Leander

With its booming tech sector, Austin has seen real estate prices skyrocket, which has sent area professionals looking for more affordable options that are still within easy commuting distance. As a result, towns that were once just afterthoughts on the highway have blossomed into thriving communities. Such is the case with the Devine Lake neighborhood of Leander, situated 40 miles north of downtown Austin. “A lot of families are leaving Austin and moving to the area because it’s so much more affordable,” says Round Rock-based Realtor Michelle Mohr, who has a decade’s worth of experience representing real estate transactions in the area. “Devine Lake has excellent schools, it’s close enough to Austin for commuters, and there are a lot of affordable options for homes.” The majority of homes in Devine Lake are new construction, so buyers will find houses with open floorplans and lots of natural light, and there are multiple subdivisions within the neighborhood, each with its own specific vibe and personality. The median price of real estate in Devine Lake is $450,000, and buyers should be expected to pay an average of $240 per square foot, both of which are far below the prices one tends to find within the Austin city limits. But Mohr warns that the affordability won’t last forever. “With the growth the neighborhood is experiencing, home values are going up. And with the new construction and new amenities coming to the area, those values will keep going up.” Currently, a three-bedroom/three-bathroom Tudor-inspired home can list for $352,000, and prices can go up to $1.3 million for a sprawling four-bedroom/three-bathroom ranch-style home that sits on more than 8 acres of land. Devine Lake is districted to the Liberty Hill Independent School District, which earns an overall rating of A-minus from Niche. Students in the neighborhood can attend Liberty Hill Elementary, Liberty Hill Junior High and Liberty Hill High School. All three schools earn an A-minus rating from Niche. Students at Liberty Hill High School can participate in over 30 school-sponsored clubs and can play any of 20 different varsity-level sports. Alternatively, parents can take advantage of multiple private schools in the area, including Sterling Classical School in Leander, which earns an A rating from Niche. With Highway 183 nearby, the neighborhood affords residents easy highway access, and the Capital Metro Leander Station is just 10 minutes away by car, giving residents the option to take the train to downtown Austin. And with an array of newly built homes to choose from, distance from the city limits doesn't equate to being far from amenities or the comforts of home. When it’s time to stock up on groceries, H-E-B is just over 10 minutes away by car. For home necessities and other shopping, Walmart Super Center is approximately 20 minutes away in Cedar Hill. Those in need of retail therapy don’t have to drive too far, as The Parke Mall is 11 miles away, where shoppers will find stores such as Nordstrom Rack, Kohl’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods. When dining out is on the menu, Main Street Social is a favorite with locals. This open-concept dining experience brings five different restaurants together under one roof, where diners can choose their favorite dishes and sit in a casual and family-friendly environment. When Devine Lake residents need some outdoor recreation, they head to River Ranch County Park, an open expanse that covers more than 1,300 acres. The area is full of wildlife, including whitetail deer, wild turkeys, armadillos and porcupines. Visitors can hike or horseback ride over 20 miles of trails, and the park has multiple camping sites, with some including both electricity and water. Alternatively, the nearby Devine Lake Park is a 45-acre area with a lake stocked with largemouth bass, a playground and walking trails.

Leander is an up-and-coming area in Williamson County, and a prime example is the Larkspur community. A newer neighborhood in the area, Larkspur is still growing into its 608 acres to eventually have over 1,500 homes. The neighborhood features some of the best natural amenities in the Texas Hill Country and is just north of the San Gabriel River. The natural beauty in and around the community provides residents with an easy excuse to spend the day outside, but modern amenities are also easily accessible through major roads. The neighborhood is located about 30 miles from Austin, and is near several major roads as well as the Capital Metrorail which heads right to the city. “The amenities center is pretty spectacular,” says Tanya Kerr, a Texas native and Associate Broker with T. Kerr Property Group. “The community has a lot of amenities, like a pretty big pool and playgrounds.” Larkspur is an amenity-rich community, one of the big draws for potential residents. The community pavilion is a great place to meet new neighbors, as is the expansive amenities center. Parents take their kids to the pool and splash pad during the summertime for some relief from the heat. Many residents are just a short walk away from spending the day outdoors. Neighbors might bring their pup on a walk through Larkspur Trail, which takes visitors through a forested landscape. Joggers get their exercise for the day at Sienna Park, which features a short looping trail. The neighborhood also sits along the expansive 50-mile San Gabriel River. Devine Lake Park is a prime spot for fishing bass and catfish. Larkspur will have over 1,500 homes when construction throughout the entire community is finished, which provides an abundance of housing options. Contemporary homes with brick accents line sidewalk-lined streets throughout this suburb, many of which span over 1,400 square feet. Home prices tend to range from $390,000 to $900,000 for a four-bedroom, 3,500-square-foot home. Kerr adds, “There’s a lot of new construction in Larkspur, and the houses are still moderately priced.” Kids in Larkspur can ride their bikes or walk to class at Larkspur Elementary School, which is located right in the heart of the neighborhood. Larkspur received an A-minus overall Niche grade and is part of the Leander Independent School District. B-plus-rated Danielson Middle School isn’t too far away and is followed by Glenn High School, which has a B grade. Glenn High School offers sports programs and extracurricular clubs including girls’ basketball, football and soccer. Restaurants and shops are sparse in the area around the Larkspur community, but residents only have to take a quick drive down US-183 or Highway 29 to grab a bite to eat or go shopping. Locals can grab ingredients for tonight’s dinner from Gandhi Bazar or H-E-B off of State Highway 29. Local chain restaurants are peppered throughout the area. Smokey Mo’s is the neighborhood barbecue spot, with the loaded baked potato being a favorite for customers. Residents can head down Larkspur Park Boulevard to get a morning coffee from Perky Beans. Kerr says, “It’s pretty close to North Austin, where a lot of people work, so it’s good for people who want a little distance from the city.” Larkspur is located about 30 miles from downtown Austin, and Route 183 is a convenient route for commuters. The neighborhood is also located near Highway 29, which can lead to Georgetown. Locals can also get to Austin by taking the Capital Metro Rail system, which has a stop in Leander that’s only 4 miles away.

Built up as Leander exploded in population, Bryson Ridge provides quiet, newer subdivisions for those looking for suburban life outside of Austin. “Bryson Ridge is one of the best locations in Leander because of the connectivity of the roads,” says Sudhakar Karumuri, Broker and Owner of SKTX Inc. “With Route 183 being expanded, there’s a lot of population moving to that area.” The ability to commute, space to spread out and sense of serenity attract people to Bryson Ridge. Bryson Ridge is home to two newer subdivisions, with some older homes situated between them. The Bryson subdivision — the neighborhood’s namesake — holds the newest builds, including many just recently completed and waiting for their first occupants. These neo-eclectic homes showcase Craftsman and French Country characteristics and often sell between the mid-$300,000s and $1 million, based on size. Meanwhile, Palmera Ridge sits on the other side of the neighborhood and features homes built as early as the mid-2010s, as well as some new construction. These homes, with brick and stone exteriors, are generally smaller than Bryson and go between $400,000 and $900,000. Along County Road 270 and South Gabriel Drive, the older builds lack a consistent style and can date back from as old as the 1970s, costing anywhere from $300,000 to over $1 million. The Bryson Ridge neighborhood sits in the Leander Independent School District, an A-plus-rated district according to Niche. Kids in Bryson Ridge attend either North Elementary School or Tarvin Elementary School, before moving on to the A-minus-graded Wiley Middle School and Glenn High School, given a B. At Glenn, 57% of students meet grade-level performance on Texas standardized tests, compared to 49% across the state. Bordered by the 183A toll road, Bryson Ridge residents have quick access to commuting routes south to Austin. Traffic often impacts the commute, with the nearly 30-mile journey taking longer during rush hour. “Covid really saw the growth,” Karumuri says. “People thought, if they weren’t driving every day, it was okay to go further… really about 90% of people drive to work now.” The Austin area’s CapMetro system serves Leander, both via bus route as well as the MetroRail Red Line, a commuter light rail service through the northwest suburbs. The Leander stop sits just two miles away from the neighborhood, where residents can park their cars for the day. Each of the subdivisions within Bryson Ridge have “amenity centers,” with plenty of things for residents to do. Hot days call for a dip in either the Bryson or Palmera Ridge pool, while the trails through Bryson are perfect for runners and walkers. Bryson even boasts a “director of fun” for community events, such as movie nights or block parties. And all residents of Bryson Ridge can take advantage of the events Leander has to offer, such as the town’s Christmas Festival. Residents of Bryson Ridge lack any retail or dining within the bounds of their neighborhood, helping to preserve its quiet feel. But they don’t have to go far to find it, with Downtown Leander a short drive away. Right off US Highway 183 sits Mouton’s Southern Bistro, which offers Cajun classics, while nearby joint The Thirsty Chicken is the spot for daiquiris and wings with plenty of outdoor seating. A block away, Casa Costa Bake Shop serves Brazilian pastries and sweet treats. Locals do their shopping at H-E-B close to downtown, or drive down to Cedar Park with its Walmart and Costco.

Located about 30 miles north of Austin on the outskirts of Leander, the neighborhood of Deerbrooke grew rapidly as Central Texas’ population boomed in the 2010s. Planned communities of new-build homes make up much of Deerbrooke, while the northern portion is more rural, with winding streets and houses sitting on large plots of land. “Deerbrooke is kind of an offshoot from the main hustle and bustle,” says Sudhakar Karumuri, broker and owner of SKTX Inc., who has over a decade of real estate experience with northern Austin suburbs. “It’s kind of a quieter neighborhood. It’s one of my top choices in Leander.” Those who choose to live in Deerbrooke are attracted to the neighborhood amenities such as parks and community centers, the strong Leander school system and access to commuting routes toward Austin. Mainly new construction, Deerbrooke’s homes sit packed in on wide suburban streets, with small front and backyards. Many of the subdivisions within the neighborhood are planned communities with builders like Pulte, Brohn, and Brightland Homes. Most feature a community park, while the Deerbrooke subdivision also has walking trails, a community center and a pool. Exposed beams and gables mark many of the subdivision’s farmhouse-styled properties, with brick bi-levels scattered throughout. The homes generally cost between $400,000 and $700,000, while much older ranch homes sit outside of the subdivision and often sit on larger parcels, selling as high as $800,000. Deerbrooke sits north of downtown Leander but adjacent to Route 183 and the 183A toll road for a straight shot to Austin, where many residents commute. The 30-mile drive can often take longer than expected due to rush hour traffic. But the neighborhood also has access to the CapMetro system, including the MetroRail Red Line, which offers commuter rail through Austin’s northwest suburbs. “The Leander train station isn’t too far,” Karumuri says. “But I think the frequency of trains may increase, and then people may start committing. Austin hasn’t become that train-friendly yet.” St. David’s Emergency Center is located in the southeast corner of the neighborhood for any medical issues. Deerbrooke is served by the Leander Independent School District, one of the top 30 in the state of Texas, according to Niche. Beginning in the fall of 2024, kids will begin their education at Hisle Elementary School, a brand-new school named for a longtime trustee on the board of the Leander Independent School District. They will then move on to Danielson Middle School, given a B-plus, followed by the B-rated Glenn High School. Glenn opened in 2016 and is the newest high school in the Leander district, showcasing the rapid growth of the area. The mostly residential Deerbrooke has few businesses, but along Highway 183 are chains like Whataburger and Chipotle and H-E-B for groceries. Downtown Leander and all its dining and shopping options are just a few miles south. It’s 8 miles to Cedar Park for a larger selection of stores, including Walmart and Costco. Residents of the neighborhood’s namesake subdivision have plenty of outdoor activities at their disposal. The Deerbrooke Walking Trail weaves through the area, a place for walkers and joggers to enjoy the natural surroundings. The Deerbrooke pool offers a respite on a hot day, while residents can work out at the gym next door. Different subdivisions often have small parks with playgrounds for kids to play at. Within the Deerbrooke subdivision, the homeowners association puts on plenty of events to promote community, such as holiday celebrations. Homeowners association fees can vary throughout the neighborhood but generally end up between $20 to $100 per month. In downtown Leander are popular annual events like Old Town Christmas Festival.

“I’ve lived in a lot of places and could’ve lived anywhere in Texas, but I chose here, and I love it.” That’s what Pamela Buske, a Broker with RE/MAX Fine Properties and resident of Oak Creek, a subdivision of Benbrook Ranch, had to say about the neighborhood she’s lived in for six years. “Everyone’s friendly, and you get a great feeling of community by living here.” Benbrook Ranch rests in the heart of Leander, an already up-and-coming city just 30 miles away from Austin. Natural amenities and proximity to Downtown Leander are big draws for potential residents, as well as the availability of contemporary homes that line quiet residential roads. Neighbors can get some relief during the harsh summer months by taking a dip in the community pool, and there are many more natural amenities nearby. Kids in the Leander Youth Baseball League go at bat on the baseball diamond at Benbrook Ranch Park. The park has a lot going on, with the sound of skaters trying new tricks or grinding on the rail of the skatepark to families having a weekend barbecue on the pavilion. Locals cast a line to see what they can catch at Devine Lake Park or go for an afternoon jog along the loop trail. Devine Lake Park hosts Leander’s annual Liberty Fest during July. Neighbors catch up with old friends or meet new friends while enjoying live music and enjoying food from local vendors. The event culminates with a fireworks show. Locals love the drink specials and deals during the happy hour at Blue Corn Harvest, located along Hero Way. Chain eateries and retail options line Hero Way, and more options are available along US-183. Locals hang out in the extensive outdoor area at 5th Element Brewing, which serves several craft beers on tap. Residents can test their pop culture knowledge on Monday nights during Trivia Night or take part of Art Adventure’s Pint and Paint Night on the last Wednesday of each month. Houses throughout the neighborhood tend to be priced from $350,000 up to $590,000 for a spacious four-bedroom home stretching over 2,800 square feet. Contemporary homes, many with brick accents, are clustered on sidewalk-lined streets, but many houses still have fenced-in backyards and long driveways leading to two-vehicle garages. “There’s been a lot of great development so far, and there are a lot of new projects underway,” Buske says. Residents are only 30 miles away from Austin by taking US-183, which can connect to the Texas 1 Loop. Public transportation options are also close by, with CapMetro Rail’s Leander station just minutes away. Kids here can walk to class at Jim Plain Elementary, part of the Leander Independent School District with an A-minus grade on Niche. They will then continue to Danielson Middle School, which received a B-plus grade, followed by B-rated Glenn High School. Glenn High Grizzlies can find their niche in the many organizations and athletic programs, like the Griz Pit whose goal is to increase school spirit.