If you’ve been dreaming of building a custom home, starting a small farm, or simply investing in land, now is a great time to explore land for sale near Austin, TX. With rapid growth, a booming economy, and a high quality of life, the greater Austin area offers prime opportunities to buy half-acre to multi-acre lots perfect for building your dream home or creating a long-term investment.

Whether you're looking for wide open spaces, hill country views, or proximity to the tech corridor, this guide will walk you through the best places to buy land around Austin and Travis county—and what to look for as you search.

Why Buy Land Near Austin?

Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., known for its strong job market, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. But with that growth comes limited space and rising home prices within the city limits. Many families and investors are ready to make the move to Central Texas, but are price out of areas like Bee Cave, Westlake, Lakeway, and other sought-after Austin areas,

Purchasing land just outside Austin gives you more space, more freedom, and often more value for your money. It also opens the door to:

• Building a custom home with the layout, finishes, features, and square feet you really want

• Starting a homestead, ranch, or garden on Texas land in a peaceful setting

• Investing in land with strong appreciation potential

• Enjoying privacy and nature while staying within reach of city amenities

Now, let’s explore the top areas around Austin for buying land.

Best Places to Buy Land Near Austin, TX

1. Dripping Springs

Best for: Custom homes, luxury homes, hill country views

Located just 25 miles west of downtown Austin, Dripping Springs offers a picturesque setting in the Texas Hill Country with easy access to city amenities. Known for its wineries, natural beauty, and strong school district (Dripping Springs ISD), this area is ideal for families and custom home builders and huge lot sizes. You’ll find everything from half-acre lots in planned subdivisions to 10+ acre parcels on rolling hills and room to roam.

Quick Tip: Look for lots with water well access or city water, and be aware of building restrictions in hill country terrain.

2. Liberty Hill

Best for: Multi-acre land, horse properties, rural living with growth potential

Northwest of Austin, Liberty Hill has become a popular spot for buyers seeking multi-acre tracts—perfect for ranching, farming, or simply enjoying more space. It’s part of the growing Georgetown metro area and offers a great blend of rural charm and suburban convenience. Many parcels are unrestricted or lightly restricted, making it ideal for agricultural or recreational use.

Real Estate Tip: Properties with ag exemptions can offer significant tax savings—ask your realtor how to qualify.

3. Bastrop

Best for: Affordability, wooded acreage, investment potential

East of Austin, Bastrop offers some of the most affordable land prices near the city, making it attractive for both investors and home builders, and those looking to build multi-family compounds. You'll find everything from wooded lots perfect for secluded cabins to cleared pastureland ideal for farming or future development.

With Tesla’s Gigafactory nearby and the growing interest in East Austin, Bastrop is seeing renewed attention as a smart place to invest now before list prices climb further.

4. Leander

Best for: Family-friendly developments, infrastructure access, growth

Leander is one of the fastest-growing suburbs in Texas, located just 30 minutes from downtown Austin. While it’s known for residential neighborhoods, there are still pockets of half-acre and 1–5 acre lots available for those who want more space while staying close to top-rated schools, shopping, and restaurants.

Good to Know: Leander offers city water/sewer in many areas—ideal for buyers who don’t want the responsibility of a septic system.

5. Spicewood

Best for: Lake access, peaceful surroundings, high-end builds

Nestled between Lake Travis and the Pedernales River, Spicewood is a hidden gem for those seeking lakefront or hill country land. This area is perfect for buyers wanting a tranquil lifestyle with outdoor recreation and scenic views. Many properties here offer gated communities or private road access, and 1–10 acre lots are common.

6. Buda

Best for: Small-town charm, quick access to South Austin
Located just 15 minutes south of Austin, Buda blends rural peace with convenience. It’s a great place for buyers seeking half-acre to multi-acre homesites with a small-town feel. With easy access to I-35, it’s popular among commuters and families wanting more space without a long drive.

7. Del Valle

Best for: Investment potential, proximity to Tesla & airport
Del Valle is an up-and-coming area just southeast of Austin. With Tesla’s Gigafactory, Austin-Bergstrom Airport, and other developments nearby, this is one of the most promising places for land investment. You can still find larger lots and undeveloped acreage with great potential for appreciation.

8. Cedar Park

Best for: Established communities, light restrictions, proximity to tech hubs
Cedar Park is a northern suburb of Austin with growing access to larger lots and semi-rural properties, especially as development pushes outward. While it’s more developed than other towns on this list, there are still pockets of land available for custom builds—great for those who want more space with all the modern conveniences nearby.

9. Manor

Best for: Affordability, new construction, rapid growth
Just 15 minutes northeast of Austin, Manor is exploding in popularity thanks to new neighborhoods, tech development, and available land at more affordable prices. You'll find everything from half-acre suburban lots to multi-acre raw land, making it ideal for both custom home buyers and land investors.

What to Look for When Buying Land

Whether you’re purchasing for personal use or investment, here are a few expert tips to keep in mind when navigating the Austin real estate market:

• Zoning & Restrictions: Always verify zoning laws and deed restrictions before buying. They affect what you can build and how the land can be used.

• Utilities: Check for access to water, electricity, internet, and septic approval. Raw land may require utility installation costs.

• Topography & Soil: Understand the slope, drainage, and soil composition—especially if you plan to build a home or grow crops.

• Floodplain Status: Ask for a floodplain map. Avoid low-lying land that may be difficult or costly to insure and develop.

• Future Growth: Look into nearby developments, school districts, and planned infrastructure improvements for insight into long-term value.

For additional information about Tx land use specific to homesteading, farming, and ranching, check out this article.

Let’s Find the Right Land for You

Buying land near Austin, TX opens the door to a world of possibility—whether you're ready to break ground on your forever home or start building your investment portfolio.

As a local Austin realtor with years of experience helping buyers navigate rural and suburban land purchases, I can guide you through every step: from financing and site selection to permits and closing.

Ready to explore land for sale near Austin Tx?

Let’s talk! Whether you’re looking land for sale for a peaceful 2-acre lot in Dripping Springs or a 10-acre homestead outside Bastrop, I’ll help you find the perfect property to match your vision.

Contact me to schedule a consultation or view current land listings near Austin, TX.