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Reasons To Move To Round Rock. Located just north of Austin, Round Rock, Texas has quickly evolved from a quiet agricultural community into one of the fastest-growing and most sought-after cities in the Lone Star State. With a strong economy, excellent schools, plenty of recreational opportunities, and a high quality of life, Round Rock attracts families and professionals alike. It offers a compelling alternative to the busy capital city while still maintaining its unique character. If you’re considering moving to Texas, it’s essential to understand what makes Round Rock stand out.
Where is Round Rock Located? Round Rock is strategically situated in Central Texas, primarily within Williamson County. Its most significant geographical identifier is its immediate proximity to Austin, the state capital. It lies directly north of Austin, essentially serving as a major suburb that has grown into a significant city in its own right.
The city is bisected by Interstate 35 (I-35), a major north-south artery connecting it to Austin to the south and communities like Georgetown and Temple to the north. This prime location provides residents with convenient access to Austin’s job market, cultural attractions, and entertainment while enjoying a more suburban pace of life, often with more affordable housing options. Round Rock’s eastern boundary is generally defined by the Hutto/Taylor area, and its western edge extends towards the city of Cedar Park. Its position in the heart of the Central Texas “tech corridor” between Austin and Georgetown further enhances its appeal.
Top Reasons to Make Round Rock Your New Home The allure of Round Rock extends far beyond its convenient location. Here are some compelling reasons why people are flocking to this vibrant city:
Booming Economy and Job Opportunities: Round Rock is a powerhouse of economic growth. It’s often referred to as a “Silicon Hills” satellite, boasting a significant presence of major corporations. Most notably, it’s home to the international headquarters of Dell Technologies, which has been a cornerstone of its economic development for decades. Beyond Dell, the city attracts a diverse range of industries, including clean energy, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and software development. This robust job market provides ample professional opportunities, making it an attractive destination for career-driven individuals.
Excellent Education System: Families are drawn to Round Rock for its highly regarded Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD). RRISD is consistently ranked among the top school districts in Texas, known for its strong academic programs, dedicated teachers, and a wide array of extracurricular activities. The city also offers access to higher education through proximity to Austin Community College campuses and Texas State University’s Round Rock campus.
Affordable Living (Relative to Austin): While home prices have risen in recent years, Round Rock still generally offers more affordable housing options compared to its southern neighbor, Austin. This allows residents to enjoy a high quality of life, often with larger homes and lots, without the steep price tag of living directly within Austin’s city limits. The cost of living, while growing, remains competitive for a major metropolitan suburb.
Family-Friendly Environment & Quality of Life: Round Rock prides itself on being a family-oriented city. It boasts numerous parks, playgrounds, and community events throughout the year. The overall atmosphere is welcoming and community-focused, making it an ideal place to raise children. Safety and a strong sense of community are frequently cited as key attractions.
Abundant Recreational Opportunities: From professional sports to sprawling parks, Round Rock has recreation covered.
The Dell Diamond: This state-of-the-art baseball stadium is home to the Round Rock Express, the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Catching a game here is a quintessential Round Rock experience, complete with family-friendly entertainment.
Old Settlers Park: A crown jewel of the city, this massive 640-acre park offers something for everyone: multiple baseball and softball fields, soccer facilities, disc golf, playgrounds, a lake, walking trails, and space for large community events. It’s often called “The Sports Capital of Texas.”
Waterloo Park: Features a unique “water rock” formation in Brushy Creek, which gave the city its name (more on that below!). It’s a popular spot for outdoor activities.
Numerous City Parks and Trails: Beyond the large parks, Round Rock has a well-developed system of smaller parks and interconnected trails, perfect for walking, jogging, and cycling.
Vibrant Downtown and Shopping: The historic downtown Round Rock has undergone significant revitalization, now featuring charming local shops, diverse restaurants, and lively entertainment options. For larger retail needs, the Premium Outlets and La Frontera Village offer extensive shopping and dining experiences.
Interesting Facts About Round Rock Round Rock’s past is as intriguing as its present. Here are some fascinating tidbits:
Named After a Rock in a Creek: The city’s name comes from a large, perfectly round limestone rock located in Brushy Creek. In the mid-19th century, this rock marked a convenient low-water crossing for wagons, stagecoaches, and cattle drives along the Chisholm Trail. Jacob Harrell, an early settler, carved his brand into the rock, and it became a famous landmark, eventually lending its name to the settlement that grew nearby. You can still see “The Round Rock” today!
Home to the “Round Rock Doughnut”: No visit to Round Rock is complete without trying a famous Round Rock Doughnut from the Round Rock Donuts shop. This iconic establishment is known for its distinctive yellow-orange doughnuts, made with a unique yeast dough that gives them an unparalleled light and fluffy texture. They even make a massive “Texas Sized Donut” that weighs over two pounds!
Infamous Outlaw Connections: Round Rock has a storied connection to the Wild West. It was the site of the fatal shootout involving Sam Bass, a notorious train robber, in 1878. Bass and his gang were ambushed by Texas Rangers, and Bass was mortally wounded. His grave is located in the Round Rock Cemetery, attracting history buffs.
Pioneering Dell’s Direct Model: The city’s economic boom is heavily tied to Dell Technologies. Michael Dell famously moved his computer company’s headquarters to Round Rock in 1994, attracted by the available land and supportive business environment. Dell’s direct-to-consumer sales model, pioneered from its Round Rock base, revolutionized the computer industry.
A City of Festivals: Round Rock knows how to celebrate. Beyond regular sporting events, the city hosts numerous annual festivals and events that draw large crowds, such as the Round Rock Express baseball games, holiday events, and various cultural celebrations throughout the year at Old Settlers Park and downtown.
In essence, Round Rock offers a compelling package: a strategic location with easy access to Austin, a thriving economy, top-tier schools, and a family-friendly atmosphere rich with history and recreational opportunities. For those seeking a vibrant and growing community in Central Texas that balances suburban comfort with urban amenities, Round Rock truly is a place to consider calling home.
B&B Landscaping & Masonry in Williamson County, Texas, lives up to its moniker of being “A Step Above the Rest” by offering comprehensive landscaping and masonry services. With 16 years of experience, they provide a wide range of services, including landscape design and installation, hardscaping, patios, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and various masonry projects like retaining walls and fencing. Whether you need a complete landscape transformation or specific masonry work, B&B Landscaping & Masonry is dedicated to delivering quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction throughout Williamson County.