77,516
Population
Sunny Days: 230
95100 Affordability
100100 Schools
85100 Diversity
100100 Safety
Living in Cedar Park, Texas
Cedar Parkers
Cedar Park Aerial
The GoodLot Outdoor Play
Cedar Park Skate Park
Cedar Park Bark
LookyLOO Review of Cedar Park
One of Austin’s Most Popular Suburbs — For Good Reason
Cedar Park is one of those suburbs that hits the mark for a lot of people—young families, remote workers, even folks downsizing from Austin proper. It's got top-rated schools, well-planned neighborhoods, big retail centers, and a solid parks system. And while it doesn’t have a “downtown” in the traditional sense, although that's coming with the new Bell District Development, the city still feels cohesive and full of life. There’s just a lot going on here.
Located about 20 miles northwest of downtown Austin, Cedar Park is close enough to make commuting realistic (at least a few days a week) but far enough to offer more space and quieter streets. And unlike some suburbs that feel like a collection of strip malls, Cedar Park has done a good job of mixing in green space, trails, sports centers, and family-friendly entertainment.
The downside? It’s not cheap. Cedar Park has become so popular that housing prices have jumped, and inventory can be tight. You’ll still get more for your money than in central Austin, but this isn’t a budget suburb anymore.
Lifestyle in Cedar Park
Big Suburb Energy With Room to Breathe
This is a place where people move for quality of life. The parks and trails are a major draw—Brushy Creek Lake Park is one of the best in the metro, with trails, playgrounds, kayak rentals, and wide-open spaces. The city also has sports complexes, recreation centers, and easy access to the nearby Balcones Canyonlands for more serious outdoor time.
On the entertainment front, Cedar Park is home to the HEB Center, which hosts concerts, hockey, and basketball games. The retail situation is also solid: Lakeline Mall is just south, and there are plenty of big-box stores, restaurants, and local spots all over town.
It’s not a nightlife hub, but for people with kids, dogs, and jobs, it’s got almost everything you need within a short drive.
Schools in Cedar Park
Top-Tier Across the Board
Cedar Park is served by Leander ISD, one of the most highly rated districts in Central Texas. Schools here consistently score A or A+ ratings on Niche.com, with strong academic, arts, and athletic programs.
Two standouts include:
Cedar Park High School: A-rated, especially known for its award-winning marching band and strong academics.
Deer Creek Elementary School: Another A-rated school with excellent parent reviews.
Families choose Cedar Park specifically for the schools, and it’s common to see people moving within the suburb just to land in a particular school zone.
Why You Should Move Here Now
Cedar Park is already a wonderful suburb. The only thing missing is a downtown area that rivals neighboring Round Rock and completes the social and community scene for locals. The coming Bell District will provide that and should give housing prices a boost in the long run. The double benefit of an improved community social experience + the potential value increase makes Cedar Park a good bet for the future.
Reviews of Cedar Park from Locals
8080a
10mo ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉
It’s very safe and people are nice—though like most suburbs, seem to mostly keep to themselves. It’s clean. Great for families, but also a good home base even if you don’t have kids. Head up Lakeline and take a left on 1431, and you’re heading into gorgeous hill country. Only 20 minutes from the fun stuff in Austin, depending on traffic. Decently close to the lake if you like lake stuff. The train, such as it is and better than nothing, runs from Leander and Cedar Park to downtown Austin (not available yet in other burbs). And best part, for me, is unless you work off I-35, you can go months, or even years not even getting on I-35. And the awesomeness of that fact may not make sense now, but if you move to the Austin area, you’ll understand the beauty of that pretty quick.
The only con is if you don’t like suburbs, because it’s super suburb. But as far as suburbs go, it’s pleasant AF. Also, Brushy Creek Trail is fantastic for a walk/bike ride/hike.
For more reviews from locals of Cedar Park, check out: The Reviews
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Living in Cedar Park
Neighborhoods in Cedar Park
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Buttercup Creek
Families & Longtime Locals
Buttercup Creek is one of the older, established neighborhoods in Cedar Park, with tree-lined streets, parks, and a nice mix of home sizes. Homes here were mostly built in the 1990s and early 2000s, so they have a little more character and bigger lots than some of the newer subdivisions. Median home prices in the neighborhood is $545k.
There are walking trails and playgrounds scattered throughout, and it’s close to both shopping and the HEB Center. Schools here are strong and zoned to Leander ISD, including Cypress Elementary and Cedar Park High School.
Other similar neighborhoods:
- Anderson Mill West
- Carriage Hills
- Twin Creeks (more upscale)