Buda is a thriving small community southwest of Austin in the Texas Hill country. Buda was settled in 1881, and originally named Du Pre, but in 1887, the town changed its name when the residents realized there was another Du Pre, Texas. The town was founded on the route of the International-Great Northern Railroad, which traversed a route from Austin to San Antonio in the 1800s, and the town's early residents named the streets either for well known types of trees or local cities, such as San Marcos and Austin. The population of Buda was reported to be just over 2,400 inhabitants at the time of the 2,000 census, although it is estimated that the population has doubled since then. The area of Buda is 2.4 square miles, with just 0.41 of the area being water, and the city is situated 13 miles southwest of Austin and 60 miles northeast of San Antonio, with an elevation of 702 feet. Onion Creek is a scenic creek which meanders through the small community, and cotton production, dairy farming, and raising cattle were the occupations of the earliest residents, as well as railroad work. One of the first businesses in the area was a hotel named the Carrington, which was later renamed the Du Pre, and the hotel was well known for serving good meals to railroad employees. An interesting bit of trivia is the story of an early bandit, referred to as the "flapper bandit", who robbed the bank in 1926 on the pretext of using a typewriter; the bandit was a young, female college student, thus the reference to a flapper. Since Buda is so close in proximity to Austin, but so scenic and close to the hill country, it is fast becoming a refuge for Austinites who prefer rural living, and the population is growing rapidly as a result of the influx of city dwellers who prefer the peace and quiet of country living. Using information gathered by utility companies, the population of Buda is expected to currently be in the range of 5,000 residents, with a majority of Caucasian ancestry, at 81%, and the remaining inhabitants being comprised of various diverse racial backgrounds. The age of the residents spans the gamut pretty evenly, and the property values in the community are well above average. In a survey of 14 central Texas cities, the per capita property values in Buda were around $85,000, on average, much higher than the other cities surveyed. Buda is a home rule community, with a council-manager form of government, and the change from general law to home rule was made in 2007 after the residents approved a home-rule charter which was accepted by 77% of the residents. Today, there are many choices for entertainment, recreation, dining out, and lodging in the area, including lodging choices such as Marks Overlook Lodge, a bed and breakfast on the waters of Onion Creek, and the Hampton Inn for business travelers or others wanting to stay in town, as well as eateries including Chavelos Mexican Food, Constantine's Pizzeria and Coffeenut Bookshop for snacks and live music, and the nearby Salt Lick for barbecue. Buda is a great choice for a day trip, or to settle down in a rural yet cosmopolitan community, so when in the hill country, stop in and sample the antique stores, have a bite to eat, or just enjoy the majestic scenery and peace of hill country living!
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