Smithville is a rural area that's growing in Bastrop County
Smithville is a quaint city along the Colorado River with an active downtown and community events. The small area was incorporated in 1895 and has undergone significant development over the past few decades. "I've been selling here for 51 years," says Molly Todd, the broker and owner of Molly Todd Realty in Smithville. "There were times when I'd have to wait for the traffic light to turn green to back out of my office… We've come a long way." Although the area is changing, it has maintained its small-town character over the years. "We're not Bastrop. We're not going to get a Walmart or an H-E-B… [But] we are still a great place to raise your kids," Todd says.
The housing market contains historic homes, cottages and new builds
At the center of Smithville are homes on grid-like streets while more rural, spacious lots stand about two miles from downtown. Some properties come with outbuildings and pastures for livestock. Buyers will find houses dating back to the late 1800s, as well as recent construction. "We have tree-lined streets with wonderful little homes on them. We have historic houses and gingerbread homes," Todd says. Also among the housing stock are several ranch-style and Victorian-inspired dwellings. New Traditional houses are in subdivisions such as The Prairie and the gated Keller Farms. Most homes cost between $170,000 and $600,000.
The area can experience severe weather, including tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding and extreme summer heat. The most recent major tornado took place in 2025. Some homes use metal roofs to reduce heat and reduce storm damage.
The wintertime festival and cultural district bring locals together
The Smithville Annual Festival of Lights and Lighted Parade has been a tradition for over 30 years. Locals gather in an illuminated downtown area for the Gingerbread Trot 5K and photos with Santa. During the 2008 festival, the city created Smitty, a 20-foot gingerbread man that landed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Although the cookie is no longer the record-holder, a permanent concrete sculpture based on the original still stands as a town landmark. The city's Richard D. Latham Cultural District contributes to Music in the Park in the springtime. The district recently held Theater in the Park at the gazebo on Main Street.
Local school provides career training and agriculture programs
The Smithville Independent School District, which has a B-minus rating from Niche, serves local families. Students can start at Brown Primary and then attend Smithville Elementary; both schools have B ratings. Smithville Junior High and Smithville High receive B-minus ratings. The high school offers multiple career and technical education pathways, including animal science, culinary arts, computer science and welding. The school also has an Agriculture Department that allows students to participate in livestock shows and earn certifications. The state's inter-district open enrollment policy allows some students to attend public schools outside their designated zones.
Residents enjoy new and established businesses
The walkable downtown features established brick buildings occupied by service providers, boutiques and local eateries. There are also thrift and antique stores. "We have a great little downtown with all kinds of new restaurants that have opened up," Todd says. Recent additions to the dining scene include Smithville Brewing Company and Bubby's BBQ. However, the community also has long-standing establishments. Murphy's Steakhouse is a favorite. Smithville Food Lockers has locally raised Wagyu beef and bacon, as well as livestock and game processing services. A Brookshire Brothers grocery store is next door.
Taking the highway to reach local destinations and nearby cities
Smithville is home to numerous houses of worship, including St. Paul's Catholic Church and Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. Ascension Seton Smithville Hospital operates a 24-hour emergency room. Capital Area Rural Transportation System serves the area, but locals typically travel by car. Drivers commute along State Highways 71 and 95 in addition to State Highway Loop 230. Some residents work in nearby Bastrop, about 13 miles away. The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport stands roughly 35 miles from the town's center.
Fun along the Colorado River and Buescher State Park
The area is home to outdoor spaces, such as the community garden on Southwest Second Street and Smithville Bark Park. Vernon L. Richards Riverbend Park stretches along the edge of the Colorado River. The grounds are popular for kayaking, disc golf and camping. The 1,000-acre Buescher State Park, just north of the city, offers trails and a public lake for fishing and boating.
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Written By
Ashley Kennedy
