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's A–F ratings are public: check each campus on TXschools.gov.
• Known as the "Sports Capital of Texas," Round Rock is packed with world-class recreational facilities, parks, and attractions.
• Sully Ruiz helps 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 and 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 buyer who needs more space, 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, 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 Keller Williams Austin NW: "Round Rock right now is one of the best-value markets in the entire Austin metro."

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 and tree-lined streets. Home prices typically range from $450,000 to $650,000+. Buyers who want space and community amenities often tour it.

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.

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.

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

Round Rock ISD serves the majority of the city.

• 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
• Check each Round Rock ISD campus's current TEA rating on TXschools.gov

Round Rock ISD's ratings are public: look up the district and each campus on TXschools.gov and weigh them against your own priorities.

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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 — summer water park
• 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:

• 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 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: What does Round Rock offer day to day? A: Parks and attractions like Kalahari and Old Settlers Park, and quick access to North Austin employers.

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: Which Round Rock neighborhoods do buyers ask about most? A: Behrens Ranch, Brushy Creek, Teravista and Stone Canyon come up often, for their lot sizes and community amenities. The right one depends on your budget and commute.

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 works with buyers using ITIN financing in the Austin metro as their real estate agent, not their lender. Start the short buyer form →

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 Texas-licensed real estate sales agent (TREC #0742907). Her sponsoring broker is Keller Williams Austin NW. She works with buyers and sellers in Austin and Central Texas, in English and Spanish — as their real estate agent, not their lender.

👉 Book your free consultation today → 👉 Start the short buyer form →

Sully Ruiz · Keller Williams Austin NW | 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 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