When Anthony Richards first moved to Buda, Texas from its bustling neighbor to the north, Austin, he fell in love with the town’s slower pace and the old-school charm of Historic Main Street. Five years later, however, he tells a different story about how the mass exodus of families from Austin has led to overcrowding and under-preparation at the local places he loves to visit on the weekend.
“There’s so much small-town charm here that I’m afraid is getting lost in the hustle and bustle of more and more families moving to Buda looking for affordable housing and bigger space,” Richards said.
He’s not alone in feeling that shift. Census data from 2023 show 15,487 individuals residing in Buda, with a median age of 36. With many people drawn to its manageable commute into the city and lower housing costs, this town once considered a best-kept secret south of Austin has now become one of the fastest-growing cities in Central Texas. This growth has expanded into new opportunities, but is also creating strain on community spaces, including one of Buda’s weekend staples: the farmer’s market.
The farmer’s market is just one of many Buda businesses who has had to pivot their operations and strategy to maintain the influx of families moving in. “About two years ago, we had about 30 vendors here. Our market has now grown to about 70 approved vendors and I think that a lot of people are starting to come here now from Austin to shop. We’ve had to change our layout multiple times depending on how many vendors are here,” says Jesi Greer, owner of the BudaFul Farmer’s Market. “There’s a lot more people moving here; we have new customers each week that have just moved to the Buda area, but we also have people coming from Austin that are tired with the crowded markets up there, so it’s a great place to be a second option for people who want a different vibe than Austin. I think the vendors are excited about the growth. If they can make more product to supply the demand, they’re going to do it; that’s what they’re here for. If they can grow the market, they can grow their business too.”
With hundreds of shoppers browsing through the fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and various hand-made products each week, the market gives off a sense of community, friendliness, and small-town vibe despite the big town feel. Like Jesi mentioned, most vendors interviewed for this story are excited about the growth, even if that means having to scale their businesses more than expected. Tom Neuendorff, owner of 5 N Farms, has been selling at BudaFul for about six years. He says he helped the community a lot during the height of COVID-19. “I had beef when H-E-B was out. I had a full freezer and came up here one Sunday and I had fifteen people lined up waiting to buy,” he says. Tom’s story highlights the trust that residents place in their local vendors; proof that in uncertain times, people turned to the farmers markets not just for food, but a sense of reliability and community.
A welcome table is set up at the opening of the BudaFul Farmer’s Market with unique offerings like a “frequent market goer punch card”, free canvas tote bags, and business cards to learn more about the market. Fall harvest items like apples and pumpkins adorn the table for decoration aligning with the season. 
On a windy and dusty Sunday in Buda, TX the crowded BudaFul Farmer’s Market vendors and patrons alike huddle under the canopy for a break from the wind. On a typical day, most vendors have tents above their shops with logos and menu signs hanging. During inclement weather (like this day), all tents are removed. 
Mike, from Flores Tortillas, enthusiastically describes his homemade sourdough tortillas made with beef fat; a commodity you can only find at local farmer’s markets in the region. 
Frequent market-goer, Richard Costello, enjoys a free sample from vendor Flores Tortillas. 
Kawaii Crystals is one of many vendors at the BudaFul Farmer’s Market that started out in Austin and branched down south to Buda’s market. Their table is lined with many colorful, mystical crystals, including this blue lace agate figurine, often associated with peace, communication, and emotional balance. 
Baked goods line the table at A Matter of Crust Bakery at the Buda Farmers Market. 
Annie from Nixon Freeze Dried Candies is passionate about her candy. At the market, she enjoys handing out samples of tasty freeze dried sour candies such as jolly ranchers and warheads. 
The BudaFul Farmer’s Market enlists Davenport Farms to stop by on a warm October afternoon for a small petting zoo, featuring rabbits, goats, and ducks. Neighborhood children stop by to excitedly get in some pets with the animals. 
One of the owners from Douglas-Smith Soap Co. talks about his products to a farmer’s market attendee. 
Hays County Master Gardeners provides fresh, in-season flowers each week at the BudaFul Farmer’s Market. 
Shawn from No Label Mushrooms is very passionate about his shrooms. He shows off his latest box of Lion’s Mane mushrooms to an inquiring customer. 
Douglas-Smith Soap Co., a popular local soap store on the San Marcos Square, comes out to the Buda Farmers Market every weekend to sell their popular soaps and salves. 
The BudaFul Farmer’s Market isn’t just about food. Dani the Violinist comes out to select market days to provide soothing background music while the families around her shop. 
Dogs are welcome and encouraged at the farmers market in Buda, TX, and many vendors even have dog treats for all the four-legged friends! This one stands at attention while his owner shops at a nearby vendor table. 
A busy day on Main St. in Buda, TX means every available parking space is taken, and traffic congestion crowds around traffic intersections. 
With the expansion of Buda comes more people wanting to host events in this small town just south of Austin. The Carrington House is a local wedding and event venue, located right in the heart of downtown Buda on Main Street. 
Summer Moon Coffee is one example of a brand local to Austin expanding farther south due to growth in the area. This neighborhood coffee shop has a constant stream of customers in and out on a busy Sunday afternoon. 
Main Street in downtown Buda, TX remains a popular destination for locals and visitors to gather and see what the shops have to offer. This one encourages folks to come in and shop local.
According to data reported by World Population Review, Buda’s population has increased by 8.15% since the most recent census in 2020. The town currently has a population of 16,528, with an average household income of $111,179. The Buda Economic Development website states a population increase of over 200% over the last decade. With a lower cost of living, cheaper tax rates and more affordable housing than Austin, more families are being drawn to this town than ever before – and local businesses will need to maintain demand if they want to remain relevant.
For some residents, that’s the heart of their concern – that Buda’s culture could slowly fade away from the neighborly greetings at the farmers market and the slower pace of a weekend on Main Street. Anthony Richards is taking a stroll through the crowded market on a brisk fall morning in September, reminiscing on what a Sunday morning downtown looked like five short years ago. “The charm that brought my family here in the first place could disappear if the town keeps growing the way it is”, he says. “We keep thinking the housing market will dissuade people from moving, but there’s really no end to it. The schools are getting more crowded, and even our neighborhood H-E-B is too time consuming now to shop in, which is why we prefer to come here.”
Still, others argue that growth doesn’t have to be negative. With the right economic development planning and support, new Buda residents and families can bring fresh energy and resources in to strengthen the businesses that define Buda’s character. Take Meridian, for example. A new kind of venue in the heart of historic downtown that brings locals and visitors together through good music, great food, and wholesome vibes. Founded recently in 2022, this venue aims to create a space for community and celebration, incorporating the values of vibrant wellness, balanced living, and kindness. Dominick Findley, coffee barista at Meridian, talks about the positives of living and working in an up-and-coming town and how that affects the way they operate. “There have been some changes, not only with us getting busier but with supply chain issues; we’ve had to get new management and re-vamp how we run everything behind the scenes. Buda has just been getting cooler and cooler in everyone’s opinion. I think everyone’s pretty happy that Buda is on the map now as a cool spot outside of Austin.”
As more families move to Buda, the larger question becomes whether the city can keep up with the rapid change. Growth of this scale puts pressure on the roads, schools, real estate market, and the community spaces that make the town unique in the first place. Traffic along the I-35 corridor has become a daily frustration and talking point amongst residents commuting into Austin for work. According to Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), average daily traffic counts near Buda have exceeded past 19,000 vehicles per day (2024), up more than 31% since 2022. Multiple new traffic patterns and construction projects involving TxDOT are in progress in and around Buda, including an I-35 expansion with new high-occupancy lanes that aim to relieve some of the daily traffic and congestion and encourage carpooling.
Local schools are also learning to manage the influx of students coming to town. Despite Hays Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) recently opening Lamont Ramage Elementary School (2025) and Johnson High School (2022), parents are still concerned about experiencing crowded classrooms for their children. According to a demographic study, the district could more than double its student body by 2033. “We’re at 23,000 right now. In 2033, we’re supposed to be at 45,000,” said Hays CISD Superintendent Eric Wright. Enrollment forecasts suggest this number could be even higher than originally predicted.
Although growth at this level could be considered too fast-paced, Buda city leaders are still proactively encouraging the creation of new businesses and providing resources to help them get started. The Buda Economic Development Corporation (EDC) website mentions services such as incentives, assistance in the permitting process, and free training for local business owners to get their business up and running. These services are designed to provide support to community businesses, and make sure the market in Buda is thriving.
The bottom line remains: Buda is challenged with balancing its growth while protecting the culture that makes it feel like home. With new schools breaking ground, road expansions in progress, and new businesses opening their doors, the city stands at a crossroads. Only thoughtful planning can decide whether Buda holds onto its small-town charm or embraces its big-city future.
For Anthony Richards, that’s personal. “I want my kids to know the same town I fell in love with,” he says.
“And not just as another suburb of Austin.”
