Cedar Park, buoyed by its proximity to Austin as well as by its own charm, has seen explosive population growth since 2000 — 88%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

More than 56,000 people now call Cedar Park home, lured to the city by its 860 acres of park space, two top-level minor league professional sports teams, a vintage train offering seasonal theme rides and the beauty and recreation offered by the nearby Highland Lakes.

The city works to “strike a balance between the conveniences of city living and the thoughtful preservation of small-town community values,” says mayor Matt Powell.

Diverse housing, too, is one of Cedar Park’s charms, contributing to the influx of residents in recent years. Plenty of homes for sale in Cedar Park mean home buyers have a good chance of finding the right house to purchase. Cedar Park, which turned 40 earlier this year, offers dozens of neighborhoods from which to choose, each offering its own allure.

Anderson Mill West, for example, offers residents tennis courts and a pool, and nearby Elizabeth Milburn Park has a BMX track and rock-climbing wall. Streets in this neighborhood are graced by towering, mature trees and tidy lawns. Home shoppers find everything here from 1,000-square-foot bungalows on up to 4,000-square-foot homes with room for the whole family. A quick ride to RR 620 and residents find dozens of dining options.

Another neighborhood with nearby restaurants, grocers and schools is Breakaway Park. In the heart of Cedar Park, this exclusive neighborhood offers large lots and luxury homes selling for about $400,000 to $1.6 million. Many homes in this neighborhood are situated on wooded lots of an acre or more, and many offer access to the community’s private airstrip. The elegant and sought-after Breakaway neighborhood offers many Cedar Park homes for sale.

Avery Ranch is a sprawling neighborhood partially in Cedar Park. More than 4,000 homes in Avery Ranch have access to 17 acres of amenity centers, tennis courts, pools and hike and bike trails. This master-panned community features an 18-hole championship golf course that offers an enjoyable golfing experience for a wide variety of players. Popular restaurants within the community add to the convenience offered by Avery Ranch.

Families will also appreciate the convenience afforded by Cedar Park’s Twin Creeks neighborhood — residents can reach the elementary, middle and high schools in less than five minutes. Golfers, too, like Twin Creeks for its namesake course that was designed by golf legend Fred Couples. Homes in this neighborhood range from mid-$200,000 up to homes on larger lots in the million-dollar range.

The Ranch at Brushy Creek is another master-planned community that offers luxury homes. This neighborhood is less than five minutes from the Avery Ranch golf course and offers easy access to Brushy Creek Regional Trail. This family-friendly community is close to shopping and employers, and offers a variety of builders to choose from. New construction and resale homes ranging from the $200s to the mid $600s are available in the diverse and plentiful sections of Brushy Creek.

Another popular Cedar Park neighborhood is Buttercup Creek, a community surrounded by stately oak trees, parks, pools and recreational areas. Children living in this neighborhood attend the well-regarded Leander ISD schools. Grownups say they appreciate the neighborhood’s easy access to shopping, restaurants and employers. In Buttercup Creek, home buyers find starter homes built several years ago, as well as new homes in higher price ranges.

Cedar Park officials expect their city’s population to continue to grow, and fortunately there is a solid inventory of homes for sale in any of dozens of attractive neighborhoods.