Moving from Georgetown to Round Rock: Costs, Comparisons, and What Changes
Darlene D • January 22, 2026
Moving from Georgetown to Round Rock represents a shift from historic small-town charm to energetic suburban living. These two Williamson County cities sit less than 15 miles apart yet offer distinctly different experiences. Understanding what changes helps you prepare for this transition effectively.
Both cities provide alternatives to expensive Austin living while maintaining access to the capital. However, your daily life will feel noticeably different after relocating. The pace quickens, amenities multiply, and the community atmosphere transforms. These changes bring both advantages and adjustments worth considering carefully.
Understanding Moving from Georgetown to Round Rock Cost
Moving from Georgetown to Round Rock cost varies significantly based on distance and belongings. The short 15-mile distance keeps professional moving costs relatively low. However, housing expenses shift considerably between the two cities.
Professional movers typically charge $300 to $800 for local moves this distance. The final cost depends on how much you're moving. A one-bedroom apartment costs less than a full house obviously. Getting multiple quotes helps identify competitive pricing.
DIY moves using rental trucks cost $150 to $300 including fuel. This option works well for smaller households with helping hands. However, professional movers save time and reduce physical strain considerably. The convenience often justifies the additional expense for many people.
Housing Cost Differences
Housing represents where you'll notice the biggest financial shift. Georgetown's median home value sits around $406,300 currently. Round Rock's median climbs to approximately $440,000 for comparable properties.
This $33,700 difference affects monthly mortgage payments substantially. A typical 30-year mortgage adds roughly $200 monthly for Round Rock homes. Property taxes also run slightly higher reflecting increased property values.
Rental markets show interesting variations between the cities. Georgetown's average rent reaches $1,637 monthly for typical apartments. Round Rock averages $1,514 monthly representing real savings for renters. This reversal surprises many people considering the move. Understanding the Round Rock vs Georgetown costs helps set realistic budget expectations.
However, specific neighborhoods in Round Rock vary dramatically in pricing. Premium areas like Teravista command higher rents than older sections. Location and amenities significantly impact your actual housing expenses.
Utility and Living Expense Changes
Utility costs shift when moving from Georgetown to Round Rock. Georgetown utilities run 4% below national averages overall. Round Rock utilities sit 9% higher than national norms instead.
Electricity represents the biggest difference between the cities. Round Rock's more urban density and newer construction sometimes increase cooling costs. Budget an extra $20 to $40 monthly for utilities after relocating.
Grocery costs drop slightly with Round Rock's 15% below national average. Georgetown sits at 18% below average giving it a small edge. However, the difference amounts to minimal savings in practical terms.
Transportation costs decrease notably after moving to Round Rock. The city sits 20% below national transportation averages. Georgetown runs just 10% below average comparatively. Round Rock's superior infrastructure and shorter Austin commutes reduce driving expenses meaningfully.
Is Round Rock or Georgetown Better for Your Lifestyle
Determining whether Round Rock or Georgetown suits you better requires honest lifestyle assessment. The cities cater to fundamentally different preferences and priorities. Neither option is objectively superior overall.
Comparing Daily Life and Atmosphere
Georgetown maintains a slower pace emphasizing community and historic preservation. The downtown square anchors social life with local shops and restaurants. Residents know their neighbors and participate in community events regularly.
Round Rock moves faster with more commercial development and suburban energy. Shopping centers, chain restaurants, and entertainment venues dominate the scene. The atmosphere feels more transient as people come and go frequently.
Georgetown residents appreciate the "Hallmark movie" quality of their downtown. Historic buildings house independent businesses creating unique character. This appeals strongly to people valuing authenticity and local flavor.
Round Rock residents enjoy convenience and variety in dining and shopping. Major retailers cluster in several commercial districts. Premium outlets attract shoppers from surrounding areas regularly. This abundance appeals to people prioritizing selection and accessibility. For those moving to Round Rock, these amenities become everyday conveniences.
Nature and Outdoor Recreation Access
Georgetown excels in natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Lake Georgetown provides 1,310 acres of water for boating and fishing. The San Gabriel River winds through the city offering scenic trails.
Blue Hole Park remains a beloved swimming spot for locals. Cedar Breaks Park features extensive hiking trails through Hill Country terrain. Nature lovers find abundant options for outdoor activities year-round.
Round Rock offers excellent parks but fewer natural water features nearby. Old Settlers Park spans 645 acres with sports fields and trails. The park serves organized athletics more than spontaneous nature exploration.
Brushy Creek Regional Trail connects neighborhoods through green corridors. The trail network continues expanding as development proceeds. However, the outdoor experience feels more manicured than Georgetown's natural spaces.
Job Market and Career Opportunities
Round Rock significantly outperforms Georgetown in job availability and career growth. Dell Technologies employs thousands at its Round Rock headquarters. Tech positions span entry level through senior engineering roles.
Emerson Automation Solutions, TECO-Westinghouse, and other major employers maintain operations here. The job market remains diverse across technology, healthcare, and business services. Unemployment sits at 3.4% reflecting strong economic conditions.
Georgetown's job market centers on healthcare, education, and retail primarily. St. David's Georgetown Hospital employs many local residents. The city works well for remote workers and Austin commuters. However, local career advancement opportunities stay limited compared to Round Rock.
Round Rock's proximity to Austin amplifies career advantages substantially. The 20-minute drive accesses one of America's strongest job markets. Google, Apple, IBM, and countless startups hire actively in Austin. Living in Round Rock while working in Austin remains common.
Georgetown sits 30 miles from Austin extending commute times considerably. Rush hour traffic makes this distance feel even longer. Career-focused individuals typically prefer Round Rock's location and local opportunities.
What Changes After Moving from Georgetown to Round Rock
Several aspects of daily life shift noticeably after this relocation. Understanding these changes prevents surprises and disappointment. Some adjustments happen immediately while others take time to appreciate fully.
School Quality and Education Options
Round Rock Independent School District consistently outperforms Georgetown ISD academically. Round Rock ISD ranks better than 81.3% of Texas school districts. Georgetown ISD only exceeds 32.4% of state districts comparatively.
Families prioritizing education find this difference compelling and significant. Round Rock High School, Cactus Ranch Elementary, and Chandler Oaks Elementary earn top ratings. Students benefit from strong academic programs and extensive extracurricular activities.
Georgetown has solid schools but performance varies more between campuses. Georgetown High School and Gateway College Preparatory School perform well. However, district-wide consistency doesn't match Round Rock's standards. Parents research specific schools carefully when choosing Georgetown neighborhoods.
The education quality gap represents a major factor for families. Many parents accept higher Round Rock housing costs for better schools. This trade-off makes financial sense when considering children's futures.
Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure
Round Rock's transportation infrastructure exceeds Georgetown's substantially. Interstate 35 runs through Round Rock providing direct Austin access. Multiple major roads connect neighborhoods to employment centers efficiently.
CapMetro bus service operates in Round Rock linking to Austin. Public transportation remains limited but exists for basic needs. The infrastructure supports various commuting options beyond personal vehicles.
Georgetown lacks Interstate highway access requiring state road routes. Highway 29 connects to Interstate 35 adding time to Austin commutes. Public transportation options stay extremely limited throughout Georgetown.
Average commute times differ slightly between the cities. Georgetown averages 33 minutes while Round Rock averages 31 minutes. However, Austin commutes from Georgetown often exceed 45 minutes during rush hour. Round Rock commuters typically spend 25 to 35 minutes reaching downtown Austin.
Traffic congestion affects Round Rock more than Georgetown currently. I-35 experiences heavy traffic during peak hours daily. However, multiple route options help navigate around congestion somewhat. Georgetown's lighter traffic comes with the trade-off of fewer route choices.
Shopping and Dining Variety
Shopping options expand dramatically after moving to Round Rock. Round Rock Premium Outlets attracts shoppers from across Central Texas. Major retailers including Target, Costco, and HEB maintain multiple locations.
Dining diversity increases substantially in Round Rock. Over 200 restaurants serve cuisines from multiple cultures regularly. Options span from fast food through upscale dining experiences. New restaurants open frequently as population growth continues.
Georgetown's shopping concentrates around the historic downtown square. Local boutiques and specialty shops create unique browsing experiences. However, major retailers stay limited compared to Round Rock's abundance.
Georgetown dining emphasizes local, independent restaurants over chains. The downtown square hosts numerous well-regarded establishments. However, overall variety doesn't match Round Rock's extensive options. Residents often drive to Round Rock or Austin for specific cuisines.
Entertainment and Recreation Amenities
Round Rock provides significantly more entertainment venues than Georgetown. The Dell Diamond baseball stadium hosts the Round Rock Express. Games create family-friendly entertainment throughout the season regularly.
Kalahari Resort features America's largest indoor water park. The facility operates year-round regardless of weather conditions. Round Rock residents enjoy convenient access to this major attraction.
The city maintains numerous parks with diverse recreation facilities. Old Settlers Park alone offers 20 baseball fields and extensive trails. Community centers host programs for all ages throughout the year.
Georgetown's entertainment centers on outdoor activities and community events. The downtown square hosts concerts and festivals drawing local crowds. Lake Georgetown provides water recreation during warmer months consistently.
The pace and scale differ notably between the cities. Round Rock offers more commercial entertainment options continuously. Georgetown provides more community-oriented, seasonal activities instead.
Best Neighborhoods in Round Rock for Georgetown Relocators
Choosing the right Round Rock neighborhood significantly impacts your satisfaction. Different areas appeal to various preferences and priorities. Former Georgetown residents often gravitate toward specific neighborhoods matching their values.
Teravista
Teravista attracts Georgetown residents appreciating master-planned community amenities. The neighborhood features championship golf courses and extensive trails. Multiple pools and parks serve active families throughout the development.
Homes range from $350,000 to over $700,000 across various sections. The community maintains high standards through active HOA management. Schools zoned to Teravista receive consistently strong ratings.
The neighborhood captures some Georgetown community feel while adding Round Rock conveniences. Residents know neighbors through regular community events. However, the modern development lacks Georgetown's historic character completely.
Forest Creek
Forest Creek appeals to people valuing mature landscaping and established neighborhoods. Large lots provide space similar to Georgetown properties. The golf course community attracts professionals and established families.
Homes typically range from $400,000 to $600,000 offering good value. Properties feature more character than newer developments throughout Round Rock. The neighborhood sits conveniently between Round Rock and Austin.
Schools serving Forest Creek perform well academically year after year. The area maintains quiet streets despite Round Rock's overall energy. Former Georgetown residents appreciate the more subdued atmosphere here.
Brushy Creek
Brushy Creek provides diverse housing options across multiple price ranges. This variety accommodates different budgets better than exclusive communities. Both older homes and new construction exist side by side.
Extensive trail systems wind throughout the area connecting sections. Parks and playgrounds appear regularly in residential areas. The neighborhood balances affordability with quality amenities effectively.
Housing prices span from $300,000 to $500,000 typically. This accessibility appeals to Georgetown residents seeking similar affordability. The area delivers Round Rock advantages without premium pricing.
Cat Hollow
Cat Hollow represents newer development with modern construction standards. Energy-efficient homes reduce utility costs compared to older properties. Community amenities include pools and updated recreation centers.
The neighborhood attracts young families and growing professionals primarily. Safety and cleanliness remain priorities throughout all sections. Schools receive strong community support and parental involvement.
Home prices start around $350,000 reaching $550,000 for larger properties. The modern feel contrasts sharply with Georgetown's historic character. However, the quality construction and amenities justify the investment.
Making Your Move Smooth and Efficient
Planning carefully ensures your relocation proceeds without major problems. The short distance simplifies logistics compared to long-distance moves. However, proper preparation still matters for successful transitions.
Timing Your Move Strategically
Summer represents peak moving season creating higher costs and limited availability. Professional movers book quickly during June, July, and August. Rates increase reflecting higher demand during these months.
Spring and fall offer better availability and competitive pricing. Weather remains pleasant for moving activities in both seasons. Schools operate normally allowing families to transition smoothly.
Winter provides the lowest moving costs but weather becomes unpredictable. Cold snaps occasionally disrupt moving schedules temporarily. However, significant savings justify the minor weather risk for many people. Moving to Round Rock on a budget becomes easier during off-peak seasons.
Updating Important Information
Address changes require systematic attention across multiple accounts. The post office provides mail forwarding for six months minimum. However, updating addresses directly prevents missed mail long term.
Financial institutions need address updates for statements and cards. Health insurance providers require current addresses for coverage verification. Vehicle registration and driver's licenses must reflect your new address.
Schools require enrollment paperwork and address verification documents. Utility companies need advance notice for service connections. Planning these administrative tasks prevents last-minute stress significantly.
Exploring Your New Community
Round Rock offers numerous resources for newcomers getting oriented. The Chamber of Commerce provides information about local businesses and services. Community centers host events helping residents meet neighbors.
Exploring different commercial districts identifies preferred shopping locations. Testing various restaurants helps discover new favorites quickly. Visiting parks and recreation facilities reveals options for activities.
Joining local groups accelerates social connection development. Sports leagues, hobby clubs, and volunteer organizations welcome new members. Active participation helps Round Rock feel like home faster.
Final Considerations for Your Move
Moving from Georgetown to Round Rock delivers tangible benefits alongside certain trade-offs. Career opportunities expand considerably with Round Rock's stronger job market. School quality improves significantly for families prioritizing education.
However, the community atmosphere shifts from small-town charm to suburban energy. Natural beauty decreases while commercial convenience increases substantially. These changes suit some people perfectly while disappointing others. Understanding the Round Rock cost of living comprehensively helps make informed decisions.
Your priorities ultimately determine whether this move enhances your life. Career-focused professionals and families with school-age children typically thrive in Round Rock. People valuing slower pace and historic character often miss Georgetown's unique qualities.
Visit Round Rock multiple times before committing to the move. Experience rush hour traffic and explore potential neighborhoods thoroughly. Talk with current residents about their experiences living here. This research investment prevents expensive mistakes and buyer's remorse.
Both cities offer quality living within the greater Austin area. Neither choice is wrong when aligned with your actual lifestyle preferences. For more insights on comparing these two cities, explore this
comprehensive analysis of Georgetown versus Round Rock. Understanding what you're gaining and losing makes the transition smoother and more satisfying ultimately.
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