Austin, Texas has been a regular fixture on lists of the nation’s fastest-growing housing markets in recent years. The Lone Star State’s robust labor market, natural outdoor appeal, and laid-back lifestyle attract tenants and homeowners alike. Austin has climbed to the top of the best cities for career growth list. Austin’s unemployment rate in 2019 was 2.7%, which is lower than the state average of 4%.
As a result of the increased housing demand, inventory has increased, and today’s Austin homebuyers can select from various housing choices. Below are the best kinds of Austin homes to buy.
Townhomes
Though single-family homes still account for most home purchases in Austin, other, more urban styles have seen increased growth in recent years. Townhouses are a standard home design in Austin, mixing the freedom of a single-family home with a low-maintenance lifestyle. They can be seen anywhere from the center of Central Austin and East Austin’s activity to quieter places in Northwest Austin.
In Austin, the townhouse market is dominated by new growth, whether in master-planned developments or condo-style townhome associations. When opposed to single-family houses, this arrangement saves costs for townhouse owners. Their affordability places them ahead of the more expensive single-family homes.
Craftsman Bungalows
Though apartment units, condos, and other multi-family residences are becoming more common as Austin’s urban identity grows, single-family homes still account for most Travis County home sales. The Craftsman Bungalow is a typical style in many of the city’s neighborhoods.
The Craftsman Bungalow is a simpler version of the more intricate American Victorian (including Queen Anne) home, with an expansive floor plan on the ground level (with an easy flow between the living room, dining room, and kitchen) and a simplified front porch. Built for middle-class households without live-in servants in the early/mid-20th century.
Condominiums
Condominiums in mid-rise buildings are an outstanding investment for investors looking for an urban lifestyle with lots of facilities and no upkeep. Throughout Austin, condos can be found with a concentration in the city’s most central areas, especially Downtown Austin.
Luxury condo apartments are primarily in high-rise towers, but more affordable models can be found in mid-rise condo buildings. Although mid-rise buildings lack some of the more upscale facilities seen in luxury apartment complexes, they provide the convenience of on-site cleaning, reserved parking, swimming pools, and exercise centers.
Contemporary Homes
Contemporary homes have seen a recent surge in popularity in the Austin area, including in suburban neighborhoods like Round Rock and Georgetown, thanks to sculptural construction, a compact rise in livable space, and a focus on panoramic landscape views from the walls.
Contemporary homes are often the new and custom construction product since they are a growing segment of the Austin housing market. As a result, these homes also have cutting-edge “smart house” features such as active solar heating, composting toilets, Low-E windows, and rainwater harvesting systems. Buyers who value open floor plans, high-tech structures, and creative approaches to energy conservation will love these homes.
