By Tanya Kerr, M.Ed., Broker Associate, REALTOR® | T. Kerr Property Group | Updated May 2026
Where are people actually moving in 2026? After years of attention on “Austin” as a single market, the data shows the relocation story is more nuanced, and Williamson County is where most of the action is happening.
Here’s what we’re seeing this year, both from our own client base and from broader market data.
The Big Picture: Williamson County Leads
Williamson County continues to lead Central Texas in-migration in 2026. Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and Liberty Hill have all expanded faster than Austin proper for several consecutive years. Several factors drive this:
- Lower property tax rates than Travis County in most cases
- Larger lot sizes and newer construction
- Strong school districts at competitive price points
- Major employer expansion (Apple campus, Samsung Taylor plant)
- Master-planned communities with mature amenities
- A small-town feel in Georgetown’s Old Town and Round Rock’s downtown
Specific hot zones we’re tracking:
• Wolf Ranch (Georgetown)
• Liberty Hill ISD area (rapid school district growth)
• Cedar Park master-planned communities (Apple proximity)
• Hutto and Taylor (Samsung Taylor expansion)
• Sun City Georgetown (active adult relocation continues)
Top In-Migration Sources
California remains #1. Bay Area, LA, San Diego, all consistent feeders. Tech transferees still represent a substantial portion.
Washington State #2. Seattle metro, particularly Bellevue, Redmond, and Sammamish. Microsoft and Amazon employees feature heavily.
Illinois and New York are growing. Chicago metro and New York metro both showing increased relocation activity.
Florida is a new and growing source. Florida-to-Texas relocation has accelerated as Florida’s insurance crisis has compressed quality of life there.
Other notable feeders: Ohio, Minnesota, and various Mountain West states (Colorado, Arizona).
What Newcomers Are Buying in 2026
Single-family detached homes dominate. Roughly 90% of our relocation clients buy single-family detached homes.
Larger lots are increasingly popular. Highland Estates, River Chase, and Cimarron Hills (1+ acre lots) have absorbed significant out-of-state demand.
New construction vs. resale. Both, with the mix shifting based on inventory.
Median price points:
• Most relocation buyers land in the $400K-$800K range
• Tech transferees often target $700K-$1.2M
• Luxury relocation typically $1.2M-$3M+
• Sun City Georgetown 55+ relocators typically $400K-$700K
Predictions for the Rest of 2026
We’re not in the prediction business, markets are unpredictable. But based on what we’re seeing:
Inventory should remain healthier than the 2020-2022 era. This benefits relocation buyers especially.
Property tax planning will become more sophisticated. With the November 2025 homestead exemption increase to $140,000, expect more financial advisors and CPAs to include Texas tax planning in relocation conversations.
Williamson County should continue to outpace Travis County in residential growth.
Relocation buyer expectations have matured. The ‘just get me to Texas’ urgency of 2021 has been replaced by careful, deliberate buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are most people moving in Austin in 2026?
Williamson County continues to lead, particularly Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and Liberty Hill.
Are people still moving to Austin in 2026?
Yes, in substantial numbers. California remains the #1 in-migration source, followed by Washington State.
Is the Austin housing market still cooling in 2026?
The 2022 peak prices have moderated, and inventory has rebuilt. The market is more balanced than during the frenzy years.
What’s the most popular Austin suburb for relocation in 2026?
Georgetown, particularly Wolf Ranch, has been the most popular destination among our relocation clients.
About T. Kerr Property Group
Our team tracks Central Texas relocation patterns continuously through our own client work and Unlock MLS data. We update this analysis quarterly. T. Kerr Property Group is a woman-owned, mission-centered real estate team serving Georgetown, Round Rock, Austin, and the surrounding Central Texas area. Our combined team brings 800+ five-star reviews, 2,500+ homes sold, $1 billion+ in total sales production, and 65+ years of combined experience. We are proud PT50 winners, recognized by the Austin Business Journal Residential Real Estate Awards, featured in Real Producers and FOX 7 Austin, voted Best in Round Rock and Georgetown’s Best, and known as one of the top real estate teams in Williamson County and Travis County. Our focus is simple: help people make smart financial decisions through real estate with expert guidance, fierce advocacy, and integrity every step of the way.
Ready to talk? Call (512) 851-8350 or visit our contact page at https://tkerrrealestate.com/contact-us/.