Salado in Central Texas is defined by Main Street, residential growth
Salado is a historic Texas village that mixes small-town charm with contemporary attractions. Main Street, once a popular overnight stop for stagecoaches and cattle drovers working the nearby Chisholm Trail, is now an arts-heavy corridor that features a variety of unique shopping options, many housed in historic buildings. The fast-growing village, located along Interstate 35 about 50 miles north of Austin, offers a variety of high-value housing and is served by a top-rated school district. Despite the modern growth, Salado remains a small town at heart and still does not have a stoplight.
Housing growth due to proximity to job sectors along I-35
Salado’s residential mix includes historic homes, rural properties, golf course homes and new custom builds. New construction in modern subdivision settings is prominent, and accounts for most of Salado’s listings and sales. Improvements to the I-35 corridor have reduced commute times, making the area more appealing to a wider range of homebuyers who work throughout Central Texas. “There’s a lot of job creation in the area,” says Josh Jacobsen, a lifelong resident who works for First Texas Brokerage Company in Salado. “We’re close to Belton, Temple, Killeen and the military base in Killeen. “I-35 also makes it easy to get to Georgetown, Round Rock and Austin, where there’s a lot of work.” Home prices range from about $300,000 to around $700,000. However, the largest newer homes typically range from the low $800,000s to about $1.2 million. The median home price is $500,000.
"Main Street is really important and has been a big draw for decades"
Main Street is a quirky corridor of art galleries, working studios, boutique shops and antique stores. Residents still live along Main Street, but many former residences have been converted into businesses. “Main Street is really important and has been a big draw for decades,” Jacobsen says. Popular attractions include Sirril Art Gallery, which has working artists on site, and Salado Glassworks, known for its demonstrations.
More contemporary shopping options can be found at nearby Salado Plaza, anchored by a Brookshire Brothers grocery store. The village’s dining and drinking options are similarly eclectic. “Johnny’s [Steaks &] Bar-Be-Que, which also has a big event venue, is a popular place, and I’m a huge fan of a place called The Shed,” Jacobsen says. “Those are the two most established restaurants.” The Shed serves up comfort food in a relaxed, tavern-style setting. Stagecoach Restaurant is a Salado institution at the historic Stagecoach Inn on Mian Street. Barrow Brewing Company is a newer attraction. “It’s right on Salado Creek. You can put your feet in the water and drink a craft beer,” Jacobsen says.
New high school, football stadium set to open in the fall of 2026
The Salado Independent School District consists of three schools -- for now. Thomas Arnold Elementary and Salado Middle schools are highly rated, while Salado High School is top-rated. Because enrollment nearly doubled from 2010 to 2024, money is being spent on upgrades to serve the additional student population. A new high school is under construction and is slated to open in the fall of 2026. The current high school will be converted into an intermediate school. A new 5,000-seat stadium is expected to debut alongside the new high school, and additional funds from a $300 million bond initiative will be used for renovations to the elementary school. Students can apply for transfers outside of the district, but both districts have to approve such a move.
Local parks offer appealing locations along Salado Creek
Pace Park is the village’s main recreational destination. It features an all-abilities playground, a pavilion that can be rented for private events and green space along Salado Creek. Sirena Park is also located along the creek. Swimming is available at both parks. Members of Salado’s Mill Creek Country Club have access to three 9-hole courses. Boaters, anglers and outdoors enthusiast of all kinds can find plenty of outdoor adventures at Stillhouse Hollow Lake, about a 15-mile drive from the village.
Easy access to Belton, Temple and Killeen's large military base
The Interstate 35 corridor provides convenient access for commutes to several regional destinations. Heading north, Belton is only a 10-mile drive, and Temple, home to multiple large-scale medical facilities and a Walmart distribution center, is about 17 miles away. Heading south, Georgetown and Round Rock are about 25 and 30 miles away, respectively. Killeen’s military base is about 25 miles away via nearby Interstate 14. Fort Hood is the largest single-site employer in the state.
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Written By
Matt Pallister
