Round Rock, a thriving city just north of Austin, is known for tons of outdoor activities and historical sites. The city was named second in Money’s “Best Places to Live in America List.” Keep reading to see why we love the Rock!
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Now here’s everything you need to know about life in Round Rock:
Restaurants:
In fall of 2020, RR welcomed a new Irish pub and microbrewery. Cork & Barrel brings the vibe of a Dublin gastropub along with Southern hospitality. The restaurant features craft beer brewed in house, as well as an extensive menu with items like pizza, burgers, and fish and chips.
If you’re in search of a restaurant for date night, family dinner, or a girls night out, check out Cover 3,
If you’re in search of a restaurant for date night, family dinner, or a girls night out, check out Cover 3, Salt Traders Coastal Cooking and, Jack Allen’s Kitchen. All eateries feature contemporary, American style food with a killer cocktail list and fun ambience. If you’re in the mood for something classic try Palmero Pasta House. This family-owned eatery serves everything from artisanal pizzas to your favorite Italian pasta dishes.
Jack Allen’s has a sister restaurant in Round Rock too. Salt Traders Coastal Cooking has great covered outdoor seating and even better seafood.. Our favorite dishes: Southwest Shrimp Salad, Chowda Fries, and the Scallops.
In the mood for breakfast fare? Waffle Love is the place to go. They serve your standard delicious Belgian Waffle, but they’re also creating unique spins on waffles like their Avocado Waffle Toast or Grilled Cheese on a waffle. Round Rock Donuts could be called famous, or perhaps infamous, serving a variety of baked goods since 1926. On a busy day, this bakery turns out 200 dozen donuts. They do have a drive-thru, but the line can get pretty long if you don’t get there early enough. They are best known for their Texas Sized Donut which is, you guessed it, a giant donut.
Coffee:
If you need your java fix, we recommend Lamppost Coffee or Mi Mundo Coffeehouse & Roastery. Both coffee shops take coffee seriously, brewing everything from lattes to espresso to plain ole black coffee.
Bars and Breweries:
Who knew there were three fantastic breweries in Round Rock?! If you’re a craft beer fan, check out Bluebonnet Beer Company, Compadre Brewing, and Pinthouse Pizza.
For bars, head to Finley’s Round Rock and The Brass Tap, especially if you plan to watch the game. For wine, cheese, and small plates, we recommend Wine Sensation. And for the best views in town, we love Urban Rooftop.
Shopping:
If you’re a chain store shopper, you’ve got lots of options with Round Rock Premium Outlets and University Oaks Shopping Center. Want to support local? We love perusing around Downtown Round Rock. From boutiques, to galleries, to candy stores, you can find it all here.
Family-Friendly:
Round Rock is home to the Round Rock Express, the Triple-A Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Houston Astros. Dell Diamond not only hosts baseball games that are fun for every age, they host events like a Kickball Tournament, Fall Festivals, and more. The stadium is well-maintained, has super easy parking, and unique food and beverage stands.
Keep It Local:
Escape rooms are all the rage right now! Never heard of one? An escape room is a type of game in which a team is put into a room, which is also a puzzle. They must solve clues and tasks in order to progress and break out of the room in a certain amount of time. Escapology features seven different rooms to book, with varying levels of difficulty. Spend an hour with family or fiends in a fun, challenging setting!
We’re big fans of the Farmer George Famers Market. Support local and get produce and protein grown in Texas. The market features grass-fed beef, lamb, eggs, baked goods, plus hand-made crafts.
Parks and Green Spaces:
Old Settlers Park is Round Rock’s largest public park, at a whopping 645 acres. The park offers space for disc golf, cricket, baseball, softball, soccer, as well as playscape, picnic areas, and trails. Enjoy the scenery at Chisholm Trail Crossing Park at one of their four picnic tables scattered throughout the park. The park is also home to bronze cattle sculptures created by a local artist.
The Round Rock Dog Depot is great for big and small dogs alike. The park even features a dog agility course.
Oh, and PS, that rock pictured above is why the city is named Round Rock!
Living:
Renting an apartment in Round Rock is a great option for those who may want to leave the hustle and bustle of central Austin, but still have all necessities within a 5-minute drive.
When it comes to apartment pricing, rent in the area tends to be $50-$100 cheaper per month than other suburban areas closer to Downtown. An apartment that would cost $1500 in Wells Branch will go for about $1400 in Round Rock. The majority of Round Rock apartment complexes were built in the 2000s, and have black or stainless steel appliances, W/D in-unit or hookups, and standard community amenities like pools, gyms, and clubhouses. These tend to start around $1300+ for a 1 bed/1 bath. For budget-friendly options, there are a handful of 1980s builds with early 2000s renovations that will start around $1200 for a 1 bed/1 bath. These may have popcorn ceilings, community laundry facilities, and dated finishes.
Like most other suburban areas of Austin, Round Rock renters should anticipate serious growth over the next 5 years, which will include ultra-modern, brand-new apartment complexes. While these will likely start around $1400+, new properties tend to offer specials like 1 month free to incentivise renters to fill up their empty units. These properties would be the best option for someone who prioritizes the aesthetics of their living space, but may not have the budget for comparable brand-new units in central Austin.
Looking to rent an apartment in Round Rock? Smart City Locating can help. You tell them what you’re looking for in an apartment, and they’ll put together a custom list of options that check your boxes. Connect with Smart City to get started on your search today!
Featured photo courtesy of City of Round Rock’s Instagram Account
