Small Central Texas towns are experiencing huge growth spurts as more people are choosing to ditch major cities for neighboring suburbs. A quaint Hill Country city off Interstate 35 near Austin is quickly becoming a booming community.
Buda, Texas is growing by the day from new residents and businesses to developments like a second proposed H-E-B. MySA created a city guide for people interested in learning more about Buda if you’re considering moving or visiting soon.
Here’s everything you need to know about Buda:
What is Buda, Texas known for?
Buda is known as the “Outdoor Capital of Texas” due to its high percentage of scenic parks, trails and preserved green spaces, according to Buda’s tourism website. The city is also famous for its historic downtown, close proximity to Austin and family-friendly events like its annual Buda Lions Country Fair & Wiener Dog Race, held every spring.
How close is Buda to Austin?
Buda is located one exit away from Austin going south on I-35. So, if you’re driving into Austin from San Antonio, it will be the town right after Kyle before you enter Austin. If you’re commuting for work, Buda is about 16 miles south of downtown Austin, or approximately 30 minutes away depending on traffic.
What are the school districts like in Buda?
Buda is a part of the Hays Consolidated Independent School District (CISD), per the Buda EDC website. Hays CISD is home to 26 campuses serving over 23,000 students across Buda, Kyle and San Marcos. The district offers specialized Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). It has a reputation for being a good district with an overall B+ rating from Niche.com K-12 reviews.
What’s the population of Buda?
Buda’s population is 16,500 residents as of 2025, according to World Population Review. The site estimates that the town is growing at a rate of 1.53% annually and its population has increased by 8.15% since the 2020 census.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Buda
In July, the median price for a home in Buda was $412,000, up 5.8% compared to last year, according to Redfin. The median sale price per square foot in Buda is $193, up 0.3% since 2024.
What is the average household income in Buda?
The average household income in Buda is $121,534 with a poverty rate of 5.34%, according to Redfin.The median age for a Buda resident is about 36 years old.
What’s the average renter cost in Buda?
The average rent for a one bedroom apartment in Buda is $1,370, per Rentable.com. However, prices range from $1,030 – $2,790 depending on the number of bedrooms you want.
Buda City council breakdown
Mayor of Buda: Lee Urbanovsky. Elected At-Large Position 1: Matt SmithAt-Large Position 2: Monica DavidsonAt-Large Position 3: LaVonia Horne-WilliamsSingle Member District A: Greg Bowles Single Member District B: Evan TureSingle Member District C: Terry Cummings
Cost of utilities in Buda?
Buda’s housing and utility expenses are 18% lower than the national average, according to PayScale’s cost of living calculator. The website says the average energy bill for a Buda resident is about $170 and the phone bill is approximately $160.
Best places to eat in Buda?
The best places to eat in Buda, with more than 4-star reviews on Tripadvisor, are Cypress Grill, Taste on Main, Brooklyn’s Down South, Garcia’s Mexican food, Chavelo’s Mexican Restaurant, Buda Soda Fountain, Buck’s Backyard, Los Olivos Market, Beijing Bistro and Nate’s at Buda Mill & Grain.
How to get to Buda from San Antonio?
Take Interstate 35 North toward Austin for 65 miles. Buda sits between four exits (217, 219, 220, 221) on I-35. The first exit of Buda is 217 (FM 967/Buda) and city’s last is exit 221 (Main Street), which will lead you to Buda’s historic downtown…