Round Rock
Welcome toThe neighborhood
Round Rock is a fast‑growing city just north of Austin. It boasts a thriving economy (home to Dell Technologies), abundant parks and a revitalized historic downtown. The city’s public schools are administered by the Round Rock Independent School District, which serves parts of Williamson and Travis counties. Round Rock offers a mix of master‑planned communities, established neighborhoods and new developments at more accessible price points compared to Austin.
The Austin metro's most complete suburb
Round Rock has earned its reputation as one of the best suburbs in Texas — and one of the best places to live in the entire state. Located approximately 20 miles north of downtown Austin via IH-35, Round Rock blends the amenities and employment access of a major metro area with a genuine community identity, top-rated schools, and home prices that deliver significantly more value than Austin proper.
The numbers tell the story clearly: a median home price around $420,000 — roughly $120,000 below Austin's median — an A-rated school district consistently ranked among the best large districts in Texas, and a job market anchored by Dell Technologies with a growing roster of healthcare, hospitality, and technology employers. Round Rock is not just a bedroom community — it's a city in its own right, with a thriving downtown, its own entertainment and dining scene, and Kalahari Resorts adding a world-class indoor waterpark destination.
In 2026, with the Austin metro broadly shifting toward a buyer's market, Round Rock presents one of the best buying environments since 2019. Inventory is elevated, sellers are regularly contributing to closing costs, and buyers have negotiating leverage they haven't had in years. For families, relocators, and first-time buyers, this is a genuinely compelling moment to buy in Round Rock.
Find your right fit in Round Rock
Round Rock isn't one neighborhood — it's a collection of distinct communities ranging from entry-level starter homes to golf-course estates. School zone assignment is one of the strongest predictors of neighborhood demand and pricing, so knowing the RRISD feeder pattern for any address you're considering is essential.
Teravista
One of Round Rock's most sought-after master-planned communities — built around a championship golf course with resort-style amenities, walking trails, and homes ranging from 1,800 to 5,000+ sq ft.
Walsh Ranch
Round Rock's premier luxury community with resort-level amenity center, pools, sport courts, and newer construction with high-end finishes. Popular with executives and move-up buyers.
Behrens Ranch
A perennial family favorite with mature trees, strong school assignments, multiple community pools, and a balanced mix of home sizes. One of Round Rock's most consistently in-demand neighborhoods.
Paloma Lake
Centered on a lake with walking trails, community amenities, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Popular with buyers who want a tight-knit community feel and outdoor lifestyle access.
Forest Creek
An established neighborhood paired with a public golf course. Mature landscaping, larger lots, and a variety of home styles make this a consistent favorite for families and golfers.
Siena, Brushy Creek & Old Town
Round Rock's best entry-level options — from family-friendly Siena to the charming historic cottages of Old Town. Solid schools, community amenities, and accessible price points.
What makes Round Rock the metro's best value
A-Rated School District
Round Rock ISD is rated A by the Texas Education Agency and consistently ranked among the best large school districts in Texas. Strong academics, athletics, and fine arts across campuses — and school zone assignment is a major pricing factor in every neighborhood.
Strong Employment Base
Dell Technologies anchors Round Rock's job market, with healthcare systems, Kalahari Resorts, and a growing roster of tech and professional employers adding depth. The North Austin tech corridor — Apple, Amazon, Tesla — is 15–20 minutes south.
Real Value vs. Austin
A $420,000 median in Round Rock buys a 3–5 bedroom home with a yard, a garage, and community amenities. The same budget inside Austin buys significantly less — often a 2-bedroom condo or a smaller 1960s ranch needing renovation.
Kalahari Resorts
America's largest indoor waterpark resort sits in Round Rock, drawing visitors from across Texas and making the city a tourism destination in its own right. For residents, it means world-class entertainment steps from home.
Downtown Round Rock
Old Settlers Park, the Round Rock Express AAA baseball team, and a growing downtown dining and entertainment scene give Round Rock its own identity — you don't need Austin for a great weekend.
Master-Planned Quality
Round Rock's master-planned communities — Teravista, Behrens Ranch, Paloma Lake — deliver resort-style amenities, maintained common areas, and community cohesion that standalone neighborhoods rarely achieve.
Where Round Rock residents spend their time
Dining & Entertainment
- Salt Traders Coastal Cooking — acclaimed coastal cuisine in Round Rock
- Round Rock Donuts — famous Texas-sized donuts, an institution
- Kalahari Resorts & Conventions — world-class indoor waterpark
- Round Rock Express — AAA affiliate baseball at Dell Diamond
- The Brass Tap — craft beer bar in downtown Round Rock
- Texas Roadhouse, Iron Cactus & growing dining scene on I-35
Parks & Outdoors
- Old Settlers Park — 645 acres with trails, sports, and lake fishing
- Brushy Creek Regional Trail — 25+ miles of trail system
- Teravista Golf Club — semi-private championship course
- Forest Creek Golf Club — public course with full amenities
- Williamson County Regional Park — sports complex and green space
Shopping & Daily Life
- Round Rock Premium Outlets — 100+ stores, major retail destination
- La Frontera Village — major shopping and dining hub
- HEB on Louis Henna Blvd — full-service grocery
- Costco, Target, major retailers throughout the city
- IKEA Round Rock — furniture and home goods destination
Schools (Round Rock ISD)
- Round Rock ISD — A-rated by Texas Education Agency
- Strongly regarded elementary and middle school campuses
- Round Rock High School, McNeil HS, Stony Point HS
- Cedar Ridge High School serving northern communities
- School zone assignment is a key factor in neighborhood value
Who calls Round Rock home
Growing families seeking A-rated schools, larger homes, and master-planned communities at an attainable price
Tech professionals at Dell, Apple, Tesla, and North Austin employers who want more home for their budget
Relocators from higher-cost metros who want suburban quality, top schools, and Austin metro access
First-time buyers entering the Austin metro who want realistic purchase prices and strong long-term fundamentals
Why People LoveRound RockResidents appreciate Round Rock’s dynamic economy, excellent schools, recreational amenities and manageable cost of living. The Round Rock Chamber notes that the city is recognized by Livability for its outstanding educational institutions, abundant recreational opportunities, safe neighborhoods and thriving downtown. Families enjoy Old Settlers Park, the Brushy Creek Regional Trail and the year‑round events at the Dell Diamond stadium.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The city spans ZIP codes 78664, 78665 and 78680–78683
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Round Rock ISD operates numerous elementary, middle and high schools including Westwood, McNeil and Cedar Ridge High Schools[
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Roughly 15 miles north via I‑35, making for a 20–30 minute drive depending on traffic.
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