Hear the scritch-scratch of tiny paws whizzing down the track? It's Wiener Dog Racing time in Buda, Texas! Each April, the Buda County Fair hosts this much-anticipated canine race to see which gallant-hearted dachshund will win that year's championship. The race is followed by, among other events, a best-dressed dog contest. It's easy to see that the residents of Buda, "The Outdoor Capital of Texas," love their dogs.
Located in the Texas Hill Country region just 13 miles southwest of Austin and 60 miles northeast of San Antonio, Buda, Texas, serves as a bedroom community for folks who work or play in the nearby capital city. During the heyday of the International-Great Northern Railroad, Buda started out as a railroad stop alongside the tracks. Things really got rolling when a much-sought-after depot was built in 1881; the city (called, at the time, Du Pre) was platted and began to gain even more momentum after the Carrington Hotel was built. The two widows in the kitchen cooked delicious, wholesome meals for hungry train travelers, and the hostess, Mrs. Carrington, was known to be friendly and well-liked by all. The city soon grew when settlers came, liked what they saw, got along fine with the friendly people they met, and decided to stay. Over the years, Buda has retained its small-town feel, slow-paced lifestyle and "country calm," even while larger surrounding cities experienced explosions in growth and population. The city fathers of Buda tout an affordable, safe, secure town, flush with outdoor activities and parks, whose residents are community-minded and proud of the city's history.
Moving to Buda
Because of its proximity to Austin, the capital of Texas, a move to Buda means enjoying the best of both worlds: small-town life close to the draw of big-city shopping, culture, employment, museums and nightlife. "Small town" often translates into residents who move in and stay put, which may, at times, impact vacancy rates. In fact, 48 percent of Buda residents have lived in the same home for five years or more. It's possible that once you make the decision to live in Buda, you may feel like putting down roots and calling it home forever.
The good news, if you're planning a move to Buda, is that home and condo values are slightly higher than they are in the rest of the state of Texas. Compared to Austin, Buda has a lower cost of living and homes are more affordable. Deciding where you want to live and how much you want to spend on your monthly rent or mortgage is entirely up to your personal budget, but the city does have affordable housing available. The average house, condo or apartment in Buda has 4-5 rooms; most of the homes were built during or after the late 1980s or 1990s. Renters, on average, pay in the affordable mid-range for apartment or house rentals. Luxury rentals, should you be interested in a more upscale lifestyle, are obtainable. Your best bet is to take your time, have a cup of coffee and a slice of pie at one of Buda's homey restaurants between scoping out available apartments, homes, or condos and deciding if you want to rent or buy. Buda, Texas, is all about laid-back living and lowering your blood pressure. Try Buda's "country calm" on for size while you're apartment- or house-hunting and see how it feels.
Apartment and condo rentals are available, but the number of different complexes to choose from may be limited. Senior citizen communities are a boon for those in their golden years looking for a place in Buda to call home. Allow yourself a comfortable amount of time before your planned move to land an apartment, condo, or home. If you have pets, bear that in mind and search for pet friendly apartments. Additional non-refundable pet fees are required. Save yourself headaches and delays by making sure you have all the correct proof of identity, references and documentation needed for credit-history checks and rental applications. Be prepared for placing deposits down on any apartment, condo or property you're interested in. Once you're in, you'll need to arrange for utilities, which may require deposits before service is initiated.
Neighborhoods and Apartment Communities in Buda
Many neighborhoods in Buda are close to schools, shopping and the historic downtown center. Finding a neighborhood that's the best fit for you and your budget should be relatively easy in small, scenic Buda, Texas.
Green Meadows: Close to a community park, Green Meadows is friendly neighborhood. Shopping off nearby I-35 is a snap. Homeowners must maintain a membership with the Green Meadows Homeowner's Association. Choose from five available model homes.
Shadow Creek: This is a master-planned, deed-restricted (to protect market values), housing community in Buda with plenty of amenities, such as soccer fields, basketball and volleyball courts, pool and a "playscape."
Meadow Park: Easily accessed from I-35, Meadow Park is another welcoming housing community, close to good schools and shopping. For medical needs, Seton Park Medical Center is only a few minutes away.
Whispering Hollow: Here's a Buda neighborhood with lots of trails for hiking and bike-riding. Amenities also include a pool, an on-site school that's been designated as "exemplary" by the state, a picnic pavilion and a playground.
Apartment Complexes in Buda
Tuscany Park at Buda: An apartment community designed for "those who know what they want out of life," Tuscany Park is centrally located and close to Buda's shopping, dining, and parks.
The Trails at Buda Ranch: The Trails at Buda Ranch is definitely a pet friendly apartment community, though you'll need to put down a deposit for each pet. The complex features a resort-type swimming pool, fitness center and one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments.
Silverado Crossing: Located in the San Marcos area, Silverado Crossing Apartment Community offers a 24-hour fitness center and access to the "Live In Buda Club Card," which gives discounts to the bearer at many of Buda's dining and shopping establishments.
Living in Buda, Texas
"It's better in Buda!" claims the City of Buda's Chamber of Commerce. A town that hosts an annual Wiener Dog Race has got to be filled with entertaining things to do, see, and participate in, all with a dash of humor and fun. This Texas outdoor capital contains hundreds of acres of parkland, ready for exploring and getting your outdoor groove on. Festivals and events abound, including the Movies in the Park during the early summer and April's Louisiana Swamp Thing & Crawfish Festival. Great for people from all walks of life, Buda, Texas, is a place where you can catch your breath and sit a spell.
