A growing Main Street town, deep in the Lost Pines Forest
Thirty miles east of Austin, the city of Bastrop unfurls across a different landscape than its metropolitan neighbor. Roughly 12,300 people call the city home, taking advantage of its relatively affordable home prices, its secluded environment and the area's rapidly growing job market. A strong local business scene also grows in what was once a German timbering colony, now turned into a commuter hub with a vibrant Main Street. "I've lived all over Texas and there's nothing like Bastrop. It's one of a kind," says Realtor and Bastrop resident Kenneth Timerman of All City Real Estate. "I have a home where I can see for 15 miles because I'm on top of these huge hills, and I'm surrounded by pine trees, bobcats, foxes, a ton of bird life, deer everywhere, hawks. It's about as close to the mountains as you can get in Central Texas. But if you drive by it on Highway 71, you'd not even really know it's there."
Bastrop is known for its pockets of pine trees.
Downtown Bastrop offers plenty of dining and shopping options.
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New builds aplenty in a buyer's market of modest prices
Most buyers come to Bastrop seeking affordable single-family homes compared to the higher prices in Austin proper. In Austin, the median single-family home price is $600,000, whereas buyers in Bastrop pay closer to a median price of $400,000. Over the last few years, market conditions stimulated residential construction in Bastrop, leading to developing subdivisions like Pecan Park, known for modestly priced new traditional homes in a prairie style. Homes in newer master-planned communities like the Colony tend to be larger and more expensive, with a blend of new traditional and modern farmhouse. The downtown area has many of Bastrop's most established homes, including ranch-style houses from the 1970s. South of TX-71, the suburban neighborhood of Tahitian Village is one of Bastrop's premier communities, known for its established ranch-style homes and modern farmhouses, as well as a few land plots that typically range from $70,000 to $200,000 per acre.
Classic American homes with contemporary influences can be found in Bastrop.
A variety of 70's ranch homes are littered throughout Bastrop, Texas.
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Tesla, Samsung and other tech employers throughout East Austin
Roughly 30 miles of highway separates Bastrop from downtown Austin. A major commuter hub, Bastrop lacks public transportation besides the Capital Area Rural Transportation Service, providing on-demand bus rides within Bastrop County. TX-71, the main east-west connector, provides a straight shot to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and TX-95 heads to the new Samsung plant in Taylor. "There's all sorts of things going on out here," Timerman says. "All the businesses moving out here, like the Boring Company, SpaceX and Twitter's [now X's] new headquarters in Bastrop, all of those are like 10 to 15 minutes away from Bastrop."
SpaceX is one of the largest employers in the Bastrop area.
The June Hill Pape Riverwalk Trail follows the Colorado River.
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Endangered pine forests with miles of trails and swimming spots on Lake Bastrop
Downriver from Austin, Bastrop's ecology is noticeably unique for the metro area. The small city is located in the Lost Pines Forest, a rich grotto of loblolly pines that spreads to Bastrop State Park and the shoreline parks along Lake Bastrop. "You kind of lose that vibe of being in Central Texas in some parts," says Realtor Nate Dominguez of the Zell Team for Compass RE Texas. "There's not so many oak and cedar trees. You get really tall pines." A 2011 wildfire — the most destructive in Texas history — destroyed all but 5% of the forest's original 75,000 acres. Yet there are ongoing efforts to revive the forest, its parks and its endangered species. Plenty of swimming spots and hiking trails on Lake Bastrop remain open, and kayaking the Colorado River remains popular on the 6-mile El Camino Real Paddling Trail. Within the city, 14 parks offer a variety of amenities, including disc golf, splash pads and rec centers. Footpaths like the June Hill Pape Riverwalk Trail offer scenic pedestrian connections between riverfront parks and the Bastrop Public Library. Next door, the city is working to transform the Colorado River Bridge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, into an elevated park à la the High Line in New York.
The Colorado River runs right through Bastrop.
Bob Bryant park offers ample green space to run and play.
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Main Street businesses and the only Buc-ee's for miles
Bastrop's small downtown is home to dozens of locally owned businesses — taverns, bakeries, clothing boutiques, steakhouses, bookstores, antique shops — occupying rows of preserved Victorian and neoclassical buildings on Main Street. Awnings keep the narrow sidewalks shaded most hours of the day as residents and day-trippers pop into one of the many downtown landmarks like the Bastrop Opera House or Maxine's on Main. The west side of the Colorado River is where most locals go for errands at supermarkets, big-box retailers and a variety of chain restaurants, including Texan favorites like Whataburger. Bastrop also has the only Buc-ee's location between Temple and Luling, making the famed chain a go-to stop for locals and passers-though.
Buc-ee's is the one-stop-shop for all things road trip.
A walk on Main Street is perfect for a sunny afternoon in Bastrop, Texas.
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A new elementary school for Bastrop ISD
Bastrop Independent School District receives an overall B-minus rating from Niche while being ranked the second-best district in Bastrop County. Bastrop ISD oversees 13,000 students across 17 schools, and enrollment has grown by 17% over the last five years.
Mardi Gras traditions and multicultural music festivals
The Bastrop Music Festival is a weekend-long annual event in September that pulls in acts from across the region. Bastrop also hosts an annual Mardi Gras festival with all the trappings of the traditional New Orleans extravaganza. Organizers work with Mardi Gras krewes from neighboring Louisiana to assemble a parade down Main Street, plus a lineup of live music performers, gumbo and king cakes galore.
Crime and wildfire prevention
Bastrop is susceptible to droughts, which can lead to flash floods and wildfire risks. Downtown is susceptible to wildfires, as Bastrop is in an ember zone, and areas with high vulnerability sit 5 miles north, around Camp Swift. In 2011, Bastrop saw the most destructive wildfire in Texas history, scorching 32,000 acres, destroying 1,600 homes and decimating the Lost Pines Forest.
FBI data generally shows higher-than-average crime rates in Bastrop. In 2019, the city's property crime rate rose above state and national numbers and has since remained above average, though steady. Meanwhile, the rate of violent crime has been trending downward since 2019, thought it remains higher than state and national numbers. To address crime, the city and its police department have launched numerous crime-prevention programs as well as improvements to street lighting downtown.
Written By
Tom Jakob
Photography Contributed By
Wyatt Stueve
Video By
Matt Ferguson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Bastrop, TX sell after 89 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Bastrop, TX over the last 12 months is $369,990, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move-in ready, thoughtfully updated, and priced under $280,000—this is the kind of home buyers have been waiting for. Welcome to 301 Bird Dog Bend, where comfort, convenience, and outdoor living come together in one of Bastrop's most established neighborhoods. This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers an open floor plan that's perfect for everyday living while creating a welcoming space
Main Home + Guest House in The Heritage (“Old Colony”) Gated Community Welcome to 107 Tylee Circle — an exceptional 2,814 sq ft property offering both comfort and versatility. The 2,554 sq ft main residence pairs timeless design with modern amenities, while the detached 260 sq ft guest house with full bath adds a private suite for guests, extended family, or an office studio. Property Highlights-
Just off Main Street in the heart of Bastrop, this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers the perfect opportunity for first-time buyers, investors, or those looking to downsize. Situated on an oversized 0.327-acre lot with mature shade trees, this move-in ready home features an open floor plan, updated laminate and tile flooring with no carpet, natural woodwork, recessed lighting, and a spacious
This David Weekley home in The Colony Riverside is essentially a brand-new build. At 3,657 square feet, the one-story Latimer plan is wide open and full of natural light, but it’s the layout that really works—you get four bedrooms (including a guest suite), plus a dedicated home office and a media room. Because it’s been so lightly lived in over the last two years, everything from the appliances
Why wait for new construction when you can have more space, modern finishes, and move-in ready convenience today? Built in 2023, this beautifully maintained home offers over 2,300 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and two separate living areas—giving everyone room to spread out without sacrificing style or functionality. The open-concept kitchen is
Single-Story Home in The Colony Master-Planned Community Welcome to 112 Rosemary Court — a beautifully maintained home offering comfort, function, and access to premier neighborhood amenities. With an open layout and quality finishes throughout, this property blends easy living with timeless style. Property Highlights • 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,984 sq ft • Open-concept layout connecting the
Spacious and well-maintained home located in the desirable Tahitian Village community of Bastrop, TX. Situated on a quiet street, this property offers a functional layout, mature surroundings, and convenient access to local shopping, dining, golf, and outdoor recreation. The home features a large deck area ideal for relaxing or entertaining, a storage shed in the backyard for added functionality,
Situated on a wooded .49 acre lot with privacy, this one-story home offers the opportunity for an exceptional lifestyle. This home greets you with a lovely low-fenced front courtyard and a welcoming covered front patio. It's a perfect spot for morning coffee or an evening aperitif. With vaulted ceilings in the living area, an open floor plan, the ambiance and feeling of comfort are real. The
Tucked among the Lost Pines on more than 1.6 acres, this all-brick Bastrop retreat offers direct Colorado River frontage and private backyard access to the water. Downtown Bastrop, schools and Hasler Crossing are approximately five minutes away, with Bob Bryant Park just a short walk from home. This 2,576-square-foot, four-bedroom, 2.5-bath home has been thoughtfully improved with a 2025
4 Bedroom Home in The Colony Bastrop TX | Primary on Main | Built 2021 | Open Floor Plan | Loft/Flex Space | Backs to Park Located in The Colony MUD in Bastrop, TX, this 2-story Lennar-built home (2021) offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 1,884 square feet with a layout buyers are actively searching for — including a primary suite and laundry room on the main level. The open-concept floor plan
The 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom Trinity model offers a beautiful single-story floor plan, perfect for the modern family or a seasoned entertainer. As you enter the home, you ll notice the study off to your left, which can serve as the ultimate work-from-home office or a guest bedroom. The primary bedroom sits towards the back of the home, featuring a luxurious ensuite and walk-in closet. The foyer
Vacation doesn't have to end when you own the right home. Welcome to your own private backyard retreat in the highly desirable Circle D community. Situated on over an acre, this move-in-ready property offers the perfect combination of space, comfort, and outdoor living that's hard to find at this price point. The beautifully maintained single-story home features an open floor plan with no carpet,
Set on just over an acre on a private corner lot, this white stone home offers the space, flexibility, and peaceful setting that are becoming harder and harder to find. Surrounded by trees, this is the kind of place where you can sit outside in the evening, listen to the quiet, watch the stars come out, and relax.Inside, the home features three bedrooms, a dedicated office, and an additional
This is a rare opportunity to own an income-producing duplex in Tahitian Village, one of Bastrop’s most unique and sought-after communities surrounded by pine trees and natural beauty. • Full duplex with 3,600 sqft total, 1,800 sqft per unit• Each unit offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms• Units A and B are tenant occupied at $1,650/month each• Open layouts with functional, comfortable
Owner-Financing Opportunity in The Heritage (“Old Colony”) Welcome to 117 Hornsby Trail — a rare opportunity in one of Bastrop’s most established gated communities. This spacious two-story home offers 2,866 sq ft of living space on a 1.304-acre wooded lot, blending comfort, privacy, and flexibility. Property Highlights- • 4 Bedrooms | 3 Full Bathrooms – includes two primary suites, one
Move in ready home available now. This home was moved from Austin and totally remodeled in Bastrop Just minutes to downtown Bastrop and not far from Space X, The Boring Company, Tesla, and ABIA.
Welcome to Alta Trail, where luxury meets convenience in the heart of Bastrop, TX. Our vibrant community offers resort-inspired amenities and stylish one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes designed for modern living. Whether you're lounging by the pool, hosting a barbecue in our outdoor kitchen, or staying active in our fitness center, Alta Trail provides the perfect backdrop for every
Panoramic Greenbelt Views & No Rear Neighbors in The Colony Welcome to 133 Plumbago Loop, a 3-bed, 2-bath single-story Perry Homes build in Bastrop's sought-after Colony community, offering something rare at this price: panoramic, unobstructed views of greenbelt, pond, and pasture, with no homes behind you. Step inside to a bright, open floor plan with wood-look flooring and a wall of windows
Live the way you've always wanted without compromising style or quality. At Ascend at Valverde, our apartment residences are designed with you in mind. Now you really can have it all . . . lifestyle included.
Rent this stunning two-story home in the Old Colony, Bastrop Texas. Situated on 1.3 acres in the gated neighborhood in of The Colony, 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2,866 sqft home is just minutes from downtown Bastrop. • 3 miles from Starlink/SpaceX Bastrop and Boring Company. • 17 miles from Tesla Giga plant, Austin • 20 miles from Austin Airport The main floor features a spacious primary bedroom with
Avendale at The Colony is a premier for-lease single-family home community set in the picturesque riverside city of Bastrop, TX. Here, you will experience the benefits of single-family living inside a community with inclusive amenities. Take your kids to our onsite playground, relax at the resort-style pool, and enjoy a midday workout at our well-equipped fitness center. Each
Escape the hustle and discover this charming cottage-style guest house tucked away among the trees. Offering 1 bedroom, a loft, an office and 1 full bath. This unique lease is perfect for anyone seeking peaceful surroundings with resort-style amenities. Step outside and enjoy nature while taking advantage of incredible shared features, including access to the swimming pool and hot tub whenever
This is a new house with great amenities. All kitchen appliances, washer & dryer, full house water filtering and softener, a tankless water heater, reverse osmosis drinking water in the kitchen and more!There are also community amenities that you'll have access to through the entire neighborhood. Only a mile away there is a lap pool, gym, tennis and basketball courts, playscape, and
Settlement Estates is a welcoming senior independent living community located in Bastrop, Texas, offering residents a comfortable and peaceful environment with convenient access to everyday essentials. The community is thoughtfully designed to provide residents with the independence of their own apartment while enjoying a quiet and well-maintained setting.Residents benefit from spacious
This stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is nestled in a peaceful, gated community offering a variety of amenities, including a pool, sport courts, and hike & bike trails. The home features an open, one-level layout with no stairs, and is like new inside, providing a modern, comfortable living space. The spacious master bedroom offers a relaxing retreat, with a luxurious en-suite bathroom and an
We offer unique one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans. Standard features in every home include 9-foot ceilings, an all-electric, fully-equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar, walk-in closets, an in-home washer and dryer, and a balcony or patio. We understand that no family is complete without their pets, which is why we are a pet-friendly community. Offering residents a lifestyle of comfort and
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