If you’re considering a move to the Lone Star State, Leander, TX, is a hidden gem worth exploring. Tucked between Austin and San Antonio, Leander combines small-town charm with easy access to urban conveniences – making it an appealing choice for homebuyers.
Here are just a few of the many reasons so many people are making the move to Leander, TX.
Affordability
Despite being within commuting distance of one of the most expensive cities in Texas, Leander is a surprisingly affordable place to live, which is one of its main draws. According to Payscale, the cost of living in Leander is 10% lower than the national average, particularly in three key areas: housing, utilities, and groceries, which are 17%, 4%, and 18% below the national average, respectively.
Thriving Job Market
Relocating is often motivated by jobs or a job search, and Leander offers no shortage of career opportunities – it’s also within easy commuting distance for the job markets in the Austin metroplex and “Silicon Hills.” The city’s job market encompasses several large industries and major employers, including education, retail, professional and technical services, and healthcare.
Compared to cities of a similar size, Leander has a lot of opportunities in utilities, professional and scientific services, and real estate. Education is also flourishing in Leander with prestigious institutions like the nearby University of Texas at Austin. Some of the other major employers include Cedar Park Regional Medical Center, ETS-Lindgren, Firefly Aerospace, Dell, Sears Teleserve, and Scott & White Healthcare.
Excellent Education
Leander is famous for its high-quality educational institutions. The Leander Independent School District (LISD) has been recognized among the best school districts in Texas by Niche, putting it around the top 2% of over 1,250 public school districts in the state. The district includes 29 elementary schools, nine middle schools, six high schools, and three alternative schools covering Leander, Cedar Park, Northwest Austin, and portions of Georgetown and Round Rock.
If you’re looking for private schools, Leander has six schools to choose from. Half of Leander’s private schools are religiously affiliated, including Warriors Christian Academy, Harbor Leadership Academy, and Sterling Classical School.
Leander is a great choice for higher-education opportunities as well, all within a 20-mile radius. The University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest in the nation and esteemed for its engineering and business programs. There are also several private four-year universities in the area, including Southwestern University in Georgetown and Concordia University Texas in Austin.
Modern Conveniences and Amenities
Leander has tons of small-town charm to spare, but you’ll still have access to modern conveniences and amenities. CapMetro is the primary public transportation provider in the Austin area, which has express bus lines and Commuter Rail access in Leander. There’s also a CapMetro rideshare app Pickup for on-demand transit in the services area for low fares – and children ride for free.
Aside from public transportation, Leander has easy highway access to get around the region. Two major highways cut north to south through the city: US-183 (North Bell Boulevard) and US-183A toll road. US-183 goes through Cedar Park to the south and towards the rest of the Austin metro area.
If you enjoy shopping, Leander has a variety of shopping centers in the city, including the Gateway at Leander and the Leander HEB Plus. In addition to local options, Leander is within 10 miles of the largest shopping centers in the area, such as the Lakeline Mall in Cedar Park and the Round Rock Premium Outlets – each with hundreds of stores.
Outdoor Fun
Leander’s location in the heart of the Hill Country offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure. From rolling hills to fields of wildflowers, the tranquil setting is perfect for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. You’ll find plenty of hiking trails in the area, including Vista Knoll and the Williamson Park Nature Trail.
With nearly year-round warmth and sunshine, another local gem is Lake Travis. Just a short distance from Leander, you can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and sunbathing at the popular recreational lake. The stocked lake has a diverse selection of fish, including White bass, Largemouth bass, and Guadalupe bass.
Family-Friendly Activities
If you’re moving to Leander with family, you’ll find no shortage of family-friendly attractions and activities. Benbrook Ranch Park offers almost 47 acres of amenities, including three baseball fields, pavilions, a skate park, disc golf, hiking and biking trails, and a playground.
A must-see attraction for adventurous families is Leander’s dinosaur tracks, a paleo attraction in the South San Gabriel Riverbed with dinosaur footprints. The Inner Space Cavern near Leander is a fascinating preserved cave with prehistoric bones and opportunities for gemstone panning and the Saber Tooth zipline.
Another option is Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, which is one of the longest and fastest ziplines in the state. You could also try Waterloo Adventures, a sister company that features giant inflatable obstacle courses right on the water.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Leander may have small-town appeal, but that doesn’t mean there’s not plenty of excitement to go around! Historic Old Town offers outdoor events, comedy shows, live bands, and more. There’s also sports games and annual festivals to look forward to.
The dining and nightlife options offer a lot of fun as well – Leander Distilling serves up craft cocktails at the Leanderthal Lounge, and there’s a diverse culinary scene, including classic homestyle Italian, iconic Tex Mex, and local pub food favorites.
Rapid Growth
Leander’s appeal is evident in its rapid population growth. With a population of just 35,276 in 2014, the city has expanded to nearly 90,000 people in the past decade. It’s considered one of the nation’s fastest-growing large cities according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Proximity to Downtown Austin
Leander is nestled in the stunning Hill Country and just a short drive from Austin’s unique city vibe, allowing you to live the small-town lifestyle without missing out on the attractions, entertainment, and amenities of the city. If you’re looking for peace and quiet at home with endless options for entertainment nearby, Leander offers the best of both worlds.
Create Your Private Haven at Retreat at Hero Way
Whether you’re starting a career, raising a family, or looking for a peaceful suburban retreat, Leander has it all – and there’s no better place to experience it than the Retreat at Hero Way by Blackburn Homes. This intimate gated community of stunning cottage homes are the perfect place to live, work, and play. Contact us today to explore our homes!