Peaceful, storied shipping town prepares for surge of growth
Heading east from Round Rock on Highway 79 for about 20 minutes will bring you to the town of Taylor, Texas, a rapidly-growing community where the pace of life is a little slower despite the fact that the area is less than 45 minutes by car from the bustling urban center of Austin. Mature trees cast shade across the quiet streets lined with modest ranch-style homes, lending a sense of wooded tranquility to the residential areas of town. But that quiet nature belies the town’s history as a major shipping point for farmers and ranchers in the late 19th century, a history that lives on today through the local Chamber of Commerce’s self-guided historical walking trail. “It’s a very tight-knit community where people are focused on the history,” says Realtor and Taylor resident Julie Downs, who has been representing transactions in the area for a decade. “There’s a down-home feel that you don’t find in bigger cities.” But Taylor isn't missing out on modernity; tech giant Samsung is currently building a new headquarters here, projected to open in 2024. “We’re anticipating a huge influx of people when the Samsung plant is completed,” Downs says.
Leaving the city for single-family coziness
But it’s the small-town atmosphere that is the primary draw for new buyers, who Downs says are coming from both in and out of the state of Texas. “We’re seeing a lot of people coming from out of state,” she says. “They’re drawn to that quieter lifestyle that still allows them to be close enough to a major city to get there easily.” The current median price of real estate in Taylor is $342,000, and buyers can expect to pay an average of $280 per square foot. A cozy two-bedroom/one-bathroom bungalow can sell for $119,000, and prices can go up to $975,000 for a sprawling four-bedroom/two-bathroom Craftsman-style home on 24 acres of land.
Modern new builds in Taylor, Texas, just minutes from the downtown square.
In Far Northeast, a small, up-and-coming community with amazing amenities awaits.
Single-story 3-bedroom home with a limestone facade graces Jarrell, Texas.
Brick facade one and two-story homes line the quiet streets of Taylor, Texas.
Newly built constructions are scattered across Far Northeast with lush, green lawns.
Two-story brick facade home with a newly landscaped yard in Eastwood Community.
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Coupland Elementary, a short walk from the neighborhood, has a rich history dating back to 1923.
Countless student clubs and twenty varsity sports
The neighborhood is districted to the Georgetown Independent School District, which earns an overall rating of B-plus from Niche. Students can attend Coupland Elementary, Charles A. Forbes Middle and Georgetown High School. Coupland earns an A-minus rating from Niche, Charles A. Forbes earns a B and Georgetown High School earns an A-minus. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, students at Georgetown High School can participate as part of any of over 40 school-sponsored clubs, and they have the opportunity to play any of over 20 varsity-level sports. Alternatively, parents can avail themselves of several private schools in the area, including St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, which is rated as the best private school in the Austin area by Niche
Trails of wood smoke and shopping
For groceries, residents head to H-E-B in the northern part of the city, and they can pick up any home necessities at Walmart Supercenter located next to H-E-B. Shopping opportunities abound in downtown Taylor, where residents can find a variety of local retailers. For more intensive retail therapy, Round Rock’s cosmopolitan malls are just 20 minutes to the west, and Austin’s shopping centers are less than an hour to the south. When it comes to dining out, Taylor features five restaurants included on the famed Texas Barbecue Trail, including Louie Mueller Barbecue and Davis Grocery & BBQ. Alternatively, Plowman’s Kitchen serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual setting where diners feast on comfort food favorites and daily specials.
A local favorite, Vintage Arts Restaurant, boasts quaint small-town character.
Vintage Arts Bistro in downtown Jarrell, Texas, offers a great selection of sandwiches.
Downtown Taylor boasts a variety of shops around the square, a dog-friendly place for a stroll.
Taylor Soap Bar in Downtown Taylor provides all your soapy suds needs.
At H-E-B in Taylor, Texas, find groceries, flowers, and plants for all your needs.
The Taylor, Texas community takes pride in preserving its historical architecture.
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Aerobic fun and relaxing pastimes
There are five different parks within the city limits of Taylor, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, skating or playing. Murphy Park, located in the center of town, offers area residents access to 120 acres of open space for recreation. The park features two baseball fields and a football field, eight tennis courts, two swimming pools, a playground, multiple picnic areas, three pickleball courts and a lake that offers fishing from the bank. Pierce Park is home to a dedicated skating area, complete with ramps, jumps and rails. And all of the city’s parks are connected by a hiking and biking trail that covers more than 3 miles of gravel-paved pathway. “One thing I love about living in Taylor is that there’s always something to do,” says Downs.
Heritage Square Skate Park in the heart of downtown Taylor, features a thrilling pump track.
Discover the islands on Granger Lake at Taylor Park for an adventurous outing.
Visit the Donkey Barn at Berry Springs Park and enjoy petting these friendly animals.
Bull Ranch Park in Taylor, Texas, features ducks eagerly awaiting to be fed.
Paved trails meander through communities, surrounded by nature in Far Northeast.
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Written By
Tom Jakob
Photography Contributed By
Jack Schafer
Video By
Maurice McNeil
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Maria Mondragon,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Taylor, TX sell after 81 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Taylor, TX over the last 12 months is $320,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Wake up every morning in a home designed to make life easier, brighter, and more enjoyable. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 1,602 sq. ft. home isn’t just about space — it’s about lifestyle. Imagine hosting friends in the open-concept living and dining area, where natural light fills the room and conversations flow effortlessly. Step into your kitchen knowing you’ve got the perfect space to cook, connect,
Spring Creek, the Only New Build Gas Community in Taylor. The Magnolia floor plan offers 4 spacious bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, a convenient powder room, and a private downstairs study—ideal for working from home or quiet retreats. The upgraded kitchen features built-in appliances, designed for the home chef who loves both style and functionality. Soaring two-story ceilings in the great room are
NEWLY RELEASED FOR SALE - UNDECORATED FIELD MODEL. Because this is real property, it has been listed, we just released to market and sale. In Spring Creek, the Only New Build Gas Community in Taylor. The Magnolia floor plan offers 3 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a convenient powder room, and a private downstairs study—ideal for working from home or quiet retreats. The upgraded kitchen
Welcome to this charming DR Horton home in The Grove at Bull Creek, Taylor!Situated on a premium corner lot, this single-story 3-bed, 2-bath home offers 1,605 sq ft of comfortable living. The open layout features a bright kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, plenty of cabinets, and a pantry. The primary suite includes a double vanity with quartz counters and a walk-in
Welcome home to one of the largest and most functional floor plans in the entire neighborhood. This spacious 3-bedroom layout is designed for comfort and privacy, with each bedroom positioned with no shared walls — a rare and highly valued feature at this price point. Every room includes a ceiling fan, ideal for staying cool through Texas summers.A dedicated home office, and the additional
Explore maintenance-free living in Taylor, Texas, where urban living meets small-town charm. The Ferguson is a residential oasis in the heart of this rapidly growing town, offering studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and study condominiums as well as live/work units. This urban living concept creates a true live-work-play community just minutes from Taylor's Main Street and only a five-minute
Mid to Long-Term Furnished Rental! Super cute and will be Ready for a Dec 15th, 2025, Move-In! OPTIONS: 12 Month Option: $2,795 Tenant pays all utilities and lawn care, 9 Month Option: $2,995 Tenant pays all utilities and lawn care, 6 Month Option: $3,195 Tenant Pays all utilities and lawn care, 3 Month Option: $3,395 Tenant Pays all utilities and lawn care, 1 Month Option: $4,195 Landlord pays
This impressive three-level property offers more than 7,000 square feet of versatile space and is zoned P4 for mixed use. It’s perfectly suited for residential, commercial, or combined live/work purposes—ideal for a business owner, creative professional, or entrepreneur seeking both comfort and function under one roof.The property includes three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms,
This adorable home features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, with beautiful hardwood floors throughout. Enjoy plenty of natural light in this bright and airy space, complete with central heat and air for year-round comfort. The home is energy efficient to help keep utility costs low and includes a new refrigerator. There is no dishwasher, but laundry hookups are conveniently located in the one-car
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