully designed layout features the private primary suite toward the back of the home, while a spacious guest suite is located near the front of the home on the opposite side of the other two bedrooms. The guest suite includes
Set in Kyle’s Prairie on the Creek neighborhood, 531 Goldenrod Street offers 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1,870 sq ft, and a generous 0.27-acre lot with a wide-open backyard that backs directly to Steeplechase Park—providing green-space views and no rear neighbors. The park features a splash pad, basketball courts, a playground, and soccer and baseball fields, putting recreation just beyond your
Seller is offering $5,000 towards buyer closing costs! Experience the best of Kyle living in this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath home that blends modern comfort with everyday practicality. Curb appeal starts at the covered porch and stone walkway, leading to a smart corner-lot design with nearby green space and a utility easement that adds openness—never crowding. Inside, an open-concept kitchen and
Welcome to 1444 Harwell Loop — the best $/SqFt value for a 2020-built 4-bedroom and flex room, home in Kyle’s highly desirable, gated Peninsula community.Designed with today’s lifestyles in mind, this home is ideal for multi-generational families and remote workers who need flexible living space. With 4 bedrooms and a flex room, 3 full bathrooms, and multiple living areas, there’s room
Welcome to 139 Billowing Way, a move-in-ready 1.5-story home offering 2,468 square feet of flexible living space and a layout that works beautifully for multigenerational living, guests, or anyone wanting extra privacy.Built in 2021, this three-sided brick home features an open-concept design with the owner’s suite and two secondary bedrooms on the main level. The spacious owner’s retreat
Welcome to this charming ranch-style home nestled in the highly sought-after Meadow Woods community, where spacious living, thoughtful updates, and exceptional outdoor amenities come together. Step inside to an inviting open-concept floor plan featuring a beautifully updated kitchen that flows seamlessly into the main living area, complete with a cozy fireplace perfect for relaxing evenings. A
NEARLY 20 ACRES RIGHT OFF FM2001 IN KYLE/NIEDERWALD. EQUIPMENT INCLUDED. Discover unparalleled tranquility on this expansive, AG-exempt 19.76-acre estate, offering the ultimate private rural oasis in Kyle. A secure, gated entry welcomes you down a gravel driveway to a charming two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence, wrapped in a welcoming deck and crowned with a durable metal roof. Inside, the
Seriously, STOP THE CAR! This is your UNICORN!This home has all the bells and whistles. Upon entering through the private gate, you are greeted by a 700 sq ft patio with a non-slip, cool deck surface. There is an insulated patio cover over 1/2 of the patio, with a ceiling fan and full gutters that complete the space. A wrought-iron fence with a great built-in bench and a perfect dog run or
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained one-story gem in Kyle, TX! Built in 2016, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 2,025 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space filled with natural light throughout. The open and inviting main living area features a stunning limestone fireplace, soaring ceilings, and ceramic wood-look tile — carpet reserved only for the bedrooms. Charming window
Set your own pace with Opal Point at Kyle, a modern new vision for upscale apartment living offering a lock & leave lifestyle in Kyle, TX. Our stylish, sophisticated apartment homes present a contemporary living experience with refined elegance that you won't find anywhere else. Designed to craft a harmonious balance for your live-work-play attitude, life could not get any better than at Opal
Great 3 bedroom home with an office located in Kyle.. Easy access to all major highways. Not far from Downtown Austin or the other way San Marcos. Carpet in the bedrooms but the rest of the house is tile or wood flooring. Enjoy the fireplace in the living area. All tenants will be asked to be on the filter program. Air Filter will be sent monthly to the house. This fee is an extra $20 per month.
When you don't want to sacrifice custom home comforts, but desire a simplified lifestyle, The Green at Plum Creek delivers.Contact Us Today!Choose from our selection of 1, 2, or 3 bedroom apartment homes expertly designed with you in mind. Enjoy an expansive apartment and community amenities ranging from a stunning heated pool with tanning deck to a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center and
Welcome to 111 Brazos Lane in the desirable Silverado at Plum Creek community! This spacious home offers approximately 2,780 square feet of comfortable living space, featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and plenty of room for everyone. The inviting floor plan includes a cozy fireplace, a large living area perfect for entertaining, and a well-appointed kitchen with a large walk-in pantry, new
Welcome to The Vine Kyle Parkway Apartments, a brand-new luxury apartment community located at 1201 Seton Parkway in Kyle, TX.Designed around the idea of City Vibes. Local Roots., The Vine brings together the energy of modern Central Texas living with the comfort, convenience, and sense of place that make Kyle feel like home. From stylish 1- and 2-bedroom apartments to thoughtful social
Cottage home in Casetta Ranch in Kyle3 bed, 2bath with 2 car garage, 9 ft ceiling throughout. Located behind Lehnman High School, close to highway and toll roads, near Kyle Crossing shopping area, hospitals and employers nearby, a lot of growth in the area!
Discover elevated living with Arden at Kohlers Crossing, nestled in Kyle, Texas. This modern community blends effortless style with resort-level amenities for a truly elevated everyday experience. Inside, you’ll find thoughtfully designed interiors with premium finishes—from spacious layouts to sleek, trend-forward touches—so your home feels polished, inviting, and tailored. Step outside and your
Welcome to your modern home, just a few blocks from Main Street, Kyle! Be the first to live in this charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home. Step inside to an open layout with luxury vinyl plank floors—no carpet, making maintenance a breeze. The spacious living room flows into a stylish kitchen featuring quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a tucked-away pantry. Each bedroom has a
If you cherish living in a sophisticated setting with unparalleled finishes, then come home to Ariza Plum Creek Apartments in Kyle, TX. Convenience and comfort blend together to create a living experience that exudes elegance and style. Contemporary features, cool conveniences, and a perfect location combine to create a true living experience.
Welcome to this 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home offering approximately 2,022 sq ft of thoughtfully designed single-story living in the desirable Waterstone community of Kyle, TX. Built in 2025, this modern home features an open floor plan, comfortable living spaces, and a layout designed for both everyday living and entertaining.The spacious kitchen, dining area, and family room flow
Experience the perfect blend of charm and convenience at Brick and Mortar Apartments in Kyle, Texas. Ideally located just minutes from vibrant Downtown Kyle and the scenic Plum Creek Golf Course, our pet-friendly community offers unmatched amenities that make coming home the highlight of your day. Unwind in our resort-style pool with an expansive sundeck, stay active in our state-of-the-art
4 bed 2.5 bath plus office and big game room home offering approximately 2,500 sq ft located at 220 River Rise Rd in Kyle, TX. This thoughtfully designed home offers a functional layout with comfortable living spaces suited for everyday living. The main living area provides a natural flow between the gathering, dining, and kitchen spaces, creating flexibility for both relaxing and entertaining.
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