Buda (pronounced “Byoo-dah”) is a rapidly growing suburb and commuter town just 15 miles south of Austin, making Buda real estate a top choice for young families. Dubbed the “Outdoor Capital of Texas”, Buda has more parkland than any other city in Texas, miles of hiking and biking trails throughout the city, and a prime location right on the edge of Texas Hill Country. The city’s historic downtown may only be six blocks, but those blocks are packed with shopping, dining and entertainment. For families seeking a quieter life and more affordable home prices than Austin, Buda is a safe, wholesome and friendly community with plenty of small town charm.
What to Expect in Buda? Wholesome, Small Town Charm 20 Miles South of Austin
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Buda is an “oasis of country calm” unspoiled by the faster pace of life in Austin and San Antonio. Thanks to rapid development along Interstate 35 (the main thoroughfare between Austin and San Antonio), Buda has the highest per capita assessed property value and sales tax collection for central Texas cities. Buda’s city planners wisely invest these taxes in beautifying the community and enhancing the historic downtown. The city’s leaders are committed to preserving Buda’s history, family values and laid-back lifestyle.
First Thursdays (“Alive After Five”) take place on the first Thursday of every month in downtown Buda. Residents can join in the historic downtown walking tour and stroll through unique antique and specialty shops. Downtown merchants and restaurants offer “First Thursday” specials. Stop by the Buda Drug & Soda Fountain for a handcrafted cream soda (still made the old fashioned way), search for a rare find at Merlene’s Thrift or Memory Lane Antiques, or indulge in a sweet treat at Wildflour Cakery & Boutique.
What is Buda’s History and Traditions?
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Buda started as a small, sleepy town along the International-Great Northern Railroad, which extended from Austin to San Antonio in the 1880's. Today, Buda is home to a number of historic homes and structures, including the “1898 Building that features a fully-functional 100-year old elevator inside. History buffs will want to check out the McElroy-Severn Stagecoach House and Onion Creek Post Office at Historic Stagecoach Park that served as a stagecoach stop and the town’s first post office.
Today, the city is known for its unique small town traditions, including the famed “Wiener Dog Races”, held annually at the end of April. The wiener dog races are held in conjunction with the city’s annual county fair, which also includes a best-dressed dog contest, a bake-off, BBQ competition, and chili cook-off.
The City of Buda hosts an annual Easter Egg Hunt, open-air movies in the park during the summer, the “Red, White and Buda” 4th of July celebration, a family-friendly “Buda Halloween” celebration, and the holiday favorite “Trail of Lights”.
Is Buda an Active, Outdoor Community?
There’s a good reason why folks in Buda like to welcome newcomers with a firm handshake and the saying “Relax and breathe easy.” Buda residents are very active and enjoy spending their time outside. With approximately 268 acres of public parkland, Buda is home to more public parkland than another city in Texas. The 13 public park areas and 10 playgrounds include three miles of concrete and crush granite trails, nine pavilions, four full-size youth and adult soccer fields, and four youth baseball/softball fields.
For golfers, the Plum Creek Golf Course features 18-holes of championship golf on more than 200 acres of beautiful, rolling Texas Hill Country. The golf course features a unique layout where no two fairways touch. The Onion Creek Country Club was founded by three-time Masters Champion Jimmy Demaret in 1974 and is regarded as one of the best in the Austin area.
What Does Buda’s Rapid Growth Mean for its Quality of Life?
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With an estimated population jump of more than 50 percent between 2010 and 2014, Buda is officially the fastest growing city over 10,000 residents in the state of Texas. Unfortunately for residents who work in Austin, the rapid growth has also led to painful daily commutes up and down the I-35 corridor. Commuters should anticipate up to an hour commute for the 15-mile stretch between Buda and Austin; without traffic, this trip takes only 20 minutes. The drive time to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is approximately 30 minutes without traffic.
What's Next for Buda in 2016?
Despite this rapid growth, community planners continue to stress the importance of balancing development with preservation. Buda remains a safe, affordable and wholesome community with an eye towards the future and a deep respect for past traditions. Buda’s ideal location just south of Austin, affordable housing prices, and unique family traditions make it one of the most attractive locations for families in the greater Austin-Round Rock metropolitan region.
