Buda popped up along the route of the International-Great Northern Railroad, extended from Austin to San Antonio in 1880. Once named DuPre, but changed since another town in the state shared the same name, Buda changed its name in 1887. Because of its close proximity to Austin, Buda is becoming a community for commuters to the city. Commercial development along Highway 35 is pushing city sales tax revenue while attracting tourists and new residents to the “old town” Main Street area. Today, approximately 2,850 happy residents live in Buda and Hays.

Every April, Buda attracts national attention for its wiener dog races organized by the Lion's Club. Buda, Hays and neighboring Kyle is serviced by the Hays Consolidated Independent School District. Hays and Lehman High Schools provide the popular local pastime of Friday night football games at the Bob Shelton Stadium.

As suburban and rural Austin's unique smaller communities combine with the booming culture and arts of the nearby metropolis, areas like Buda and Hays offer a location fit for most any lifestyle. Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin's music reflects the varied and unique landscape of the city itself. It's a well-balanced combination of diverse cultures, social attitudes and political viewpoints that converge in this high-tech city. Surrounded by sparkling lakes and rolling hills, Austin is a lush, green “city within a park” with a fondness for the outdoors.