Living in Round Rock, Texas: Complete Guide for Families Moving to Austin's Premier Suburb

Jen Berbas
Aug 7
10 min read

Round Rock, Texas has emerged as one of the most desirable places to live in the greater Austin metropolitan area, offering families the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Located just 20 miles north of downtown Austin, Round Rock provides excellent schools, thriving job opportunities, and a high quality of life that attracts newcomers from across the country. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about making Round Rock your new home.

Why Families Are Moving to Round Rock

Economic Powerhouse

Round Rock has transformed into a major economic hub, earning the nickname "Silicon Hills North" due to its concentration of technology companies and corporate headquarters.

Major Employers:

Dell Technologies - Global headquarters employing over 13,000 people
Amazon - Multiple fulfillment centers and distribution facilities
IKEA - Major retail distribution center
Emerson - Regional manufacturing and engineering hub
St. David's Round Rock Medical Center - Healthcare employment anchor

Education Excellence

Round Rock Independent School District consistently ranks among Texas's top-performing large school districts.

Academic Achievements:

"A" rating from Texas Education Agency
96% graduation rate exceeding state and national averages
35+ Advanced Placement courses offered across high schools
International Baccalaureate programs at select campuses
Dual credit partnerships with Austin Community College and UT

Family-Friendly Community

Round Rock offers the ideal environment for raising children while maintaining easy access to Austin's cultural amenities.

Community Benefits:

Low crime rates consistently below national averages
Abundant parks and recreation with 600+ acres of parkland
Youth sports programs serving thousands of local families
Community events throughout the year
Diverse housing options for every budget and lifestyle

Round Rock Neighborhoods: Finding Your Perfect Community

Teravista (78665)

Median Home Price: $450,000-650,000 Development Style: Master-planned community with modern amenities

What Makes Teravista Special:

Two championship golf courses designed by PGA professionals
Multiple swimming pools and recreation centers
Extensive trail systems connecting neighborhoods
Top-rated elementary schools within the community
HOA amenities including fitness centers and event spaces

Home Styles:

Contemporary two-story homes with 3-5 bedrooms
Single-story ranch designs for empty nesters
Luxury estates on golf course lots
Townhome communities for first-time buyers

Best For: Families seeking resort-style amenities and new construction

Walsh Ranch (78665)

Median Home Price: $500,000-800,000

Development Style: Upscale planned community with premium features

Distinctive Features:

Private amenity center with lazy river and fitness facility
Highly rated schools including Walsh Elementary on-site
Mature landscaping creating established neighborhood feel
Walking trails throughout the community
Close proximity to major employers and shopping

Architecture:

Traditional and transitional home designs
Stone and brick exterior combinations
Large lots with established trees
Custom and semi-custom building options

Ideal For: Professional families prioritizing schools and amenities

Brushy Creek (78681)

Median Home Price: $350,000-550,000

Character: Established family community with mature trees

Community Highlights:

Brushy Creek Regional Trail for outdoor recreation
Multiple neighborhood pools and parks
Established schools with strong community support
Diverse housing stock from 1990s to present
Easy access to major highways and employers

Housing Variety:

Traditional suburban homes on quarter-acre+ lots
Updated 1990s and 2000s construction
Tree-lined streets with established landscaping
Mix of architectural styles and price points

Perfect For: Families seeking established neighborhoods with character

Stone Canyon (78664)

Median Home Price: $400,000-600,000

Style: Contemporary community with modern conveniences

Key Features:

New construction homes with latest design trends
Community amenities including pools and playgrounds
Zoned to excellent schools in RRISD
Convenient location near major shopping and dining
HOA maintenance of common areas and amenities

Home Characteristics:

Open-concept floor plans
Modern kitchen designs with large islands
Master suites with luxury bathrooms
Energy-efficient construction and appliances

Best Suited For: Buyers wanting move-in ready homes with warranties

Round Rock Real Estate Market Analysis

Current Market Conditions

Median Home Price: $425,000 (as of early 2024) Average Days on Market: 35-45 days Price Growth: 8-12% annually over past 3 years Inventory Levels: Balanced market with seasonal variations

Housing Market Trends

Price Ranges by Area

Entry-level homes (under $350K): Limited inventory, high competition
Move-up homes ($350K-$600K): Strongest market segment with good selection
Luxury homes ($600K+): Premium communities with custom options
New construction: $400K-$800K+ depending on community and features

Market Dynamics

High demand from Austin metro relocations
Corporate relocations driving consistent buyer activity
New community development adding inventory regularly
Resale market strength supporting property values

Investment Potential

Round Rock real estate has shown strong appreciation due to:

Job growth from major employers
Population increase of 3-5% annually
Infrastructure improvements supporting development
School district reputation maintaining demand
Austin metro growth spillover effect

Employment and Economy in Round Rock

Major Industry Sectors

Technology and Manufacturing

Dell Technologies - Computers, servers, and technology services
Emerson - Industrial automation and commercial solutions
Applied Materials - Semiconductor equipment manufacturing
Flextronics - Electronics manufacturing services

Healthcare and Life Sciences

St. David's Round Rock Medical Center - Full-service hospital
Texas Oncology - Cancer treatment center
Seton Williamson - Healthcare services
Various medical practices supporting growing population

Retail and Distribution

IKEA Distribution Center - Major furniture retailer logistics
Amazon Fulfillment Centers - E-commerce distribution
La Frontera - Mixed-use development with retail and office
Round Rock Premium Outlets - Major shopping destination

Job Market Outlook

Unemployment Rate: 3.2% (below national average) Job Growth: 4.5% annually over past 3 years Average Household Income: $89,000 Major Growth Sectors: Technology, healthcare, logistics

Commuting to Austin

Distance to Downtown Austin: 20 miles Average Commute Time: 25-35 minutes via I-35 or Mopac Public Transportation: Limited options, most residents drive Traffic Considerations: Morning southbound and evening northbound congestion

Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD)

District Overview

RRISD serves over 50,000 students across 73 campuses, making it one of the fastest-growing districts in Texas.

District Ratings:

Texas Education Agency: "A" rating
Academic performance consistently above state averages
Graduation rate: 96.2%
College readiness: 65% of graduates college-ready

Elementary Schools (Top-Rated Examples)

Walsh Elementary

Exemplary rating with outstanding test scores
STEM program emphasis from early grades
Community location within Walsh Ranch development
Parent involvement programs supporting student success

Teravista Elementary

High-performing campus serving master-planned community
Technology integration in all classrooms
Dual language program offering Spanish immersion
Before/after school programs for working families

Middle Schools

Cedar Valley Middle School

National Blue Ribbon School recognition
Advanced academic programs preparing students for high school
Extensive extracurricular activities including athletics and arts
Gifted and talented services for accelerated learners

High Schools

Round Rock High School

Historic campus with modern facility updates
Comprehensive course offerings including 25+ AP classes
Strong athletics program competing at state level
Fine arts excellence with award-winning band and theater programs

Westwood High School

Newer campus serving western Round Rock communities
Technology focus with computer science and engineering programs
International Baccalaureate program for college preparation
Championship athletics in multiple sports

McNeil High School

STEM academy specializing in science and technology
Dual credit programs with Austin Community College
Career and technical education pathways
Community partnerships with local businesses

Special Programs and Services

Dual language education in Spanish and English
Gifted and talented services at all levels
Special education comprehensive support programs
Career and technical education preparing students for workforce
Early childhood programs for ages 3-5

Recreation and Entertainment in Round Rock

Parks and Outdoor Activities

Round Rock Multi-Sports Complex

46-acre facility hosting tournaments and leagues
Baseball and softball fields for youth and adult leagues
Soccer fields supporting growing youth programs
Concession facilities and covered seating areas

Old Settlers Park

645 acres of diverse recreational opportunities
Disc golf course rated among Texas's best
Amphitheater hosting concerts and community events
Sports courts for basketball, tennis, and volleyball
Playground areas for children of all ages

Brushy Creek Regional Trail

18-mile trail system connecting Round Rock to Cedar Park
Paved pathways perfect for walking, jogging, and cycling
Nature viewing areas showcasing local wildlife
Multiple access points throughout Round Rock
Dog-friendly with waste stations provided

Sports and Recreation Centers

Round Rock Sports Center

Indoor basketball courts available for league play
Fitness facilities with modern equipment
Group exercise classes for all fitness levels
Youth programs including camps and clinics

Clay Madsen Recreation Center

Aquatic center with indoor and outdoor pools
Fitness center with cardiovascular and strength equipment
Group fitness classes including yoga and aerobics
Senior programs supporting active aging

Annual Events and Festivals

Round Rock Donuts and Coffee Festival

Celebrating local history of famous Round Rock Donuts
Family-friendly activities including live music and games
Local vendor participation showcasing community businesses
Economic impact bringing visitors to downtown area

Frontier Days

Western heritage celebration with rodeo and entertainment
Community involvement from local organizations
Educational activities teaching frontier history
Multiple weekend event attracting regional visitors

Shopping and Dining

La Frontera

Mixed-use development combining retail, dining, and office space
Major retailers including Target, Best Buy, and specialty stores
Restaurant variety from casual dining to upscale options
Entertainment venues including movie theaters

Round Rock Premium Outlets

120+ brand name stores offering discount shopping
Tourist destination attracting visitors region-wide
Seasonal events and promotional activities
Economic driver providing jobs and tax revenue

Historic Downtown Round Rock

Local restaurants offering unique dining experiences
Antique shops and specialty retailers
Community events including farmers markets
Walkable environment with historic charm

Cost of Living in Round Rock Texas

Housing Costs

Median Home Price: $425,000 Property Tax Rate: 2.1-2.3% (varies by specific location) Rental Market: $1,400-2,200/month for 2-3 bedroom homes HOA Fees: $50-200/month in planned communities

Utilities and Services

Electricity: $120-180/month average (varies seasonally) Water/Sewer: $60-90/month typical usage Internet/Cable: $80-150/month for bundled services Garbage Collection: Included in city services

Transportation Costs

Car Registration: $75+ annually depending on vehicle value Gas Prices: Typically $0.10-0.20 below national average Car Insurance: $1,200-1,800 annually average Public Transportation: Limited options, car ownership essential

Comparison to Austin

Housing: 15-25% less expensive than central Austin
Property taxes: Similar rates with newer, more valuable homes
Commuting costs: Additional gas and vehicle wear for Austin workers
Entertainment: Lower dining and entertainment costs locally
Overall: 10-15% lower cost of living than Austin proper

Healthcare and Medical Services

Major Medical Facilities

St. David's Round Rock Medical Center

Full-service hospital with emergency room
Specialty services including cardiology and orthopedics
Maternity services with modern birthing suites
Surgical services for routine and complex procedures

Texas Oncology Round Rock

Comprehensive cancer care with latest treatments
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy services
Support services for patients and families
Clinical trials access for advanced treatments

Urgent Care and Family Medicine

Multiple locations throughout Round Rock including:

NextCare Urgent Care
St. David's Emergency Center
Various family practice clinics
Specialized pediatric practices

Healthcare Access

Physician availability meeting growing population needs
Specialist access within Round Rock and nearby Austin
Insurance acceptance with most major providers
Quality ratings consistently high for area providers

Climate and Weather in Round Rock

Seasonal Overview

Spring (March-May)

Mild temperatures 70s-80s perfect for outdoor activities
Wildflower season including famous Texas bluebonnets
Occasional storms with brief heavy rainfall
Ideal weather for moving and house hunting

Summer (June-August)

Hot temperatures 90s-100s requiring air conditioning
Low humidity compared to East Texas
Swimming season at community and city pools
Indoor activities popular during peak heat

Fall (September-November)

Comfortable temperatures returning to 70s-80s
Perfect weather for outdoor sports and events
Minimal rainfall creating ideal conditions
Peak season for community festivals

Winter (December-February)

Mild winter with occasional freezing temperatures
Minimal snow rare but possible
Outdoor activities continue year-round
Energy costs primarily for heating, not cooling

Weather Preparedness

Severe weather season March-May with tornado potential
Flash flood awareness during heavy rain events
Heat safety during summer months
Emergency planning for power outages and severe weather

Transportation and Accessibility

Major Highways and Access

Interstate 35: Primary north-south corridor connecting to Austin and Dallas Highway 79: East-west route providing regional access Toll Road 45: Alternative route reducing I-35 congestion FM 620: Western access connecting to Lakeway and Hill Country

Public Transportation Options

Capital Metro: Limited bus service connecting to Austin Employer shuttles: Some major companies provide transportation Ride sharing: Uber and Lyft available throughout area Regional connections: Access to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Future Transportation Projects

I-35 expansion: Major infrastructure improvements planned Additional toll roads: Reducing congestion and improving access Public transit expansion: Long-term regional planning initiatives Bike and pedestrian: Trail expansions and connectivity improvements

Moving to Round Rock: Practical Considerations

Best Times to Move

Spring (March-May): Ideal weather and school timing Summer (June-August): Peak moving season with most inventory Fall (September-November): Good weather, less competition Winter (December-February): Potential savings, limited inventory

School Transfer Timing

Planning considerations:

RRISD calendar typically starts in late August
Registration deadlines for specialty programs
Extracurricular activities timing and tryouts
Address verification requirements for enrollment

Utility Setup and Services

Required services:

Oncor for electricity service
City of Round Rock for water and sewer
Waste Management for garbage and recycling
Internet providers including Spectrum, AT&T, Google Fiber

Community Integration

Getting involved:

Round Rock Chamber of Commerce for business networking
Youth sports leagues for family involvement
Neighborhood associations in planned communities
Volunteer opportunities with local organizations

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Round Rock

Is Round Rock a good place to raise a family?

Yes, Round Rock consistently ranks among the best places to raise a family in Texas due to excellent schools, low crime rates, abundant recreational opportunities, and strong job market supporting family stability.

How is the commute from Round Rock to Austin?

The average commute to downtown Austin is 25-35 minutes via I-35 or Mopac, though traffic can extend this during peak hours. Many residents find the trade-off worthwhile for better schools and lower housing costs.

What is the job market like in Round Rock?

Round Rock has a strong and diverse job market anchored by Dell Technologies and supplemented by healthcare, retail, and logistics companies. The unemployment rate is below national average with continued job growth projected.

Are there good restaurants and entertainment in Round Rock?

Yes, Round Rock offers diverse dining from casual to upscale, plus entertainment venues, shopping centers, and numerous community events. Austin's entertainment district is also easily accessible for additional options.

What are the property taxes like in Round Rock?

Property tax rates range from 2.1-2.3% depending on exact location and tax districts. While not the lowest in Texas, residents generally feel the rates are justified by excellent schools and city services.

Is Round Rock growing too fast?

Round Rock has experienced rapid growth, adding infrastructure and services to accommodate new residents. While growth brings challenges, city planning has generally kept pace with development needs.

Making the Decision: Is Round Rock Right for You?

Ideal for Families Who Want:

Excellent public schools without private school costs
Suburban lifestyle with urban job opportunities
New housing options in planned communities
Family recreation and youth sports programs
Economic stability with diverse employment base

Consider Other Options If You Prefer:

Urban lifestyle with walkable entertainment districts
Shorter commutes to downtown Austin
Historic neighborhoods with architectural character
Lower property taxes in outer suburban areas
Rural lifestyle with larger lots and fewer restrictions

Financial Readiness Indicators:

Household income of $75,000+ for comfortable lifestyle
Down payment savings for median-priced homes
Emergency fund covering 6 months expenses
Career stability or transferable skills
Understanding of Texas property tax implications

Round Rock, Texas offers an exceptional quality of life for families seeking the benefits of Austin-area living without the higher costs and urban challenges of the city center. With top-rated schools, diverse job opportunities, modern amenities, and strong community spirit, Round Rock continues attracting newcomers looking for the ideal place to build their American dream in the heart of Texas.

Whether you're relocating for a career opportunity, seeking better schools for your children, or looking for a growing community with small-town values, Round Rock provides the foundation for long-term happiness and success in one of America's most dynamic metropolitan areas.

We are delighted to be your guides to Austin and Austin real estate!

Cheers,

Jen & the team