Things to Know About Georgetown

Lifestyle & Culture

Georgetown is known as the "Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas," featuring a beautifully preserved Victorian-era courthouse surrounded by locally-owned shops and restaurants. The city blends small-town Texas charm with modern amenities and rapid growth.

Georgetown attracts two primary demographics: retirees (Sun City is one of America's largest active-adult communities) and young families seeking affordable homes and good schools north of Austin. The Blue Hole Park (natural swimming hole) and San Gabriel River trails showcase the area's natural beauty.

Family Life & Schools

Georgetown ISD serves the area with well-rated schools. The district has grown rapidly with the city's population and has invested in new facilities and programs. Georgetown High School and East View High School are the main high schools.

Family activities include the Inner Space Cavern (underground cave tours), Blue Hole Park swimming, the Georgetown Palace Theatre (community theater), and an excellent public library. Youth sports leagues and Southwestern University events add to the family experience.

Cost of Living

Georgetown is one of the most affordable options in the Austin metro. Home prices range from $250K for older homes to $600K+ in newer communities, with a median around $375K. Sun City homes range from $250K-$500K. Property taxes run 2.1-2.6%.

Georgetown is 25-35% more affordable than central Austin. Groceries and daily expenses are at or below the Austin average. The city's value proposition is strong for retirees and families seeking quality schools without Austin prices.

Commute & Transportation

Georgetown is 30 miles north of downtown Austin via I-35. The commute takes 30-45 minutes outside rush hour and 45-60+ minutes during peak times. The 130 Tollway provides a bypass option connecting to East Austin and the airport.

Capital Metro does not currently serve Georgetown, making car ownership essential. Within the city, the trail system along the San Gabriel River provides walking/biking corridors. Austin-Bergstrom Airport is 40-50 minutes south.

Dining & Shopping

Georgetown's historic downtown square offers charming dining: The Monument Café (Texas comfort food), Gumbo's (Cajun), El Monumento, and numerous cafés and bakeries. The square also features antique shops, boutiques, and the Palace Theatre.

Wolf Ranch Town Center and Rivery Town Crossing provide modern retail with H-E-B Plus, Target, and chain restaurants. The dining scene is growing with new restaurants in newer commercial developments along I-35 and Williams Drive.

Outdoor Recreation

Blue Hole Park is a natural swimming area on the San Gabriel River — a limestone pool surrounded by cypress trees. The San Gabriel River Trail system offers miles of hiking and biking. Berry Springs Park (200+ acres) provides camping, fishing, and nature trails.

Lake Georgetown provides boating, fishing, and hiking (14-mile Goodwater Trail loop). Inner Space Cavern offers underground cave tours. Sun City has its own golf courses and extensive trail system. Georgetown is an ideal base for exploring the Texas Hill Country.

Community Events

Georgetown hosts the Red Poppy Festival (April, celebrating the city flower with music, food, and crafts), Christmas Stroll on the Square, Market Days (monthly artisan market), and the Georgetown Swirl wine event. First Fridays bring evening activities to the historic square.

Sun City hosts its own extensive calendar of events, clubs, and activities for residents. Southwestern University contributes cultural events including theater, music, and lectures.

Healthcare & Safety

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Georgetown is the primary hospital, with ER and comprehensive services. St. David's Georgetown Hospital provides additional coverage. The growing population has attracted more specialty clinics and urgent care facilities.

Georgetown has a low crime rate. The Georgetown Police Department serves the city with community-oriented policing. Sun City has its own security patrol. The small-town atmosphere and engaged community contribute to overall safety.

Real Estate Market Overview

Georgetown's market features Sun City (active-adult, 55+), established neighborhoods near downtown, and newer master-planned communities (Cimarron Hills, Berry Creek, Somerset Hills). New construction is active in multiple developments across the city.

Appreciation has been strong at 6-9% annually, driven by Austin spillover and affordability. Georgetown is one of the fastest-growing cities in America by percentage. Browse Georgetown homes for sale.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Affordable Austin-area option, beautiful historic downtown, Blue Hole Park, Sun City for retirees, good schools, Hill Country access, small-town charm, rapid growth bringing new amenities
• Cons: 30-45 min commute to Austin, rapid growth changing small-town character, I-35 traffic, limited nightlife/dining compared to Austin, no public transit, summer heat