Where Should I Live When Moving to Georgetown Texas | Find the Perfect Spot
Looking to move to Georgetown, Texas, but still deciding which neighborhood to choose? As a local realtor and broker in Austin, I can help you navigate the different areas of Georgetown and find the best fit for you.
Georgetown is a large city with diverse neighborhoods, but we’ll focus on three specific areas: the cusp between Round Rock and Georgetown, downtown Georgetown, and the new construction area.
One of the biggest reasons people are moving to Georgetown is the cost of housing. The median sales price for single-family homes in Georgetown in March 2023 was $480,000, compared to $580,000 in Austin. Plus, Georgetown has plenty of fun activities and amenities to enjoy. And if you only need to commute to downtown Austin occasionally, living in Georgetown is a more affordable option with a manageable 35-minute drive.
If you’re looking to move to Georgetown, Texas, it’s essential to understand the different neighborhoods and what they offer. Let’s start with the Round Rock area, technically part of Georgetown but located just north of Round Rock.
Terra Vista is one of this area’s most highly coveted neighborhoods, with a considerable size and plenty of amenities like pools, playgrounds, and trails. Thanks to the HOA, the neighborhood also boasts a beautiful golf course and well-maintained homes. While some may want to avoid being beholden to an HOA, it ensures that the community looks nice and property values stay high.
Terra Vista has easy access to I35, making traveling north to Georgetown or south to Austin convenient. It’s also located near popular shopping destinations like Ikea and H E B, as well as the Round Rock premium outlets. However, this area can get busy, so we’ll discuss other options if you’re looking for a quieter neighborhood.
There are several communities to consider in the Westinghouse Drive area of Georgetown, just a bit further north of the highly coveted Terra Vista neighborhood. Many of these newer communities are built by D.R. Horton, a well-known builder of affordable single-family homes with great amenity centers.
As a local realtor and broker in Austin, I’ve witnessed the growth of these communities over the years, from one-lane farm roads to expanding roads, gas stations, grocery stores, and strip malls. While some may lament the loss of green space, the need for more housing in Austin is real, and these communities provide much-needed homes for residents.
The schools in this area of Georgetown are split between the Georgetown and Round Rock school districts. While Round Rock is a top-rated school district in Austin, Georgetown schools have lower ratings. However, some of the schools in Georgetown are new, and their ratings may not reflect their quality accurately. It’s important to research each school individually before making a decision.
Two resources to check out when considering Georgetown/Round Rock schools are greatschools.org and niche.com. Greatschools.org provides objective data on graduation rates, reading levels, SAT scores, and more, while niche.com offers personal reviews from parents. It’s important to use both resources to get a comprehensive view of the schools in the area.
One community to consider in this area is Parkside at Mayfield Ranch, located north of Terra Vista and closer to the new construction area near Georgetown/Liberty Hill. This massive community boasts beautiful landscaping, community pools, and some areas with great views. While it’s located in Georgetown, it’s zoned for the highly rated Leander Independent School District.
While Parkside is further from shopping destinations like Ikea and the Round Rock premium outlets, it offers plenty of parks and green space for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. It’s an excellent option for those prioritizing schools and wanting to be in the Leander School District.
The next area is downtown Georgetown. It is a historic area with homes dating back to the 1800s, offering unique character and larger lots of land. This area is close to The Square, a downtown area with excellent shops, restaurants, and wineries. El Monumento is an upscale Mexican restaurant with amazing margaritas, while 600 Degrees Pizza offers New York-style slices and a great beer menu. The Golden Rule is a premier American/southern food restaurant with a huge outdoor patio.
Living in historic downtown Georgetown puts you in the middle of all the action, with easy access to The Square and Southwestern University, Austin’s oldest higher education institution. The area offers beautiful architecture and unique experiences, making it a great option for those looking for something different from the modern, cookie-cutter homes in other areas.
Vista Parkside at Mayfield Ranch offers traditional suburban communities with new construction homes and smaller lots. These homes lack the character of the historic homes in downtown Georgetown, which offer unique charm and variety. While buying an older home comes with its own challenges, many have been renovated to preserve their character.
Downtown Georgetown offers easy access to The Square, a quiet area with cool shops, restaurants, and wineries. It’s also close to parks like St. Gabriel Park, Blue Hole Park, and Lake Georgetown, offering great opportunities for picnics, swimming, and kayaking. Living in historic downtown Georgetown puts you within walking distance of all the festivals and extraordinary events in the area.
I helped retired military clients from Maryland find a spacious home in Georgetown, just 10 minutes from downtown and across the street from the river. They wanted a yard to plant a veggie garden and escape the constant repairs of their historic three-story townhouse in DC. Georgetown offers peace, nature, and beautiful downtown areas at a fraction of the cost of similar options in Austin.
Georgetown Independent School District serves the schools in downtown Georgetown, which are rated between three and five out of 10 on greatschools.org. However, it’s important to consider individual school details and parent reviews on niche.com before making a decision. Wolf Ranch Elementary School recently opened and doesn’t have much data yet, but it’s worth looking into.
The new construction area in Georgetown is where most of the growth and development is happening. However, if you want proximity to downtown Georgetown and new construction, Wolf Ranch is a great option. It’s a massive community with plenty of shopping, restaurants, and amenities like pools and trails. Wolf Ranch is also getting a new live work play development called Wolf Lakes Village, which will feature an Old World European style with pedestrian-friendly cobblestone streets, cafes, and more.
Wolf Ranch offers the convenience of having everything you need at your fingertips, but you can easily escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the rolling hills and beautiful views of the canyons and trees. While traffic can be heavy, you can quickly tuck away into your peaceful neighborhood.
Wolf Ranch is the perfect transition between downtown Georgetown and the new construction areas. One of our favorite communities in Georgetown is Santa Rita Ranch, a massive community with homes ranging from entry-level to over a million dollars. With homes ranging from 45 feet wide to over 90 feet wide, Santa Rita Ranch has something for everyone.
But it’s not just the homes that make Santa Rita Ranch special. The community has put a lot of effort into making it a beautiful place to live, with gorgeous landscaping, amenity centers, playgrounds, and pools. And with plans to become its own municipality, Santa Rita Ranch is a great investment opportunity.
Looking for something a little more hilly? Check out Rancho Sienna, another new construction community just minutes from Santa Rita Ranch. With stunning views and a beautiful amenity center, Rancho Sienna is perfect for those looking for a smaller community with a little more character.
But don’t just take our word for it. Georgetown has a lot to offer, from the downtown area with established trees and charming homes to the new construction areas with potential for appreciation. And with Wolf Ranch right in the middle of it all, you’ll never be far from the shops, restaurants, and amenities you need.
So if you’re thinking of moving to Georgetown, let us help you find the perfect neighborhood for your lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more.