Nested in the heart of Texas, the city stretches across Williamson County and holds the title of the second-fastest growing city in America. As the sports capital of Texas, Round Rock's economic growth continues to be nothing short of spectacular.

The city has also experienced phenomenal population growth, which shows no signs of slowing down soon. From 2010 to 2020, Round Rock’s population grew by a staggering 47%.

Coincidence? Not likely.

A recent analysis by Bank Rate ranked Round Rock as the #1 best place to live in America. Additionally, Round Rock is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including Dell, Toppan Photomask, and Emerson Process Management.

In this guide, we'll explore Round Rock, Texas, and explain the reasons behind the meteoric ascent.

Where Is Round Rock?

Round Rock is located 15 miles (24km) north of downtown Austin. This glorious city shares a common border with Austin on Texas State Highway 45. Round Rock is part of the Greater Austin metropolitan area and is famous for its outdoor activities and historic sites.

How Big Is Round Rock?

As mentioned, Round Rock is the second-fastest growing city in America, with a population of 123,876 as per the 2021 census. According to the US Census Bureau, the city stretches across 37.7 square miles, with another 30 miles in its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).

The city has a strong talent pool and a large consumer base, with 59% of the population between the ages of 18 and 65. It also has a highly educated workforce. Data from the US Census Bureau shows that 93% of the residents aged 25 and above have a high school diploma. Even more impressive, 41% hold an undergraduate degree or higher.

Round Rock's Housing Profile

Housing development has maintained steady growth over the past few years. From 2010 to 2018, about 8,500 units were added, representing a 24% growth. The majority of all the units in the city, approx. 72% are single-family structures.

More than half, approx. 54% of the housing units are owner-occupied. As of July 2023, the average price of homes in Round Rock was $465,000. If you're interested in buying a home, check out Round Rock real estate listings for available homes in the region.

Some of the best places to live in Round Rock include Forest Creek, Oaklands, Vizcaya, Behrens Ranch, Mayfield Ranch, Paloma Lake, Cat Hollow, and Teravista.

Property prices vary by region. For instance, homes in Forest Creek have a median listing price of $727,000. In contrast, the average home price in Mayfield Ranch is $399,914—nearly half that of similar homes in other Round Rock Suburbs.

What Makes Round Rock, TX, an Attractive Place to Live?

Round Rock has earned quite a number of accolades, checking all the boxes for livability. Here are some of the things that make this city a great place to live.

Excellent Climate

Round Rock, TX, can be an excellent place to relocate if you want to escape the cold. The city experiences 230 sunny days per year and an average year-round temperature of 65 degrees.

Winter temperatures are also not extreme. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 60 degrees, meaning you can explore the city and participate in the many outdoor activities in the region, even in the coldest months.

Sporting Activities

If you love sports, there's no better place to be than Round Rock. Known as the sports center of Texas, the city has a 68-acre Multipurpose Complex that boasts ten multipurpose fields—five made of natural grass and five of synthetic turf.

The sports complex is open to the public and hosts a wide range of activities, including football, basketball, rugby, lacrosse, and quidditch.

There's also the famous Dell Diamond baseball stadium where residents can watch their favorite baseball teams. Golf enthusiasts will love that Round Rock has 31 golf courses within twenty miles of town, meaning they will always find a place to play their favorite sport.

Shopping

Round Rock is a shopping paradise, with everything from reputable chains to mom-and-pop shops. Whether you want sportswear, groceries, or even home furnishings, everything is within the city's borders. Some of the major brands, including Best Buy and Target, are clustered here.

Those looking for more exclusive options can head north to Round Rock's Premium Outlets, home to big-name brands like Nike and Tommy Hilfiger. For furniture enthusiasts, IKEA is just outside the outlets in the University Oaks shopping center.

In Conclusion

The growth of Round Rock has been downright meteoric. The city has witnessed massive growth in population, jobs, and economic activities. Property prices are slightly above the national average, and the projected growth shows Round Rock's growth isn't slowing down soon.