Moving to Round Rock, TX: Everything You Need to Know

This guide covers everything from neighborhoods and cost of living to where to eat on your first night and which services to bookmark before you even unpack. And because we’re Round the Rock — Round Rock’s local guide — our recommendations come straight from the community. Many of the businesses listed here are Best of Round Rock winners, voted on by thousands of people who actually live here.

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Is Round Rock a Good Place to Live?

Short answer: yes, genuinely. Round Rock has ranked on Money magazine’s Best Places to Live list, and it consistently scores well on livability indexes for safety, schools, and quality of life. But rankings only tell part of the story.

What makes Round Rock actually work as a place to live is the combination of things that are hard to find together: strong schools without the Austin price tag, real community events that people actually show up to, a food scene that’s grown well beyond the usual suburb chains, and enough green space that it doesn’t feel like you’re just living in a parking lot between strip malls.

The honest pros: great public schools, low crime, excellent parks, the Sports Capital of Texas designation (which is earned — the sports infrastructure here is serious), a thriving local business community, and easy access to Austin without paying Austin prices.

The honest cons: I-35 traffic is real, and it’s not getting better anytime soon. Summer heat will humble you. Growth has brought construction, and some areas of town feel like they’re perpetually mid-project. And while the food scene has improved dramatically, if you’re coming from a major metro, you’ll have a short adjustment period.

Overall verdict: for families, it’s hard to beat. For young professionals who want Austin-adjacent living at a lower cost, it works well. For retirees, the amenities and community programming are strong and getting stronger.

Cost of Living and Housing*

Round Rock’s biggest draw for people coming from Austin — or from higher cost-of-living states — is the price gap. The median home price sits around $390,000–$420,000, compared to $530,000+ in Austin proper. You get more house, more yard, and often a newer build for the same money.

Property taxes in Williamson County run approximately 1.8–2.2% of assessed value annually, which is something to factor into your budget. Texas has no state income tax, which helps offset that. Utilities, groceries, and everyday costs run modestly below the national average.

Renting is an option, but the market is competitive. One-bedroom apartments typically run $1,200–$1,600/month; two-bedrooms $1,500–$2,000+, depending on the area and amenities.

When you’re ready to buy or need help navigating the market, the community has voted Starsky Owen Team as Round Rock’s Best Real Estate Agency and Batya Porter as Best Real Estate Agent. For financing, Christina Maquet at Fairway Mortgage is the community’s top pick for a loan officer.

Neighborhoods

Old Town Round Rock is the historic core of the city, walkable, full of character, and close to downtown. If you want proximity to restaurants, events, and local shops, this is your area. Homes here tend to be older and more varied in style — charming, but do your inspection homework.

Forest Creek is one of the most established master-planned communities in Round Rock, with mature trees, a golf course (Forest Creek Golf Club — voted Best Golf Course in BORR), and a strong neighborhood identity. It’s a great fit for families who want community amenities without the brand-new-construction feel.

Teravista sits on the southeast side and wraps around a golf course. It’s a larger master-planned community with resort-style amenities — pool, trails, sports courts. More of a lifestyle neighborhood.

Mayfield Ranch and Walsh Ranch are on the northwest edge of Round Rock and straddle the Leander ISD boundary (more on that below). Newer builds, larger lots in some sections, and popular with families for the school options and quieter feel.

Closer to 1431 and the northwest corridors, you’ll find a mix of newer developments and pockets of more affordable housing, with good access to Lakeline and the toll roads.

If you’re visiting before committing, The Ruby Hotel & Bar — voted Best Hotel in Round Rock — is a great home base. It’s one of the few boutique hotel experiences in the area and tells you a lot about the character of Downtown Round Rock.

Schools

Round Rock ISD is A-rated by the Texas Education Agency and consistently ranked among the best large school districts in the state. It serves the majority of Round Rock and is a primary reason families move here. The district has strong academics, well-funded athletics and fine arts programs, and a range of career and technical education pathways.

A few northwest neighborhoods fall within Leander ISD, which is also highly regarded — so if you’re house-hunting in Mayfield Ranch, Walsh Ranch, or nearby areas, confirm which district applies before you fall in love with a specific house.

Private and charter options exist in and around Round Rock as well, including Montessori programs — Discover New Horizons Montessori is the community’s top-voted Best Daycare.

For after-school and summer programming, Best Kids After School & Summer Camp took top honors in both the Best After-School Care and Best Summer Camp categories in Best of Round Rock voting. Small World Preschool and Children’s Lighthouse of Round Rock are other well-regarded options for younger children.

Getting Around

Round Rock sits along I-35, roughly 20 miles north of downtown Austin. That’s the good news and the bad news.

The good news: you have direct highway access to Austin, the airport, and everything in between. The bad news: I-35 through the Austin–Round Rock corridor is one of the most congested stretches of highway in Texas, and peak commute times (7–9am, 4–7pm) can turn a 20-mile drive into 45–60 minutes or more.

Locals learn to use the toll roads. SH 45, SH 130, and the MoPac extension (SH 45S) offer relief and are worth the cost if you’re commuting regularly. Many residents time their commutes or work hybrid schedules to avoid peak hours.

CapMetro operates bus and express routes connecting Round Rock to Austin, and there’s a MetroRail station in the Howard/Domain area that some residents use for trips to downtown Austin. It won’t replace a car, but it’s useful to know.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is roughly 30–35 miles from Round Rock — about 35–50 minutes depending on traffic and which part of Round Rock you’re in.

Where to Eat

Round Rock’s restaurant scene has grown up. You’ll find a genuine mix of local favorites, chef-driven spots, and international cuisine — and the community has made clear what it loves best through Best of Round Rock voting.

Start with Jack Allen’s Kitchen, which swept the food categories: Best Overall Restaurant, Best American Cuisine, Best Happy Hour, and Best Weekend Brunch. It’s a Round Rock institution at this point — farm-to-table Southwestern with a lively atmosphere and genuinely good cocktails.

For breakfast, Cafe Java is the community’s top pick — a local staple known for a warm atmosphere and food that earns repeat visits. For breakfast tacos specifically, Luna’s Tacos is the winner, which should surprise no one who’s eaten there.

You cannot move to Round Rock without going to Round Rock Donuts. This isn’t optional. They’ve been making oversized, made-to-order donuts since 1926, and on a busy day, they’ll move 500+ boxes. Get the orange one. You’ll know which one.

A few more standouts from the BORR community votes:

• Best BBQ: Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q
• Best Date Dining: Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar
• Best New Restaurant (2025): The Dime
• Best Burger: Finley’s Kitchen + Bar
• Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant: Hat Creek Burger Company
• Best Sushi: Sushi NiNi
• Best Pizza: 600 Degrees Round Rock
• Best Coffee: Mi Mundo Coffeehouse & Roastery (also Cafe Java and Purely Provisions)
• Best Brewery: 3rd Level Brewing (also voted Best Art Gallery and Best Dog-Friendly Place — it’s a whole thing)

For international flavors, Round Rock punches well above its weight: Lupe Tortilla for Mexican, Ramen Tatsu-ya for ramen, Sushi NiNi for Japanese, Pho Dan for Vietnamese, Zorba Greek Restaurant for Greek, and Subham Chettinad Grill for Indian cuisine.

Things To Do

People often assume there’s nothing to do in Round Rock outside of eating and shopping. Those people are wrong.

Downtown Round Rock — voted Best ‘Round Rock’ Thing To Do — has genuinely transformed into a walkable destination with local shops, restaurants, events, and bars. It anchors community life in a way that most suburbs can’t claim.

Dell Diamond is home to the Round Rock Express, the Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, and one of the best minor league ballpark experiences in the country. Summer evenings at the Diamond are a Round Rock tradition. It’s also the Best Outdoor Venue per the community vote — and hard to argue with.

3rd Level Brewing keeps winning categories because it’s become a true community hub — not just a brewery but a space for art, events, and dog-friendly hangouts. Best Brewery, Best Art Gallery, Best Beer, Best Dog-Friendly Place, all in one building.

URBAN ROOFTOP is the go-to for a date night or a drinks spot with a view — voted both Best Date Spot and Best View.

Brushy Creek Regional Trail is the community’s Best Walking Trail, and it’s excellent — miles of paved trail through natural Central Texas landscape, connecting parks, neighborhoods, and green space.

Redd’s Piano Bar and Lounge wins Best Live Entertainment Spot for good reason — it’s a genuinely fun night out and a local favorite for celebrations.

On the events calendar: Round Rock Pride Festival (Best Annual Event and Best Outdoor Festival), Taste of Round Rock (Best Food Event), Music on Main (Best Music Event), and Light Up the Lake during the holidays (Best Holiday Event).

For fitness, the community backs CrossFit Round Rock (Best Gym), Soul Strong Yoga (Best Yoga/Pilates Studio), and Mama Barre Fitness (Best Adult Fitness Activity). Forest Creek Golf Club is the top-voted golf course in town.

Kids and Family Life

Round Rock has built a legitimate infrastructure for families — not just good schools, but real options for kids’ activities, enrichment, and fun.

The Jungle Movement Academy dominated the kids’ activity categories, winning Best Indoor Playspace, Best Gymnastics Studio, and Best Classes/Lessons for Kids. It’s a good first stop for parents of active kids.

Play for All Abilities Park is the community’s Best Playground and for good reason — it’s a fully inclusive play space that’s worth a visit even if your kids don’t need adaptive equipment. It draws families from across the region.

More community-voted favorites for families:

• Best Swim Lessons: Aqua-Tots Swim School Round Rock
• Best Dance Studio: The Dance Spot
• Best Martial Arts (Kids): Round Rock Karate Academy
• Best Kid’s Art Program: Ceramic Lodge
• Best Music Lessons: Round Rock Music School
• Best Performing Arts: Birchwood Performing Arts
• Best Kid’s Party Location: Monster Mini Golf Round Rock
• Best Birthday Cakes: Paige’s Bakehouse
• Best Playdate Spot: Tot Box Play Cafe
• Best STEM Program: Tumbles Round Rock

And a community resource worth knowing: Round Rock Public Library (RRPL) — voted Best Youth Activity. The library system here is excellent and runs year-round programming for kids of all ages.

Services to Bookmark Before You Unpack*

This section is for the practical stuff. When you move to a new city, you spend the first six months figuring out who to call for everything. Here’s a head start, straight from community votes:

Health & Wellness

• Family Doctor: Brushy Creek Family Physicians
• Pediatrician: Andy Cavanagh – Chisholm Trail Pediatrics
• Dentist: Round Rock Dental Group
• Pediatric Dentist: Pediatric Dentistry of Round Rock
• Orthodontist: Wildflower Orthodontics
• Eye Care: Round Rock Eyes
• Chiropractor: Focused On You Chiropractic
• Vet: Dogwood Animal Clinic

Home Services

• Moving: inNout Movers
• AC/HVAC: Koala Cooling
• Plumbing: Austin Area Plumbing
• Electrician: Supersun Electrical Services
• Pest Control: Stride Pest Control
• Roofing: KangaRoof
• House Cleaning: Jon’s Supreme Cleaning Services LLC
• Lawn & Landscaping: The Works Lawn Service
• Pool Service: Round Rock Pool Pros
• Fence: Viking Fence
• Flooring: Balarini Floors
• Painting: Painter1 of Austin Metro

Financial & Professional

• Bank/Credit Union: Frost Bank
• Insurance Agent: Farmers Insurance – Marcos Esparza
• Mortgage: Christina Maquet – Fairway Mortgage
• Financial Advisor: Cole Drum – Anchored Strategic Advisors
• Attorney: Elissa I. Henry – Homestead Legal
• CPA/Accountant: Susan Rock – ROCK Business Solutions

Auto

• General Repair: Genuine Automotive & Diesel
• Japanese/Import: Japanese Motor Sports
• Car Wash: Peak Shine Car Wash

Pets

• Grooming: Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Round Rock
• Doggie Daycare: PetSuites Great Oaks
• Pet Sitting: Freak’N Dog Moms
• Training: The Dog Wizard Round Rock

Getting Involved

One of the best things about Round Rock is that it’s easy to plug in. The community shows up — for events, for local businesses, for causes that matter.

Round Rock Market Days (Best Pop Up Market) is a great first outing — a regular outdoor market featuring local vendors, food, and makers. Round Rock Honey (Best Farmers’ Market) is a local staple worth knowing.

On the nonprofit side, Round Rock Area Serving Center is the community’s top-voted nonprofit organization and a good place to start if you want to give back. Texas Baptist Children’s Home and Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter are also highly supported by the community.

If you’re looking for a fitness community, CrossFit Round Rock, Soul Strong Yoga, and Mama Barre Fitness were all top-voted and are known for being genuinely welcoming to newcomers. The same goes for Renzo Gracie Round Rock if Brazilian jiu-jitsu is your thing.

For seniors, the Allen R. Baca Center for Senior and Community Activities (voted Best Senior Event/Activities) is a hub of programming, social connection, and community engagement.

What Makes Round Rock, Round Rock

A few things you’ll pick up quickly once you’re here:

Round Rock Donuts is a rite of passage. The original location has been open since 1926, and the giant orange donut is an icon. Go early.

The actual round rock exists. It’s in Brushy Creek, near the original downtown crossing, and it’s what the city is named for. Go see it once.

Dell Technologies has its global headquarters here and employs roughly 7,400 people locally. The company has deep roots in the community and is a major part of the local economy and culture.

Sports Capital of Texas is a real designation, not just marketing. Round Rock hosts major youth and recreational sports tournaments year-round. The sports infrastructure — fields, courts, facilities — is genuinely impressive for a city this size.

And perhaps most importantly: Round Rock has a strong sense of local identity. People are proud of it here, and that shows up in the way they support local businesses, show up to events, and vote in things like Best of Round Rock. That community energy is palpable once you’re part of it.

Ready to Explore More?

Welcome — or almost welcome — to Round Rock. Once you’re here, Round the Rock is your guide to what’s happening, what’s good, and what’s new. Start with our Best Restaurants in Round Rock guide, check what’s going on This Weekend in Round Rock, and browse the full Best of Round Rock 2025 Winners for the community’s top picks across every category.

Best of Round Rock recommendations reflect community voting results from the 2025 Best of Round Rock Awards. Round the Rock facilitates these annual awards each October. At any time, you can create a login so you’ll be ready to nominate and vote for your favorites.

*Note: Business information and pricing are current as of May 2026. We recommend verifying details directly with each business.