Key Takeaways
- Central Texas offers a high quality of life with access to big city perks but a more relaxed pace.
- The region provides affordable housing options in suburbs and small towns.
- Jobseekers will find vibrant tech, education, healthcare, government, and industries with major employers like Dell, IBM, universities, and state agencies.
- Outdoor recreation includes over 80 state parks, wilderness areas covering over 500,000 acres, the Highland Lakes, miles of rivers, and over 50 golf courses.
- The culture scene thrives through Austin’s live music, food, museums, and spirited college-town entertainment.
- Austin has become a significant center for worldwide comedy talent thanks to Joe Rogan’s Comedy Mothership.
The Hub of Austin
The region’s crown jewel is Austin, the state capital and the 4th largest city in Texas, and the 10th largest in the US, with a population of 966,292 in 2023. The Austin metro area has a population of 2,228,000 in 2023.
Austin boasts a robust tech, business, education, healthcare, and government job market.
Major employers include Dell, IBM, H-E-B, Amazon, Adobe, Tesla, Google, Apple, Oracle, Seton Hospitals, St. Davids Healthcare Partnership, the State of Texas, and the University of Texas at Austin.
Austin’s dining scene is legendary, with award-winning chefs and restaurants. Attractions like the pedestrian-only 6th Street, Barton Springs Pool, and the Congress Avenue Bridge bats entice over 30 million visitors annually.
Affordable Suburbs in Central Texas
Outside of Austin, Central Texas provides excellent opportunities for affordable housing in the suburbs like Round Rock (population 130,516 in 2023), Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Kyle, Buda, and Georgetown (population 92,161 in 2023).
Smaller college towns like San Marcos (population 70,372) between San Antonio and Austin have an extensive trail system and tubing on the San Marcos River.
Killeen, the 22nd largest city in Texas with a population of 159,122, hosts the nearby Fort Cavazos (formerly known as Fort Hood) military base and offers reasonably priced housing.
General Richard Cavazos
Fort Cavazos honors General Richard Cavazos, a Mexican-American born in Kingsville who grew up on the King Ranch.
General Cavazos made history by becoming the first Hispanic four-star General in the US Army and then commanded the United States Army Forces Command.
General Cavazos’ brother Lauro Cavazos, Ph.D., was President of Texas Tech University in Lubbock from 1980-1989 and served as US Secretary of Education from 1988-1990.
Hill Country Haven
Beyond the I-35 corridor, the Texas Hill Country provides beautiful landscapes dotted with charming small towns, 50+ wineries, lavender farms, and endless outdoor recreation.
School districts in Region 12 include 12 counties in Central Texas. There are 76 school districts and 11 charter schools in Region 12.
Diverse Industries
Central Texas employment includes government, military, education, technology, and healthcare. But numerous other industries thrive, such as tourism, distribution centers, retail giants like Amazon, and small businesses ranging from acclaimed restaurants to professional services. The region welcomes large employers and small businesses with a welcoming “pro-business” attitude.
Transportation and Airports
I-35 connects Central Texas with Dallas/Fort Worth.
Houston and El Paso connect via I-10.
The area’s airline-served airports are Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and San Antonio International Airport.
DFW (Dallas Ft Worth Airport) and IAH (Houston George Bush Internation Airport) connect for worldwide access via Austin or San Antonio airports.
Higher Education
The region is home to more than 30 universities and colleges.
The University of Texas at Austin leads with over 50,000 students pursuing engineering, business, computer science, and more programs. Other options include Texas State, Texas A&M, Baylor, Southwestern University, and Austin Community College.
The State of Texas Comptrollers Office publishes a statewide list of Texas and Colleges. See the list here.
Culture and Entertainment
Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World, with concerts and festivals almost daily.
The city boasts over 50 museums and galleries like the Blanton Museum of Art, plus performance venues like the Frank Erwin Center. The River Walk and SeaWorld in San Antonio attract families, while college towns boast spirited local entertainment.
Sports and Recreation
Longhorn athletics draw huge crowds and passion in Austin.
San Antonio hosts the 5-time NBA champion Spurs. Austin FC brings Major League Soccer. The Highland Lakes provide boating, swimming, and fishing.
Miles of rivers offer tubing and kayaking. And over 50 public and private golf courses range from Jack Nicklaus designs to friendly municipal systems.
Central Texas has an activity for every sports fan and participant.
Endless Outdoor Options
Over 80 state parks and wilderness areas spanning over 500,000 acres provide endless recreation. Popular spots include Enchanted Rock State Park, Pedernales Falls State Park, Inks Lake State Park, and McKinney Falls State Park right in Austin.
The Highland Lakes, including Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan, offer swimming, waterfront living, and stunning hill country views.
Major rivers like the Guadalupe, Colorado, and San Marcos satisfy whitewater rafters.
If you seek wide open spaces, you’ll love Central Texas.
Family Fun
Central Texas offers family-friendly activities both in urban centers and the Hill Country.
Austin contains kid magnets like the Thinkery Museum, Austin Zoo, and Circuit of the Americas raceway.
The region boasts award-winning school districts in the suburbs, like Round Rock ISD and Leander ISD. Affordable neighborhoods, top-ranked schools, appealing jobs, and outdoor adventures make Central Texas an ideal place to put down family roots.
The Perfect Place to Call Home
Central Texas truly has it all, offering vibrant big cities like Austin and relaxed small towns like Fredericksburg, scenic Hill Country vistas yet modern suburbs, and both outdoor escapes and thriving entertainment.
The region strikes the perfect balance for work, life, and play.
If you’re seeking an authentic Texas lifestyle with warm hospitality, you’ll find it in Central Texas.
Contact Steve Silver at Silver Mortgage, at 1-800-920-5720.
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