There are a hundred and one wonderful things to say about Austin, TX. There are lakes and rivers, Zilker Park, the hill country, bluebonnets, 6th Street, the University of Texas (hook ’em horns), the music scene and the movie makers all contribute to the wonder of Central Texas. It is easy to see that Austin is surrounded by numerous smaller communities and towns that are tied to Austin by history and co-dependency. They make up a rich and vital part of Austin’s growth and uniqueness. Heading east on highway 71, about 30 miles from Austin, is Bastrop, TX. Bastrop is a lovely town situated on the Colorado River. Early in Texas history it was almost the capital of Texas but was beat out by what was then known as Waterloo and later known as Austin due to land prices being cheaper in what is now Austin. It is a town with a rich heritage and has managed to keep their historical district and retain the old town charm that is part of what makes small town life what it is. Bastrop has maintained numerous older homes and buildings that have been restored to their former glory. They house the many shops, restaurants and inns as well as peoples homes that are the historical district. Along with its history Bastrop is a lively, vibrant and modern town with a lot to offer. Amidst all the growth and activity there are numerous new local businesses and restaurants, movie theaters, motels, hotels and bed and breakfast inns as well as superstores such as Wal-Mart, HEB and Home Depot, to mark both sides of the highway along the expansion of highway 71. Bastrop TX is home to local parks, with trails and family centers, as well as Bastrop State Park, and Lake Bastrop for picnics, camping and fishing. There are four 18 hole golf courses and communities within a few minutes of town. There are rodeos and festivals, art shows and golf tournaments, football and soccer games.
The real estate in and around Bastrop Texas is as varied as you could find anywhere. It is home to stands of lush loblolly pine trees (which you will not find anywhere else in the area) as well large oaks and maples. There are wonderful open fields for cattle grazing or your own horse ranch. There is real estate with river frontage on the Colorado River or properties with smaller creeks, streams and ponds. You can find new home subdivisions in town or farther out in the rural areas to choose a home from or you could buy a lot or acreage and build your own home. Whether you would choose to live in a stately older home in town or a horse ranch is more your style, Bastrop has real estate that would suit most any home buyers taste.
Bastrop is one of the fastest growing school districts in Central Texas. Bastrop has one high school, two middle schools, two intermediate schools, six elementary schools and an alternative high school. Bastrop school district serves the city of Bastrop, Cedar Creek, Red Rock, Rockne, Paige and vast rural areas of Bastrop County.
Some of these rural areas and smaller towns around the Austin Metro area are growing as fast as the city. Many of the residents commute to Austin for employment and shopping, while others find that what Bastrop has to offer meets their needs.