AUSTIN, TEXAS — The Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos housing market entered fall 2026 with a changing balance between buyers and sellers. While home prices across the metropolitan region remain substantially higher than in several other major Texas markets, expanding inventory and slower sales activity are creating new opportunities for households considering a move to Central Texas.
According to the September 2026 regional housing figures previously identified, the Austin metro recorded a median residential sales price of $421,000, representing a 1.4% increase compared with September 2025.
The region also recorded 2,223 closed sales, down 14.8% year over year, and 5.4 months of housing inventory.
These figures illustrate an important distinction for relocating buyers: modest price appreciation does not necessarily mean the housing market is becoming more competitive. Sales activity, available inventory and neighborhood-level conditions can tell a different story.
For newcomers evaluating communities such as Round Rock, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander and Kyle, understanding those differences is essential.
Austin's suburbs offer different housing opportunities as September prices and inventory shift
The latest data from Unlock MLS, released October 13, reveals that the Austin metropolitan housing market is far from uniform. Some surrounding counties are experiencing stronger price appreciation than the region overall, while others are seeing increased inventory, lower median prices or renewed interest from prospective buyers.
For newcomers relocating to Central Texas, those differences could influence where they choose to purchase a home.
Hays County stands out with above-average home price growth
Kyle, Buda, San Marcos and surrounding communities
One of the strongest price-growth signals in September came from Hays County, south of Austin. Median Sales Price at $399,900, +10.8% year over year increase.
The county's median residential sales price increased 10.8%, significantly exceeding the Austin metropolitan area's 1.4% increase. Hays County also recorded 1,898 active listings, up 4.9% from September 2025, while housing inventory increased to 4.8 months.
However, closed sales declined 30.5%, demonstrating that higher median prices did not translate into stronger transaction volume.
For prospective buyers considering Kyle, Buda or San Marcos, the county's relatively lower median price and expanding supply make these communities worth investigating.
The countywide increase should not be interpreted as proof that every city or neighborhood experienced double-digit appreciation. Differences in the mix of homes sold can influence monthly median prices.
Williamson County offers a lower median price than Austin (Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander and Hutto)
Williamson County, home to several prominent communities north of Austin, recorded a median residential sales price of $395,000 in September.
That was approximately 6.2% below the metropolitan median of $421,000.
Unlike Hays County, Williamson County experienced a 2.5% annual decline in median sales price. New listings increased 7.7%, while active listings decreased 2.8%.
The county had five months of housing inventory, slightly below the metropolitan average of 5.4 months.
For relocating households, this combination suggests opportunities to find homes below the broader regional median, although individual city prices can vary considerably.
Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park and Leander remain important communities to compare because of their different housing types, employment access, schools and commuting distances.
Travis County and Austin continue to command higher prices
The City of Austin itself experienced stronger median price growth than the metropolitan region. September's citywide median sales price reached $570,958, an increase of 4.2% year over year. The city recorded 777 closed sales, down 12.7%.
Travis County, which includes much of Austin along with communities such as Pflugerville and parts of Lakeway, recorded a median sales price of $497,400, up 2.6%.
Although both exceeded the metro's 1.4% price growth, their higher price levels highlight the affordability differences between Austin's urban core and surrounding suburban markets.
For buyers who prioritize proximity to major employment centers, Austin and nearby Travis County communities may remain attractive despite higher acquisition costs.
Hays County recorded the strongest annual median price growth among the five counties covered in the September report, while Williamson and Bastrop counties saw declines.
Caldwell County also showed a notable increase in pending sales, rising 80.8% year over year, although the county's relatively small number of transactions makes monthly percentage changes especially volatile.
Bastrop County recorded 7.6 months of housing inventory, the highest among the five counties, potentially offering buyers additional negotiating flexibility.
What the September numbers mean for newcomers moving to Central Texas
The latest MLS data suggests that relocating buyers should look beyond Austin's overall median sales price when evaluating their options.
Households prioritizing a lower median purchase price may want to examine Williamson County communities, including Round Rock, Georgetown, Hutto and Leander. Those interested in southern growth corridors may find Kyle, Buda and San Marcos worth exploring, particularly given Hays County's combination of rising median prices and expanding active listings.
Buyers seeking additional negotiating opportunities may also consider Bastrop County, where inventory exceeds seven months. The strongest market for an individual household ultimately depends on more than price appreciation. Property taxes, homeowners insurance, school boundaries, transportation costs and proximity to employment can significantly affect the overall cost of living.
September 2026 revealed a Central Texas housing market where price growth and sales activity are moving in different directions.
Hays County's 10.8% increase in median prices substantially outpaced the broader metropolitan market, while Williamson County offered a median price below $400,000. Meanwhile, Austin's citywide median continued to exceed $570,000.
For newcomers considering a move to Texas, these differences reinforce the importance of comparing individual communities rather than treating the Austin metropolitan area as one housing market.
For Let’s Move to Texas News readers, the key takeaway is that opportunities exist across Central Texas, but the right location depends on affordability, lifestyle and long-term housing goals.