80,067
Population
Sunny Days: 229
95100 Affordability
100100 Schools
90100 Diversity
100100 Safety
Living in Leander, Texas
Leanderthals
Leander Texas Aerial, Credit: Taylor Morrison
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
Devine Lake Park
Old Town Christmas Festival, Credit: Hill Country News
LookyLOO Review of Leander
Stepping Into the Spotlight
Leander is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, and it’s not hard to see why. Just north of Cedar Park and about 30–40 minutes from downtown Austin (depending on traffic), Leander offers more space, newer homes, and better prices than many of its closer-in neighbors. What used to be a sleepy outpost has exploded with new master-planned communities, shopping centers, and one of the most talked-about new downtown redevelopment projects in the metro.
This city is still in its transformation era. It’s not as polished or built-up as Cedar Park or Round Rock, but it's catching up fast, and the city government is betting big on its future. Projects like Leander Springs (a mixed-use community with a massive crystal lagoon centerpiece) and Northline (a walkable town center under development) are set to totally reshape the feel of the city over the next few years.
The biggest upside right now is value. You can get more home for your money than in Austin, Round Rock, or even Cedar Park, and still be within reach of great schools and decent commutes—especially if you work from home or use the MetroRail into the city.
Lifestyle in Leander
More Space, Newer Homes, and Community Life
If you like newer construction, community pools, and having a backyard, Leander’s got you covered. This is a suburb built for modern families, with tons of HOA neighborhoods offering parks, playscapes, splash pads, and clubhouses. Many communities are also trail-connected or close to the Brushy Creek Regional Trail system, which is popular for walking, running, and biking.
And if you're a commuter, Leander is home to the northernmost station of the MetroRail Red Line, which gives a transit option straight into Downtown Austin—rare in this part of the metro.
Schools in Leander
One of the Top Districts in Central Texas
Leander ISD is one of the best school districts in the region, known for high academic performance, competitive athletics, and strong arts programs. The district consistently earns an “A” from Niche.com and has a reputation for well-managed growth, even as enrollment has surged.
Top schools in the Leander area include:
Rouse High School: Rated A-, known for its inclusive culture and strong programs in performing arts and sports.
Whitestone Elementary School: A-rated and located just over the Cedar Park border, it still serves many Leander families.
With plenty of new schools opening to accommodate growth, families have lots of strong options at every grade level.
Why You Should Move Here Now
On the Rise
Leander is at that sweet spot where early movers still get the value of a developing area, but the upside is already becoming clear. With great schools, new homes, and big investments in infrastructure, Leander is becoming more than just an affordable suburb—it’s becoming a destination in its own right. If you want to be part of a community that’s growing fast but still feels family-first, it’s a strong pick.
Reviews of Leander from Locals
bmhouse88
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉
We are in our 30s with two small kiddos. We love living in Leander. We have found such a great community of people with kids the same age as ours and there is plenty to do close by and even more to do if you drive towards Austin which is only about 30 mins. If you’re looking for a more family friendly/kid friendly place, then Leander will be great. If you’re not yet in the kid phase of life, it may not be best suited for you. I would suggest coming to visit and seeing if you prefer North or South Austin more. Personally, I never felt super safe in South Austin and didn’t love the areas/size of house we could afford there. I also cannot stand the traffic down there. Leander still has traffic, but it is somehow more bearable than down south. Only one of our kiddos is in school currently so I have limited experience with it, but as a former teacher I was very happy with his school last year. As a side note, I grew up in a state that was in the top 5 best public schools in the country and my school district was the best in state. I never had a class with less than 22 kids in it. Last year my kiddos class had 18 students in it, so that seems pretty great to me. Obviously school districts will change over time, and your experience will differ with each teacher, but for right now we are pretty happy with our time in LISD.
For more reviews from locals check out: The Reviews
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Living in Leander
Neighborhoods in Leander
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Old Town Leander
Empty Nesters, Artists & Long-Timers
Old Town Leander is the original heart of the city and has a small, tight-knit feel. There’s still a bit of a country-town vibe here, with older homes, local diners, and low traffic. But the area is changing fast with the addition of new mixed-use developments and the MetroRail station nearby.
You’ll find everything from historic cottages to newer townhomes popping up, and while walkability is still limited, the city is trying to revitalize this part of Leander into a true town center.
Other areas with similar downtown-core appeal:
- Downtown Georgetown
- Elgin
- Taylor