Thinking about buying a home in Texas in 2026. Which cities are actually worth considering?

Yeah, those “modern” flips with the suspiciously shiny laminate always crack me up - like, who are they fooling? You’re spot on about the outskirts. I picked up a place just outside Austin a couple years back and the peace is unreal. Sure, you might have to drive a bit more, but having actual breathing room (and maybe a garage that fits more than a bike) is worth it. DIY sweat equity can be a game changer, too - plus, you get to skip those weird “upgrades” that fall apart after a year.

Couldn’t agree more on those “upgrades” - I’ve seen some flips where the paint’s barely dry and the cabinets already wobble. Outskirts can be a solid move. Helped a buddy get into Leander last year and he’s loving the space, but yeah, you do end up driving more. Worth it if you’re handy and don’t mind putting in some work yourself.

Outskirts can be a solid move. Helped a buddy get into Leander last year and he’s loving the space, but yeah, you do end up driving more.

That extra driving is what gives me pause. Gas, maintenance, and time add up fast - sometimes those savings on the house get eaten by the commute. Have you factored in rising insurance and property taxes out there? I’ve seen folks get surprised by those after moving further out. Sometimes a smaller place closer in pencils out better long-term, even if it feels like less space upfront. Just something to chew on.

Sometimes a smaller place closer in pencils out better long-term, even if it feels like less space upfront.

Totally get this. We moved out to Cedar Park for the yard, but honestly, the extra gas and surprise property tax hikes have been a pain. Sometimes I miss our old shoebox in town - at least we could walk to tacos.

Sometimes I miss our old shoebox in town - at least we could walk to tacos.

Funny how the “more space” dream sometimes backfires. We did the same thing out in Pflugerville - bigger house, but my car expenses shot up and the tax bill was a shocker. Did you factor in HOA fees too? Sometimes I wonder if all-in costs ever really get lower outside the city.