5 Best Hays County Neighborhoods for First-Time Home Buyers
If you’re a first-time home buyer looking for an affordable home near Austin, Hays County offers a wide variety of neighborhoods, home styles and price points. Kyle, Buda and San Marcos continue to attract buyers who want more home for their money while staying within commuting distance of Austin.
Here are five Hays County neighborhoods worth considering:
1. Plum Creek – Kyle
Plum Creek is one of Kyle’s most established communities, offering mature landscaping, trails, golf-course amenities and a variety of resale homes. It can be a good choice for first-time buyers who want an established neighborhood rather than brand-new construction.
2. Hometown Kyle – Kyle
Hometown Kyle appeals to buyers looking for newer homes and an affordable entry point into homeownership. New construction can also provide opportunities to take advantage of builder incentives that may help with closing costs or interest-rate buydowns.
3. Bunton Creek Village – Kyle
Bunton Creek offers a suburban neighborhood environment with community amenities and a mix of homes at different price points. Its location makes it worth considering for buyers who want access to Kyle's growing retail and employment areas.
4. Sunfield – Buda
Sunfield is a popular master-planned community with newer homes, parks, pools and other amenities. Buda can be attractive to buyers who want a shorter commute toward Austin while still looking for more affordable options than Austin proper.
5. Cottonwood Creek – San Marcos
San Marcos offers some of the more affordable home-buying opportunities in Hays County, and Cottonwood Creek is worth considering for first-time buyers seeking newer homes and community amenities. San Marcos also provides access to Texas State University, shopping, restaurants and outdoor recreation.
Don't Forget the Other Costs of Buying
The purchase price is only part of the equation. First-time buyers should plan for:
- Down payment: Depending on the loan program, qualified buyers may be able to purchase with a relatively small down payment.
- Closing costs: These can include lender fees, title expenses, prepaid taxes and insurance. In some transactions, sellers or builders may contribute toward eligible closing costs.
- Earnest money: This is money deposited after the contract is executed to demonstrate the buyer's commitment. Your contract and local practices determine the amount and how it is handled.
- Home inspection: A professional inspection can identify potential problems before you complete the purchase. Buyers should budget for the inspection and consider additional inspections when appropriate.
- Don't Overlook Down Payment Assistance
- Qualified Texas buyers may have access to programs through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). My First Texas Home provides eligible first-time buyers with down payment and closing-cost assistance, while My Choice Texas Home can provide assistance to eligible buyers who don't meet the first-time-buyer requirement.
There are also additional assistance funds available in Hays County through the Capital Area Housing Finance Corporation partnership. Current program rules, income limits, purchase-price limits and available funding can change, so buyers should verify eligibility with an approved lender before relying on a particular program.
Thinking about buying your first home in Kyle, Buda, San Marcos or elsewhere in Hays County? Call or text Hays County Real Estate Expert Allen Deaver with Asset Realty at 512.791.4543. I can help you compare neighborhoods, understand the buying process and find opportunities that fit your budget.
