A second wind for the Brick Capital of the Southwest
The city of Elgin is a true main street Texas small town. Originally a small farming community roughly 22 miles east of Austin in the fertile Blackland Prairie, Elgin became the "Brick Capital of the Southwest." A small downtown of began to form in the early 20th century as European farming families moved from the prairies to Elgin, seeking work at cotton gins and brickmaking factories around the fledgling city. Recent history has not been as prosperous, but in the last few years, the city has bounced back with dozens of new businesses, schools and parks, plus major regional employers throughout Bastrop and Williamson counties. "It's more rural. It hasn't developed as much as Bastrop, and it's not as scenic in my opinion," says Realtor Kenneth Timerman of eXp Realty. "But it's kind of been blowing up because of its proximity to the Samsung plant in Taylor,"
The volume of preserved red brick buildings underscores Elgin's 19th-century prosperity.
The Samsung plant located near Taylor, provides jobs to residents of Elgin, TX.
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Historic downtown properties, remote farmhouses and new subdivisions
Between 2000 and 2007, Elgin grew from 5,700 residents to nearly 10,000, and it's continued to grow ever since. Increased housing demand has led to dozens of planned and proposed subdivisions surrounding the city, most offering single-family homes such as small snout houses and cottages sized less than 1,500 square feet. Downtown homes and those in rural areas tend to include ranchers and modern farmhouses in various designs, while the outer areas are loaded with land plots to build on. Land in Elgin can range dramatically in price, from $65,000 to $600,000 per acre. The median single-family home price is $318,000, although historic downtown homes, farmhouses and ranchers can sell for around $500,000 and up.
Many historic homes encompass the center of downtown Elgin.
Subdivisions surrounding Elgin offer snout houses and cottages to fit every family.
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Downtown investments are revitalizing the Brick Capital of the Southwest
Elgin's downtown, a National Register Historic District, has the aesthetics of an antique postcard from the Old West. Corrugated metal awnings hang over the sidewalks from facades of false-front commercial buildings that line a wide main street intersected by train tracks. Known as the "Brick Capital of the Southwest," the volume of preserved red brick buildings underscores Elgin's 19th-century prosperity when wooden buildings were replaced by the much sturdier and more fire-resistant material. In 1990, Elgin was designated a Texas Main Street City, a statewide program that pairs economic development with historic preservation. Since then, more than $26 million has been invested, completing ten building restoration projects and attracting 15 new businesses. Today's local businesses include vintage clothing stores, food markets and wine shops, and restaurants like ice cream parlors, cafes and taverns. Numerous barbecue smokehouses are found throughout Elgin, with Meyer's Smokehouse being arguably the most famous, mainly known for its sausages. For errands, locals hop over to the big box stores and supermarkets found west of U.S. Highway 290.
Elgin was originally a small farming communioty that became the "Brick Capital of the Southwest."
The famous Meyer's Smokehouse in Elgin is mainly known for it's sausages.
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Sausages and singalongs at Hogeye Festival
Much of the renewed energy and development in downtown Elgin is owed to community events, none more than the annual Hogeye Festival. As the primary fundraiser for downtown projects, the festival celebrates barbecue, smokers, sausage makers and all things pig-related. For the main event, locals parade and sing parodies of famous songs with a porcine twist, like "Hoofloose" and "P-O-R-K in the USA." Other hallmarks include the Road Hog Car Show, a barbecue cook-off and, in a nod to Elgin's industrial history, a brick-throwing contest.
The annual Hogeye Festival is held at Elgin Memorial Park and Rec Center.
Elgin is known for it's smoked sausage and everything pig-related.
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Two new elementary schools for Elgin ISD and even more to come
Rapid growth is happening for the Elgin Independent School District, rated C by Niche. With 5,400 students spread across 9 schools, including one early college high school, more room is needed for the future. The district has received funding for numerous new campuses to accommodate the growing enrollment. Construction crews broke ground on Elgin's fifth elementary school in 2024, preceded by the opening of a new fourth elementary school earlier that year, and a sixth elementary school is planned for the near future.
Trinity Ranch Elementary School in Elgin is set to open in 2025.
Growth for the Elgin Independent School District is moving at a rapid pace.
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Additional green space and playground equipment downtown at Veterans Memorial Park
Elgin's recreation options span 120 acres of parkland throughout the city, plus outdoorsy activities further out, like horseback riding ranches and skeet shooting ranges. The city's parks and recreation department hosts 45 annual events at city parks and rec centers, including group exercise classes and craftmaking programs for kids. Elgin adopted a master plan for its parks system in 2021, aiming to improve park accessibility and sustainability throughout the city by 2031. The plan contains dozens of goals, like increasing educational programming and special events, adopting ecologically friendly designs, and major renovations to existing parks. Some goals are already coming to fruition, like the reopening of Veterans Memorial Park in 2024, bringing two additional city blocks of green space downtown, new fixtures like an outdoor stage and playground, and a zipline.
Elgin's Veterans Memorial Park was reopened in 2024 making it a place most visited.
The Elgin Veterans Memorial Park offers a new playground with a zipline.
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Numerous routes for trips across Central Texas
Elgin's highways offer numerous connections across Central Texas. "If you're traveling to Houston, 290 is the main corridor for Central and North Austin and the North suburbs. And now TX-130 is kind of the new corridor if you want to avoid, Interstate 35. It's kind of the new route north to Waco and Dallas, and south to San Antonio," says Realtor Miriam Moorman of Fathom Realty. Most residents are car-dependent, as the city's only form of public transportation is the Capital Area Rural Transportation System, which offers regional intercity buses and reservation-based curbside pickups.
Crime statistics and environmental considerations
Crime trends in Elgin have varied over the last few years. According to FBI data, the violent crime rate in Elgin began to rise in 2018 and has since fluctuated above and below state and national figures. Meanwhile, the property crime rate rose above state and national averages in late 2021 but has since declined below state and national averages. To address this, the Elgin Police Department has sought to increase recruitment to match a growing population and has installed 13 Flock Security cameras throughout the city.
Elgin's location in the Blackland Prairie makes it vulnerable to subtropical weather-related hazards, primarily tornados and heavy rain leading to flash floods. The city is also in an ember zone, posing some risk of wildfires, which are heightened by droughts—something Central Texas is no stranger to.
Written By
Tom Jakob
Photography Contributed By
Leigh Christian
Video By
Maurice McNeil
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Elgin, TX sell after 99 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Elgin, TX over the last 12 months is $310,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Current mortgage is assumable at a 4.375% fixed rate with a payment of $1,712.39. Welcome to 18400 Sun Haven Cv, Elgin TX 78621, a spacious 2-story retreat offering approx. 2,343 sq ft of thoughtfully updated living space on a desirable corner lot. Inside, you’ll find 4 generous bedrooms and 3 full baths, all free of carpet for easy care and a modern feel. The 2005 build has been refreshed with
MLS# 7704572 - Built by Trophy Signature Homes - Ready Now! ~ The birch tree represents new beginnings and what better place to start anew than with a floor plan bearing the same name? Invite new neighbors over for a housewarming party featuring stuffed mushrooms. The secret ingredient is the gourmet kitchen you used to make them in. There’s plenty of room to entertain in the airy great room, but
New Dream Finders Home! Looking for a home that blends style, comfort, and functionality? This stunning residence offers an open-concept design that flows seamlessly from the gourmet kitchen to the spacious living and dining areas, perfect for entertaining or relaxing. The kitchen features sleek countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large island that serves as the heart of the home. The
Offering up to $10,000 seller concession! Escape to your private oasis at this exceptional modern ranch estate, perfectly situated in the charming community of Elgin, Texas. This property offers the ultimate blend of serene country living and sophisticated modern comfort. Step inside this contemporary residence, where a striking dark exterior with crisp white trim sets the tone. Expansive windows
No HOA! Step outside to enjoy the expansive backyard with a large deck—perfect for entertaining or relaxing while taking in the beautiful views of open fields and trees on this serene oversized lot in a cul-de-sac. This charming single-level home welcomes you with its classic brick exterior and inviting red front door. Inside, vaulted ceilings and wood-style flooring create an open, airy feel,
Welcome to 318 Schuylerville Drive - a beautifully maintained home in Elgin’s desirable Saratoga Farms community offering the perfect blend of small-town charm and modern convenience ~ This home backs to a dedicated green space with no neighbors behind ~ Built in 2018, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home delivers bright, open living spaces designed for comfort and effortless entertaining ~ Step inside
Nestled at 105 W Ila ST B, Elgin, TX 78621, in the heart of Elgin, awaits an inviting duplex that promises a life of ease and comfort, ready for you to move in.The kitchen has all the applicances. Hard tile floors throughout, large primary bedroom and two additional bedrooms that are a good size. Huge fenced backyard provides a private outdoor space to enjoy the fresh air. The convenience of a
This home is completely furnished and ready for move in on a mid-term lease. $2995 is for a 6 month lease. Three month lease would be $3200/month and the tenant pays the utilities and yard maintenance. For a two month lease the tenant pays $3600/ and the owner pays the utilities and yard maintenance. Located at 710 N Avenue C None, Elgin, TX 78621, this single-family residence in Bastrop County
All Sterling & Associates Real Estate residents are automatically enrolled in the Resident Benefits Package (RBP), the fee is already included in the rent amount that you see. This package includes liability insurance, credit building to help boost the resident’s credit score with timely rent payments, HVAC air filter delivery (for applicable properties), move-in concierge service making utility
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