Though many claim the title, the city of Lockhart is the true "Barbecue Capital of Texas" — at least according to the state legislature. The small city in Central Texas is the seat of Caldwell County, and though it hasn't yet felt the rapid development found in the "Innovation Corridor" between Austin and San Antonio, growth is on the menu. Lockhart is now planning for new housing, infrastructure, parks and schools, parallel to the growth of tech boom towns like Bastrop just outside Austin. "You get that small-town feel because we're still a little bit under 20,000 people, but that's going to change," says Travis Hughes, director of parks and recreation for the city. "We're preparing the citizens for that, but we're trying to be mindful of our development at the same time."
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New downtown and outer subdivisions accommodate growing demand
New builds are cropping up in communities further from Lockhart's downtown, like Summerside. Meanwhile, developers are planning subdivisions just off the city core. Land buyers are enticed by numerous plots for sale in the city and outer areas, which typically range from $25,000 to $150,000 per acre, although some reach as high as $500,000 per acre. Most single-family homes downtown are much more established, with some built during the mid-20th century and others as old as 1915, creating a market for rehabs. Single-family homes see a median price of $305,000, well below the median prices for similar outer cities like Bastrop or San Marcos.
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Easy commutes to South Austin without Interstate 35 traffic
There are few east-west connections between Lockhart and I-35. For some commuters, that's a preference. "We're just enough distance away from the I-35 corridor to be separate from it," Hughes says. "Going up TX-130 from Lockhart to Southeast Austin is an easy 30 minutes without bumper-to-bumper traffic, or to the airport – that's a straight shot, too." But many residents also work locally. The city's largest employer is the Lockhart Independent School District, followed by retailers like Wal-Mart and H-E-B. The Lockhart Correctional Facility is also a major employer.
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Lyndon B. Johnson's favorite smokehouse in a walkable downtown
Lockhart's downtown is anchored by a historic courthouse, forming a central square of shops, galleries and cafes in restored art deco and western false-front buildings. "We're actually redoing the sidewalks and the streets and the drainage downtown to improve the walkability," Hughes says. Museums, theaters and the oldest continuously operating public library in Texas provide ample entertainment as residents and day-trippers stroll the true Barbecue Capital of Texas. Some of the city's smokehouses were even favorite catering choices for President Lyndon B. Johnson. Downtown is also home to a central H-E-B. Additional supermarkets and retailers are found throughout town.
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Rodeos, music festivals and numerous annual barbecue cook-offs
Lockhart's mouthwatering events include the annual Texas Monthly BBQ Fest, which bustles with smokers from across Texas competing in a cook-off as eventgoers chow down on brisket, peruse a vendor village and listen to live music. However, the Chisholm Trail Roundup is Lockhart's largest event. The three-day affair goes whole-hog with a highly attended rodeo and cook-offs for both barbecue and chili. For the rest of the family, there's a carnival, parade and live music aplenty.
Better aquatics facilities planned for Lockhart City Park
Recent and upcoming park improvements have largely been driven by a recently updated parks master plan. Across the city's nine parks, focus has been placed on Lockhart City Park. "We're rebuilding the pool, and we're going to build a rec center right next to it so we can manage it with the same administrative team," Hughes says. "That would give us more synergy to have summer camps and after school programming and things like that. Those are the things we're really building toward in addition to upgrading our outdoor spaces and the trail system, which we want to expand." The city is also preparing plans to upgrade Lions Park downtown.
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New and expanding schools for Lockhart ISD
Students are zoned for Lockhart ISD, rated C-plus by Niche. The 2024 school year saw record enrollment after Lockhart voters approved a bond in 2022 to fund construction of a new elementary school and a new wing at Lockhart High School. Currently, the district oversees roughly 6,400 students across 9 schools.
The school's alumni include professional athletes, musicians, and business leaders.
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High summer temperatures and low crime rates
Summer temperatures can reach as high as 102 degrees Fahrenheit in Lockhart. The city is also prone to tornados and heavy rain. Major storms can create flooding in the city, but most residential areas are not in a flood zone, aside from those closest to the train tracks that run through Lockhart.
According to FBI data, crime trends in Lockhart generally remain below state and national figures. All forms of violent crime have been trending downward for the past several years and remain below state and national figures. Some forms of property crime have been on the rise since 2022, namely burglaries and motor vehicle thefts, rates for both of which surpass state and national figures.
Written By
Tom Jakob
Photography Contributed By
Saeid Zare
Video By
Sara Warthen
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Lockhart, TX sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Lockhart, TX over the last 12 months is $293,020, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
*4.99% 30-yr fixed rate (3.99% for year 1) w/preferred lender!* Welcome to Verse! This brand new community is paving the way for a bold & exciting new vision of homeownership in the heart of Lockhart. Verse offers buyers an opportunity to be part of the future of new construction-where unique innovation, sustainability, & design come together to create some of the most stunning homes in central
*4.99% 30-yr fixed rate (3.99% for year 1) w/preferred lender! $15K flex cash available on select homes.* Welcome to Verse! This brand new community is paving the way for a bold & exciting new vision of homeownership in the heart of Lockhart. Verse offers buyers an opportunity to be part of the future of new construction-where unique innovation, sustainability, & design come together to create
*4.99% 30-yr fixed rate (3.99% for yr 1) w/preferred lender!* Welcome to Verse! This brand new community is paving the way for a bold & exciting new vision of homeownership in the heart of Lockhart. Verse offers buyers an opportunity to be part of the future of new construction-where unique innovation, sustainability, & design come together to create some of the most stunning homes in central
Discover a unique opportunity in the heart of Lockhart, Texas, this house awaits your vision. Situated on a treed lot, this property offers the perfect canvas for those looking to complete a renovation project or start fresh with a brand-new home. The current owner began renovations but was unable to finish, presenting a rare chance for you to put your personal touch on this historic gem or
Brand new, never lived in home (owner accepted a job just as they were moving in) featuring farmhouse accents, 3 bed, 2 bath, 2-car garage and covered back patio. The living area is an open concept design. The kitchen features an island with an undermount sink facing the family room, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, corner pantry closet, and 36” upper cabinets. The primary
This home is tagged by the city of Lockhart as unsafe to enter because it is in poor condition. Roof is collapsing. It is probably a teardown but should check with city of Lockhart for further guidance.
Legacy Lockhart Senior Apartments offers affordable 1 & 2 bedroom apartments for rent. Legacy is an Independent Living Apartment Community for adults 55 years and over with Affordable Housing .... Income limits applyApartments include FREE UTILITIES!The Community has elevators, controlled access entry, beautiful community rooms, indoor mail delivery, community courtyard and outdoor
Home is calling you! Located in the brand new Summerside neighborhood just off of Hwy 183. Features a spacious open floor plan, kitchen with silestone, lots of cabinets, gas stove, stainless steel refrigerator, on demand hot water heater, includes new washer and dryer for your use, fenced backyard. This home features 3 full bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Primary bedroom features oversized walk in closet
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