WILLIAMSON COUNTY
County Offices
405 Martin Luther King Street
Georgetown 512-943-1100
https://www.wilco.org
Chamber of Commerce
1 Chamber Way
Georgetown 512-930-3535
https://georgetownchamber.org/
From a quaint rural community, Williamson County has doubled its population in the last decade to become one of the fastest-growing areas in the entire nation. The western section of the county falls on the fringes of the Texas Hill Country, offering picturesque open land. The fertile eastern section is quickly transforming from an agricultural area into suburbs for a growing population.
Services
Quality education is a hallmark of the Greater Austin area, and Williamson County is no exception. Respected public school districts and private or parochial schools combine with a variety of higher educational opportunities close to home. Innovative new programs are available for high school students to earn up to two years of college credit before graduation. Vocational, technical, and career schools combine with easy access to community college campuses in Austin and Red Rock to meet the needs of individuals as well as business and industry. The county seat of Georgetown is home to the private institution of Southwestern University, praised by The Princeton Review as offering a significantly more affordable higher education than other liberal arts colleges of its academic caliber. The Taylor Center of Temple College is also located in Williamson County. The Round Rock Higher Education Center is Texas State University’s campus in Round Rock, partnering with Austin Community College and Temple College at Taylor to offer undergraduate and graduate programs with flexible schedules. The RRHEC is situated on a 100-acre site northwest of Round Rock where Texas State University-San Marcos is building a full university campus to meet the needs of the Central Texas community. The list of colleges within 50 miles of Williamson County is extensive and includes Central Texas College, Concordia University, Huston-Tillotson University, St. Edward’s University, Temple College, Texas A&M University, Texas State Technical College, and the University of Texas at Austin.
The Seton Family of Hospitals is the leader in state-of-the-art healthcare facilities and services for residents of Williamson County. Cedar Park Regional Medical Center and Seton Medical Center Williamson are among a number of respected hospitals in the Greater Austin area within this highly respected and comprehensive system. Seton Medical Center Williamson is the largest hospital in the county, providing unique and advanced features like a healing garden, state-of-the-art technology, and a dedicated Women’s Center. Cedar Park Regional is a new $125 million medical center serving western Williamson County with a full-service hospital, physician offices, labs and diagnostic services. St. David’s Georgetown Hospital provides a 96-bed acute-care hospital with intensive care, 24-hour emergency services, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient therapy. The hospital is now a nationally certified Chest Pain Center, allowing more rapid assessment and treatment of cardiovascular and stroke patients.
Lifestyle
Fringing Texas Hill Country, scenic Williamson County provides virtually unlimited outdoor recreational activities from horseback riding to canoeing, hiking, golfing, tennis, boating, water sports, cycling, camping, and rock-climbing. The weather tends to be mild for four-season enjoyment of outdoor adventures, and the region provides easy access to some of the finest parks, rivers, and lakes in Texas. Gulf of Mexico beaches contrast with Hill Country trails and climbing spots to please every sport enthusiast. In addition to well-planned municipal parks, the county offers the 100-acre Williamson County Regional Park with nearly a dozen soccer fields, two softball fields, a football circled by a 400-meter track, tennis courts, six basketball courts, and a playscape. Berry Springs Park and Preserve sprawls over 300 acres to offer a scenic backdrop for camping, hiking, and fishing.
The communities in Williamson County range from sprawling metropolitan centers like Round Rock to small towns where neighbors are friends and life revolves around school, church, and volunteerism. The northern portion of the city of Austin actually spills over into Williamson County between Cedar Park and Round Rock. The creation of the Sun City Georgetown retirement community underlines the appeal to retirees and empty nesters as well as professionals and families. Newcomers will find stunning new residential developments, known for their handsome custom homes but also for a breathtaking setting of natural beauty and premier recreational amenities. Award-winning parks systems, exemplary school districts, major medical centers, institutions of higher education, extensive libraries, and well-managed communities are all hallmarks of Williamson County. Local promoters and supporters of the arts keep the entertainment scene lively, although the world-class cultural attractions in Austin are easily accessible from Williamson County. One of the Austin area’s most celebrated tourist attractions is located in Georgetown. The Inner Space Cavern, a popular destination for those who enjoy exploring the earth’s geological past, uses cable cars to bring visitors below the earth’s surface to discover dramatic formations and prehistoric fossils. Little wonder that this area is developing so rapidly, offering easy access to the best of Greater Austin and an outstanding quality of life in urban, small town, and country settings.
Avery Ranch
City Hall
512-974-2200
https://www.austintexas.gov
Chamber of Commerce
512-478-9383
https://www.austinchamber.com
The 1,800-acre master-planned community of Avery Ranch is nestled between Cedar Park and Round Rock in the area where the city of Austin sprawls over into Williamson County. Bordering the Texas Hill Country and part of the vibrant city of Austin, Avery Ranch provides a wonderful selection of homes in a wide range of price ranges. This family-oriented area offers community centers, pools, tennis courts, a golf course, an outdoor amphitheater, and hiking or biking trails. The area’s natural rolling terrain and close proximity to 60-acre Avery Lake and Lake Travis enhance the already choice location. An 8.5-mile regional trail runs next to Avery Ranch, with access to 180 acres of regional parks and six communities. Internal trails connect the neighborhoods within Avery Ranch without crossing roadways. Children attend new community-based schools in either Round Rock or Leander School Districts. Nearby colleges, malls and shopping plazas, and easy access to Austin amenities are all part of the magnetism to this wonderful community.
Bartlett
City Offices
254-527-3219
https://www.bartlett-tx.us
Chamber of Commerce
512-930-3535
https://georgetownchamber.org/
Straddling Bell and Williamson counties but primarily located in Bell County, the small town of Bartlett was founded in 1881 and grew from expansion of the railroad and cotton industries. Today, this historic jewel of the rich Blacklands area proudly preserves one of the largest collections of conjoined historical buildings and original brick streets in Central Texas. Newcomers to Bartlett will feel as if they have stepped into another place and time where Norman Rockwell images of “Small Town America” and simple pleasures spring to life. Although the decline of the cotton industry in the first half of the 20th century transformed the city’s bustling commerce into a sleepy residential community, revitalization and renewal are evident today. Bartlett is rapidly becoming a place of interest for business owners and historians alike. The past decade has seen a burst of reconstruction in this unique setting, which is becoming a destination for fine antiques, collectibles, delicious dining, and one-of-a-kind specialty shops.
Cedar Park
City Offices
512-401-5000
https://www.cedarparktexas.gov
Chamber of Commerce
512-260-7800
https://www.cedarparkchamber.org
Distinguished as one of the fastest-growing cities in the entire nation, Cedar Park invites newcomers to enjoy an outstanding quality of life in close proximity to the attractions, amenities, and employment centers of Greater Austin. Improved highway systems have enhanced Cedar Park’s position as a convenient and livable community just 17 miles from downtown Austin. Residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle in a family oriented atmosphere that is nestled in the heart of the Highland Lakes area. Little wonder that Family Circle Magazine selected Cedar Park as one of the “Top 10 Cities to Raise a Family.” Although the four seasons are all enjoyable, spring is an especially enchanting time in this area when Texas wildflowers clad the countryside in a kaleidoscope of color. Boating, fishing, water skiing, swimming, and other water sports are all available close to home. Great schools, lovely homes, stunning master-planned communities, quiet streets, and nearby lakes combine with lush parks, suburban amenities, and easy access to Austin attractions for the best of all worlds.
Georgetown
City Offices
512-930-3652
https://georgetown.org/
Chamber of Commerce
512-930-3535
https://georgetownchamber.org/
North of the Capital City sprawl, Georgetown offers a glimpse of open prairie and wide Texas sky as well as vintage architecture and one of the most charming town squares in the entire state. Bargain hunters, antique lovers, and shoppers all find in this quaint city an eclectic mix of boutiques and specialty stores that are far from ordinary. New outdoor malls display the latest in fashions, while the downtown Square springs to life with celebrations and festivals that combine great food with original arts and crafts set to the tune of live entertainment. Market Days draw enthusiastic crowds from March through December each year in this area that celebrates its location along the historic Chisholm Trail each September. The Palace Theatre anchors a lively arts community that plans and supports the visual and performing arts in a variety of venues. The city is home to Southwestern University, the oldest private institution of higher education in Texas and recipient of frequent and numerous accolades for affordable quality. The newly developed Sun City Georgetown community for active adults has accelerated the growth boom.
Granger
City Offices
512-859-2755
http://grangertx.us
Chamber of Commerce
512-759-4400
https://huttochamber.com/
Those who are interested in the friendliness and intimacy of a small town in close proximity to urban advantages and amenities will want to explore the quiet hometown community of Granger. Just seven miles from home is the regional recreational attraction of Granger Lake, providing a world of outdoor adventure in a panoramic setting. Camping, swimming, picnicking, boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, bird watching, nature study, and horseback riding are all available at this recreational oasis. Slow, steady growth in this small town has preserved many of the aspects of life that make it so appealing, including more home for the dollar, a lower cost of living that most locations across the nation, and schools with classrooms that average 12 students for each teacher. Not far from home, the bright lights of Austin offer world-class entertainment, cultural, and employment resources.
Hutto
City Offices
512-759-4030
https://www.huttotx.gov
Chamber of Commerce
512-759-4400
https://huttochamber.com/
Distinguished as the only community in the nation to select the “hippo” as its mascot, Hutto was named “Official Hippo Capital of Texas” by the Texas Legislature. Along with the enormous tribute to the hippo that the local chamber of commerce erected in 1986, this fast-growing city is home to an entire herd of smaller concrete hippos that stand outside homes, businesses, and public buildings as a symbol of community pride. The city offers a variety of recreational activities and opportunities throughout the year, including the newly developed Hutto Lake area with bird watching areas, trails, and interpretive areas. Each year, the city draws throngs of visitors in the celebration of Hutto Old Tyme Days. Just 30 miles from downtown Austin and only 10 miles from the burgeoning city of Round Rock, Hutto is ideal for commuters to regional employment centers. At the same time, the local economy is growing along with the number of residents. The city draws many new residents who appreciate the unique personality of the community, the small-town atmosphere, and the lower cost of living.
Jarrell
City Offices
512-746-4593
https://www.cityofjarrell.com
Chamber of Commerce
512-930-3535
https://georgetownchamber.org/
Like the rest of Williamson County, the city of Jarrell is embarking on a period of expansion and transition, moving from an agricultural economy to bustling urban areas that mix fine residential communities with thriving business and industry. Tranquil neighborhoods of older homes contrast with new subdivisions with varying home and lot sizes to meet a cross-section of needs. The city is proactively increasing water availability and zoning commercial land along highway frontage for controlled growth that preserves the outstanding quality of life. Jarrell is ideally situated along Interstate 35, enhancing its appeal to commuters but also for local economic growth. Parents appreciate the excellent school district, where rich educational opportunities are offered within the structure of a Texas Education Agency “exemplary” campus. One of the recreational highlights is a large community center with sports fields and other amenities.
Leander
City Offices
512-528-2700
https://www.leandertx.org
Chamber of Commerce
512-259-1907
https://www.leandercc.org
Sparkling lakes, rolling hills, and an exceptionally stunning municipal golf course set against a panoramic backdrop are some of the features that make Leander so appealing to newcomers. Neighborhoods and residential communities offer a wide range of attractive housing, from starter homes to executive manors. Several premier enclaves are nested in the Leander area, including Crystal Falls with a golf course that was one voted “The Most Scenic Public Golf Course in Central Texas.” Four neighborhoods surround these lush greens, offering everything from acreage properties to family oriented living that excels in recreational amenities. Nearby Lake Travis is a popular destination for outdoor adventures and water-oriented recreation. Grandview Hills is another wonderful new neighborhood with several subdivisions that offer million-dollar views and beautiful homes in a wide range of styles and prices. The addition of a commuter rail line has enhanced Leander’s connection to downtown Austin. Civic leaders are taking steps to move Leander into the position of a more cohesive, pedestrian-oriented community through strategic planning for the town core.
Liberty Hill
City Offices
512-778-5449
https://www.libertyhilltx.gov
Chamber of Commerce
512-548-6343
https://libertyhillchamber.org/
Situated along State Highway 29, Liberty Hill is 15 miles west of the county seat of Georgetown and 33 miles northwest of the Texas capital city of Austin. The community nestled between the north and south forks of the San Gabriel River. Even in the later decades of the 20th century, the town remained small and was primarily an agricultural community. Today, growth is on the rise as more newcomers discover the pleasures of small-town living near major urban amenities and regional employment centers. Many families choose Liberty Hill as their hometown for the excellent public schools. The town is extremely supportive and proud of the high school football team of state championship fame. Liberty Hill is a community where neighbors, business owners, and service providers greet each other by name and friendships last a lifetime. The annual Old West PlayDay in Liberty Hill with its thrilling rodeo is a regional favorite.
Round Rock
City Offices
512-218-5400
https://www.roundrocktexas.gov
Chamber of Commerce
512-255-5805
https://roundrockchamber.org/
Growing at a phenomenal rate, the city of Round Rock is just 15 miles from Austin and serves as the worldwide headquarters for Dell. Several other major employers and many small or mid-sized companies and businesses make it possible to live, work, and play in the Round Rock area. As would be expected, the property taxes and utility rates are some of the lowest in the region. The city has developed an award-winning parks system and is respected for its public school district and clean, quiet suburban neighborhoods. As one of the best-managed cities in Texas, Round Rock has set a new model for maintaining a high quality of life in the face of rapid development that has transformed it into one of the economic powerhouses in Central Texas. Economic prosperity underlines the availability of quality education and healthcare services as well as retail shopping and a variety of dining options from casual to elegant. One national study identified the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area as one of the “Best Cities for Relocating Families” in the nation.
Taylor
City Offices
512-352-3675
https://www.ci.taylor.tx.us
Chamber of Commerce
512-352-6364
http://www.taylorchamber.org/
Impressive from every perspective, Taylor is a relatively small town with a great deal of community pride and a college campus. Many annual events bring friends, family, and neighbors together for parades, craft fairs, and seasonal traditions. The visual appeal of period architecture, excellent public schools, antique shops and specialty stores, a proud history, and the overwhelming support for Friday night football games all play a part of the undeniable appeal of Taylor as a warm and friendly hometown. This progressive town has been a center for regional manufacturing and agribusiness since the late 19th century. Conversations at the local restaurant range from the price of corn to the latest technological trends. Urban crowding and traffic congestion in recent years have made Taylor increasingly appealing as a choice for commuters to regional employment centers, evidenced by new homes and subdivisions like Taylor Estates. This emerging suburb is determined to preserve its close-knit spirit, historic buildings, and thriving downtown district.
