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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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Elgin, TX sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Elgin, TX over the last 12 months is $297,990, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
169 Cider Creek Drive is a cozy, cottage-style home full of charm and modern finishes. This thoughtfully designed one-story home in Harvest Ridge features an alley access lot with a detached shed, ample natural lighting, and vinyl flooring throughout the main living areas. The L-shaped kitchen opens up to the dining and living rooms and features 3cm Blanco Atlantico Granite countertops, bright
Introducing 108 Cider Creek Drive in Elgin’s premier community, Harvest Ridge! This two-story new build home is alive with natural light throughout, including an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living room with wood-look vinyl flooring. Enter the kitchen where you’ll be greeted with a center island, 42-inch upper cabinets, Blanco Atlantico Granite countertops, and sleek black appliances with a
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.12816 Wooly Bucket Cv is a one-story Elgin cul-de-sac home with a functional layout and modern finishes throughout. The kitchen features a center island and stainless steel appliances, creating a
Great duplex with good income and solid tenants. Side B has been there over 10 years and is on a month to month lease. Roof shingles recently replaced. One car garages for both sides and large fenced back yards. These units always stay leased.
Beautiful country living property 5 minutes from downtown Elgin, Main house has two bedrooms, one full bath and one 1/2 bath, Guest house has one bedroom, full bath, kitchen dining and living area, presently is leased for 1K month to month, Fully fenced with mature trees, oversize metal carport for 4 cars, come and see it, wont last under 350K24 hours notice, showings from 10 am to 8 pm
USDA eligibility with 100% financing for qualified buyers. If you’ve been craving a little more space between you and the rest of the world, this home delivers that feeling the moment you arrive. Set on a generous lot with no HOA, the property offers the freedom to live your way—garden, play, work, host, or simply enjoy quiet evenings without rules or restrictions.Inside, the layout is
Set among nearly 14 acres of mature woods, this thoughtfully cared-for brick home offers the rare combination of privacy, space, and everyday comfort. The home rests in a generous half-acre clearing, creating a peaceful setting surrounded by nature in every direction. Inside, you’ll find a bright, open kitchen with stainless steel appliances that flows easily into warm, inviting living spaces
Roof professionally restored on 7/13/2026. Welcome to 108 Irene St—an updated, move-in ready home just minutes from downtown Elgin’s shops, dining, and local charm.Inside, you’ll find a bright, functional layout with an open kitchen featuring shaker cabinets that flows easily into the main living area—great for everyday living or hosting. The home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, plus a
Great and clean home with large center island, back patio, seller including ALL appliances and flat screen TV's in the house. There is an $8,000 water softener treatment system that will also convey with the home! Charming 2-bedroom, 2-bath home featuring a gorgeous kitchen with modern finishes, ample cabinetry, and a great layout that flows seamlessly into the living and dining areas—perfect for
This Trinity Ranch home sits on a prime corner lot, combining a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom layout with premium upgrades. Stepping through the welcoming foyer, durable wood-look flooring guides you past two bright secondary bedrooms that share a well appointed bathroom as you head into the heart of the home. The home opens up completely, where the kitchen and living room share a bright, connected
Charming and well-maintained, this 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers approximately 1,294 square feet of comfortable living space on a beautifully landscaped 0.26-acre lot. The property offers a peaceful outdoor setting that’s perfect for relaxing, entertaining, and spending time outdoors.Recent updates include a AC system, hot water heater, front windows, foundation leveling, and a
Welcome Home! Lots of Windows and Natural Light! Spacious Living Area. Great Layout! Finished Garage. Bring your special touches and make it your own! Huge Back Yard!
Newly Painted Exterior. Sprawling 4 BR/2 Bath ranch-style bungalow perfect for multi-generational living, located on a large lot with a fenced backyard close to schools, parks, and historic Main Street. Unique floor plan offers a split layout with 2 BR/1BA located on one side of the house and a large master bedroom and renovated bathroom on the other side. Spacious living room, separate dining
Are you looking for a commercial location on one of the busiest highways in Texas between Austin and Houston? Welcome to 1389 Highway 290 E. in Elgin, Texas. This unrestricted +/- 10.75-acre property offers incredible flexibility and endless potential for commercial, residential, investment, or mixed-use opportunities in one of Central Texas’ fastest-growing corridors.The property features a
Investor and builder opportunity. 0.308-acre level lot zoned R-3 (Single Family, Duplex, and Zero Lot Line Two-Family District). Property includes new fencing & a teardown home, creating an ideal blank canvas for redevelopment. Build a single-family rental or duplex and create a strong long-term cash-flow opportunity. No HOA for maximum flexibility and fewer restrictions. Mature trees and no
Hardiplank siding and a classic gabled entryway define the exterior of this two-story Elgin home. Situated on a 0.11-acre lot, the residence features a front porch, a shingle roof, and a concrete driveway leading to the entrance. The architectural lines present an inviting curb appeal in a neighborhood setting.Inside the 1,886-square-foot home, an open floorplan seamlessly connects the
Cedar Grove Apartment Homes is more than a new apartment community in Elgin. It is a place where neighbors feel welcome, daily routines feel easier, and home begins to feel familiar right away, whether you are building a life here for the first time or finding your way back. That sense of belonging carries into every part of your day. Start the morning in the fitness center, settle into the work
WE WILL HAVE A SMALL STUDIO AVAILABLE IN LATE SEPTEMBER OR EARLY OCTOBER. This lovely rental was recently updated with tile countertops in the kitchen and bathroom and a tiled shower. Wall to wall tiled floors, large windows, ceiling fan in the bedroom. Full kitchen includes dishwasher. Contact us through this site if you are interested. The current tenant will be leaving at the end of
MOVE IN SPECIAL - $500.00 OFF OF THE FIRST MONTH'S RENT Step into a world of comfort and charm at 807 Lloyd Lane, Unit A, Elgin, TX 78621. This delightful duplex offers a spacious 838 sq ft of living space, perfect for those seeking a cozy yet roomy retreat. With two inviting bedrooms and two full baths, this home provides ample space for relaxation and privacy. This home has been freshly painted
The available date shown is tentatively scheduled and is subject to change. No showings are allowed until after the available date. Visit our website, select "Notify Me When Ready to View" and register with Rently to be added to the waitlist and automatically notified immediately when showings are available. Welcome to this beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath home in Elgin. This home includes
Clad in Hardiplank siding, this two-story townhome presents a covered front porch for those fall evenings of sitting under the oak and elm trees that shade the front yard. Inside, the entry space transitions from tile flooring to wood laminate flooring, illuminated by recessed lighting and a ceiling fan. The kitchen is fully equipped for culinary preparation. There is hard tile flooring,
This home is available for self-guided showings 7 days per week. Welcome to this beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath home in Elgin. This home includes luxury vinyl plank and carpet flooring, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. As you navigate throughout the rest of the home, you’ll find a welcoming and spacious living room, a kitchen area equipped with essential appliances, and a
Great home for rent or for sale! All TVS, appliances and water softener system will stay in the home. Schedule your showing today! All occupants 18 yrs and up must fill out application *subject to owners approval*
This large 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in Elgin is lovely updated with great closet space, all white appliance, paved driveway, and a two car garage! This property allows self guided viewing without an appointment. Contact for details.
The stone and wood siding exterior of this two-story home presents an inviting welcome in Elgin. Located on a corner lot shaded by mature trees, the property features a concrete driveway leading to an attached garage, framed by sidewalks.Inside, the open floorplan transitions across newly installed throughout the home wood looking vinyl laminate flooring. The living room features a
Brand-new 2026 construction featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,510 sq. ft. of living space. This move-in-ready home offers a modern layout, new finishes throughout, and a refrigerator included by the owners. Enjoy a fresh, never-before-lived-in home with comfortable living spaces and a functional kitchen, conveniently located near shopping, dining, schools, and major roadways.
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