Burnet is the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas
The Texas Hill Country community of Burnet is known for two things – bluebonnets and Lake Buchanan. In the spring, pastures are filled with the deep blue hues of the official state flower but come summer eyes in this rural town of 7,000 turn toward Lake Buchanan and its 22 acres of recreation fun for boating, fishing and camping.
Family-style restaurants and shops by Main Street
The historic business district sees a lot of foot traffic thanks to the shops and restaurants that surround the county courthouse. Fratelli Pizza is a local franchise specializing in traditional, Sicilian and Chicago deep-dish pizzas, while The Draft is a popular pub with wings, nachos and brisket elote tacos. The Warehouse BBQ & Meetery smokes slabs of Angus brisket and pork ribs, and there are plenty of family-style restaurants between Mama’s Home Cooking, Trailblazer Grille and Crazy Gals Cafe. Retail revolves around antique, home goods and variety stores alongside Main Street, and the H-E-B- supermarket is right next to the post office. “Burnet is trying to make its square somewhere that people want to go,” says eXp Realtor Kelsie Warner.
Hill Country homes with large lawns
This community features a mix of both older homes and new construction going up on the outskirts. Prices run between $100,000 and $400,000. Styles range from New Traditional to Craftsman and ranch-style. Streets are lined with sidewalks, grassy lawns, large trees and chain link fences. Moderate-sized homes with lake access and up to 15-acre lots are further west and cost $400,000 to $900,000. New custom homes with boat ramps, in-ground pools and home security systems range from $1 million to $3.5 million.
Public parks by land, sea and air
There are several state parks and recreational amenities between Lake Buchanan and the Colorado River. “We’re adjacent to the Highland Lakes system,” Austin Texas Homes Realtor Van Henry says. “You’ll find a lot of off-roading in this area, and a lot of lake life and hiking activities.” Ducks can be seen swimming at Hamilton Creek Park, while the 51-acre Haley-Nelson Park has soccer fields, disc golf and an outdoor amphitheater. Skaters can pull off tricks at the Wallace Riddell skate park, and kids can sign up for youth sports programs at the YMCA of the Highland Lakes. A few museums are on the west side and have vintage motorcycles, old frontier cabins and World War II aircrafts from the Highland Lake Squadron.
Burnet ISD is going through changes
Burnet’s consolidated school district serves over 3,000 students across seven campuses. Shady Grove Elementary serves students prekindergarten through second grade, while R.J. Ritchey Elementary teaches third grade through fifth. Those schools earn a B and B-minus respectively on Niche. Burnet Middle School has a B-minus but previously received failed accountability ratings from the Texas Education Agency for two consecutive years. As a result, community stakeholders voted on a turnaround plan that will result in new teachers and curriculum by fall 2025. B-rated Burnet High School offers advanced placement courses.
Bluebonnets, air shows and farmer’s markets
Every March, the community gathers for the annual Bluebonnet Air Show, where planes take off from the Kate Craddock Airfield and show off tricks and skydiving routines high in the sky. Around 35,000 people show up for the flowers and live music at the Bluebonnet Festival in April, and the summer brings with it the county fair, rodeo and Jackson Street Jams concert series. The Burnet Farmer’s Market takes place at the historic square May through November, and locals look forward to seeing the holiday sculptures at the Trail of Lights every December.
Two highways that lead to Austin
U.S. Route 281 and Texas State Highway 29 serve as the main roads connecting the city to the rest of the county. The Ascension Seton Highland emergency room is located south by Water Street and is open 24 hours. The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is 60 miles southeast.