Living in Round Rock, TX: What You Need to Know in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Round Rock's median home price sits around $385,000–$420,000 as of early 2026, down 4–6% year-over-year — making it a rare buyer's opportunity in the Austin metro.
• Located just 20 miles north of Austin on I-35, Round Rock offers big-city access with a suburban quality of life.
• Round Rock ISD is one of the highest-rated school districts in Texas, consistently earning strong state accountability ratings.
• Known as the "Sports Capital of Texas," Round Rock is packed with world-class recreational facilities, parks, and family-friendly attractions.
• Sully Ruiz and the Sully Realty Group specialize in helping buyers — including first-time buyers and ITIN loan applicants — find homes in Round Rock and the greater Austin metro.

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Why Round Rock? The Case for Moving Here in 2026

If you're looking for a place that combines suburban peace of mind with Austin-area opportunity, Round Rock keeps showing up at the top of the list — and for good reason.

Livability.com has consistently ranked Round Rock as one of the best places to live in the United States, citing its strong economy, excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and genuine quality of life. In 2026, the city is still delivering on that promise — and with home prices softening slightly from their 2022 highs, many buyers are finding market conditions more accessible than they were in recent years.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer priced out of Austin proper, a growing family looking for top schools, or a professional who needs quick I-35 access to downtown, Round Rock has something real to offer. Let's break it down.

Photo by Thaddious Thomas on Unsplash

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Round Rock at a Glance

• Location: Williamson County, ~20 miles north of downtown Austin
• Population: ~140,000+ (one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas)
• County: Williamson (lower property taxes than Travis County for many areas)
• Vibe: Dense suburban, family-oriented, master-planned communities
• Known for: Dell Technologies HQ, Round Rock Express baseball, premium outlets, incredible parks

Round Rock sits at a strategic crossroads. It's close enough to Austin that you can reach the Domain or downtown in 25–35 minutes (outside peak hours), but far enough away that you actually get space, quiet, and a sense of community. The city has its own downtown, its own employers, its own identity — it doesn't need Austin to feel complete.

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Round Rock Housing Market Snapshot (Early 2026)

The Round Rock housing market is in a buyer-friendly correction phase compared to the frenzied peaks of 2022. Here's what the numbers look like as of early 2026:

Metric	Value
Median Home Price	~$385,000–$420,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft	$196 (Redfin)
YoY Price Change	-4.9% to -6.1%
Median Days on Market	54 days
Months of Inventory	~4.0 months
New Listings (monthly)	~118

Sources: Zillow, Redfin, Orchard, Movoto, Rock Properties — as of early 2026

According to data from Rock Properties, the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos MSA median price held steady at approximately $400,495 in January 2026, representing a modest 2.3% dip from January 2025. This is a far cry from the dramatic corrections some predicted — prices are softening, not crashing.

What this means for buyers: Inventory is growing, sellers are negotiating, and prices have room to work with. This is the environment buyers have been waiting for since 2020.

According to Sully Ruiz, a licensed Texas REALTOR® with Sully Realty Group: "Round Rock right now is one of the best-value markets in the entire Austin metro. You're getting top-rated schools, a safe community, and solid infrastructure — for a price that's actually accessible again."

Ready to start your home search in Round Rock? Book a free consultation →

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Neighborhoods to Know in Round Rock

Round Rock is made up of a mix of master-planned communities, older established neighborhoods, and newer developments. Here are five you should know:

1. Behrens Ranch

One of Round Rock's most sought-after communities. Behrens Ranch features large lots, tree-lined streets, and access to great schools including Brushy Creek Elementary. Home prices typically range from $450,000 to $650,000+. It's perfect for families who want space and community amenities.

2. Brushy Creek

Not to be confused with the neighborhood in Cedar Park, Brushy Creek in Round Rock is a well-established master-planned community with a recreation center, pools, trails, and sports courts. Homes generally run $380,000–$550,000. It's been a family favorite for 20+ years for good reason.

3. Stone Canyon

A newer master-planned community on the north side of Round Rock, Stone Canyon offers modern homes and easy access to SH-45 and toll roads. Price range: $400,000–$580,000.

4. Teravista

Teravista sits on the eastern side of Round Rock near Georgetown Road. It's a golf course community with gorgeous amenities and homes in the $380,000–$580,000 range. It attracts professionals and retirees alike.

5. Old Settlers Park Area / Downtown Round Rock

For buyers who want walkability and character, the area around Old Town Round Rock and the downtown district is worth exploring. Older homes with more character, typically $300,000–$450,000, and within walking distance of local restaurants, shops, and Round Rock Express games.

Photo by Noah Martinez on Unsplash

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Schools & Education in Round Rock

This is one of Round Rock's crown jewels. Round Rock ISD serves the majority of the city and is one of the most respected school districts in Texas.

• Round Rock ISD earned strong A-F state accountability ratings for the 2024–2025 school year (Texas Tribune)
• The district serves over 48,000 students across multiple high schools, middle schools, and elementary campuses
• Notable high schools: Round Rock High School, Cedar Ridge High School, McNeil High School, Westwood High School
• Cedar Ridge HS in particular has earned national recognition for its performing arts programs
• Niche.com rates Round Rock public schools as "highly rated" with strong academics, diversity, and safety scores

For families, the quality of Round Rock ISD is often the single biggest reason they choose Round Rock over other suburban options. The schools are not just good — they're competitive at the state and national levels.

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Things to Do in Round Rock

Don't let the "suburb" label fool you. Round Rock has more going on than most cities twice its size.

Sports Capital of Texas

Round Rock earned its unofficial title for a reason. The city is home to:

• Round Rock Express — AAA affiliate of the Texas Rangers, playing at Dell Diamond
• Old Settlers Park — one of the largest and most well-equipped parks in Texas, featuring sports fields, a pond, playgrounds, and disc golf
• World-class sports tournament facilities that draw events from across the state and country

Shopping & Dining

• Round Rock Premium Outlets — a major draw with 100+ brand-name stores
• Rock'N River Water Park — family-friendly summer fun
• Kalahari Resorts — a massive indoor waterpark and resort (great for staycations)
• A growing local dining scene in downtown Round Rock

Outdoor Life

Round Rock sits along Brushy Creek, offering miles of trails for hiking, biking, and walking. Old Settlers Park has 645 acres of green space. This is a city that takes outdoor recreation seriously.

Photo by Daniel on Unsplash

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Commute & Transportation

One of the most common questions buyers ask: How bad is the drive to Austin?

The honest answer: It depends heavily on when you travel.

• Distance to downtown Austin: ~20 miles via I-35
• Off-peak commute: 25–35 minutes
• Peak hours (7–9am / 4–6:30pm): 45–75 minutes on I-35; better via SH-45 toll road or MoPac
• Capital Metro's Red Line commuter rail stops at the Round Rock/Hutto area, offering a car-free option to downtown Austin
• Toll roads: SH-45 N and 183A provide faster options for bypassing I-35 traffic

Most Round Rock residents plan their schedules around traffic or use toll roads for a predictable commute. Remote work has also dramatically reduced the daily commute burden for many residents since 2020.

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Cost of Living Comparison

Round Rock offers a meaningful savings advantage over Austin proper, especially for housing:

Category	Round Rock	Austin
Median Home Price	~$385,000–$420,000	~$500,000–$550,000
Property Tax Rate	~2.0–2.3% (Williamson Co.)	~2.1–2.5% (Travis Co.)
Average Rent (2BR)	~$1,500–$1,900/mo	~$1,800–$2,300/mo
Groceries	Comparable	Comparable
Utilities	Slightly lower	Slightly higher

While property tax rates are comparable, Round Rock homeowners often save $30,000–$80,000+ on purchase price compared to similar homes in Austin neighborhoods like North Loop, Hyde Park, or South Congress areas.

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Who Should Move to Round Rock?

Round Rock is an excellent fit for:

• Families with school-age children — Round Rock ISD is a genuine differentiator
• First-time homebuyers — more accessible price points than Austin proper, with more inventory
• Remote workers — high quality of life without needing daily Austin commutes
• Professionals working at Dell, Apple, or other employers along the I-35 corridor
• Buyers using ITIN loans or down payment assistance programs — there are strong options in this price range

Not the best fit for buyers who want walkable urban living, nightlife, or the cultural density of Austin's core neighborhoods.

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FAQ: Living in Round Rock, TX

Q: Is Round Rock a good place to raise a family? A: Absolutely. Round Rock consistently ranks among the best family cities in Texas, thanks to Round Rock ISD schools, safe neighborhoods, parks, and family-oriented amenities like Kalahari and Old Settlers Park.

Q: How much do homes cost in Round Rock in 2026? A: As of early 2026, the median home price in Round Rock ranges from approximately $385,000 to $420,000, depending on the data source and recent months reviewed. Prices are down roughly 5–6% from 2025 peaks.

Q: Is Round Rock cheaper than Austin? A: Yes, meaningfully so. You can typically find comparable homes in Round Rock for $50,000–$100,000 less than in similar Austin neighborhoods.

Q: What are the best neighborhoods in Round Rock for families? A: Behrens Ranch and Brushy Creek are consistently rated the top family neighborhoods, with excellent schools, community amenities, and safe streets. Teravista and Stone Canyon are also strong options.

Q: Can I use an ITIN loan to buy a home in Round Rock? A: Yes. ITIN loans are available for buyers without a Social Security Number, and Sully Ruiz specializes in helping ITIN borrowers navigate the process in the Austin metro. Learn more →

Q: How far is Round Rock from Austin? A: Round Rock is approximately 20 miles north of downtown Austin via I-35. Off-peak commutes typically run 25–35 minutes; peak-hour commutes can take 45–75 minutes depending on your route.

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Ready to Explore Round Rock?

As of early 2026, market conditions in Round Rock show softening prices and increased inventory — factors many buyers find favorable compared to previous years. As with any real estate decision, individual circumstances vary and working with a licensed professional is strongly recommended before making any purchase.

Sully Ruiz is a licensed Texas REALTOR® with Sully Realty Group, serving Round Rock and the greater Austin metro. She specializes in first-time homebuyers, ITIN loans, and helping bilingual families navigate the homebuying process with confidence.

👉 Book your free consultation today → 👉 Take the Buyer Readiness Check →

Sully Realty Group | sullyruiz.com | Serving Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park & surrounding areas

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Market data is for informational purposes only and is subject to change. Sources are believed to be reliable but are not guaranteed. Contact Sully Ruiz with Sully Realty Group for a personalized market analysis tailored to your situation.

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Sources

• Zillow — Round Rock, TX Home Values — accessed March 2026
• Redfin — Round Rock Housing Market — accessed March 2026
• Orchard — Round Rock Housing Market Stats — accessed March 2026
• Movoto — Round Rock, TX Market Trends — accessed March 2026
• Rock Properties — Central Texas Real Estate 2026 — accessed March 2026
• Livability — Living in Round Rock, TX — accessed March 2026
• Niche — Round Rock, TX Reviews & Rankings — accessed March 2026
• Texas Tribune — Round Rock ISD — accessed March 2026