Leander is the Austin suburb at the north end of the MetroRail line, and it’s growing up fast. Northline, a 116-acre downtown being built around the Leander train station, is adding restaurants, offices and City Hall, and the city just announced a deal for a 40-acre youth sports complex. Leander’s population grew from 59,202 in 2020 to an estimated 91,132 in 2025. Here’s what’s new and what living in Leander is like.

Key takeaways

• Northline is a 116-acre, transit-oriented downtown around Leander Station, with full buildout targeted for 2031.
• Leander plans to move city offices and council chambers to Northline.
• CenTex Sports plans a $55 million first phase of a 40-acre sports complex at 204 Heritage Grove Road.
• Williamson County’s median home price was $399,900 in August 2026.

What is Northline in Leander?

Northline is Leander’s new downtown, a 116-acre master-planned district built around Leander Station, the northern end of Capital Metro’s MetroRail line into downtown Austin. Plans call for about 300,000 square feet of retail, 700,000 square feet of office space, 150,000 square feet of hotel space and more than 300 apartments, with full buildout targeted for 2031 (Hoodline).

Restaurants are starting to show up. Ike’s Love & Sandwiches filed plans for a Northline spot, and Piada Italian Street Food filed permits for a space on East San Gabriel Parkway. The city also approved a deal to lease 40,000 square feet in a new Northline building for city offices and council chambers. A Sprouts Farmers Market near Northline is expected in 2027 (Community Impact).

A train to downtown Austin from your new downtown? That’s a pretty great combo. Would you ride it?

What’s the new Leander sports complex?

In September, Leander announced a letter of intent with CenTex Sports for a 40-acre sports complex at 204 Heritage Grove Road. Phase 1 is a $55 million investment with an indoor facility of more than 150,000 square feet, a covered track, four beach volleyball courts and two soccer fields. A second phase adds at least four baseball or softball fields and another soccer field. The agreement calls for phase 1 to start by the end of 2027 and finish by the end of 2028 (Youth Sports Business Report).

Want a list of Leander homes near Northline or the new communities? Text LEANDER to 563.650.0452 and I’ll send you what’s available in your price range.

What do homes cost in Leander?

Leander sits mostly in Williamson County, where the median home price was $399,900 in August 2026, down 5.9% from a year earlier, with 4.6 months of inventory (Unlock MLS). That’s a county-wide number, so ask me for Leander-specific sales before you set a budget.

You’ll find master-planned communities like Travisso, Crystal Falls and Bryson, plus older neighborhoods closer to Old Town. Hill Country views on the west side are a big draw. As always, check for a MUD or PID, because many newer communities have one.

What’s it like living in Leander?

You get more space and more Hill Country than most north suburbs, with Lake Travis within reach on the west side. Old Town Leander has local spots, and Northline will add a lot more to do once it fills in. The city kept its property tax rate flat this year and approved a $453 million budget.

For commuting, 183A is the main toll road into Austin, and MetroRail is an option if you work near a downtown station. Most of Leander is zoned to Leander ISD (verify with the district for any address).

My honest take on Leander

Here’s what I’d actually do. Drive 183A at rush hour and try the train once, then decide which commute you can live with. Tour one community near Northline and one on the Hill Country side, because they feel really different. Compare total monthly cost, including taxes and HOA. Leander’s going to look a lot different in five years, and buying before an area fills in can work in your favor.

Comparing suburbs? Read Round Rock vs Austin and new construction homes in Austin.

FAQ

What is Northline in Leander, Texas?

Northline is a 116-acre, transit-oriented downtown built around Leander’s MetroRail station, with planned retail, offices, a hotel, apartments and City Hall. Full buildout is targeted for 2031.

Does Leander have a train to Austin?

Yes. Leander Station is the northern end of Capital Metro’s MetroRail line, which runs into downtown Austin.

What is being built at 204 Heritage Grove Road in Leander?

CenTex Sports plans a 40-acre youth sports complex there, with a $55 million first phase including a 150,000-square-foot indoor facility, covered track, beach volleyball and soccer fields.

How much are homes in Leander?

Leander is mostly in Williamson County, where the median home price was $399,900 in August 2026, according to Unlock MLS. Prices vary a lot by community.

Thinking about Leander?

Tell me what you’re looking for and I’ll send you a custom list: fill out my 2-minute buyer questionnaire. Want to compare every Austin suburb? Get my free Austin Buyer Guide or text me at 563.650.0452. I actually answer!

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Sarah Maddali, REALTOR® | Serendipity Realty Group at Compass | 563.650.0452
Serendipity Realty Group is a real estate team affiliated with Compass. Equal Housing Opportunity.