If you’ve ever driven I-35 between San Antonio and Austin, you know one thing is true: traffic is not only horrendous at all times of the day, it’s to the point it’s become part of our lifestyle. Central Texas is growing at a faster rate than it’s ever been, and while that growth brings exciting economic opportunity, it also comes with gridlock, rising housing costs, and long commutes that drain time and energy.
But that could be changing.
A New Way to Connect San Antonio and Austin
In October 2024, Travis County approved a $125,000 feasibility study to explore a commuter rail line connecting Austin and San Antonio. The proposed route runs roughly 80–90 miles along Highway 130 and I-10, with the engineering firm HNTB tasked with exploring how three passenger trains per day could operate.
The exciting part of all of this is that it could become a reality before the current I-35 expansion even finishes. The commuter rail connecting San Antonio and Austin isn’t just another infrastructure idea, it has the potential to reshape where people live, work, and invest in Central Texas.
Why This Matters for Homebuyers, Investors, and the Region
- Freedom to Live Where You Want, Without Losing Access
Austin’s job market is booming, but so are its housing prices. Many professionals, teachers, healthcare workers, tech employees, and government workers want the income and opportunity Austin offers, without the Austin mortgage.
A commuter rail could change that, making living in San Antonio and working in Austin not just possible, but practical.
Imagine this:
Comfortable train ride
Wi-Fi onboard to work or relax
Affordable home in San Antonio’s new-build neighborhoods
That’s not just commuting, that’s quality of life.
- It Could Boost San Antonio’s Housing Market, Especially in New Developments
If commuting to Austin becomes easier, demand for homes on the San Antonio side will grow. Builders like Davidson Homes, known for quality new construction and smart, affordable layouts, would become especially attractive to Austin-bound commuters.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, military family, remote worker, or tech professional, Davidson Homes provides a strong value proposition, modern floor plans, community amenities, and purchase power that goes further than in Austin.
- Not Just for Commuters, Improving Lifestyle and Connectivity
This isn’t just about work. The rail could make it easier than ever to:
- Catch a Spurs game or Austin FC match
- Visit festivals, concerts, and downtown events
- Travel between universities and business hubs
- Access Austin-Bergstrom and San Antonio airports
- Enjoy more time with family, not stuck on I-35
It would effectively pull San Antonio and Austin closer, culturally, economically, and socially.
Central Texas Is Growing — Fast
The counties between San Antonio and Austin are projected to jump from 3.7 million residents in 2020 to nearly 6.1 million by 2050. That growth has already outpaced I-35’s capacity, and even major expansions won’t fully fix congestion.
Rail gives Central Texas something highways can’t: long-term mobility, growth flexibility, and room to expand without paving over more land.
Props A & B: Momentum Matters
With San Antonio voters approving Propositions A and B, there’s already strong regional interest in transportation upgrades, downtown improvement, and urban connectivity.
The timing couldn’t be better. This commuter rail concept aligns perfectly with broader investments in San Antonio’s infrastructure, smart growth, and quality-of-life initiatives.
So What’s Next?
The feasibility study will be completed by April 2026. That doesn’t guarantee construction, but it opens the door to serious planning, funding opportunities, and alignment between state, regional, and local agencies.
Even better, this is the first time in years that momentum, affordability challenges, commuter need, political backing, and population growth are all working in favor of a rail solution.
What This Means for San Antonio Communities
If you’re considering buying a home in San Antonio, either for personal use or long-term investment, there has never been a better time to get ahead of what could be a major regional shift.
If commuting gets easier, living in San Antonio while working, or playing, in Austin becomes not just doable, but desirable.
Want to explore high-quality, affordable new homes that could put you at the center of it all? I’d love to show you Davidson Homes communities and other neighborhoods perfectly positioned for future growth. Contact me today for all things San Antonio living.
San Antonio is growing, not just bigger, but smarter. This train might not just connect two cities, it could connect new possibilities for how and where we live, work, and thrive in Central Texas.