Austin might have been one of the hottest markets in the country to move to a few years ago, but now one of the Texas capital’s surrounding suburbs has captured national attention among the fastest growing places in Texas.
Roughly 26 miles north of Austin is the city of Leander, a community that has experienced explosive growth in recent years given its proximity to the tech and cultural oasis of Austin. However, the suburb has garnered recognition in its own right, including praise for its affordability, quality of life, education and safety.
Here’s what you need to know about the community deemed among the must-live places in the Lone Star State.
What’s the population of Leander?
The current estimated population of Leander is 82,660 residents, according to demographic data provided by the Leander Chamber of Commerce. That figure marks a substantial growth – nearly 40% – from the 2020 Census, which estimated 59,202 people called the North Austin suburb home.
What are the school districts like in Leander?
Leander ISD services students in the community, with more than 42,000 students across 49 campuses, per district data. Those nearly 50 campuses are divvied up into 30 elementary schools, 9 middle schools, six high schools and four alternative schools.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Leander?
The average Leander home is valued at approximately $424,993, based on Zillow market data from late January. That figure represented a 6.2% decrease year over year. The median list price clocked in at $468,330, while the median sale price came in at $401,167.
What’s the average renter cost in Leander?
The average monthly rent, as of late January Zillow data, lands around $1,774, translating to a 1% month-over-month rent increase yet a 0.4% year-over-year decrease.
City council breakdown for Leander
Leander City Council comprises a mayor and six council places, featuring Mayor Na’Cole Thompson alongside council members Stephen Chang (Place 1), Michael Herrera (Place 2), Natomi Blair (Place 3), Annette Sponseller (Place 4), Andrew Naudin (Place 5) and Becki Ross (Place 6).
Cost of utilities in Leander
The typical energy bill is reported at $182.49 per month in Leander, while the average phone bill was listed as $162.80 a month, per a city analysis from compensation and data company PayScale. Those utility costs are a marked 17% lower than national averages, PayScale noted.
Best places to eat in Leander
TripAdvisor rounded up the most popular and must-visit restaurants and eateries in Leander, with top picks including:
- Blue Corn Harvest: Mexican, American
- 11840 W. Hero Way, Leander, TX 78641
- Veranda Bar & Restaurant: Indian
- 109 N. U.S. Hwy. 183, Leander, TX 78641
- Jardin Del Rey: Mexican, Southwestern
- 703 S. U.S. Hwy. 183, Leander, TX 78641
- Bella Sera: Italian
- 1913 S. U.S. Hwy. 183, Ste. 301A, Leander, TX 78641
- Lin’s Cafe II: Chinese
- 15609 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. B230, Leander, TX 78641
- Shark’s Burger: American
- 15609 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. C100, Leander, TX 78641
- Nick’s Breakfast and Coffee: Breakfast, lunch
- 901 Crystal Falls Parkway, Ste. 101, Leander, TX 78641
- Kai Sushi: Japanese, sushi
- 1805 S. U.S. Hwy. 183, Ste. 400, Leander, TX 78641
- Pokefit: Japanese, Hawaiian
- 2701 S. U.S. Hwy. 183 Ste. A, Leander, TX 78641
- Casamigos Tex-Mex: Tex-Mex
- 15609 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. C130, Leander, TX 78641
How to get to Leander from San Antonio
Leander is located approximately 105 miles from San Antonio, with typical travel times hovering around two hours. Those looking to visit the Austin suburb can take I-35 from San Antonio and through North Austin before taking exit 240B and transferring onto U.S. Hwy. 183 near the Georgian Acres neighborhood. Once on U.S. Hwy. 183, you’ll continue onto the 183A toll road before turning left onto Ranch to Market Road 2243 to arrive in Leander.
Why is Leander, Texas so famous?
Leander is among Texas’ fastest growing cities and ranked as one of the best cities to move to when considering factors like affordability, safety, economic vitality, healthcare, education and quality of life, per a November Consumer Affairs report. It also is a family-friendly suburb that features rail connections to downtown Austin to minimize travel disruptions.
What major city is Leander, Texas near?
Leander is located roughly 26 miles north of Austin, with surrounding suburban communities including Cedar Park, Liberty Hill, Georgetown and Round Rock…