Hustle and bustle can be nice every once in a while, but sometimes we all need a break. As one of the fastest-growing cities in America, Austin can become overwhelming at times. Thankfully, there are still some slow-paced small towns near the capital city that know how to keep life simple. These small towns around Austin, Texas, are loaded with charm, gorgeous scenery, and friendly faces.

1. Liberty Hill
Liberty Hill, TX 78642, USA
Texas.713/Flickr
With a population of 1,608 people, it's easy to know your neighbor in Liberty Hill. This small town sits 35 miles north of downtown Austin.
2. Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs, TX, USA
Andreanna Moya Photogrpahy/Flickr
Right in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Dripping Springs has some amazing views. This area is full of picturesque wineries and quaint fields.
3. Elgin
Elgin, TX 78621, USA
Jack/Flickr
Home of the annual Hogeye Festival, Elgin, Texas, is bursting with charm. Several blockbusters have filmed in this small town including Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Alamo, and Transformers 4.
4. Buda
Buda, TX 78610, USA
Nicolas Henderson/Flickr
Head south of Austin for affordable housing and small-town charm. This Austin suburb has its quirky traditions such as the annual wiener dog races.
5. Hutto
Hutto, TX 78634, USA
mcdlttx/Flickr
Beginning as a small railroad stop in 1876, Hutto has blossomed into a charming city full of Texas flair. While you're there, definitely dine at The Texan Cafe, a beloved local diner that's known for having the best pies in Texas!
6. Johnson City
Johnson City, TX 78636, USA
Nicolas Henderson/Flickr
This friendly city is famous for being President Lyndon B. Johnson's childhood home. Founded by LBJ's uncle, James Polk Johnson, this tiny town is bustling with history. Visitors can still visit LBJ's childhood home in Johnson City to this day.

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7. Driftwood
Driftwood, TX 78619, USA
Bradley Watson/Flickr
North of San Marcos sits a town that seems frozen in time. People flock to Driftwood, Texas, for some epic barbecue, delicious wine, and quiet relaxation.
8. Florence
Florence, TX 76527, USA
Jason St Peter/Flickr
Drive 40 miles north of Austin and you'll come across this little slice of paradise. Florence has been around since the early 1850s. To this day, there's no view more stunning than a Florence, Texas sunset.
9. Marble Falls
Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
Wil C. Fry/Flickr
Home of Sweet Berry Farm, Marble Falls, Texas, attracts visitors from all over the Austin area.
10. Wimberley
Wimberley, TX, USA
Will-travel/Flickr
Only about 2,626 people live in Wimberley, but thousands of people visit this Texas Hill Country wonderland every year. Its quaint surroundings and down-home feel will make you never want to leave.
11. Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
CameliaTWU/Flickr
When the holidays roll around, there's no better place to frolic than in Fredericksburg. This town began as a small German city named after Prince Frederick of Prussia. Today, it's full of delicious candy shops, boutiques, and museums.
12. Taylor
Taylor, TX, USA
Andy/Flickr
Taylor, Texas, was founded in 1876 as a stop for the International–Great Northern Railroad. It's historically been a huge shopping post for grain, cotton, and cattle. Today, it's known as one of the best BBQ destinations in TX!

Have you visited any of these small towns near Austin? Did we miss any of your favorite little locales in this part of the Lone Star State? Share them with us in the comments below — we are always excited to explore new Texas towns! Tiny towns have some of the best diners, too. If you’re ever in Elgin, be sure to swing by this small-town restaurant.

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More to Explore

Small Towns Near Austin

Sarah M. | September 23, 2022

What are some small towns near Austin with walkable downtowns?

Texas is a big and sprawling state, but luckily, our small towns feel incredibly cozy and accessible. There are lots of small towns where, once you arrive, you won't even need a car to get around (though you might see folks using alternative methods of transportation in these little locales!). For example, Lockhart, Texas, is a small town near Austin that is incredibly walkable and pedestrian friendly. A 30-minute drive from ATX, Lockhart, Texas, is full of historic buildings and friendly faces and feels worlds away from this bustling Texas hub. In addition to cool historic points of interest around town -- the Caldwell County Courthouse was built in 1894 -- Lockhart is known as one of the premier BBQ destinations in all of Texas! With four delicious barbecue restaurants in close range, Lockhart is proudly considered the "barbecue capital of Texas." Kreuz Barbeque, Smitty's Market, Chisholm Trail Barbecue, and Black's Barbecue can all be found within a stone's throw from each other and the walk to each of these destinations is short and sweet (and recommended, because you will certainly need to walk off some of those brisket sandwiches in-between dining destinations!). Of course, Lockhart is just one of many small towns near Austin with delightful downtown districts; Fredericksburg is another must-visit that's especially beautiful during bluebonnet season!

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