Rolling hills and cattle country surround La Grange
La Grange is a close-knit community with the charm of a small rural town. The surrounding countryside offers hilly views near the flowing Colorado River. "La Grange is not next to a big mountainside or the ocean. What makes this place special is the people. That's the real attraction, the people you will meet out here," says Frank Hillbolt, an experienced Realtor with Round Top Real Estate. "People take pride and ownership of their property. We all work together. If your car won't start, or you get stuck somewhere, there are numerous people with a tractor who will pull you out after just one phone call." The area is the seat of Fayette County, which has a prominent cattle farming industry.
A wide range of housing prices and weather history
La Grange has developments, stand-alone homes and spacious properties throughout the area. Most houses are brick ranch-styles, farmhouses and Craftsman bungalows. There are also New Traditional houses built over the last 25 years. Sunset Ridge Estates has residences from the early 2000s, while the Thomas Estates development contains new constructions. The area has a median single-family sale price of around $300,000, but pricing varies. "The houses in the town proper can range from $200,000 to over $1 million. The surrounding area, which may have a La Grange address, has farms and ranches that can have a wide range, too," says Ruth Ann Streiff, a Realtor for Round Top Real Estate with 23 years of experience. The region has a history of hurricanes and heavy rain, which can result in flash flooding. There is also a history of wind damage from tornadoes.
Parks, river access and heritage sites enrich La Grange
La Grange offers multiple community green spaces. Kruschel Park contains a city pool, walking trails, playgrounds and sporting fields. White Rock Park, next to the middle and high schools, also has athletic amenities. Hillbolt says locals catch bass and catfish in the Colorado River, which is accessible from Buffalo Trail Park. Several museums and centers around town are dedicated to preserving the local history. "A lot of German and Czech heritage is still very prominent there. The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center is one of the town's highlights," Streiff says.
Students can explore CTE paths in engineering and carpentry
La Grange Elementary accepts kindergarten to sixth grade; the school is not rated on Niche. La Grange Middle has a B-plus rating; according to Niche, it ranks as the second-best public high school in the county. La Grange High receives a B-plus; the high school offers multiple career and technical education programs, including engineering, welding, cybersecurity, carpentry and cosmetology.
Locals gather downtown for food, shopping and fresh produce
The Fayette County Courthouse is a magnificent Romanesque Revival structure in the heart of downtown. The La Grange Farmers Market offers fresh produce next to the courthouse on Saturdays. Surrounding the small city center are shops and restaurants, like Latte Café. Streiff recommends Ere's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria, as well as Back Porch BBQ & Grill, located along North Jefferson. Locals pick up groceries at the community H-E-B.
County fairgrounds and nearby towns host local events
Local groups host fundraisers for community organizations like the volunteer fire department. The Fayette County Fairgrounds is a hot spot for county events, like the Bike MS150 fundraiser, held in April. Residents also visit nearby towns for more gatherings. Hillbolt says the Round Top Fourth of July Celebration, one of the oldest west of the Mississippi, is a big draw, as is The Festival Concert Hall, which draws performers from around the world.
Light traffic and Highway 71 access
Hillbolt says the area has a lower population than larger cities, so there isn't much traffic. The area is car-dependent, and most travel along State Highway 71. The route leads to Austin and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in around 60 miles. Ascension Seton Smithville Hospital in Smithville is about 20 miles away.
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Written By
Ashley Kennedy
