With vibrant cultures, strong economies, and gorgeous natural surroundings, the Austin and San Antonio areas have all the key ingredients buyers seek out. The pleasant suburbs near Austin and San Antonio are often an underrated aspect of this region. Of these numerous suburbs, Hutto stands out as one of the top options.
Hutto, just a 35-minute drive from Austin, is a growing city home to around 30,000 residents. It has a quiet, laid-back feel but a unique personality and plenty to explore. Let’s look at some of the aspects of Hutto that make it one of the top communities in the San Antonio and Austin area.
Relative Affordability and Strong Economy
Austin has become known as one of the country’s scorching real estate markets, leading to a significant decrease in housing affordability. According to Realtor.com, the median listing price for a home in Austin was $619,000 in March 2023, which makes it the most expensive major city in Texas and one of the most expensive cities in the South. But just about 30 minutes away, the Hutto real estate market remains much more affordable, with a median home sale price of $360,000 in February 2023, according to Redfin. This increased affordability is incredibly valuable, providing residents the opportunity to benefit from Austin’s surging economy without paying the associated high prices.
Vibrant Culture and Fun Reputation
Hutto is an excellent place to live because it has a unique environment, particularly embodied by the town tradition of the Hutto hippos. The city has embraced the legend that a hippo escaped from a circus near the town in the early 20th century. The hippo now acts as a mascot for both the town and the local school, and thousands of colorful hippo sculptures are scattered across the city.
Beyond the hippos, Hutto is a charming community with a beautiful and historic downtown that has much to do. The downtown has buildings dating back over a century, delicious restaurants serving classic Texas flavors, local businesses, and nearby golf courses. And since the city is one of Texas’s fastest-growing communities, new developments, restaurants, and shops are constantly springing up.
Natural Scenery and Nearby Outdoor Destinations
The Austin and San Antonio area, as well as the Texas Hill Country in general, are known for their scenic natural beauty. This certainly carries over to Hutto, a lush city with pleasant parks and scenery and appealing natural destinations nearby. Hutto offers more than 150 acres of public parks, including Hutto Lake Park. Also, Cottonwood Trail stretches for more than three miles along Cottonwood Creek between two parks.
Outside Hutto, you’ll find plenty of natural destinations to enjoy. Lake Pflugerville Park is a pleasant green space in neighboring Pflugerville centered on the tranquil waters of Lake Pflugerville. Hutto is also near the San Gabriel River, which has parks and bike trails by the water.
