Moving to Austin, Texas · 2026
Moving to Austin, Texas: Relocation Guide for Families
If you’re moving to Austin with a family, two areas southwest of downtown, where the city meets the Hill Country, are worth a close look. This guide compares the two areas Justin specializes in: Southwest Austin (78749, 78739, 78737), about 12 to 18 miles from downtown with Austin ISD and Dripping Springs ISD schools, and Dripping Springs (78620), about 24 miles out with more space and Dripping Springs ISD.
By Justin Cofield, Texas Realtor·Updated October 2026
From a local parent
Relocating to Austin with your family
As a local Realtor, and a parent myself, I know what matters most when you’re relocating with a family: great schools, safe neighborhoods, fun weekend spots and a real sense of community.
Whether you’re moving across Texas or across the country, this guide helps you narrow down where to live first. Then each area guide goes deeper on neighborhoods, schools, taxes and the move itself.
Before you move
Austin basics every relocating family should know
No state income tax
Texas has no state personal income tax. Property taxes do more of the work, so budget for them when you compare homes.
Property tax rates
2025 combined rates before exemptions: about $2.05 per $100 inside Austin city limits with Austin ISD, and about $1.73 per $100 inside Dripping Springs city limits. A primary home gets a $140,000 school-tax homestead exemption. Some neighborhoods add MUD or PID taxes.
Travis or Hays County
Most of Southwest Austin is in Travis County and Austin ISD. Dripping Springs and most of 78737 are in Hays County and Dripping Springs ISD. School lines don’t follow ZIP codes, so confirm zoning for the exact address.
Room to negotiate
The Austin area had 5.4 months of homes for sale in September 2026, and homes closed at about 93% of list price. Buyers have real choices, though popular ZIP codes like 78739 still move faster.
Getting to downtown
Leaving at 8:20 on a weekday: typically 24–50 min from Circle C (13.3 mi) and 35 min to 1 hr 10 min from Dripping Springs (24.2 mi) to the Capitol.
Texas deadlines
Register your vehicle within 30 days, get a Texas driver’s license within 90 days, and file your homestead exemption with your county appraisal district.
Side by side
Southwest Austin or Dripping Springs?
Both are popular with relocating families. The biggest differences are the drive, the space and the school district.
| Southwest Austin | Dripping Springs | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | A shorter commute, established neighborhoods and amenities | More space, newer homes and a small-town Hill Country feel |
| ZIP codes | 78749, 78739, 78737 | 78620, plus 78619 (Driftwood) and 78737 |
| Schools | Mostly Austin ISD; most of 78737 is Dripping Springs ISD | Dripping Springs ISD |
| Median sale | $580K (78749) · $822K (78739) · $830K (78737)Redfin, Jul–Sep 2026 | $603K (78620) · $939K (78619)Redfin, Jul–Sep 2026 |
| To the Capitol, 8:20 AM | Typically 24–50 min from Circle CGoogle Maps | Typically 35 min–1 hr 10 minGoogle Maps |
| Tax rate (2025) | About $2.05 per $100 in city limits with Austin ISD | About $1.73 per $100 in city limits |
| County | Travis (Hays for most of 78737) | Hays |
Go deeper
Your two relocation guides
Southwest Austin Relocation Guide
Neighborhoods, Austin ISD and DSISD schools, taxes, the commute and how buying from out of town works.
Open the Southwest Austin guide
Dripping Springs Relocation Guide
Hill Country living, Dripping Springs ISD, taxes, acreage, wells and septic, and a week-by-week moving checklist.
Open the Dripping Springs guideMoving somewhere else in the Austin area? Justin helps buyers across Central Texas too. Tell him where you’re headed.
Book a 20-minute callEmail me both relocation guides
The printable Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs relocation guides, each with a week-by-week moving checklist, so you can compare the two areas side by side.
Talk to a local
Book a 20-minute relocation call with Justin
Tell Justin where you’re moving from, your timing and what matters most. He’ll suggest where to start and answer questions about schools, taxes and the commute.
20-minute phone call.
Common questions
Moving to Austin: FAQs
Where should I live if I'm moving to Austin with kids?
It depends on what matters most. Southwest Austin (78749, 78739 and 78737) is closer to the city, with Austin ISD and Dripping Springs ISD schools and established, amenity-rich neighborhoods. Dripping Springs (78620) offers more space, newer homes and a Hill Country small-town feel, with Dripping Springs ISD and a longer drive. Both are popular with relocating families.
Does Texas have a state income tax?
No. Texas has no state personal income tax. Property taxes do more of the work instead, so budget for them when you compare homes.
How much are property taxes in the Austin area?
It depends on the exact address. For 2025, the combined rate inside Austin city limits with Austin ISD was about $2.05 per $100 of value, and inside Dripping Springs city limits about $1.73 per $100, before exemptions. A primary home gets a $140,000 school-tax homestead exemption. Some neighborhoods add MUD or PID taxes.
How long is the commute to downtown Austin?
Leaving at 8:20 on a weekday morning, Google Maps estimates typically 24 to 50 minutes from Circle C in Southwest Austin (13.3 miles) and 35 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes from Dripping Springs (24.2 miles) to the Texas Capitol. Outside rush hour the drive is shorter.
What do homes cost in Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs?
Over the three months ending September 2026, Redfin's median sale price was about $580,000 in 78749, $822,000 in 78739, $830,000 in 78737, $603,000 in 78620 (Dripping Springs) and $939,000 in 78619 (Driftwood), for all home types.
What do I need to do after moving to Texas?
Register your vehicle within 30 days, get a Texas driver's license from DPS within 90 days, and file for your homestead exemption with your county appraisal district. Confirm current rules with each agency.
Can I buy a home in Austin before I move?
Yes. Many relocating buyers start with a video call, tour homes by live video or on one short visit, and sign documents electronically. Get pre-approved with a lender licensed in Texas first.
Connect with a local Realtor
Your guide to the Austin area
Hi, I’m Justin Cofield. I help families relocating to Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs find the right neighborhood, school and home, often before they arrive.
- Brokerage
- REAL Brokerage LLC · Texas license 701768
- Experience
- 9 years in Texas real estate · 70+ five-star Google reviews
- Serves
- Southwest Austin, Dripping Springs and Driftwood
- Contact
- 512.971.0157 · justin@justincofield.com
70+ five-star reviews
Tyler Payne
Elaina Walzel
Linda Bostian49
Keep exploring
More guides for your move
Southwest Austin Neighborhood Guide
Market numbers, ZIP codes and every neighborhood.
Open → GuideDripping Springs Neighborhood Guide
Market numbers, ZIP codes and every neighborhood.
Open → ToolRent vs Buy Calculator
Rent first or buy right away? Run your numbers.
Open →Sources: Home prices: Redfin, median sale price for all home types, three months ending September 2026. Austin-area inventory and close-to-list: Unlock MLS, Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro, September 2026. Property taxes: 2025 adopted rates of each taxing unit; homestead exemption: Texas Tribune. Drive times: Google Maps estimates for a Wednesday 8:20 AM departure to the Texas Capitol; they vary with traffic. Deadlines: Texas DMV and Texas DPS. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
