Round Rock
Welcome to Round Rock
At Adam Timothy Group, we love helping people find the right place for them. Every neighborhood has a different vibe, strengths, and tradeoffs. Schools matter deeply to some buyers and far less to others. The best way to truly understand a neighborhood is to drive it, walk it, and dine in it. If you want to learn more about Round Rock or compare it to other areas, we're here to help.
About Round Rock
Round Rock is a thriving suburb just 15 miles north of Austin, known as the "Sports Capital of Texas." This welcoming community combines small-town charm with big-city amenities, offering families and young professionals an ideal place to call home. With top-rated schools, abundant recreational opportunities, and a charming historic downtown, Round Rock continues to be one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas.
Quick Facts About Round Rock:
- The Round Rock: The city was named after a distinctive round rock formation in Brushy Creek, a local landmark since the 1800s
- Dell Diamond: Home to the Round Rock Express, the AAA affiliate of the Texas Rangers, offering affordable family-friendly baseball from April through September
- Kalahari Resort: Features the nation's largest indoor waterpark with 223,000 square feet of slides, pools, and family fun year-round
- Round Rock ISD: One of the top-rated school districts in Texas with multiple nationally-ranked schools
Top 10 Things to Love About Round Rock
At Adam Timothy Group, we love helping people find the right place for them. Every neighborhood has a different vibe, strengths, and tradeoffs. Schools matter deeply to some buyers and far less to others. The best way to truly understand a neighborhood is to drive it, walk it, and dine in it. If you want to learn more about Round Rock or compare it to other areas, we're here to help.
- 1. Dell Diamond Baseball
Watch future major league stars play at the Dell Diamond, home of the Round Rock Express AAA baseball team, with affordable tickets and family-friendly entertainment all season long. - 2. Kalahari Resort & Waterpark
Experience the nation's largest indoor waterpark with 30 thrilling slides, 20 pools, a wave pool, lazy river, and year-round tropical fun regardless of Texas weather. - 3. Top-Rated Schools
Round Rock ISD and other local districts consistently rank among Texas' best, with multiple schools earning national recognition for academic excellence and innovation. - 4. Old Settlers Park
Explore 645 acres featuring 20 baseball fields, tennis courts, soccer fields, miles of trails, fishing lake, and the Rock'N River Water Park for endless outdoor recreation. - 5. Historic Downtown
Stroll through the charming walkable downtown district filled with locally-owned shops, restaurants, live music venues, and the famous Round Rock Donuts since 1926. - 6. Round Rock Premium Outlets
Shop over 125 stores in this 430,000-square-foot shopping destination offering incredible deals on favorite brands and designers. - 7. Family-Friendly Community
Safe neighborhoods, excellent parks, community events, and a welcoming atmosphere make Round Rock perfect for raising children and building lasting friendships. - 8. Easy Austin Access
Located just 15 miles from downtown Austin with convenient highway access, enjoying big-city culture and employment while living in a quieter suburban setting. - 9. Growing Culinary Scene
From farm-to-fork restaurants to authentic international cuisine and beloved Texas barbecue, Round Rock's dining landscape continues expanding with quality options. - 10. Affordable Suburban Living
Compared to Austin proper, Round Rock offers more space, newer homes, and better value while maintaining quick access to urban amenities and job centers.
Highlights – What to Do
Round Rock perfectly balances family-friendly attractions with outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. The Dell Diamond offers minor league baseball excitement, while Kalahari Resort provides year-round water fun. Old Settlers Park's 645 acres invite hiking, fishing, and sports, and the historic downtown creates a charming Main Street experience with local shops, dining, and frequent community events.
Highlights – Where to Eat & Drink
Round Rock's dining scene celebrates both homegrown favorites and exciting newcomers. Historic downtown anchors the restaurant scene with locally-owned establishments, craft cocktail bars, and beloved institutions like Round Rock Donuts. The city's culinary offerings range from authentic international flavors to Texas classics.
Top Local Favorites:
- Round Rock Donuts – A Texas institution since 1926, famous for the massive Round Rock Donut and fresh-baked pastries that draw crowds daily
106 W Liberty Ave, Round Rock - URBAN Eat.Drink – Upscale casual dining in downtown with craft cocktails, weekend brunch, and a speakeasy-inspired bar atmosphere
110 S Harris St, Round Rock - Finley's Kitchen + Bar – Scratch kitchen with signature cocktails, extensive bourbon selection, and exemplary tequilas in historic downtown
Downtown Round Rock - Backporch Social – Family-friendly American restaurant with outdoor games, bar chair swings, and a fun, relaxed atmosphere perfect for all ages
Downtown Round Rock - Recuerdos Tex-Mex – Downtown staple for over 9 years serving cheesy enchiladas and authentic Tex-Mex with warm family hospitality
Downtown Round Rock - Paige's Bakehouse – Hometown bakery with custom cakes, specialty baked goods, buttery cookies, and a full coffee bar
Downtown Round Rock - The Peached Tortilla – Asian comfort food with Southern twist, featuring Dan Dan noodles, charred Brussels sprouts, and brisket fried rice
Multiple locations
Bars & Nightlife:
- The Ruby Bar – Boutique hotel bar with creative cocktails, shaded pool area, and excellent outdoor lounge spaces
Downtown Round Rock - 3rd Level Brewing – Where craft beer meets nerd culture, founded by long-time friends with unique themed brews
Round Rock - Purely Provisions – Wine bar and cafe perfect for sipping and unwinding with carefully curated selections
Downtown Round Rock - Double Cut Steakhouse & Bourbon Bar – Upscale dining with extensive bourbon selection and craft cocktails
Round Rock
Highlights – Things to Consider
Round Rock is a great fit for many buyers, but like every neighborhood, it isn't for everyone. What feels like a drawback to one person may be exactly what someone else is looking for.
- Car-dependent lifestyle. Round Rock requires a vehicle for most daily activities and is not known for walkable urban density outside of the small downtown area.
- Commute to Austin. While only 15 miles away, commuting to downtown Austin during peak hours can take 30-45 minutes or longer depending on traffic.
- Rapid growth and development. Continuous construction brings new amenities but also road work, increased traffic, and changing neighborhood character.
- Suburban pace. Those seeking urban energy, nightlife, and walkable street culture may find Round Rock too quiet and spread out.
- Limited public transportation. Public transit options are minimal compared to Austin proper, making car ownership essential.
- Summer heat without central Austin shade. Newer developments with younger trees can feel hotter during Texas summers compared to established, tree-lined Austin neighborhoods.
Highlights – Neighborhood Schools
Round Rock residents are primarily served by Round Rock ISD, one of the top-rated school districts in Texas. The district consistently earns recognition for academic excellence, innovative programs, and exceptional facilities. View school rankings.
For a comprehensive overview of how schools factor into your Austin home search, check out our Schools Guide.
Selected Top-Ranked Schools:
- #7 Best Public High Schools in Texas: Westwood High IB World School
- #10 Best Public High Schools in Texas: Vandegrift High School
- #33 Best Public High Schools in Texas: Meridian World School
- Round Rock High School – Comprehensive programs with strong academics and athletics
- McNeil High School – Top-rated with excellent extracurricular opportunities
- Stony Point High School – Award-winning academics and championship athletics
Highlights – Healthcare
Round Rock and the surrounding area offer excellent healthcare facilities and medical services. For detailed information about hospitals, medical centers, and healthcare providers throughout the Austin metro area, visit our Complete Guide to Healthcare in Greater Austin.
Highlights – Cost of Living
Use the Forbes cost of living calculator to compare Round Rock costs and estimate income needs based on your current city.
