What if you could have a walkable, historic downtown for weekend strolls and still be minutes from big-box shopping, medical care, and river trails? If that sounds like your kind of balance, Georgetown belongs on your shortlist. You might be weighing commute tradeoffs, school info, or how far your budget goes compared to Austin. In this guide, you will get a clear feel for daily life, neighborhoods, outdoor perks, and current market context so you can decide with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Where Georgetown fits in Central Texas
Georgetown sits about 25 to 30 miles north of downtown Austin, along the I‑35 corridor in Williamson County. That puts you close enough to tap into Austin jobs and culture while enjoying a slower daily rhythm at home. For location and context, see the city overview on Georgetown’s Wikipedia page.
Growth is a big part of the story here. The U.S. Census Bureau highlighted Georgetown among the nation’s fastest‑growing large cities by percent change in 2022, reflecting strong in‑migration to the area. You can review the Census discussion in this 2023 press release. For baseline context, the 2020 census counted roughly 67,000 residents, and city estimates since then show continued gains.
Small‑town charm around the Square
Georgetown’s identity centers on its historic courthouse square, with well‑preserved Victorian and early 20th‑century buildings that now house boutiques, tasting rooms, and restaurants. The arts scene has a real anchor in the Georgetown Palace Theatre, an active historic venue with year‑round programming. Nearby, The Williamson Museum offers local history exhibits and walking tours, adding depth to the downtown experience.
Is the Square busy beyond the holidays? Yes. The city’s events calendar keeps it lively with Market Days, summer concerts, and the annual Red Poppy Festival. Georgetown is known as the Red Poppy Capital of Texas, and the festival draws visitors each spring. Learn more about the tradition on the city’s Red Poppy Festival page.
Outdoor life on the San Gabriel and Lake Georgetown
If you want water, trails, and shade, you will use the San Gabriel River corridor a lot. Blue Hole Park sits in a limestone‑walled bend of the South San Gabriel near downtown, popular for seasonal swimming and picnics. The San Gabriel River Trail links parks and neighborhoods for bikers and runners, and San Gabriel Park offers fields, pavilions, and festival space. A quick overview of these local favorites appears in Community Impact’s Georgetown destinations roundup.
On the west side of town, Lake Georgetown brings boating, fishing, and long looping hikes. Garey Park adds equestrian options, a dog park, and programming that expands your weekend choices. Together, these assets make it easy to spend time outside without a long drive.
Modern perks: shopping, dining, healthcare
Georgetown blends small‑town rhythm with easy errands. Wolf Ranch Town Center groups major retailers, groceries, and dining so you can cover a week’s list in one stop. The area around Wolf Lakes is planned to add more modern mixed‑use options over time. You can get a feel for these hubs at the Wolf Ranch by Hillwood and Wolf Lakes Village sites.
Healthcare access is another common question. St. David’s Georgetown Hospital provides local hospital services, with expanded medical offices tied to growth. For context on recent developments, see Community Impact’s report on St. David’s Georgetown investments. You also have regional medical centers in nearby Round Rock and Austin.
Neighborhoods and lifestyles
Georgetown’s neighborhoods offer a wide mix of home styles and amenities. Here are a few you will likely explore:
Downtown and Old Town
Close to the Square, you will find older bungalows and renovated homes on smaller lots. You get character and walkable access to dining and events. Prices often reflect higher price per square foot given the location and vintage charm.
Berry Creek
Berry Creek is an established golf‑course community known for larger lots and a country‑club setting. It appeals if you want space and an amenity‑driven neighborhood feel. Expect prices to trend higher than the citywide median, with variation by lot size, updates, and golf adjacency.
Wolf Ranch and Wolf Lakes area
These master‑planned areas bring modern floor plans, community amenities, and quick access to major retail. You will see a mix of single‑family, townhomes, and nearby apartments, with community parks and trails. Ongoing development means you may encounter active construction and phased amenity rollouts.
Sun City Texas
Sun City is a large active‑adult 55+ community with golf, fitness, clubs, and extensive internal amenities. It has long been a driver of retiree in‑migration to Georgetown and shapes some niche segments of the local market. If you prefer a lifestyle with on‑site programming and social clubs, put it on your tour list.
Housing snapshot and what you get
Prices vary widely by neighborhood, home age, and lot size. As of January 2026, a city‑level housing snapshot showed a median sale price around 395,000 dollars and longer days on market than during the pandemic peak. Downtown and boutique pockets often command premiums, while outlying subdivisions may offer more space for the dollar.
What does a typical budget buy? In many newer communities, a mid‑400s budget can target a recent three to four bedroom home with modern finishes, depending on location and builder. In Old Town, a similar budget might land a smaller renovated bungalow with character and walkable access. If you want golf‑course proximity in Berry Creek or a 55+ home in Sun City, pricing will reflect lot position, upgrades, and amenity access.
Pro tip: date your comps. Georgetown’s growth and steady building pipeline mean that near‑term pricing can shift with inventory and rates. If you are relocating, ask for a current CMA and virtual walk‑throughs of recent sales so you can calibrate expectations quickly.
Commute, schools, and daily logistics
Commute to Austin
The primary southbound route is I‑35, with parallel arterials that can help in certain windows. Plan for broad ranges during peak hours, and test your route at the exact time you expect to travel. Georgetown is about 25 to 30 miles from downtown Austin, and real‑world times vary with construction and events. For a quick geographic primer, see this Georgetown overview.
Schools and boundaries
Most of the city is served by Georgetown ISD, which reports over roughly 14,000 students. School ratings vary by campus and source, and attendance zones can change as the area grows. Always confirm a specific address using Georgetown ISD’s official site and contact the district to verify current boundaries.
Everyday errands and services
For grocery runs and big errands, proximity to a retail hub like Wolf Ranch Town Center can save time. Downtown covers coffee, boutiques, and services with character, while medical offices cluster near major corridors. This mix lets you choose a quiet street without giving up convenience.
Is downtown active year‑round?
Yes. The Square hosts recurring programming that keeps foot traffic steady, including Market Days, concerts, and seasonal traditions. The city’s signature Red Poppy Festival sets the tone each spring, while the Georgetown Palace Theatre and The Williamson Museum add consistent arts and culture throughout the year. Local coverage highlights parks and downtown draws that stay busy across seasons, as seen in this Community Impact destinations overview.
How to decide if Georgetown fits you
Start with your day‑to‑day. Do you want to walk to dinner on the Square, or would you prefer a newer home near big‑box shopping and quick trail access? How often will you commute to Austin, and at what times? Spend a Saturday sampling coffee downtown, drive the San Gabriel loop, and time your routes during a weekday peak.
If you are relocating, especially on a tight timeline, line up virtual tours and recent comps early. That way, you can act fast when the right home appears. When you are ready for a guided plan, from neighborhood shortlists to private showings, connect with Christie Minalga for local, relationship‑driven support across Central Texas.
FAQs
How long is the commute from Georgetown to downtown Austin in rush hour?
- Plan for roughly 45 to 75 minutes in peak times, depending on your exact start and end points, lane closures, and events; test your route at your typical travel time.
Is Georgetown, TX still growing quickly?
- Yes. The U.S. Census Bureau identified Georgetown among the fastest‑growing large U.S. cities by percent change in 2022; see the Census 2023 growth release.
What is the typical home price in Georgetown right now?
- As of January 2026, a city‑level snapshot showed a median sale price around 395,000 dollars, with meaningful variation by neighborhood, home age, and upgrades.
Which Georgetown neighborhoods should I explore for different lifestyles?
- For walkable historic living, start with Downtown and Old Town; for golf and larger lots, look at Berry Creek; for newer master‑planned options near major retail, consider Wolf Ranch and the Wolf Lakes area; for 55+ amenities, explore Sun City Texas.
Are there hospitals and medical services in Georgetown?
- Yes. St. David’s Georgetown Hospital provides local hospital care, and additional regional medical centers are available in Round Rock and Austin; see Community Impact’s recent hospital coverage.
How can I verify which Georgetown ISD school serves a specific home?
- Use Georgetown ISD’s website to look up attendance information and contact the district to confirm current boundaries before you make an offer.
