Leander

Leander has emerged as one of the most exciting communities in the Austin metro, transforming from a quiet Hill Country town into a fast-growing suburb with world-class schools, massive commercial development, and a housing market that delivers exceptional value. Located northwest of Austin, Leander offers the space and pace of suburban living while billions of dollars in new development are bringing dining, shopping, and entertainment right to residents' doorsteps.

Real Estate in Leander

Leander's housing market offers strong value with a median home price around $465,000 — a significant increase from $310,000 just five years ago, reflecting the area's desirability. The market has shifted in favor of buyers, with over 60 percent of listings seeing price reductions and homes closing an average of three percent below asking price. Communities like Crystal Falls, Bryson, Mason Hills, and Travisso offer a wide range of options from homes in the mid-$300s to custom estates above $800,000. New construction is active with multiple builders offering modern floor plans, energy-efficient features, and community amenities.

Top-Rated Schools

Leander is served by the Leander Independent School District, one of the highest-rated districts in Central Texas. LISD is known for its top-tier elementary schools, rigorous AP and dual-enrollment programs, and strong extracurricular offerings. Whitestone Elementary, Knowles Elementary, and Winkley Elementary serve the Crystal Falls area, feeding into Running Brushy Middle School and Leander High School. The district's reputation for academic excellence is a primary driver of home sales in the area, and families consistently rank LISD among the best reasons to move to Leander.

Lifestyle and Dining

Leander's commercial landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Crystal Village — a $250 million mixed-use development — will bring a premier dining, shopping, and entertainment hub with approximately 40 percent of the space dedicated to food and beverage, including planned tenants like Southside Market BBQ and a Brazilian steakhouse. The Square at Crystal Falls is opening in 2026 with nearly 30,000 square feet of boutique retail and dining. Northline, a 116-acre mixed-use project near Leander Station, will create a walkable downtown district with retail, dining, and civic space. For now, residents enjoy nearby options in Cedar Park and Austin, plus a growing roster of local spots.

Parks and Outdoor Activities

Leander offers abundant outdoor recreation. Crystal Falls features hiking trails, Quarry Park, and a stocked fishing pond for catch-and-release. The Crystal Falls Golf Club offers discounted rates for local residents. Devine Lake Park is a community favorite for picnics and lakeside walks. The city's trail system continues to expand, connecting neighborhoods to green spaces and retail areas. For larger adventures, Lake Travis and the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge are a short drive away, offering boating, swimming, and birdwatching opportunities.

Housing Options

Leander's housing market is diverse and growing. Crystal Falls is one of the most established communities, offering single-family homes on generous lots with Hill Country views. Bryson is a newer master-planned community with modern construction and family-friendly amenities. Travisso features a resort-style pool, sports courts, and a clubhouse. Mason Hills offers homes with dramatic canyon views. For buyers seeking new construction, multiple builders are active across the area offering customizable floor plans. Townhome options are also emerging as Leander's commercial development brings more mixed-use residential to the market.

Getting Around

Leander is located about 30 miles northwest of downtown Austin. The newly opened 183A toll road extension to Highway 29 has significantly improved commute times, and Capital Metro's Red Line rail connects Leander Station to downtown Austin for commuters who prefer public transit. During off-peak hours, the drive to downtown takes about 30 to 40 minutes. The growing local employment base — supported by Leander's commercial boom — means fewer residents need to commute at all.

Why Leander

Leander is a community on the rise. With top-rated schools, a housing market that offers real value, and billions of dollars in commercial development creating a self-sustaining lifestyle hub, Leander is evolving from a suburb into a destination. Whether you are raising a family, investing in growth, or seeking a community that is building its future right now, Leander is one of the most compelling choices in Central Texas. Let me show you what is happening here.