Leander
The end of the MetroRail Red Line and one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Leander offers Hill Country views, big master-planned communities and Leander ISD schools, often for less than Cedar Park next door.
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Greg3564 (CC BY-SA 3.0), Renelibrary (CC BY-SA 4.0), Larry D. Moore (CC BY 4.0).
Where it is & what it feels like
Leander sits northwest of Austin on US-183 and the 183A toll road, just past Cedar Park. The MetroRail Red Line starts here and runs to downtown Austin, and the Northline development is building a walkable town center next to the station.
Population has jumped more than 50% since 2020. Most homes are in master-planned communities like Crystal Falls, Travisso, Bryson and Mason Hills, with pools, trails and Hill Country views to the west.
What you'll find here
The housing stock
Mostly homes built after 2000. Crystal Falls has golf, canyon views and larger homes. Travisso is a newer resort-style community whose part of Leander ISD feeds Cedar Park High School.
Bryson and Mason Hills are newer builder communities with amenity centers. The median home sells for about $195 per square foot.
Typical home
- Price range
- ~$330K–$900K+
- Typical size
- 1,900–3,000 sq ft
- Lot
- 6,000–9,000 sq ft
- Year built
- Mostly 2000–2025
- HOA
- ~$50–$120/mo; MUDs common
Kien's tip: Two homes at the same price can have very different tax bills. The rate is about 2.0% without a MUD, 2.37% in Bryson and 2.51% in Travisso. Also check the ISD: some 78641 addresses are in Liberty Hill ISD, not Leander ISD.
Market snapshot
Estimates from public market reports (Redfin, Zillow), mid-2026. The market changes monthly; ask me for this week's numbers.
Want the actual sold comps, with photos, for the street you like?
Schools
Most of Leander is in Leander ISD, rated B (87). Campus ratings vary widely, from A (Hisle) to F (Camacho), so look up the exact campuses for each address.
| Level | School(s) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary | Many LISD campuses | Ratings vary by campus |
| Middle | Several LISD middle schools | Check each address |
| High | Glenn HS, Leander HS, Rouse HS, Cedar Park HS (Travisso) | Travisso feeds Cedar Park HS |
Ratings: Texas Education Agency accountability. Some 78641 addresses are in Liberty Hill ISD. Confirm on the Leander ISD site.
What would I pay each month?
Taxes are about 2.0% without a MUD and 2.4%–2.5% with one. That can change your payment by hundreds a month.
Estimate only. Rate default reflects the ~7% national 30-yr average (Freddie Mac, Sept 2026). Tax default ~2.2%; about 2.0% without a MUD and up to ~2.5% with one. Homestead exemptions can lower taxes. Excludes PMI.
What locals love around Leander
Outdoors
Getting around
Everyday
Getting around
By car, downtown is 35–50 minutes. The MetroRail Red Line is a stress-free option if you work near its downtown stops.
Approximate drive times: bright bar = off-peak, faded bar = weekday rush hour.
The honest pros & cons
Why buyers love it
- Leander ISDA well-regarded district overall
- Train to downtownThe only suburb at the start of the Red Line
- Hill Country settingViews and parks to the west
- Value vs. Cedar ParkSimilar homes, often for less
What to weigh
- MUD taxesUp to about 2.5% in some communities
- Commute by car35–50 minutes to downtown
- Campus ratings varyCheck each school, not just the district
- GrowthLots of new construction and roadwork
Common questions
Is Leander, TX a good place to live?
For buyers who want newer homes, Leander ISD and a Hill Country feel, yes. Plan for longer commutes and MUD taxes in some communities.
How much do homes cost in Leander?
The median sale price is about $419K in 2026, down about 2.4% from last year, at roughly $195 per square foot.
What school district is Leander in?
Mostly Leander ISD, rated B (87). Some 78641 addresses are in Liberty Hill ISD, and Travisso feeds Cedar Park High School.
Can you take the train from Leander to Austin?
Yes. The CapMetro MetroRail Red Line starts at Leander Station and runs to downtown Austin.
What are property taxes in Leander?
About 2.0% without a MUD; around 2.37% in Bryson and 2.51% in Travisso.
Nearby neighborhoods
Want to compare Leander communities?
Send me your must-haves and I'll line up homes with the tax rate, HOA and school campuses for each one.
New to Austin? Read the Moving to Austin relocation guide: commutes to Tesla, Samsung and Downtown, budgets, school districts and Texas property taxes.
Information is gathered from public sources and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Prices, HOA dues, tax rates, school assignments and ratings change; verify independently before making decisions. Listing links open a third-party site (Zillow), whose inventory is not controlled by KienWithKeys.
See homes for sale
Tell me where to send new listings and I'll open everything for sale in Leander right now. I'll also flag the ones worth seeing (and the ones to skip).
Thanks!
Your search is ready. I'll reach out personally within a day. If a home catches your eye, text me the address and I'll get you in.
Open Leander homes for sale ↗ Call/Text Kien · 737-202-7766