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 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Bastrop, TX over the last 12 months is $374,990, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
MOVE IN READY! Westin Homes NEW Construction (Ellicott, Elevation CA) Stunning two-story home featuring 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, with a functional and elegant layout. The first-floor primary suite offers a spacious walk-in closet and luxurious ensuite bathroom. A secondary bedroom with a private bathroom is also located downstairs—ideal for guests or multigenerational living. Enjoy a private
Welcome home!! Check out this move-in ready, brand new custom home, located in the heart of Tahitian Village. This delightful home offers a perfect blend of comfort and natural beauty, boasting an incredible front porch with a large driveway to park your multiple vehicles. Builder has included energy efficient low-E windows, spray foam insulation that helps with energy costs overall and an extra
INCREDIBLE BUYER INCENTIVES: $4,000 MORTGAGE CONCESSION. Opendoor Home Loans will contribute up to $4,000 towards a permanent interest rate buy-down if you finance with Opendoor Home Loans LLC.616 Barbara Way is a 1-story Bastrop single-family home built in 1999, positioned on a 7,405-square-foot lot. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, white cabinetry, and generous counter
Single-story living and a spacious wooded lot come together at this well-maintained Tahitian Village home. The approximately 1,755-square-foot layout offers three bedrooms, two baths, a fireplace, two dining areas and no interior steps. The large rear deck extends the living space outdoors on the 0.32-acre lot. Additional features include an attached garage, backyard storage shed and a new roof
Modern Loft Style Homes on Pretty Wooded Lot only 5 minutes from town. Home has many upgrades & includes a large Fully Covered & Screened in Porch. Has 2 car carport with additional storage and Full RV Parking Pad with all utilities including 2nd septic and storage building. Great Location, lots of privacy and no HOA.
Big yard. No HOA. Under $300,000.If you've been searching for room to breathe without breaking the budget, this is the one.Situated on a spacious 0.62-acre corner lot beneath towering pine trees, this single-story brick home offers the privacy and outdoor space that's becoming harder to find in today's market—all for under $300,000.Inside, you'll find over 1,800 square
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
Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in Tahitian Village, 113 Lei Ct feels like a private retreat surrounded by Bastrop’s pine forest. Built in 2015 at a higher elevation, this meticulously maintained, turn-key 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,690 square feet, a first-floor primary suite, two bedrooms upstairs, and an additional upstairs living or bonus space.Features include high ceilings,
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
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
Single-Story Home in The Colony Master-Planned CommunityWelcome 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•
Welcome to 111 Rainmaker Cove, a spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in Bastrop’s Pecan Park community. With 2,427 square feet, the home offers a flexible floor plan with the primary suite, two additional bedrooms, and two full bathrooms all on the main level, plus an upstairs retreat with a second living area, bedroom, and full bath. The main living space feels
Let's Make a Deal! 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
Discover a harmonious blend of comfort and style in this charming single-story residence, perfectly situated to offer a serene lifestyle. This home provides a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for creating lasting memories. The well-designed layout spans 1607 square feet, ensuring ample space for daily living and entertaining. The residence features two full bathrooms, meticulously appointed for
Direct Colorado River frontage, more than 1.6 acres and extensive recent improvements distinguish this move-in-ready Bastrop retreat. The all-brick, single-story home offers approximately 2,576 square feet with four bedrooms and 2.5 baths, private backyard access to the water, and large covered front and rear porches. Downtown Bastrop, schools and Hasler Crossing are approximately five minutes
Move in Ready! Single Wide 3 bedroom, 2 bath home that offers peace and privacy of country living! 15 minutes to downtown Bastrop and 30 minutes to Austin puts this home in a great location! Tenant's do NOT have access to all of the property. Deposits will be collected once application is approved in certified funds. Full month’s rent due at move in - prorated due second month, if applicable. NO
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
Great newer home with amenities, community pool, splashpad, playground, pickle ball and more to come! Close to the newly opened Sendero and Burleson Centers featuring Sprouts, Chuys and MORE!
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.
Enjoy living in a home with a park-like setting! Lots of living space in this two bedroom home. Two roomy living areas, one with a wood burning stove. Breakfast bar that opens to the dining room. Large walk in Pantry in the kitchen. Walk-in closets in both bedrooms. Oversized two car garage, w/electric door opener. Sprinkler system in the front yard. Deposits will be collected once application is
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
MOVE IN SPECIAL! 1/2 OFF FIRST MONTH RENT - TO QUALIFIED TENANT WHO SIGNS 1YR LEASE. AVAILABLE FOR MOVE IN NOW! FURNISHED and UNFURNISHED UNITS. SMALL REFRIG, MICROWAVE, TOASTER OVEN AND HOT PLATE. ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED PLUS TRASH SERVICE/LANDSCAPING PAID! AWESOME VIEW OF POND. CLOSE TO LOCAL RESTAURANT , CONVENIENCE STORE, WALGREENS. ASSIGNED PARKING. VERY RELAXING LOCATION. Deposits will be
We know how important it is to come home to a welcoming atmosphere. The Preserve at Hunter's Crossing combines comfort and convenience at a fantastic value, offering many in-home and community amenities coupled with a great location. Plus, youll love the high level of customer service provided by our dedicated team members. This is an income-restricted property, so applicants will go through an
Roomy three bedroom - two bath house, ideally situated just moments from downtown and premier shopping destinations. Stylish laminate flooring throughout, ensures easy upkeep and a modern look. Expansive backyard with the covered patio is perfect for entertaining and leisure. Deposits will be collected once application is approved in certified funds. Full month’s rent due at move in - prorated
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
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.
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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