A growing Main Street town, deep in the Lost Pines Forest
Thirty miles east of Austin, the city of Bastrop unfurls across a different landscape than its metropolitan neighbor. Roughly 12,300 people call the city home, taking advantage of its relatively affordable home prices, its secluded environment and the area's rapidly growing job market. A strong local business scene also grows in what was once a German timbering colony, now turned into a commuter hub with a vibrant Main Street. "I've lived all over Texas and there's nothing like Bastrop. It's one of a kind," says Realtor and Bastrop resident Kenneth Timerman of All City Real Estate. "I have a home where I can see for 15 miles because I'm on top of these huge hills, and I'm surrounded by pine trees, bobcats, foxes, a ton of bird life, deer everywhere, hawks. It's about as close to the mountains as you can get in Central Texas. But if you drive by it on Highway 71, you'd not even really know it's there."
Bastrop is known for its pockets of pine trees.
Downtown Bastrop offers plenty of dining and shopping options.
1/2
New builds aplenty in a buyer's market of modest prices
Most buyers come to Bastrop seeking affordable single-family homes compared to the higher prices in Austin proper. In Austin, the median single-family home price is $600,000, whereas buyers in Bastrop pay closer to a median price of $400,000. Over the last few years, market conditions stimulated residential construction in Bastrop, leading to developing subdivisions like Pecan Park, known for modestly priced new traditional homes in a prairie style. Homes in newer master-planned communities like the Colony tend to be larger and more expensive, with a blend of new traditional and modern farmhouse. The downtown area has many of Bastrop's most established homes, including ranch-style houses from the 1970s. South of TX-71, the suburban neighborhood of Tahitian Village is one of Bastrop's premier communities, known for its established ranch-style homes and modern farmhouses, as well as a few land plots that typically range from $70,000 to $200,000 per acre.
Classic American homes with contemporary influences can be found in Bastrop.
A variety of 70's ranch homes are littered throughout Bastrop, Texas.
1/2
Tesla, Samsung and other tech employers throughout East Austin
Roughly 30 miles of highway separates Bastrop from downtown Austin. A major commuter hub, Bastrop lacks public transportation besides the Capital Area Rural Transportation Service, providing on-demand bus rides within Bastrop County. TX-71, the main east-west connector, provides a straight shot to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and TX-95 heads to the new Samsung plant in Taylor. "There's all sorts of things going on out here," Timerman says. "All the businesses moving out here, like the Boring Company, SpaceX and Twitter's [now X's] new headquarters in Bastrop, all of those are like 10 to 15 minutes away from Bastrop."
SpaceX is one of the largest employers in the Bastrop area.
The June Hill Pape Riverwalk Trail follows the Colorado River.
1/2
Endangered pine forests with miles of trails and swimming spots on Lake Bastrop
Downriver from Austin, Bastrop's ecology is noticeably unique for the metro area. The small city is located in the Lost Pines Forest, a rich grotto of loblolly pines that spreads to Bastrop State Park and the shoreline parks along Lake Bastrop. "You kind of lose that vibe of being in Central Texas in some parts," says Realtor Nate Dominguez of the Zell Team for Compass RE Texas. "There's not so many oak and cedar trees. You get really tall pines." A 2011 wildfire — the most destructive in Texas history — destroyed all but 5% of the forest's original 75,000 acres. Yet there are ongoing efforts to revive the forest, its parks and its endangered species. Plenty of swimming spots and hiking trails on Lake Bastrop remain open, and kayaking the Colorado River remains popular on the 6-mile El Camino Real Paddling Trail. Within the city, 14 parks offer a variety of amenities, including disc golf, splash pads and rec centers. Footpaths like the June Hill Pape Riverwalk Trail offer scenic pedestrian connections between riverfront parks and the Bastrop Public Library. Next door, the city is working to transform the Colorado River Bridge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, into an elevated park à la the High Line in New York.
The Colorado River runs right through Bastrop.
Bob Bryant park offers ample green space to run and play.
1/2
Main Street businesses and the only Buc-ee's for miles
Bastrop's small downtown is home to dozens of locally owned businesses — taverns, bakeries, clothing boutiques, steakhouses, bookstores, antique shops — occupying rows of preserved Victorian and neoclassical buildings on Main Street. Awnings keep the narrow sidewalks shaded most hours of the day as residents and day-trippers pop into one of the many downtown landmarks like the Bastrop Opera House or Maxine's on Main. The west side of the Colorado River is where most locals go for errands at supermarkets, big-box retailers and a variety of chain restaurants, including Texan favorites like Whataburger. Bastrop also has the only Buc-ee's location between Temple and Luling, making the famed chain a go-to stop for locals and passers-though.
Buc-ee's is the one-stop-shop for all things road trip.
A walk on Main Street is perfect for a sunny afternoon in Bastrop, Texas.
1/2
A new elementary school for Bastrop ISD
Bastrop Independent School District receives an overall B-minus rating from Niche while being ranked the second-best district in Bastrop County. Bastrop ISD oversees 13,000 students across 17 schools, and enrollment has grown by 17% over the last five years.
Mardi Gras traditions and multicultural music festivals
The Bastrop Music Festival is a weekend-long annual event in September that pulls in acts from across the region. Bastrop also hosts an annual Mardi Gras festival with all the trappings of the traditional New Orleans extravaganza. Organizers work with Mardi Gras krewes from neighboring Louisiana to assemble a parade down Main Street, plus a lineup of live music performers, gumbo and king cakes galore.
Crime and wildfire prevention
Bastrop is susceptible to droughts, which can lead to flash floods and wildfire risks. Downtown is susceptible to wildfires, as Bastrop is in an ember zone, and areas with high vulnerability sit 5 miles north, around Camp Swift. In 2011, Bastrop saw the most destructive wildfire in Texas history, scorching 32,000 acres, destroying 1,600 homes and decimating the Lost Pines Forest.
FBI data generally shows higher-than-average crime rates in Bastrop. In 2019, the city's property crime rate rose above state and national numbers and has since remained above average, though steady. Meanwhile, the rate of violent crime has been trending downward since 2019, thought it remains higher than state and national numbers. To address crime, the city and its police department have launched numerous crime-prevention programs as well as improvements to street lighting downtown.
Written By
Tom Jakob
Photography Contributed By
Wyatt Stueve
Video By
Matt Ferguson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Judith Bundschuh,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Bastrop, TX sell after 89 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Bastrop, TX over the last 12 months is $364,925, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Luxury Estate with Guest House on Acreage in The Colony | Bastrop, TX Welcome to 353 Stephen F Austin Blvd, a rare opportunity to own a luxury estate with a private guest house/casita in the highly desirable The Colony in Bastrop, TX where space, privacy, and upscale living define the lifestyle. Situated on 2.5 acres, this expansive property features a beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath
This stunning new construction home offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 2,650 square feet of beautifully designed living space. Thoughtful finishes shine throughout, including luxury vinyl flooring, quartz countertops, and custom cabinetry accented with elegant gold and black hardware. Designer light fixtures, recessed lighting, and tile in all wet areas add to the home’s modern appeal. The layout
Brand new construction nestled among the towering pines of Tahitian Village, offering the perfect blend of modern luxury and natural serenity. Situated on a quiet street with exceptional privacy, this stunning 2,200 square foot home sits on a beautiful, tree-filled lot that captures the peaceful charm the neighborhood is known for. Thoughtfully designed with a spacious open-concept floor plan,
This is a rare opportunity to own an income-producing duplex in Tahitian Village, one of Bastrop’s most unique and sought-after communities surrounded by pine trees and natural beauty. Live in one side and rent the other, or add a strong asset to your portfolio with built-in income already in place. • Full duplex with 3,600 sqft total, 1,800 sqft per unit• Each unit offers 3 bedrooms and 2
This is a rare opportunity to own an income-producing duplex in Tahitian Village, one of Bastrop’s most unique and sought-after communities surrounded by pine trees and natural beauty. Live in one side and rent the other, or add a strong asset to your portfolio with built-in income already in place. • Full duplex with 3,600 sqft total, 1,800 sqft per unit • Each unit offers 3 bedrooms and 2
Luxury Estate with Guest House on Acreage in The Colony | Bastrop, TX Welcome to 353 Stephen F Austin Blvd, a rare opportunity to own a luxury estate with a private guest house/casita in the highly desirable The Colony in Bastrop, TX where space, privacy, and upscale living define the lifestyle. Situated on 2.5 acres, this expansive property features a beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath
Discover the perfect opportunity to build your dream home on this beautiful lot at 281 Nene Ln in the peaceful Pine Forest community of Bastrop. Surrounded by nature and mature trees, this property offers a serene setting with a great balance of privacy and accessibility. Whether you're looking to create a full-time residence or a weekend getaway, this spacious lot provides endless potential.
Looking for something that nobody else has? This two-parcel, half-acre hilltop in the Lost Pines region of Bastrop has a view like no other. Standing on top puts you well above the rooftops of the homes across the street and you can see beyond the Colorado River to the ranches on the other side. There are oaks and soaring pines all around. Need building plans? An experienced, local architect has
Rare Colorado River Frontage on 1.6+ Acres in Bastrop – Private Waterfront Living Opportunities like this don’t come around often. Welcome to this Colorado River frontage property in Bastrop, TX, offering 1.6+ acres of private, tree-covered land with direct access to one of the most sought-after natural features in Central Texas . This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with 2,576 sq ft combines space,
Some mornings you wake up to birdsong before your alarm goes off. That is everyday life at 120 Lake Point Way. Tucked at the end of a quiet dead-end street and backed by a greenbelt running to Hicks Lake, this property offers the kind of stillness most people drive hours to find. Mature pines frame the back patio, the fireplace goes on in the evening, and life genuinely slows down here. The
Just over 2 acres on a quiet, improved county road—ready for your dream home! Surrounded by beautiful pine and oak trees, this peaceful property offers a great mix of privacy and convenience. Aqua Water line available at the street, and the lot is ready to build with minimal restrictions. Site-built homes or new manufactured homes allowed, with a minimum of 1,500 square feet. Come enjoy country
Looking for property on a quiet street? This is your lot! Large trees, private area, and utilities are all present. And this lot backs up the the State Park. The road to be improved by Bastrop County, eta is undetermined presently.
Just a few blocks from the heart of downtown Bastrop, this updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,632 square feet of cooled living space, including a climate-controlled bonus area as part of the total square footage, adding flexible space that is hard to find. Being within walking distance to Bastrop’s charming downtown is a standout feature, with easy access to Main Street dining, local shops,
TahitianVillage.org for all subdivision information. Over .30 acres in Tahitian Village and located on a cul de sac street. Large trees, quite street, and in the back of the subdivision close to the Pine Forest Golf course, Colorado River access and walking trails.
Just over 2 acres on a quiet, improved county road—and it backs up to Bastrop State Park! Enjoy ultimate privacy surrounded by beautiful pine and oak trees, with nature literally in your backyard. Aqua Water line available at the street, and the lot is ready to build with minimal restrictions. Site-built homes or new manufactured homes allowed, with a minimum of 1,500 square feet. This peaceful,
Welcome to this inviting home nestled in the scenic Tahitian Village community of Bastrop. Located at 117 Ori Court, this property offers the perfect blend of peaceful Hill Country living with convenient access to local amenities. Situated just minutes from Bastrop State Park, outdoor enthusiasts will love the proximity to hiking and biking trails, golf, and the natural beauty that makes Bastrop
Your Peaceful Escape Awaits—Brand New Home on 0.82 Acres. Step into serenity with this stunning 3-bed, 2-bath retreat nestled among majestic trees and lush greenery. The open-concept design flows from a spacious living room to a cozy dining area and a chef’s kitchen featuring quartz countertops, elegant cabinetry, and generous storage. The primary suite is your personal sanctuary—complete with a
Must see new home for lease in Hot Bastrop community Pecan Park!! Gorgeous new construction home in upscale Bastrop community - River's Bend at Pecan Park. Great 2 story plan with high ceilings, open concept, large kitchen with upgraded granite countertop, pantry, 42" cabinet, subway tile backsplash, low maintenance wood look tile throughout except bedrooms, many windows with lots of natural
Wake up in a bright, open home with soaring ceilings, natural light, and space to spread out in one of Bastrop’s most convenient neighborhoods. Located in Pecan Park, this home offers comfort, functionality, and easy access to everything Bastrop has to offer. • 4 bedrooms + bonus room• 3 full bathrooms• Soaring ceilings with abundant natural light• Open, spacious layout with beautiful
Move in ready! With refrigerator, washer and dryer. two bedroom downstairs, two bedroom upstairs, 3 full bath. Close to SpaceX, Tesla Gigafactory, airport.
FOR LEASE – 113 Andrew Duvalt Cove | Bastrop, TX | The Colony Welcome to a rare opportunity in The Colony — this 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath home offers the space, layout, and lifestyle that’s hard to find in a rental. Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, this home gives you room to spread out, host, work from home, or accommodate multi-generational living — all in one of Bastrop’s most sought-after
THIS IS A SPACIOUS 3 BEDROOM, 2 & 1/2 BATHROOM HOME WITH A SPACIOUS YARD, WITH NEARBY AMENITIES SUCH AS A CITY PARK, A POND WITH CATCH AND RELEASE. SWIMMING POOL, BASKET BALL COURT, AND MUCH MORE. IT IS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED NEAR SHOPPING, RESTAURANTS, AND HWY 71 AND FM 304.
Welcome to this bright and inviting home! Enjoy the open floor plan flooded with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. This unfurnished residence offers desirable features such as a water softener and a reverse osmosis drinking water filter at the kitchen sink. Relax in the large backyard, perfect for outdoor activities and gatherings. The community pool and greenbelt access
Inside your one, two, or three-bedroom apartment home, enjoy chef-inspired kitchens with custom cabinets and sleek subway tile backsplashes. Convenience meets luxury with in-home washer and dryer units, wood-style plank flooring, and bathrooms adorned with granite countertops and modern tile surrounds.Discover resort-style amenities just steps from your door. Dive into relaxation at our sparkling
Beautiful Home, also listed for Sale.Welcome to 205 Driftwood, a beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-1/2 bathroom home with an additional flex space great for an office or guest room downstairs, the outdoor oasis offers a covered pavilion great for football games and barbeques. This home is offering square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. This Pacesetter home in a well established
Enjoy downtown living in this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow for lease in historic Bastrop. Walk to Main Street, restaurants, shops, and the Colorado River. A perfect blend of charm, comfort, and convenience.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
