By Tanya Kerr, M.Ed., Broker Associate, REALTOR® | T. Kerr Property Group | Updated May 2026
Of all the questions we get from relocation clients, this is the most common: which suburb actually fits us?
Austin, Round Rock, and Georgetown are the three most popular options for relocators landing in Central Texas. They look similar on a map but feel very different in person. This guide compares them side-by-side on the things that actually matter: housing costs, schools, commute realities, lifestyle, and what kind of household tends to thrive in each.
Quick Comparison Snapshot
AUSTIN PROPER
• Median home price: ~$520K
• Median lot size: small
• Schools: Austin ISD (highly variable by campus)
• Vibe: urban, eclectic, walkable in central neighborhoods
• Best for: young professionals, downtown commuters, urbanists
ROUND ROCK
• Median home price: ~$430K
• Median lot size: 0.15-0.25 acre, with options for larger
• Schools: Round Rock ISD (strong overall, varies by campus)
• Vibe: established suburb, family-focused, big employers nearby
• Best for: Dell employees, school-focused families, value-seekers
GEORGETOWN
• Median home price: ~$420K
• Median lot size: 0.20-0.50 acre common, 1+ acre available
• Schools: Georgetown ISD (improving rapidly)
• Vibe: small-town charm with big-city access, historic downtown
• Best for: families wanting space, retirees, history lovers
Austin Proper: Who It’s For
Austin within the city limits offers walkability, a vibrant restaurant and music scene, and proximity to downtown employers. The trade-off: smaller homes, smaller lots, higher prices per square foot, and Austin ISD’s significant campus-by-campus variability.
Best Austin neighborhoods for relocators: Mueller (master-planned, family-friendly), Tarrytown (established prestige), Travis Heights and Bouldin (78704 walkable South Austin), Hyde Park (older homes, central), Westlake Hills (luxury, Eanes ISD).
Reality check: Austin proper is the most expensive option per square foot. A budget that buys a 3,500-square-foot home on a quarter-acre in Wolf Ranch Georgetown buys a 1,800-square-foot home with a small yard in central Austin.
Commute reality: I-35 and MoPac (Loop 1) carry serious traffic during rush hours.
Round Rock: Who It’s For
Round Rock is the most established Williamson County suburb, anchored by Dell’s headquarters and a long history as a school-focused family community.
Why families choose Round Rock:
• Round Rock ISD has a strong overall reputation, with several A-rated campuses
• Established neighborhoods with mature trees and infrastructure
• Closer to downtown Austin than Georgetown (10-15 minutes)
• Better established retail and dining than Georgetown’s expanding scene
• Access to Brushy Creek and Lake Pflugerville for outdoor recreation
Strong neighborhoods for relocators: Teravista, Behrens Ranch, Mayfield Ranch, Lake Forest, Sonoma, Brushy Creek, Heritage at Vizcaya.
Reality check: Round Rock has more traffic than Georgetown and less of the small-town charm.
Georgetown: Who It’s For
Georgetown is where T. Kerr Property Group is based, and it’s the suburb we know most intimately. It’s the fastest-growing city in the United States by some measures.
Why families choose Georgetown:
• Old Town Georgetown’s historic square is a genuine downtown, Victorian-era buildings, locally-owned restaurants, festivals, the San Gabriel River nearby
• Georgetown ISD is improving rapidly, with several A-rated campuses
• More large-lot options than Round Rock (1+ acre neighborhoods like Highland Estates and River Chase)
• Sun City Georgetown is one of the largest 55+ active adult communities in the country
• Williamson County tax base is generally lower than Travis County’s
• Cimarron Hills offers Jack Nicklaus signature golf community living
• Wolf Ranch is a master-planned community with extensive amenities
Strong neighborhoods for relocators: Wolf Ranch, Vizcaya, Heritage Oaks, Berry Creek, Old Town Georgetown, Sun City (55+), Highland Estates, River Chase, Cimarron Hills.
Reality check: Georgetown is roughly 30-45 minutes to downtown Austin off-peak, longer in rush hour.
How to Decide
Choose Austin proper if: You want walkability and urban energy, you work downtown or in The Domain, and the smaller home size doesn’t bother you.
Choose Round Rock if: You want suburban living with strong schools and infrastructure, you work at Dell or in north Austin, you value established neighborhoods over new construction.
Choose Georgetown if: You want more space and land for your dollar, you’re attracted to small-town charm with growing amenities, you’re looking at 55+ communities (Sun City), you’re considering 1+ acre lots, or you work hybrid/remote.
Our team can structure a scouting trip that compares all three based on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Round Rock or Georgetown better for families?
Both work well for families. Round Rock offers more established schools and infrastructure with shorter commutes to Austin. Georgetown offers more space, larger lots, and a small-town downtown feel.
How far is Georgetown from Austin?
Old Town Georgetown is approximately 28 miles from downtown Austin. Off-peak driving is 35-45 minutes. Rush hour can be 50-70 minutes.
Are Round Rock schools or Georgetown schools better?
Round Rock ISD has a stronger overall reputation, particularly at the high school level. Georgetown ISD is improving rapidly. Both districts vary by individual school. Always verify the school assignment for the specific property you’re considering.
Which is cheaper: Round Rock, Georgetown, or Austin?
Generally Georgetown is most affordable per square foot, followed closely by Round Rock, with Austin proper being the most expensive.
Can I commute from Georgetown to downtown Austin?
Yes, but it’s a real commitment. Plan on 35-45 minutes off-peak and 50-70 minutes in rush hour. Many Georgetown residents work hybrid schedules.
About T. Kerr Property Group
Our team is based in Old Town Georgetown but we work across all three suburbs, Austin proper, Round Rock, and Georgetown, every week. T. Kerr Property Group is a woman-owned, mission-centered real estate team serving Georgetown, Round Rock, Austin, and the surrounding Central Texas area. Our combined team brings 800+ five-star reviews, 2,500+ homes sold, $1 billion+ in total sales production, and 65+ years of combined experience. We are proud PT50 winners, recognized by the Austin Business Journal Residential Real Estate Awards, featured in Real Producers and FOX 7 Austin, voted Best in Round Rock and Georgetown’s Best, and known as one of the top real estate teams in Williamson County and Travis County. Our focus is simple: help people make smart financial decisions through real estate with expert guidance, fierce advocacy, and integrity every step of the way.
Ready to talk? Call (512) 851-8350 or visit our contact page at https://tkerrrealestate.com/contact-us/.