A rural community between Austin and Houston
Giddings is the kind of town that travelers often pass on long country roads. It became a stop along the railroad connecting Central and Southeast Texas before becoming the seat of Lee County in 1874. "Giddings is at the crossroads of two major highways between Houston and Austin. So everyone knows it when driving from one city to the next. You'll see the town and use Giddings stoplights as you go through," says Ruth Ann Streiff, a Realtor for Round Top Real Estate with 23 years of experience. The area was largely settled by Wendish people who immigrated from Germany. This region of the state is still heavily influenced by its German heritage, as showcased in the Texas Wendish Heritage Museum. The small town offers quiet green spaces and a historic downtown. There are also several cattle farms and agricultural fields. Buyers are drawn to the area for its proximity to larger cities paired with its rural nature, as well as the comparative affordability, highly rated schools and abundant outdoor recreation.
Local businesses line U.S. 290 and U.S. 77
Most of Giddings’ landmarks and local businesses are within two miles of downtown, close to the intersection of Main Street and Highway 29. "They have some beautiful old buildings and a stone courthouse," Streiff says. "And there’s an old-timey train depot that sits right next to the railroad." For groceries and other necessities, Giddings Plaza Shopping Center contains a Walmart and a Dollar General, and the town is also home to a collection of small local retailers. "There are a handful of antique shops. Whistle Stop Antiques is pretty well-known because it's in a huge building that everyone drives past," Streiff says. The area has several local eateries, such as Reba's, a popular spot for burgers and pizza. The adjoining Reba's Emporium serves ice cream and other sweet treats. Streiff recommends City Meat Market, a barbecue restaurant that doubles as a butcher shop.
Gridline streets with New Traditionals, ranch styles and bungalows
The community's gridline streets include shotgun houses, manufactured homes, ranch styles and Craftsman bungalows. Some newer constructions have been built along the quiet roadways over the last 10 years. A few wooded lots were cleared to erect New Traditional styles that are similar in size to older homes. Homesteads and properties with several acres reach across the city's outskirts. Dwellings from the 20th century typically cost between $100,000 and $300,000, depending on the level of renovations. More recent houses range in price from $250,000 to $430,000.
Military vehicles, the county fair and rodeos
The community provides a few public parks and gathering spaces for residents. Simmang Park includes a playground next to Hilton Lee Smith Field; the on-site pond is well-loved by visitors and waterbirds alike. Veterans Honor Park showcases a battle tank and other decommissioned military vehicles. Across the street sits a public pool, playground, ball fields and tennis courts. Residents gather at Firemen's Park for the county fair on the third weekend of May. Lee County Sheriff's Posse Rodeo Arena, next door, hosts bull riding shows and annual events like Rodeo Giddings. The Giddings Public Library and Cultural Center is home to one of the state's largest arrowhead collections; some artifacts are believed to date back almost 10,000 years.
Home to the Giddings Independent School District
Students here are served by the Giddings Independent School District, which has an A-minus rating on Niche. Prekindergarten to third-grade students can enroll in Giddings Elementary, which has a B rating. Giddings Intermediate has a B and Giddings Middle receives a B-plus. Giddings High earns an A-minus. The high school boasts past state championships in both athletic and academic team competitions. Parents may also choose the faith-based option, Immanuel Lutheran School, which is not yet rated by Niche.
Getting in and out of Giddings
Davam Urgent Care is inside the Giddings Plaza Shopping Center. However, the nearest major medical facility, Ascension Seton Smithville Hospital, is about 25 miles away. There is no public transportation in Giddings, so residents here depend on personal vehicles to get around. The city is bisected by U.S. Highways 290 and 77, which intersect in the middle of town; Austin sits about 65 miles west and Houston is roughly 100 miles east.
Lee County weather risks
The county has a history of hurricanes and heavy rain, which can lead to flash floods. The Lee County Office of Emergency Management provides a notification system for updates on severe weather and other incidents. Locals can also visit the office's social media pages for alerts and regional warnings.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
