What $700K Buys You in Austin Texas Real Estate: City vs Suburbs

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why $700K Matters in the Austin Texas Housing Market
• What $700K Gets You in Central Austin Real Estate
• What $700K Gets You Outside Downtown Austin (20–35 Minute Commute
• Austin City vs Suburbs: Side-by-Side $700K Home Comparison
• How to Choose Between Central Austin and Suburban Austin Real Estate
• Practical House Hunting Tips for Austin Texas Real Estate Buyers
• Common Myths About Austin Texas Real Estate Prices
• Checklist Before Making an Offer in the Austin Housing Market
• Key Takeaways: Where $700K Goes Furthest in Austin Texas Real Estate
• FAQs
• Final Thoughts

Introduction

If you are researching Austin Texas real estate and wondering how far a $700,000 budget goes, this guide lays it out clearly. I walk through realistic examples of what that money buys in central Austin and then show comparable choices 20 to 35 minutes outside downtown. You will see why so many buyers weigh location versus square footage, schools, and lifestyle when making decisions about Austin Texas real estate.

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Why $700K Matters in the Austin Texas Housing Market

The Austin Texas real estate market has been competitive for years. With job growth concentrated in tech hubs and corporate centers, prices inside the city remain high relative to the suburbs. A fixed budget—like $700,000—forces a practical tradeoff: do you prioritize being within easy walking distance of restaurants and nightlife, or do you prioritize square footage, yard space, and newer construction?

What $700K Gets You in Central Austin Real Estate

In much of central Austin, $700,000 commonly buys one of two things: a smaller historic bungalow that needs work, or a compact, brand-new infill with modern finishes but limited outdoor space. Both options have clear pros and cons depending on lifestyle.

Example 1: Older bungalow in a great neighborhood (Bryker Woods)

In many desirable central neighborhoods, you’ll find 1940s and 1950s bungalows listed around the $700K mark. These homes often have charm and a location advantage—proximity to good schools, local parks, and short drives downtown—but they are small and usually need a major renovation or replacement.

Typical stats for these homes:

• Three bedrooms, two bathrooms
• Under 1,200 square feet
• Lot sizes around 0.10 to 0.15 acres
• Often listed between $650,000 and $725,000 depending on exact location

These houses can be a smart long-term investment if you plan to renovate or hold for appreciation, but the immediate living space is small for a family used to larger homes. When considering Austin Texas real estate, factor in renovation costs, potential tear-downs, and the pace of new construction in the neighborhood.

Example 2: New infill—small but modern

The other common option in central Austin is new construction on a tight lot: two-bedroom, two-bath units with modern design, efficient layouts, and little yard. These are often built on busy streets and are aimed at buyers who prioritize location and low maintenance.

Typical features:

• Approximately 1,400 to 1,600 square feet
• Two bedrooms, two bathrooms
• Minimal front and back yards
• Proximity to major streets (higher traffic noise)
• Listings near $700K to $730K

These units are great for buyers who want turnkey living near restaurants, trails, and cultural attractions. But if interior space and a yard are priorities, this price point in central Austin will feel limiting compared to suburban alternatives.

What $700K Gets You Outside Downtown Austin (20–35 Minute Commute

Move 20 to 35 minutes outside of central Austin and the landscape of Austin Texas real estate changes dramatically. For the same budget, you can expect far more square footage, multiple living areas, generous yards, and modern builder finishes. Two suburbs that illustrate the gap are Leander (northwest) and Pflugerville (northeast).

Leander: Edgewood (MI Homes)

Leander is roughly 13 miles from the Domain and about a 30-minute drive in rush hour. It attracts employees who work in the Domain or the northwest tech corridor. In neighborhoods like Edgewood, new construction by national builders offers homes that are substantially larger than central Austin properties at comparable or lower prices.

Example property highlights:

• Four bedrooms and three full bathrooms
• Approximately 2,700 to 2,900 square feet
• Two living areas (one downstairs, one upstairs game room)
• Full backyard with covered patio—space to play and entertain
• Base pricing often well under $700,000; upgraded move-in homes around $640,000–$670,000

On a like-for-like basis, Leander listings provide a lot more home and a better price-to-school-quality ratio for families. For many buyers, Austin Texas real estate is more about value than zip code, and Leander demonstrates that clearly.

Pflugerville: Chesmar Homes model at Blackhawk

Pflugerville sits northeast of Austin and often delivers very high-value new builds within a sensible commute. Model homes showcase the top-end finishes and layout choices that builders offer. While the absolute top-upgrades add cost, base plans are attractively priced relative to central Austin.

Example model features:

• Four bedrooms, three and a half baths
• Three-car garage options and multiple flex spaces
• Expansive kitchen islands, butler pantry, vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling fireplaces
• Large primary suite with oversized closet and luxury bath
• Base plans starting in the upper $400,000s for smaller footprints; larger models around $670,000

Realistic pricing breakdowns for Chesmar-type model homes:

• Base plan for a large, high-end model: about $670,000
• Typical buyer upgrades: roughly 10% of base price (~$60,000)
• Move-in ready with popular upgrades: about $730,000
• Fully upgraded model: up to $800,000

In short, for roughly the same overall budget you can secure a much larger, feature-rich home in Pflugerville than you can inside the city. For families and buyers prioritizing space and newer finishes, this is a major reason to consider the suburbs when thinking about Austin Texas real estate.

Austin City vs Suburbs: Side-by-Side $700K Home Comparison

Compare the core tradeoffs between central Austin and the nearby suburbs in plain terms.

• Central Austin: Smaller square footage, prime location, walkability, older homes or compact new builds, listings often around $700K for modest space.
• Leander / Pflugerville: Larger houses, yards, family-oriented layouts, excellent schools, new construction with modern amenities for similar or slightly higher prices.

How to Choose Between Central Austin and Suburban Austin Real Estate

When comparing Austin Texas real estate options with a fixed budget, answer these core questions before touring properties:

1. Do you want to prioritize location and walkability or space and yard?
2. How important are top-rated schools to your plan?
3. Are you comfortable renovating or is turn-key move-in a must?
4. What is your acceptable commute time to work and daily activities?
5. How much value do you place on community amenities like pools, parks, and HOA services?

If the answers emphasize short commutes, nightlife, and walkable errands, central Austin wins. If they emphasize a bigger home, private yard, and school quality, suburban Austin Texas real estate in Leander or Pflugerville is often the better fit.

Practical House Hunting Tips for Austin Texas Real Estate Buyers

Use a structured approach to find the right match for your budget and lifestyle.

1. Define nonnegotiables: number of bedrooms, minimum square footage, school district preference, and commute time.
2. Compare sample listings from both the city and suburbs side by side by total cost of ownership, not just purchase price. Include taxes, HOA fees, and renovation budgets.
3. Tour representative properties: an older bungalow, a compact new infill, and a suburban new build. Seeing three different typologies makes the tradeoffs obvious.
4. Run commute tests during rush hour and off-peak times to understand real travel times to work, school and activities.
5. Factor future resale value—central locations often appreciate for scarcity, while suburban properties appeal strongly to families and can perform well too.

Common Myths About Austin Texas Real Estate Prices

• Myth: You always get more value in the suburbs.
• Reality: You usually get more square footage in the suburbs for the same money, but central neighborhoods can offer scarce locational value that many buyers are willing to pay for.
• Myth: Newer always equals better investment.
• Reality: New construction provides convenience and lower maintenance, but older homes in prime central locations may capture outsized appreciation over time.

Checklist Before Making an Offer in the Austin Housing Market

• Confirm school zoning and recent test scores if schools matter to you.
• Request a seller disclosure and get an inspection allowance if the home is older.
• Ask builders for typical upgrade costs and allowances when considering new construction.
• Compare commute times to your workplace during peak traffic.
• Estimate renovation costs for any older home you consider purchasing.

Key Takeaways: Where $700K Goes Furthest in Austin Texas Real Estate

The gap between what $700K buys in central Austin versus the suburbs is real and meaningful. For Austin Texas real estate buyers, it comes down to lifestyle priorities:

• Central Austin= location, walkability, cultural access, smaller footprint.
• Leander / Pflugerville= more space, yards, modern builder features, strong schools and family-friendly neighborhoods.

Make a shortlist of what matters most to you, then compare representative homes in both segments. That makes the abstract tradeoffs concrete and helps you make a confident choice in Austin Texas real estate.

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FAQs

How far does $700,000 go in central Austin compared to suburbs?

In central Austin, $700,000 commonly buys a small historic bungalow that needs renovation or a compact new infill with minimal yard. In suburbs like Leander or Pflugerville, the same budget typically buys a 2,500–2,900 square-foot, four-bedroom home with two living spaces and a full backyard. For many buyers, that makes suburban Austin Texas real estate a higher square-foot value.

What should I budget for upgrades if buying new construction?

Builder patterns show buyers often spend about 10% of the base price on upgrades. For example, a $670,000 base model may end up around $730,000 after popular upgrades. Always get a detailed upgrade list and pricing before making selections.

How long are commutes from Leander and Pflugerville to major job centers?

Leander is roughly 13 miles from the Domain and about a 30-minute commute in rush hour. Pflugerville is a bit further northeast and can be 30 to 40 minutes to downtown or the Domain during peak traffic. Commute times vary by time of day and specific destination.

Are schools better in the suburbs?

Many suburban school districts around Austin, like Leander ISD, have strong reputations and higher perceived value for families. Always verify current school zoning and performance metrics, as boundaries and school performance can change.

Should I buy in the city for resale value?

Central locations often retain premium demand due to scarcity and proximity to amenities, which can support long-term appreciation. However, suburban properties sell well to families seeking space and schools. Resale depends on neighborhood fundamentals and market timing.

Final Thoughts

If you are evaluating Austin Texas real estate with a $700K budget, the right decision depends on what you value most: location or space. Seeing examples from both sides—compact central properties and roomy suburban new builds—will clarify the tradeoffs quickly. Use the comparison points above to guide your search and build a short list of must-haves versus nice-to-haves.

Want to keep exploring neighborhood-by-neighborhood differences in Austin Texas real estate? Touring one representative property from each category will make the decision obvious.

Ready to see these homes in person? Call or text us at (512) 855-2713  to schedule tours and get neighborhood-specific recommendations. You can also request a personalized list of matching properties and available tour times — we’ll set everything up for you.

READ MORE: Moving to Austin: 11 Reasons People Are Choosing Austin, Texas