Round Rock: Why You Should Live There

Round Rock is a popular suburb north of Austin 

Round Rock is popular with residents because of its strong school system, variety of employers, and location just 17 miles north of Austin. It also has a lower cost of living than Austin.

History

Round Rock was named for a large Anvil-shaped rock in Brushy Creek. It marked a low-water crossing for cattle, wagons and horses in the creek. Round Rock was settled in the 1850’s.

Apartments

Apartments in Round Rock, Tx tend to offer a smaller community feel, much like the city itself.   They also tend to follow the latest resort-style trend for apartments. That’s because Round Rock’s growth explosion is fairly recent and land is plentiful.  You will find lots of newer, larger, master-planned apartment communities. Apartments have a long list of amenities like resort-style pools, sports courts, luxury club houses, open floor plans and high-end interior finishes. All that luxury comes at a better price tag than many Austin apartments.

Job Market

Another driving factor for Round Rocks is the job market. There are many large employers like Dell, IKEA, and the Round Rock Outlet Mall. There are also lots of small business employers that have popped up with Round Rock’s recent growth. 

Higher Education

photo courtesy of @katelyn_borden on Instagram

One of Round Rock’s latest areas of growth is in higher education. Texas State and the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine have satellite campuses in Round Rock.

Regardless of your reason for wanting an apartment in Round Rock versus Austin, you will still have easy access to Austin. The cities are connected by two large thoroughfares – I35 at the east end and 1325/Mopac at the west end. The I45 toll road also provides easy access directly into northwest Austin.

Need help finding an apartment in Round Rock? Austin Apartment Specialists's apartment locator services can help! Call or text us at 512-241-1150

More on Areas Near Round Rock:

• Pflugerville Schools

Pflugerville Schools are the Most Pfun!

Pflugerville Schools are one of the main reasons people choose this Austin suburb.

The other reasons are the low cost of living, proximity to Austin, and the quick commute to Round Rock. Read on to find out more about Pflugerville schools.

Students in the city attend schools in the Pflugerville School District. 

Spring Hill Elementary

Spring Hill serves children in Pre-K through 5th grade. Their mascot is the Sharks.

Murchison Elementary

This is one of the seven Pflugerville schools for elementary. Their mascot is the Mustangs. Murchison’s motto is to teach and inspire, to reach and transform, every student, every year.

Timmerman Elementary

This Pflugerville school’s mascot is the Tigers. Timmerman’s core values are: love, close relationships, collective commitment, capacity building, and excellence. 

Highland Park Elementary

Highland Park’s mascot is the Bulldogs and they were named an Honor Roll school for 2017-2018.  

Riojas Elementary 

Their mascot is the Patriots. This Pflugerville school has fun events like Bingo Night. 

Wieland Elementary

Wieland has their own podcast! The Wieland Wildcats has a “Capturing Kids Hearts” philosophy. This means kids will shake their teacher’s hand each day at the door of the classroom. It also means they will have a chance to share “Good Things” with their classmates.

Brookhollow Elementary

The Brookhollow Bobcats are another Pflugerville school that serves grades Pre-K through Fifth. 

Kelly Lane Middle School

This is one of the three Pflugerville schools that serve children in sixth through eighth grades. Their mascot is the Knights. They aim to produce life-long learners who have the capacity to be critical thinkers, are ready to accept challenges, and have the resilience to overcome adversity.

Pflugerville Middle School

This Pflugerville school has fun fundraisers for the PTO like Spirit Night at Mama Fu’s on September 7th. Their mascot is the Panthers.

Park Crest Middle School 

Park Crest has after school tutorials for students who may be struggling. Their mascot is the Pumas. 

Pflugerville High School

Ninth through twelfth grade residents attend one of two Pflugerville schools. Pflugerville High School’s mascot is the Panthers. They strive to develop responsible, respectful young adults who have courage to act on their belief. 

Hendrickson High School

The Hendrickson Hawks’ Winter Guards are eight-time state champions. 

Want to make the move to Pflugerville? Our apartment locators at Apartment Specialists South Austin can make your apartment search Pfun! Give us a call today at 512-912-8001!

More About Pflugerville:

• Pflugerville Downtown Makeover Plan
• Six Safest Cities in Central Texas

Bouldin Creek History, Parks, Cultural Institutions, and Schools

Bouldin Creek is a cute, eclectic neighborhood just south of downtown Austin.

The area is named for Bouldin Creek, which runs through the middle of the neighborhood. Read on to explore its history, parks, cultural institutions and schools.

Then and Now

photo of the opening of Ricky Guerrero Park in Bouldin Creek in 1972;
courtesy of @austinhistorycenter on Instagram

Bouldin Creek was settled in the 1920’s and 1930’s. It was an affordable area because of the constant threat of flooding before the Colorado River was dammed. It continues to be popular with Austinites who want to live close to downtown in a vibrant, walkable area with shops, restaurants and nearby parks.

Parks and Cultural Institutions

photo of Butler Park, courtesy of @spyglassrealty on Instagram

Zilker Park, Butler Park, the Long Center for the Performing Arts, and the Palmer Events Center are all an easy walk from Bouldin Creek. 

Schools

photo courtesy of @vivabeckerelementary on Instagram

Children in the Bouldin Creek area attend Austin ISD schools. Students in Pre-K through Fifth grades go to the historic Becker Elementary, a Dual Language School where children learn in English and Spanish. Becker was the first elementary school in South Austin when it opened in 1936. This school has a strong South Austin vibe with a Chicken Coop and a Green Classroom where students learn how to garden as part of their curriculum.

For grades six through eight, students go to Fulmore Middle School, AISD’s Law and Humanities magnet. Fulmore also has a Dual Language track for students who wish to continue their English/Spanish bilingual education. Fulmore has been a public school since 1886 and has been located in the heart of South Congress at Mary Street since 1911. Former Texas Governor Ann Richards was a teacher at Fulmore and John Henry Faulk, the storyteller who filed the lawsuit that ended the Hollywood Blacklist, was a student.

Residents in nine through twelfth grades go to Travis High School, which is an Early College High School, meaning students have the opportunity to earn an Associate’s Degree for free at the same time that they are earning high school credits. They also have a Maker Space and a Law and Criminal Justice program that includes a Forensics program. 

Want to move to an apartment in Bouldin? Austin Apartment Specialists can help! Give us a call or text at 512-241-1150 to talk to one of our experienced Austin apartment locators today! 

featured photo courtesy of @canisczyk on Instagram

Austin Swimming Holes: Top Places to go for Dip!

Austin swimming holes are all over the city!

Even if Austin isn’t near the coast, there are lots of places to get your swim in on town! Read on for the best Austin swimming holes and pools! 

Deep Eddy Pool

Photo courtesy of @deepeddypool on Instagram

This spring-fed pool has been a destination for Austinites looking to cool off since the 1930’s. Conveniently located just west of downtown off Lake Austin Boulevard, this is a fantastic Austin swimming hole. You can even get snacks like Jim Jim Ices at their concession stand if you’re feeling hungry. No food is allowed near the pool and flip flops are a must as it’s a long walk on hot concrete from the gate to the pool.

Hamilton Pool Preserve 

Photo courtesy of @rock_studios via @kvuenews

This gorgeous natural pool is part of a collapsed grotto. Its natural features definitely make it the most beautiful of the Austin swimming holes. Reservations are required and go fast, so reserve early! Even with reservations, call or check the website before you go because bacteria levels are sometimes too high to swim. However, you can still hike the nature trails that surround the pool even if you can’t swim! 

Hippie Hollow

Photo courtesy of @keithmay68 on Instagram

This is Austin’s famous nude beach and the only clothing-optional public park in the state of Texas. How’s that for keeping Austin weird? If you’re 18 or over you can swim or boat in your birthday suit at this most relaxed of the Austin swimming holes. 

Lake Pflugerville Park

Photo courtesy of @mari_p7 on Instagram

This park gives you the experience of the beach without the drive to the Gulf of Mexico.  The beach has pebbles, so be sure to bring water shoes.  You can swim, fish, picnic, or just soak up some rays on and around this man-made 180-acre reservoir. Although technically not one of the Austin swimming holes (it’s in Pflugerville), you’ll still have a great time!

Want to find an apartment near one of the Austin swimming holes? Apartment Specialists South Austin can help! Give us a call or text today at 512-912-8001!

More fun near Hamilton Pool:

• Dripping Springs
• Match Your Apartment to Your Lifestyle: The Outdoors Edition

Featured photo courtesy of @apostrophi on Instagram

Austin Social Sports: Adult Austin Sports Leagues

Austin social sports are a great way to make new friends and stay in shape!

From kickball to softball and more, there’s an Austin social sports league for everyone. Read on to find one that’s perfect for you!

Austin Social and Sports Club

photo courtesy of @austinssc on Instagram

Austin Social and Sports Club has all the sports, all over town! Kickball at Walnut Creek, Bowling at Westgate Lanes, and Volleyball at Moontower Saloon are just a few of the sports you can enjoy. Plus, all the games have happy hours! So grab some friends or make some new ones and enjoy some Austin social sports!

CLUBWAKA Kickball

photo courtesy of @austinwaka on Instagram

CLUBWAKA has theme nights, planned parties, and other social activities. Of course, there’s also KICKBALL! It’s not just Austin social sports, though. CLUBWAKA has vacations and events!

NAKID Social Sports

photo courtesy of @nakidsocialsports on Instagram

Each week, meet up with your team and play against an opposing team in your chosen sport. Afterwards, everyone heads to the sponsor bar for eating, drinking, and socializing with your teammates! Play Cornhole on Rainey Street, Volleyball at Krieg Field, Bocce at Zilker Park, Flag Football at Montopolis Park and more! 

ATX Sports and Adventures

photo courtesy of @atxsportsandadventures on Instagram

ATX Sports and Adventures is a great way to enjoy Austin social sports. They offer sand volleyball, softball, corn hole, flag football, basketball and kickball. You can register a group of friends as a team or sign up as a free agent and be placed on a team. 

Social Cycling Austin

photo courtesy of Austin Social Cycling on Facebook

Going for a bike ride more your speed? Check out Social Cycling Austin, which offers regular organized rides around town. Not only is riding your bike with a group more fun, it’s safer! So join these guys for a fun ride to swim, go for coffee run, and more! After all, riding is an Austin social sport too!

Ready to make the move to somewhere you can indulge your sporty side? Apartment Specialists South Austin can help! Call or text us today at 512-912-8001 to find your next apartment faster than you can score the winning goal!

More ways to keep it healthy in Austin:

• Hiking in Austin
• Best Healthy Choices at the Domain
• Take a Walk at Mueller

Featured photo courtesy of @atxsportsandadventures on Instagram

Central Austin Public Library: The New Hub for Downtown

The Austin Public Library system has a new crown jewel: the Austin Central Public Library.

The new Central Austin Public Library is located in on the edge of downtown in the Seaholm District. It’s across Cesar Chavez from Lady Bird Lake making for spectacular views. Read on to find out why this beauty is so special.

Cookbook Bar and Cafe

What’s a better fit for a restaurant in a library than one that draws its inspiration from cookbooks? The cuisine at Cookbook Bar and Cafe has been pulled from cookbooks that belonged to a late cuisine writer for the Austin Chronicle. Guests can also browse these very books in the foyer of the restaurants! The focus is on food from the South and Mexico and uses locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Roof Garden

Located at the top of the library, this outdoor garden has incredible views of downtown and beyond. There are loads of native plants and chairs for lounging and reading while soaking up the sweet Austin air. This is definitely the most unique feature of the Central Austin Public Library.

Gallery Space

The library has a large light-filled room where they host temporary art exhibits. This space will keep you coming back as it’s always evolving!

The Architecture

The staircase at the middle of the Central Austin Public Library feels like an M.C. Escher painting. The architects were Lake Flato, a world-recognized firm. It has also been built with an eye towards sustainability with the largest solar installation in downtown Austin.

Looking to move to an Austin apartment close to the Central Austin Public Library? Apartment Specialists South Austin can help! Give us a call today at 512-912-8001 to find your dream apartment in less time than it takes to check out a book! 

Other Fun Things to Do in Austin:

• Best Things to Do in Austin Texas
• Arboretum Austin: Best Kids Activities

Cost of Living in Austin Tx

The cost of living in Austin Tx is 3% lower than the national average.

Wondering what the cost of living in Austin Tx is? Read on to find out how much money you need to make a living in ATX! 

Food

Lunch downtown with a drink averages $14, but a fast food restaurant costs about half that, $7. If you choose to cook your own food, a dozen eggs averages $2.93, a gallon of whole milk is $3.36, and a pound of boneless chicken breast is $3.99.

Entertainment

What’s the cost of living in Austin Tx for entertainment? Of course you’re going to want to go out in this great city!  A movie ticket at Alamo Drafthouse ranges from $8.50 to $11.25, a bowling game at Dart Bowl is $4.10 at prime time plus $3 for shoes, and a six-pack of a local beer like Live Oak Hefeweizen is $8.99. 

Housing

Average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment in Austin is $1,480. However, the cost of living in Austin Tx varies greatly by location. You’ll pay a lot more downtown, but might get an even better deal in the suburbs. 

Transportation

Gas in Austin is $2.56 a gallon, a monthly bus pass is $42, and the average weekday taxi trip of 5 miles is $17.

Salary

The average salary in Austin is $58,555. Your salary of course greatly affects how comfortable you are with the cost of living in Austin Tx.

Looking to find an apartment that fits your budget so you can keep the cost of living in Austin TX comfortable for you? Austin Apartment Specialists can help! Give us a call at 512-241-1150 to find the perfect new home for your lifestyle in no time! 

Rent for Apartments in South Austin

Curious what apartments in South Austin rent for?

We’ve got a round up of what your rent can get you for apartments in South Austin. These prices are valid as of August 7th, 2018.

2/2 on William Cannon Starting at $1200

Live a mile from the Little Darlin’ and enjoy Google Fiber! Plus pets are welcome; there are no weight or breed restrictions and some apartments have fenced yards! To top it off, pay just $99 for your admin fee through October 31st! 

ID-1867

2/2 on South Congress Starting at $1715

Just six minutes from SoCo, these nearly brand new apartments have amenities like gourmet kitchens, washer and dryers in every unit, and private balconies and patios. There’s also an outdoor lounge with a cozy fireplace and two swimming pools. So you’ll be comfortable in this apartment in south Austin no matter the weather!

ID-28110

2/2 Near Garrison Park Starting at $1300

This brand new apartment community is an easy stroll from Garrison Park. Also a quick jaunt to Central Market Westgate or the shops and restaurants at Sunset Valley! Enjoy a resort-style pool with outdoor sundecks and cabanas, no breed or weight restrictions on pets, and washer/dryer in every unit! 

ID-29870

2/2 Starting at $1557 Just 1 Minute from Southpark Meadows

Another brand new community is only a minute from Southpark Meadows! You can even get a garage for an extra fee at the apartment in South Austin. Plus, through the end of August, you can get a $1,500 gift card and your first month free!

ID-29877

Ready to check out apartments in South Austin? Apartment Specialists South Austin would love to help make that search easier! Best of all, our services are absolutely free! Give us a call today at 512-912-8001!

Best Things to Do in Austin Texas

The best things to do in Austin Texas are right here!

Whatever you consider fun, you can find something you love in the ATX! Read on for the best things to do in Austin Texas.

Watch the Bats

photo courtesy of @borderlinebeatnik on Instagram

The Congress Avenue Bridge is home to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats. Every evening from March through October, they emerge at dusk to eat. You can catch this spectacular show beginning at about 7pm daily from the Congress Avenue Bridge. 

Swim in Barton Springs

photo courtesy of @devadahines via @bartonspringspool on Instagram

Barton Springs is the crown jewel of Austin swimming holes. Located in the heart of Zilker Park, this spring-fed pool is 68 degrees year-round. There’s no better way to beat Austin’s intense heat than a dip in the springs! 

Take a selfie with one of Austin’s Iconic Murals

photo courtesy of @zilkerbark via @joscoffee on Instagram

Taking a snap in front of one of Austin’s iconic murals is definitely one of the best things to do in Austin Texas. Grab your sweetie and pose in front of the “i love you so much” mural in front of Jo’s Coffee on South Congress. Or if you’re in town for a fun besties weekend, nab a shot in front of the “Greetings from Austin” mural on the side of Roadhouse Relics at Annie Street and South Congress. Not interesting to you? Go ahead and pick your favorite from this extensive list of Austin murals. 

Compare and contrast brisket

photo courtesy of @valentinastexmexbbq on Instagram

Everyone loves to wax poetic about barbecue. Pick a few locations and have a taste test! Sure, Franklin’s is amazing, but if you don’t have time to wait in line, there are plenty of competitors that smoke some fine meat. Other options in East Austin include Micklethwait Craft Meats and La Barbecue. You could also head to South Austin for Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ.

Destroy some breakfast tacos

photo courtesy of @veracruztacos on Instagram

Did you know breakfast tacos are the national food of Austin? Fighting for world domination with barbecue, everyone also has an opinion on whose are best. Veracruz All Natural is definitely a contender with their Migas taco. Joe’s Bakery has been one of the best things to do in Austin Texas for over half a century! Their authentic Mexican breakfasts, including breakfast tacos of course, will give you fuel to tackle the day!

Now that you’ve done all the best things to do in Austin Texas, is it time to find a new apartment? Apartment Specialists can help! Give us a call at 512-241-1150 to make the move! 

More Food News from our blog:

• Austin Best Cheap City to Visit
• Austin as Culinary Capitol: How’d We Get Here?