Things to Know About Round Rock

Lifestyle & Culture

Round Rock is the second-largest city in the Austin metro and home to Dell Technologies headquarters. The city has grown from a small Texas town into a thriving suburb while preserving its historic downtown area. The Main Street district offers local shops, restaurants, and Texas charm.

The community is diverse and family-oriented, with a mix of long-time Texans and transplants drawn by the tech industry. Round Rock Express minor league baseball, Kalahari Resorts waterpark, and the Rock'n River Aquatic Center provide entertainment for all ages.

Family Life & Schools

Round Rock ISD is one of the most respected school districts in Central Texas, serving 50,000+ students. The district offers diverse academic programs, career and technical education, and strong athletics. Stony Point, Round Rock, and Cedar Ridge High Schools are well-regarded.

Family amenities are extensive: Old Settlers Park (645 acres), Play for All Abilities Park (inclusive playground), Rock'n River Aquatic Center, and numerous sports leagues. The public library system is excellent and offers extensive youth programming.

Cost of Living

Round Rock offers excellent value in the Austin metro. Home prices range from $275K for older homes to $650K+ for newer construction, with a median around $400K. Property taxes run 2.2-2.7% depending on location and taxing jurisdictions.

Round Rock is generally 20-30% more affordable than central Austin while offering comparable school quality. Sales tax is slightly higher (8.25% vs Austin's 8.25%). Overall daily living costs are moderate.

Commute & Transportation

Round Rock straddles I-35, providing direct access to downtown Austin (20-30 minutes) and Georgetown to the north. SH-45 and the 130 Tollway provide east-west and bypass options. The Domain and North Austin tech corridor are 10-15 minutes south.

Capital Metro bus service connects Round Rock to Austin's transit network. I-35 congestion is the main commute challenge — the 130 Tollway provides a faster (paid) alternative. Many tech workers commute to nearby employers (Dell, Apple, Indeed) rather than downtown.

Dining & Shopping

Round Rock Premium Outlets draw shoppers from across Central Texas. IKEA's only Austin-area location is in Round Rock. La Frontera Village and Stone Hill Town Center provide everyday shopping and dining options.

The dining scene includes Texas classics: Salt Lick BBQ (Round Rock location), Round Rock Donuts (legendary), Gino's Italian, and a growing number of diverse restaurants along I-35. Downtown Round Rock's Main Street has local gems and craft breweries.

Outdoor Recreation

Old Settlers Park (645 acres) is the centerpiece, offering sports fields, Williamson County Regional Park amenities, and the Dell Diamond baseball stadium. The Brushy Creek Trail connects to Cedar Park's trail system. Lake Creek Trail and Chisholm Trail provide additional walking/biking options.

Kalahari Resorts (America's largest indoor waterpark) opened in Round Rock. The Round Rock Multipurpose Complex hosts sports tournaments. Golf options include Forest Creek Golf Club and Teravista Golf Club.

Community Events

The Round Rock Chalk Walk Festival (downtown sidewalk art), Fourth of July Frontier Days, Hairy Man Festival (celebrating local legend), and Downtown Christmas are community favorites. The Dell Diamond hosts Round Rock Express baseball games April through September.

Main Street hosts First Friday events with local vendors, food trucks, and live music. The annual Round Rock Daffodil Festival, Dia de los Muertos celebrations, and car shows add to the community calendar.

Healthcare & Safety

Healthcare is strong: Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Round Rock, Ascension Seton Williamson, and St. David's Round Rock Medical Center provide comprehensive services. The Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin is 20-25 minutes away.

Round Rock's crime rate is below the national average. The Round Rock Police Department is well-equipped and community-oriented. The city's diverse neighborhoods are generally safe, with active community policing programs.

Real Estate Market Overview

Round Rock offers diverse housing options: established neighborhoods near downtown ($275K-$400K), newer suburban developments ($350K-$550K), and master-planned communities like Teravista and Paloma Lake ($400K-$650K+). New construction continues to expand east and north.

Appreciation has averaged 5-7% annually, driven by Austin-area growth and Dell/tech employment. The market attracts first-time buyers, growing families, and investors. Browse Round Rock homes for sale.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Affordable Austin-area option, strong Round Rock ISD, Dell/tech employers, good parks and trails, diverse community, Kalahari waterpark, proximity to Austin culture
• Cons: I-35 traffic congestion, rapid growth changing character, some areas lack walkability, property taxes, distance to Hill Country/lake recreation, summer heat