Kyle, Buda, and San Marcos Address Rapid Growth in Austin-San Antonio Corridor
The cities of Kyle, Buda, and San Marcos are at the heart of the population surge occurring between Austin and San Antonio. The once rural areas that lined Interstate 35 are now bustling with new homes, businesses, and extensive developments. As the demand for housing and amenities grows, city leaders are carefully strategizing to manage this expansion.
Buda’s Development Journey
Buda is the smallest of the three cities, with a population of just over 16,000. However, rapid growth is on the horizon as homebuilders and major employers are eyeing the area. Buda City Manager Micah Grau likened the city’s current state to being in its “teenage” years, trying to keep pace with rapid demographic changes.
The city has concentrated efforts on improving city services, investing in a new city hall, library, and park systems to enhance the quality of life for residents. “Transportation is among the priorities,” Grau mentioned, emphasizing the need for new routes to alleviate traffic and expand existing roadways. Buda is also working on improving pedestrian pathways by adding sidewalks and bike lanes.
Grau pointed out that while there has been a notable increase in housing developments, the demand for affordable housing has somewhat cooled. Instead, Buda now faces a crucial need for more retail options. “We are heavily dependent on sales tax, so the more sales tax generators we can bring, the better,” he said.
Kyle’s Focus on Destination Development
Kyle is experiencing the most rapid growth of the three cities, now boasting a population of over 63,000 residents, making it the second-fastest growing city of its size in the United States. City Manager Bryan Langley detailed plans to create exciting destination areas, such as a new brick-and-mortar district and a proposed sports complex.
Langley described the vision for downtown Kyle to be more than just a place to shop; it should offer nightlife, restaurants, and spaces for the community to gather. “Place-making in the downtown area is something we’re really focusing on,” he stressed, noting that making Kyle an attractive city for all times of day is essential.
With an estimated $400 million allocated for road construction and improvements, transportation remains a major focus for Kyle. Langley highlighted the city’s initiative to develop the Vybe Trail, a multi-modal route designed to enhance connectivity throughout Kyle. Partnerships with developers who prioritize mixed-use, diverse housing, and walkability are sought after to help in these developments.
San Marcos Balances Growth with Environmental Care
San Marcos stands out due to its larger population of over 70,000 and its status as home to Texas State University. The city features natural attractions, like the Guadalupe River, making growth management an especially critical matter. City Manager Stephanie Reyes underscored the need for “intentionally strategic” growth.
As the city seeks an additional grocery store to cater to residents, Reyes mentioned that their focus does not on rapid growth but rather a mindful approach that preserves the quality of life. “We need to ensure that the amenities and the things that people love about San Marcos are not lost,” she articulated.
Reyes emphasized the importance of balancing commercial development with environmental considerations. Clean industrial developments will be prioritized to protect sensitive areas. Looking ahead, San Marcos faces a significant demand for housing, with projections indicating that tens of thousands more housing units will be necessary by 2050.
Looking Ahead
The discussions at the recent Austin-San Antonio Growth Summit highlighted the significant challenges and opportunities facing Kyle, Buda, and San Marcos. As they work towards maintaining their identities while accommodating growth, these city leaders emphasize collaboration with the community and developers.
For residents and prospective homeowners, the growth in these areas signals not only new opportunities for housing but also the development of vibrant communities that are focused on enhancing the quality of life for everyone. With ongoing projects and visionary plans, Kyle, Buda, and San Marcos are set to continue their trajectories as critical hubs in the Austin-San Antonio corridor.
Explore the fastest-growing neighborhoods in the Austin metro area to discover where these developments are taking place and how they may impact residents in the future.
