A fast-growing commuter suburb between Temple and Georgetown
It's estimated that around 68,000 cars pass through Sonterra on Interstate 35 every single day – a number that will surely grow in a few years' time. As more commuters move to Williamson County seeking a competitively priced home in a master-planned suburb between Austin and Temple, the community is preparing for new schools and businesses. "It's growing fast because of the location and the affordability," says Amanda Stone, manager of the Sonterra West Homeowners Association. "It's very centrally located between Temple and Fort Cavasos. And everything you need is in Georgetown, or you can go to Temple, which is just 25 minutes north of you."
Sonterra community in Jarrell, Texas offers remarkable amenities in a burgeoning neighborhood.
A cul-de-sac and single-story homes located in Sonterra.
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Competitively priced snout houses with additional HOA and MUD costs
Sonterra is a municipal utility district (MUD) of Williamson County, meaning residents pay taxes, utility bills and cast votes in in the county, not the city of Jarrell next door. Residents also pay an additional HOA fee. The MUD consists of numerous communities built by various developers in multiple phases. New construction of single-family snout houses and detached condos persists as commuters and other buyers come south from Temple or north from Georgetown seeking competitively priced options with lots of driveway and garage space. Sonterra offers a median price of around $265,000 for single-family homes, below the median for Temple of $290,000 and well below the median for Georgetown of $500,000. Generally, condos are priced between $250,000 and $325,000.
A winding road two-story wood sided homes located in Sonterra.
Single-story brick homes and wide streets are common in Sonterra.
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Dozens of new chains preparing for commercial and job growth
Some of the fastest growth can be observed in Sonterra's commercial scene. Traditionally, residents have traveled south to Georgetown for a dose of fun or to run errands. Yet some have always preferred shopping closer to home at smaller grocery stores like the Brookshire Brothers in Jarrell. However, an influx of new restaurant chains and larger retailers are bringing options closer to Sonterra. "We don't have the population for H-E-B or Walmart at this time. But it's coming," Stone says. Not only is this widening the array of shopping and dining options, but it's also improving job prospects while simultaneously shaving down commute times. "You have a lot of people commuting. But there's more development coming in, more job opportunities," Stone says. "Right now, your local job opportunities are basically the school district, fast food restaurants, gas stations, Starbucks – things like that. But that's going to change here in the next two years."
Locals have a few shopping and dining plaza's to explore in Sonterra and Jarrell.
Brookshire Brothers is the largest nearby grocery store for residents of Sonterra.
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Sharp enrollment increases leading to new schools for Jarrell ISD
Students are zoned for Jarrell Independent School District, rated C by Niche. The district oversees 3,300 students across its four schools. But enrollment is expected to double by 2030, prompting the construction of several new campuses on both sides of I-35. In addition to a new elementary school built in 2023, the district is planning even more space for higher grade levels too. "Sonterra actually has two elementary schools located inside the community," Stone says. "There's only one high school and one middle school currently, however, they are opening a new middle school, and another elementary."
Jarrell High School is part of the Jarrell Independent School District, which many Sonterra residents enroll in.
Students in Sonterra can enjoy a great education at Jarrell Elementary School.
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Open access to community playgrounds, pools and skateparks
MUD status makes for a somewhat unique recreational community in a master-planned suburb like Sonterra, as any resident can visit any community's pool, park or playground as long as they live in the MUD. "The county puts a park and rec fee on a homeowner's water and sewer bill every single month, and that is for the maintenance of their parks, pools and common areas," Stone says. The main community park for Sonterra maintains several amenities, including a pool complex with both a kiddy pool and lap lane, plus a skate park and three-level jungle gym.
Enjoy the outdoors at Sonterra's community playground, perfect for families and friends.
Residents, friends and family can beat the heat at the Sonterra Community Pool.
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Youth sports leagues and fire station Trunk-or-Treats
Athletics and recreation are an important community touchpoint in Sonterra. "Because Sonterra has grown so much, the MUD now has their own youth sports leagues, summer camps and a little spring break camp," Stone says. The MUD also organizes numerous special events, such as drive-In movie nights, plus recurring holiday events like breakfasts with Santa and trunk-or-treat parades at the local fire station.
Nearby towns boasts a variety of shops around the square, a dog-friendly place for a stroll.
Visit the Donkey Barn at Berry Springs Park and enjoy petting these friendly animals.
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Fast commutes to Georgetown and Temple on Interstate 35
Proximity to I-35 is a major selling point for Sonterra, given the community's location between some major employment hubs. Generally, traffic doesn't get too heavy until commuters reach those hubs, like Georgetown, about 15 miles south.
Mild wildfire risk and low crime rates
Wildfires have occurred in Williamson County before, though not very often around Sonterra. But there is some risk, as all of Sonterra is in an ember zone, which can be a hazard in high winds, as there are high vulnerability areas a few miles west near Florence.
According to FBI data, rates of property and violent crime in Sonterra fall below state and national figures. In fact, property crime has been on a noticeable decline since 2020.
Written By
Tom Jakob
Photography Contributed By
Austin Rowdy Winters
Video By
Anthony Pesa
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lysa Saavedra,
an experienced agent in this area.
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