Georgetown vs Round Rock
Austin's Northern Cities: Historic Charm vs Tech Hub Convenience
Georgetown and Round Rock are neighboring cities north of Austin with nearly identical median home prices but very different characters. Georgetown is the charming historic town with the "Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas" and the Sun City retirement community. Round Rock is the established tech hub with Dell headquarters, better Austin commute times, and a wider range of amenities.
Georgetown vs Round Rock
Side-by-side neighborhood comparison for Austin, Texas homebuyers
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Key metrics comparing Georgetown and Round Rock for homebuyers
| Category | Georgetown | Round Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $420K | $425K |
| Price Range | $300K - $1M+ | $280K - $1.2M |
| Property Tax Rate | 2.10% | 2.05% |
| School District | Georgetown ISD | Round Rock ISD |
| Walk Score | 28 | 30 |
| Commute to Downtown | 35 min to Downtown Austin | 22 min to Downtown Austin |
| Lot Sizes | 0.12 - 0.5 acre | 0.12 - 0.5 acre |
| Vibe / Character | Historic square, Sun City retirement, charming, growing | Tech hub, Dell HQ, established suburban, family-focused |
| Best For | Retirees, history lovers, charm seekers, small-town fans | Tech workers, families, commuters, convenience seekers |
Why Choose Georgetown?
Advantages of living in Georgetown, Austin
Most Beautiful Town Square
Georgetown's courthouse square has been named the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas, featuring independent shops, restaurants, and a perfectly preserved Victorian-era downtown.
Sun City Retirement
Sun City is Texas's largest active-adult (55+) community with 9,500+ homes, three golf courses, fitness centers, pools, and 100+ social clubs. It is a national destination for retirees.
Blue Hole & Outdoors
Georgetown's Blue Hole Park on the San Gabriel River is a stunning natural swimming area. The city also offers excellent hiking at Lake Georgetown and the San Gabriel Trail system.
Small-Town Character
Despite rapid growth, Georgetown has preserved its small-town charm with local festivals, community events, and a pace of life that feels authentically Texan rather than generic suburban.
Why Choose Round Rock?
Advantages of living in Round Rock, Austin
Dell Technologies HQ
Round Rock is home to Dell Technologies world headquarters and a growing tech ecosystem. Many residents work locally, eliminating commute times entirely and boosting quality of life.
Closer to Austin
Round Rock is 13 minutes closer to downtown Austin than Georgetown (22 min vs 35 min), a meaningful difference for daily commuters that saves an hour per day in drive time.
Entertainment & Amenities
Dell Diamond (Round Rock Express baseball), Round Rock Premium Outlets, IKEA, and extensive dining along I-35 provide entertainment and shopping options Georgetown is still developing.
Larger School District
Round Rock ISD serves 50,000+ students with more specialized programs, STEM academies, and advanced placement options than Georgetown ISD, benefiting from its larger scale and tech industry partnerships.
Which is Right for You?
Scenario-based recommendations to help you decide
Choose Georgetown if...
- ✓ Historic charm and a beautiful town square matter to you
- ✓ You are retiring and Sun City appeals to your lifestyle
- ✓ Small-town character over suburban convenience is your preference
- ✓ You enjoy outdoor recreation at Blue Hole and Lake Georgetown
Choose Round Rock if...
- ✓ You work in tech or at Dell and want a short commute
- ✓ Proximity to Austin for work and play is important
- ✓ You want the amenities of a larger, more established city
- ✓ Round Rock ISD's larger district and programs appeal to you
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Georgetown vs Round Rock
They are nearly identical in median price ($420K vs $425K). Georgetown offers slightly more variety at the lower end due to Sun City (55+ homes from $300K). Round Rock has a wider range overall, with some areas reaching $1.2M. Property taxes are slightly lower in Round Rock (2.05% vs 2.10%).
Round Rock is significantly closer to downtown Austin (22 min vs 35 min). For daily commuters, this difference is substantial, saving approximately 130 hours per year in driving time. Georgetown commuters often use SH 130 toll road to bypass I-35 congestion.
Round Rock ISD is larger (50,000+ students vs 14,000+) with more specialized programs, particularly in STEM. Georgetown ISD offers a more intimate school experience with smaller class sizes. Both are well-rated. Round Rock ISD benefits from tech industry partnerships; Georgetown ISD from community engagement.
Georgetown is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, which brings both opportunity and growing pains. Traffic on I-35 through Georgetown has increased, and new development is changing some of the small-town feel. However, the city has invested in preserving its historic core while managing growth.
Sun City is a Del Webb active-adult community (55+) with 9,500+ homes, multiple golf courses, fitness centers, pools, and 100+ clubs and organizations. It is one of the most successful retirement communities in America, with a vibrant social calendar and resort-style amenities.
Related Pages
Explore more about Austin neighborhoods and school districts
Need Help Choosing Between Georgetown and Round Rock?
Key Insight: Texas real estate offers exceptional opportunities for buyers, sellers, and investors across four major metros. With no state income tax, strong job growth, and diverse housing options, the Lone Star State continues attracting residents from across the nation seeking value and quality of life.
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