Buda is a city in Hays County, Texas, located just south of Austin along the Interstate 35 corridor. With a population of roughly 15,000 at the 2020 census — more than double its 2010 figure — Buda is one of the fastest-growing communities in the Austin metropolitan area, and its identity balances that growth against a carefully preserved small-town core. The city's heart is its six-block historic downtown, designated a Texas Main Street City in 2017. The district is lined with historic homes, restored buildings, and independent businesses, including antique shops, boutiques, bakeries, and coffee shops, and it hosts recurring events such as Sip n' Stroll, South Main Music Nights, and Oaks Alive. This downtown gives Buda a walkable, community-centered character that distinguishes it from newer suburbs along the corridor. Buda's transportation position is central to its growth. It sits at the crossroads of Interstate 35 and State Highway 45, providing quick access north to Austin, Round Rock, and Temple and south to San Marcos, New Braunfels, and San Antonio. This connectivity makes Buda a practical base for commuters across the region while keeping the city connected to the larger metro economy. Public education is provided by Hays Consolidated Independent School District, based in nearby Kyle, which serves Buda and other northern Hays County communities across more than 221 square miles. The district's schools, including Buda Elementary, anchor the educational landscape for local families. Recreation centers on Stagecoach Park, a 51-acre natural area with trails, a playground, a pavilion, an amphitheater, a pond, and two historic farm structures set among mesquite and oak trees. Buda suits families and professionals drawn to a historic downtown, strong schools, and corridor convenience, all within reach of Austin and San Antonio.