Best Master Planned Communities in Austin for Lifestyle and Value

Buying real estate in Austin means choosing between a vibrant urban lifestyle and the comfort of suburban living. While areas like Downtown Austin offer proximity to nightlife and tech hubs, many homebuyers are now leaning toward quieter neighborhoods just outside the city center. That's where master planned communities come in, offering the best of both worlds: accessibility and a planned residential experience.

A master planned community is a pre-designed neighborhood that typically includes amenities such as parks, pools, community centers, golf courses, and even schools or town centers, all built into a walkable layout. Homebuyers can choose from a range of builders, price points, and designs, often with the flexibility to personalize their homes to fit their budget and preferences.

Whether you're considering established areas like Cedar Park or Lake Travis, or looking into more rural-feeling options like Dripping Springs or Driftwood, Austin has no shortage of developed communities that offer a quieter lifestyle without giving up modern conveniences.

What You'll Learn in This Guide

What defines a master planned community and why they've grown in popularity near Austin
The most desirable master planned communities in and around Austin, TX
Common amenities you can expect and how they benefit your lifestyle
How suburban living compares to Austin's urban core in terms of cost, commute, and space
Tips for choosing the right neighborhood based on your goals and daily routine

These are just a few of the most sought-after master planned communities in and around Austin. Each one offers its own mix of lifestyle perks, from resort-style amenities to proximity to top-rated schools and major employers. Explore the communities below to get a feel for what's available and discover where your ideal home may be waiting.

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Why Choose a Master Planned Community?

Master planned communities around Austin appeal to buyers who want suburban convenience without sacrificing modern amenities. These neighborhoods are designed with families in mind, offering everything from schools and parks to shopping centers within a short drive. As Austin continues to grow and attract new residents, these communities provide a practical alternative to urban living while maintaining access to the city's job market and cultural attractions.

Escape the Urban Rush

For many homebuyers, it is attractive to live in a suburban neighborhood that is away from the hustle and bustle of Austin that has everything they need within the neighborhood. Many of these communities offer an elementary school, neighborhood park, community center with a pool and workout facilities.

Austin's Growth Creates New Opportunities

Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. The city is also experiencing population growth where people from the west coast are flocking to the Austin area due to the cost of living and employment opportunities. In fact, Austin has been ranked as the number one best place to live in for three consecutive years. There are also Master Planned communities that are nearby large tech companies that are starting to build or have built their campuses in Austin such as Apple, Google, AMD, and Under Armour. Dell which is located in the Austin-Round Rock area is just minutes away from Master Planned communities of Forest Creek and Teravista.

More Space for Your Money

It's also common for Central Texas Master Planned communities to be more affordable than their urban counterparts and give the home buyer more "bang for their buck". Choosing a home that is further out from the urban core usually offers bigger homes with larger lots and more room for bigger families to play in the yard or parks. Most of these communities have local schools that are highly rated and they are located near commercial development centers that have grocery stores and are close to a Home Depot or Lowes for DIYers.

How do You Determine Which Community is Right for You?

Finding the right neighborhood is dependent on a variety of things such as what part of Austin you like the most or how far of a drive you will have to work and back. Many people move to Austin from larger cities such as Los Angeles or San Francisco and come thinking that they are used to having a long commute to and from work. It's often found that when people move to Austin, they find that they want to have a shorter commute so keep that in mind when you are searching for a community to lay down roots and start to build a life in this wonderful city.

If you are interested in speaking to one of our real estate consultants to see which of these communities will best serve your needs, please let us know by filling out the contact form below or clicking on one of the listings on this page.

Overview of Master Planned Communities in Austin

There are plenty of master planned communities in Austin and up to this day, they are continuously growing. Master planned communities offer the best of both worlds. Aside from a wide-range of beautiful homes, most of the communities feature outstanding amenities for their residents. They also hold events and gatherings for a sense of belonging within the community for each and every one. Here is an overview of some of the many master planned communities in Austin.

master planned communities in austin

Central and Southeast Austin Communities

Easton Park Austin is an urban-planned community that offers a welcoming lifestyle, stunning amenities, and exceptional home collection and designs by talented home builders in Central Austin. What makes this community special? Easton Park consists of four distinct neighborhoods: Bryan Park, Knob Hill, Union Park, and Skyline Park.

Goodnight Ranch Austin is a 770-acre community located in Southeast Austin and offers a large number of recreational activities. The community offers a wide selection of unique and stylish homes for its residents. Apartments from Commons offer luxury living within the community while Urbana features an option of being flexible for people that are looking into renting within Goodnight Ranch Austin.

Mueller is a 700-acre master-planned community located three miles from downtown Austin and two miles from The University of Texas - Austin. Mueller Austin is an award-winning community on its way to becoming the home of approximately 14,300 people, 14,500 employees, and 10,500 construction jobs. The area will consist of 4 million square feet of office and retail, about 6,200 homes and 140 acres of public open space. The modern planned community is home to plenty of young families with its real estate consisting of single-family homes and apartment complexes.

Lake Communities

Steiner Ranch Known to be the "Land Between Lakes", Steiner Ranch Austin is bordered by Lake Austin and Lake Travis. The community embodies convenience, privacy, lifestyle, and a sense of belonging. Steiner Ranch also has dedicated 1,500 acres to protect the habitats and green space around the community.

Rough Hollow Lakeway If you are looking for a luxury lakefront community with a resort feel, Rough Hollow Lakeway is the perfect spot. Tucked away within the serenity of the Hill Country, this community offers resort-style amenities and award-winning homes. Residents admire the gorgeous views of Lake Travis from their homes. The community has 22 unique neighborhoods with different styles from semi-custom to custom homes.

Lakeside at Tessera In Lago Vista on the north shore of Lake Travis, Lakeside at Tessera is an urban oasis of amenities and recreation that focuses on nature with the convenience of city living. In 2019, Lakeside at Tessera was awarded the best master planned community by the Austin Business Journal.

Lake Pointe Austin For a master-planned community where you can enjoy lake and beach amenities, Lake Pointe Austin could be a perfect choice! Residents enjoy relaxing by the gorgeous waters, boat, or fish. Lake Pointe Austin offers the convenience of being close to nature without being too far from the big city.

Northwest Austin Communities

Avery Ranch Located in the far northwest Austin is a master planned community with over 4,000 homes. Avery Ranch, a 1,800-acre master-planned community offers homes with gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. The community is also rich in amenities that include five community centers encompassing 17 acres of land. Avery Ranch Golf Club is located within the grounds and is one of Austin's premier golf courses. It borders a 60-acre lake with natural features that are enjoyed by its residents.

Southwest Austin Communities

Circle C Ranch One of the well-known master-planned communities located in southwest Austin is Circle C Ranch. The family-friendly neighborhoods have access to several freeways and entertainment options and amenities. Residents of Circle C Ranch enjoy the neighborhood's several amenities such as the Circle C Community Center, 4 different types of pool/swim centers, and playscapes for children. There are also local area attractions such as the Circle C Metropolitan Park, a golf club, tennis club, and trails that are bike and horse friendly.

Hill Country Communities

Belterra is a premier, outstanding 1,600-acre master-planned community neighborhood located in the wedding capital of Texas, Dripping Springs. It located by the boundaries of Hwy 290 on the North, Belterra Dr to the south, Sawyer Ranch Rd to the west, and Nutty Brown Rd to the east. When you live in Belterra you can the opportunity to explore the Hill Country landscape fastened with historic fences and dramatic cliffs in a location close to the city of Austin.

Butler Ranch Estates is a new home development by Century Communities in Dripping Springs, TX. The community is located 24 miles southwest of Downtown Austin in Dripping Springs' 78620 zip code. Residents enjoy the quiet and peaceful setting the community has to offer.

Headwaters Headwaters is an award-winning 1,035-acre master-planned community that offers distinctive neighborhoods, panoramic views of the Hill Country, and sustainable homes built by the best home builders in the country.

Bastrop County Communities

Tahitian Village Located within the heart of Bastrop County's Lost Pines within the 78602 is a residential community with homes that were first built in 1986 with newly constructed homes during the 2000s to the 2010s. Tahitian Village is ideal for those who are looking into living in a rural setting while having close proximity to the vibrant entertainment venues and amenities in Downtown Austin.

Colovista Bastrop is a golf community situated in the Lost Pines of Bastrop within the 78602 zip code. Colovista was the vision of Les Apelt who built a 17,000 square feet mansion overlooking the Colorado River.

Northern Communities

Larkspur is a residential master-planned community in Williamson County that features 608 acres and 1,500+ home sites with open spaces, trails, and luxury amenities.

Reagan's Overlook If you are looking for a new community in Leander, Reagan's Overlook is one of the most ideal places to live because of the area being surrounded by the stunning views of the Texas Hill Country. The community features estate homes with traditional to contemporary home styles and amenities for families to enjoy.

Wildleaf Leander is a gorgeous oasis surrounded by the beautiful Texas Hill Country that is adjacent to Leander's shopping and recreation areas.

Travisso For a master-planned community that offers a resort-style living within the big city, Travisso is the perfect place to settle. This award-winning master-planned community sits on 2,100 acres of land with 355 acres of natural parkland.

Surrounding Areas

6 Creeks is a new master-planned community located in the city of Kyle, Texas, one of the fastest-growing communities in Texas. This new community is situated 25 miles from Downtown Austin, 12 miles from San Marcos, and an hour away from San Antonio.

Onion Creek is an established, golf-course community located fifteen minutes to the south of Austin within the 78747 zip code that offers gorgeous estates that are surrounded by mature trees, well-maintained lawns, and the greens of the Onion Creek Club.

Vine Creek is located in the growing city of Pflugerville, a community perfect for those who love an amenity-rich lifestyle to escape the busy city while being close to the nightlife and attractions in Austin.

Frequently Asked Questions About Master Planned Communities in Austin

What is a master planned community?

A master planned community is a residential area with built-in amenities like parks, pools, schools, and commercial spaces. These neighborhoods are often developed by multiple builders and offer a variety of home styles and price points.

Are master planned communities in Austin more affordable than homes in the city center?

Generally, yes. Master planned communities in the Austin suburbs tend to offer more space, newer homes, and larger lots at lower price points than comparable properties in downtown Austin. Buyers often get more value for their money while still enjoying easy access to the city.

Which Austin suburbs have the best master planned communities?

Popular suburbs with top-rated master planned communities include Lake Travis, Dripping Springs, Cedar Park, Driftwood, Kyle, and Buda. These areas offer scenic Hill Country views, strong school districts, and family-friendly amenities.

What should I expect for commute times from these communities to downtown Austin?

Commute times vary by location, but most master planned communities are 20-45 minutes from downtown Austin. Communities like Mueller offer shorter commutes, while Hill Country locations like Dripping Springs may take longer but provide more space and scenic surroundings.

Do these communities offer amenities beyond housing?

Yes. Many master planned communities in and around Austin feature swimming pools, fitness centers, trails, community centers, playgrounds, golf courses, and even lakeside access. Some also host neighborhood events that foster a strong sense of community.

How do I choose the right master planned community near Austin?

The best fit depends on your lifestyle, budget, commute preferences, and desired amenities. Whether you're looking for a lakefront home, proximity to tech campuses, or top-rated schools, working with a local real estate expert can help you narrow down the options.

Ready to Explore Master Planned Communities in Austin?

Whether you're looking for top-tier amenities, great schools, or a peaceful retreat in the Hill Country, our team at Spyglass Realty can help you find the perfect fit. From established neighborhoods to fast-growing new developments, we know the ins and outs of Austin's most desirable master-planned communities.

Let us guide you through your options, answer your questions, and match you with the right neighborhood based on your lifestyle and goals.

Contact us today at 512-640-0325 to speak with one of our expert real estate consultants.

Your ideal Austin home might be just a conversation away.