8 Things to Know Before Moving to Buda, TX
Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, Buda proudly wears the title of the “Outdoor Capital of Texas.” With its 14 captivating parks, rolling hills, and a plethora of outdoor pursuits, this city invites you to embrace nature’s bounty. From the historic allure of Stagecoach Park to the thrill of the Jackson Tyler Norris Memorial Skate Park and the bustling energy of the Buda Sportsplex, every corner offers an adventure.
Explore the vibrant Main Street, a hub of artistic expression, local flavors, and unique shopping experiences that captivate both tourists and residents alike.
Here are eight things to expect when you move to Buda, Texas.
1. The cost of living is on par with the national average
The cost of living in Buda mirrors the national average, surpassing it by a mere 1%. While groceries, transportation, and utilities come at a lower cost compared to the national average, healthcare expenses are slightly above.
Housing costs in Buda remain relatively affordable, coming in at lower than the national average. The housing market in Buda shows some competitiveness, with a median home price of $383,309. According to the Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calendar, a family of four in Hays County typically spends $7,082 per month.
2. Live in neighborhoods like Sunfield, Turner’s Crossing, Ruby Ranch, or Elm’s Grove
Buda offers a plethora of neighborhoods, each with its own charm, amenities, and proximity to parks and schools.
Sunfield, a sprawling community, boasts over 4,000 homes with 3 and 4 bedrooms. Despite its resort-style ambiance, Sunfield’s homes are reasonably priced, averaging $420,000. Developed in 2012, Sunfield showcases a blend of Texas traditional and craftsman-style designs. Residents here enjoy a variety of amenities, including hiking and biking trails, a stocked fishing pond, a community dog park, a community garden, Frisbee golf, an outdoor pavilion, a junior Olympic lap pool, a 1,000-foot lazy river, and a child’s splash area.
For those seeking a countryside vibe, Turner’s Crossing is a relatively new neighborhood in Buda offering homes ranging from 1,200 to over 2,000 square feet. This master-planned community boasts fishing ponds, wildflower meadows, and two clubhouses with playgrounds and swimming pools. The 286 acres of parkland with hiking trails add to the allure of nature exploration for residents.
Ruby Ranch, a partly gated community, showcases elegant custom homes with 3 to 5 bedrooms, set on expansive lots ranging from 1 to 5 acres. Built in the late 1990s and early 2000s, these residences flaunt Texas ranch-style and Spanish-inspired designs, often boasting spacious interiors and sprawling outdoor areas. Ruby Ranch’s proximity to downtown Austin makes it a prime choice for city commuters, offering convenient access to Austin’s vibrant array of amenities, including dining, shopping, and entertainment venues.
Elm Grove stands as another noteworthy community in Buda. Elm Grove features a mix of single-family homes with modern designs and spacious layouts. With its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to parks and schools, Elm Grove provides residents with a comfortable and convenient living experience. The neighborhood also offers recreational facilities and green spaces, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a balanced blend of suburban tranquility and modern convenience.
3. Austin and San Marcos are 15 and 16 miles away respectively
Buda’s strategic location in the IH-35 corridor provides its residents with convenient access to several major cities in Texas. Just 15 miles away, Austin offers a plethora of job opportunities, entertainment options, and cultural activities. 16 miles away, San Marcos is renowned for its riverside scenery, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. San Antonio, known for its historic landmarks like The Alamo and RiverWalk, is also within easy reach.
Living in or near Buda means having access to a wide range of employment opportunities, educational institutions, and recreational activities in these bustling cities. The city’s proximity to these urban centers also benefits entrepreneurs, providing them with quick highway access and connections to distribution centers, facilitating efficient customer service development. Overall, Buda’s location offers significant economic growth potential for businesses willing to take advantage of its strategic position.
4. A vibrant downtown area
Buda boasts a charming downtown area that serves as the focal point for various activities and gatherings. Both visitors and residents enjoy its well-preserved historic architecture, charming shops, inviting eateries with outdoor dining options, and lively ambiance along Main Street.
Each month, the Downtown Buda Merchant’s Group hosts engaging events featuring live music, delicious food, and refreshing beverages, adding to the area’s allure and fostering a sense of community pride among Buda’s residents. This vibrant spot embodies the essence of what makes Buda a truly special place to live.
5. Attend community events like the Buda Lions Country Fair or the Wiener Dog Race
Buda hosts numerous annual celebrations, including the beloved Buda Lions Country Fair & Wiener Dog Race and a festive Easter egg hunt. These events, particularly the Country Fair, offer a weekend of entertainment at the end of April with attractions like pet parades, live music, vendor stalls, and engaging activities such as a best-dressed dog contest and BBQ cook-off.
These celebrations not only bring joy to attendees but also foster a stronger sense of community among Buda’s residents.
6. Hays Consolidated Independent School District serves the city
Buda is part of the Hays Consolidated Independent School District, which operates more than 20 campuses and educates over 20,000 students. Students in Buda attend schools like Carpenter Hill Elementary, Elm Grove Elementary, Dahlstrom Middle, Jack C. Hays High, and Moe and Gene Johnson High. Additionally, students have access to the free Buda City Hall & Library.
Within a 100-mile radius of Buda, there are 34 colleges and universities. The nearest institution is Saint Edward’s University in Austin, located approximately 11.3 miles away. Trinity University in San Antonio is renowned for its quality education, while Texas A&M University College Station boasts the largest student body, with 72,530 students. For those seeking affordability, Temple College in Temple offers the most economical option, with an annual tuition of $1,848.
7. Major employers include Ampersand Art Supply, Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery, and Centex Materials
Buda’s business landscape is dominated by industrial establishments, housing companies such as Ampersand Art Supply, known for manufacturing art supplies, a Deep Eddy Vodka distillery, and Centex Materials, a supplier of sand and gravel. The city’s major employers are largely in the manufacturing, distribution, and construction sectors.
An important development in Buda’s economy was the arrival of Amazon’s distribution center. The Buda Economic Development Corporation (EDC) revealed in July 2020 that Amazon had plans to open a new delivery station in Buda before the year’s end. This spiked up the town’s economy and provided more employment opportunities for the residents.
8. A low crime rate
In terms of crime rates, Buda boasts significantly lower levels of violent crime compared to the national average, with a rate of 10.3, while the US average is 22.7. Additionally, its property crime rate, at 34.3, is slightly below the national average of 35.4.
These statistics show that Buda is rightfully tagged a safe community, which offers residents a secure environment with low levels of both violent and property crime in comparison to other regions across the country.
Final Thoughts
Buda’s natural beauty, extensive park system, and outdoor activities make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The city’s proximity to major urban centers like Austin and San Antonio provides residents with access to a wide range of job opportunities, entertainment options, and cultural experiences.
Overall, Buda’s unique charm and diverse offerings make it a desirable place to call home for those seeking a balanced blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and urban convenience.
