Circle D-KC Estates offers quiet living in the Central Texas pines
The sprawling, forested community of Circle D-KC Estates offers a calm country lifestyle in rural Bastrop County, less than 10 miles from the City of Bastrop. The towering loblolly pines filling the area are unusual in arid Central Texas, almost 100 miles away from the state’s Piney Woods region, but they’re a big draw for homebuyers. “Bastrop is famous for the Lost Pines Forest, which covers most of the county. The draw here is 100% the pine trees,” says Realtor Judah Ross of the Judah Ross Realty Group, a Bastrop local.
Single-family homes on large properties in rural Bastrop County
Split rail fences, grassy pastures and pines line the county roads lined with New Traditionals, cottages, manufactured and ranch-style homes. Long, curved gravel and packed-dirt driveways are common, as are barns and large, detached garages. “Most of the lots are at least an acre, but many are three, four, five or more. They also have an HOA there, but it’s not super restrictive,” Ross says. Home prices start close to $265,000 and rise to nearly $900,000, depending on size, condition and amount of land. Custom-built manors with multiple acres of land can sell for more than $1 million.
Summers here are hot, with average high temperatures approaching 100 degrees; winters are typically mild, as average lows typically don’t drop below freezing. Bastrop County is vulnerable to tornadoes and wildfires. In 2011, a dead pine tree blew into an electrical line and began a fire that caused an estimated $350 million in insured property damage in the area. “It’s a very resilient community, and it’s been built back. And some areas of the forest that burned have already regrown,” Ross says.
Above-average Bastrop Independent School District
The Circle D-KC Estates area is zoned to the Bastrop Independent School District, which serves over 13,000 students with a 17-to-1 student-teacher ratio. BISD earns a B-minus from Niche and allows controlled open enrollment. Students may attend B-rated Mina Elementary, C-plus-rated Bastrop Middle and B-minus-rated Bastrop High, which offers a variety of career and technical education program pathways, including animal science and cybersecurity.
Waterfront recreation at Lake Bastrop North Shore Park, Hicks Lake
Lake Bastrop North Shore Park is a popular spot for boating and fishing for largemouth bass, catfish and trout. The sprawling, forested park also has cabins and Airstreams for rent, along with tent campsites. Overlooking Hicks Lake, behind the fire station, there’s a park with a playground, covered picnic areas and disc golf.
Limited shopping on State Highway 21, more in Bastrop
On State Highway 21, close to Circle D-KC Estates, there are a couple of gas stations and a Dollar General, along with a locally owned plant nursery called Graystone Gardens. Bastrop has more shopping options, from Walmart Supercenter and H-E-B to Harbor Freight and Tractor Supply. The Bastrop 1832 Farmers Market is open on Saturdays year-round, with stalls of pasture-raised meats, fresh produce, dairy products, local honey and more. The market is close to the Lost Pines Art Center, which exhibits works by Texas artists and offers classes and workshops. Film Alley, also nearby, screens new releases and hosts live stand-up comedy shows. The theater includes a bowling alley and an arcade. Author Ryan Holiday owns The Painted Porch Bookshop on Main Street. “It’s a beautiful place. They have events with famous authors or celebrities and what have you,” Ross says. Main Street also has some of Bastrop’s most popular restaurants, including two Ross recommends: Neighbor’s Kitchen & Yard and Store House Market & Eatery. “My number one’s going to be Neighbor’s. It’s a beautiful restaurant on the water, and they do live music every weekend. And Store House is a true farm-to-table, fine-dining experience. It’s really upped the game in Bastrop’s dining scene,” Ross says.
Getting around rural Bastrop County
State Highway 21 runs northeast to Paige and southwest toward Bastrop. Healthcare facilities like Ascension Seton Bastrop and Ally Medical Emergency Room are just over 10 miles away. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is slightly more than 30 miles northwest via State Highways 21 and 71. SpaceX and The Boring Company, top regional employers, are within 20 miles of most homes. Capital Area Rural Transportation System provides dial-a-ride bus service in Bastrop County and other rural areas outside Austin.
