Central Texas: Everything You Need to Know

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Also known as the Lone Star State, Texas is famous for various things, making it one of the best spots to visit. 

When you visit Texas, you have a chance to try the best chili and Tex-Mex dishes, you can enjoy a lively sports culture, and there are many places where you can afford to buy a home. 

And visiting Central Texas is the best way to explore the real essence of the State. 

Central Texas is the space that surrounds Austin and is home to 1.2 million people, who represent about 4.3% of the state’s population. 

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Central Texas from a resident. So, let’s dive in. 

What Is Central Texas?

Central Texas is a region that surrounds Austin, the capital city of the Texas State. The area is bordered by Bryan, Hillsboro, San Marcos, and San Saba. 

It includes Texas Hill Country and Greater Austin, a growing economic hub. It’s home to some of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in Texas and the whole US. 

Central Texas is made up of 20 counties and stretches over an area of 17,400 square miles. Due to its increasing popularity, the region’s population increased by 10.7%. 

However, between 2010 and 2019, the population’s growth rate slightly declined, with Brazos and Bell’s higher-than-average rates of 17.6% and 17%, respectively. 

Facts About Central Texas

Here are some interesting facts about Central Texas:

• Location: Central Texas is located right in the middle of Texas, surrounding Austin. 
• Counties: There are 20 counties in Central Texas. The most populated one is Travis County, with a population of 1.1 million people. 
• Towns: There are several towns in Central Texas. Some of the most famous ones are Austin, Round Rock, Waco, Wimberley, and Dripping Springs. 
• Population: In 2019, the population estimate was 1.2 million people. The least populated town is Luckenbach. 
• Climate: It’s warm and dry most of the year. The summers are hot and the winters are cold and windy. 

Spring and fall are warm transitional periods, and Central Texas receives about 35.5 inches of rainfall yearly. Most of this rain falls in May, June, and October. 

• Famous People: Several people were born and raised in Central Texas before becoming famous worldwide. These include Farrah Fawcett, Ethan Hawke, Jamie Foxx, Ciara, Adrian Grenier, Selena Gomez, and Dakota Johnson. 
• Education: Central Texas College is located in Killeen, and it’s an open-admission community college. The NCTC, or North Central Texas College, is the oldest 2-year college in the region, as it was founded in 1924. 

Who Lives in Central Texas?

Many people consider moving to Central Texas because it’s one of the best places to start a family and buy a home. But that’s not all. 

There are actually several celebrities who decided to move to Central Texas and call it home. 

James Van Der Beek

After becoming a star in Dawson’s Creek, the actor took a break from acting. He thought that moving to Central Texas would be better for his family, so he decided to leave LA and move to live near Austin in 2020. 

Van Der Beek liked the move because he got to spend much outdoor time with his six children. He reported that playing together helped him bond with them. 

Elon Musk

Business magnate, entrepreneur, and investor Elon Musk started spending more time in Texas in 2020. The owner of Tesla and SpaceX was voted the second richest man in 2023, with a net worth of $180 billion. 

Rumor has it that Musk is moving to Central Texas to build his version of Texas Utopia along the Colorado River. He has also built a manufacturing and warehouse facility in Bastrop County and plans to expand it by offering accommodation to his employees. 

James Marsden

Although born in Oklahoma, the American actor, singer, and voice actor decided to move to Austin, Texas, with his family. He moved in 2020 and explained that he liked the region and had many friends there. 

Marsden also explained that being closer to his family in Oklahoma made the decision easier. It was definitely better than living in California. 

What Is Central Texas Famous For?

Central Texas is the home of cowboys and cowgirls. As a result, it will be the best place to visit and even relocate if you’re fond of this culture. 

You might not spot these adventurous people in the big cities, but you can see them riding on their horses near the highways. 

Texas is the home of many country musicians as well, and you can listen to country music wherever you go. 

In addition to the delicious Tex-Mex dishes, many people enjoy the fantastic landscape of Hill Country and its rolling hills. The rolling hills represent gently sloped low hills, where the landscape changes from hills to grassland. 

Although many people think of barren deserts when they think of Texas, this isn’t true for Central Texas. It has many landscape regions, including grasslands, woodlands, hills, and deserts. 

Moreover, there are lots of rivers and lakes in the region. 

What Should You Do Before Moving to Central Texas?

As of April 2023, studies show that the average home price in Central Texas has decreased by 11% to $565,500. 

This is a lot lower than the average price a family would pay in California, where a home costs an average of $737,900, or in Washington, D.C., where it costs around $650,000. 

About 1 million people moved to Central Texas between 2010 and 2017, so they definitely saw something they liked about the region. 

Yet, there are a few things you need to know before moving to Central Texas. 

Population Diversity

Central Texas is one of the most diverse regions in the state. Only about half of the population is white. The rest are Hispanic or Latinos, African Americans, or Asians. 

About 5% of the region’s population comprises Native American Indians, and about 3% belong to other races like Middle Eastern. 

Many Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders also live in the region. 

Due to this fantastic diversity, you should expect to experience different cultures and cuisines once you move to the region. 

Some cities and towns have a prominent Mexican heritage, while others have a German one. You’ll be able to enjoy Spanish, Mexican, and German food, and you’ll see people celebrating various festivals on the streets. 

Warm Weather

The weather is usually hot all around Texas, but it’s warmer in Central Texas during summer due to the winds blowing from the west. 

The western region of Central Texas is the hottest and most arid, while the southern part is almost tropical, with humid winds blowing from the Gulf of Mexico. 

So, if you’re locating to Central Texas, you should expect the weather to be hot almost all year. 

This can help you understand what life will be like and the type of vegetables you can grow in your garden. 

You can expect a little cold in winter, but it doesn’t last much. 

Amazing Home Value

Despite having affordable housing prices, the real estate market is growing steadily in Central Texas. 

In some towns of Central Texas, the average home price can be around $200,000 — almost one-third of what you can pay for a similar property in another state. 

However, due to the region’s increasing popularity, many people are considering relocating. As a result, you can sell your property for a fantastic price. 

Different-Sized Towns

Central Texas was previously known for the small-town feel that people loved when they moved out of the big cities. 

So, if you’re trying to settle and wish to start a family in a hassle-free environment, you’ll definitely find more than one town to call home. 

But this is only true for some cities and towns in the region. 

Middle and big-sized towns are growing in Central Texas, with some of the biggest names in the economics and manufacturing worlds building new offices and factories in the region. 

If you and your family are interested in small-town living, you can try relocating to New Braunfels or San Marcos. However, moving to Austin or San Antonio would make more sense if you live to wish in a cultural hub and a busy metropolitan area. 

Enjoy the Natural Beauty

Central Texas is the right place for nature lovers. It has a diverse landscape and many natural wonders you’d be happy to explore and see while spending time in the region. 

On top of the list sits the rolling hills and grassy lands of Hill Country. You can also see rivers and lakes like Lake Travis. 

Getting Around Central Texas

There are multiple ways to explore Central Texas if you’re coming for a visit or have decided to relocate to the region. 

On Foot

If you’re fond of walking, Central Texas won’t disappoint you. The roads are safe, and people are friendly, so they’ll give you a hand if you’re lost. 

Hiking lovers will find a lot of trails to explore. The Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake is one of the best, as it’s a 10-mile hiking and biking trail you can enjoy while indulging in the beauty of the lake. 

This is also an excellent chance to study the water birds and other animals that live near the lake. 

Public Transportation

This will be the best way to get around Central Texas if you don’t own a car or want an eco-friendly transportation option. 

The 32-mile railway is an excellent commuting option, whether you want to explore different parts of the region or go to work. 

You can also visit the Hills Country Transit District website to find the correct bus route to take you to your destination. However, the public transportation system isn’t that extensive. 

Driving

The interstate highway system in Texas covers 3,239.7 miles, with some highways running through the central region. 

The speed limit on multi-lane highways is 70 miles per hour, but it’s only 60 miles per hour on two-lane undivided roads. 

You can find plenty of gas stations and other stops while driving. But finding a parking spot can be a hassle, and you should pay attention to the traffic. 

Top Things to Do in Central Texas

If you’ve just moved to Central Texas or are planning for a short visit, don’t worry. There are plenty of activities that you can enjoy alone or with your friends and family to make your visit one of a kind. 

Go to the Hidden Falls Adventure Park

You shouldn’t miss this park if you’re looking for an excellent adventure spot. Regardless of your fitness level, you can find something interesting. 

The park features off-road trails for bike lovers, hiking trails, a waterfall, and exciting RV and camping sites. 

Enjoy the National Museum of the Pacific War

This place should be on the list of every history lover, as it tells the incredible story of the Pacific War that took part in World War II. The museum was established in 1969 and shows many artifacts and exhibits from this era. 

You can see some war machinery on display, in addition to personal letters written by soldiers, some of their personal belongings, and photographs. 

Visit Longneck Manor

Animal lovers are in for a treat if they decide to visit Central Texas. You can spend the night in your Giraffe Suite and get visited by one of the three giraffes that live on the conservation. 

The facility is booked until 2024, but more suites are to be built in the future, so you might be able to reserve a spot. 

Visitors can enjoy the luxurious amenities and feed the giraffes by hand. 

Climb the Enchanted Rock

This pink granite rock is not to be missed as it lies in the center of Texas Hills Country. Research shows that this rock formed about 1.1 billion years ago when molten magma cooled to create this beautiful formation. 

You can hike, rock climb, study birds, or stargaze at the site. 

Spend Time at AGE of Central Texas

AGE of Central Texas is a nonprofit organization that helps residents and visitors care for elderly family members. 

The foundation serves people as they age, providing healthcare and entertaining activities contributing to their physical and mental well-being. 

If you care for an older adult, you can contact the organization to assist you in securing some medical assistance equipment. It also provides emotional and educational support during early memory loss stages. 

Visit the Waco Mammoth National Monument

You can visit the Waco Mammoth National Monument to learn more about our planet and how animals lived thousands of years ago. 

You can see the fossils of 24 Columbian mammoths and other animals that lived in the region. Most of the fossils are left where they were initially found. 

Wrap Up

There’s much to see and enjoy if you ever visit Central Texas. Many people consider this one of the best spots to start a family, thanks to the affordable housing prices. 

The region’s diversity is a major attraction, as you can find the right spot for you whether you’re looking for a small town to settle in or a metropolitan area to work. 

Moreover, there are unique attractions and cool spots to visit, so you’ll never get bored.