Georgetown has experienced steady growth while maintaining its unique character and sense of place. With approximately 75,000 residents as of 2024, it balances development with preservation, creating an authentic community that values both its heritage and future potential.
The city is perhaps best known for its stunning Victorian-era downtown—”The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas”—and for being home to Southwestern University, the oldest university in Texas. These anchors, combined with thoughtful development policies, have helped Georgetown evolve into a multifaceted community that offers historical charm alongside contemporary conveniences.
Quality of Life
Housing and Cost of Living
Georgetown’s housing market features diverse options from historic homes near the downtown square to newer master-planned communities throughout the city. The median home price as of early 2025 stands at approximately $430,000, representing good value compared to Austin while still providing excellent amenities and character.
Housing options range from restored Victorian homes and bungalows to contemporary single-family residences, townhomes, and apartments. The city also features several active adult communities, including the renowned Sun City Texas, which has established Georgetown as a premier retirement destination.
While property taxes remain relatively high (common throughout Texas), residents benefit from no state income tax and Georgetown’s own municipal electric utility, which often provides more competitive rates than surrounding areas.
Education and Schools
Georgetown Independent School District serves most city residents with multiple elementary, middle, and high schools that maintain strong academic reputations. The district has earned numerous distinctions from the Texas Education Agency and offers comprehensive programs in academics, arts, athletics, and career preparation.
Higher education opportunities are anchored by Southwestern University, a prestigious liberal arts college established in 1840. The historic campus contributes significantly to the city’s cultural life and intellectual environment. Austin Community College also maintains a Georgetown campus, providing additional educational pathways for residents.
Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare services in Georgetown center around St. David’s Georgetown Hospital, a full-service medical center offering emergency care, surgical services, and specialized care programs. Ascension Seton Williamson, located just south in Round Rock, provides additional options for advanced medical care.
The city also hosts numerous specialty clinics, medical offices, and rehabilitation centers. Georgetown’s significant retiree population has attracted many healthcare providers specializing in senior care, creating a robust healthcare ecosystem for residents of all ages.
Safety and Crime Rates
Georgetown consistently ranks among the safest cities of its size in Texas, with crime rates well below state and national averages. The Georgetown Police Department emphasizes community policing and proactive crime prevention strategies, contributing to the city’s reputation for safety.
The fire department maintains multiple stations throughout the city, ensuring quick response times and comprehensive emergency services. These public safety investments help maintain Georgetown’s exceptional quality of life even as the population continues to grow.
Employment Opportunities
Job Market Growth
While many residents commute to Austin or Round Rock for employment, Georgetown’s own economy continues to expand with growing opportunities in healthcare, education, retail, and light manufacturing. The city’s strategic economic development initiatives have attracted new businesses while supporting existing employers.
The Georgetown Economic Development Corporation actively works to diversify the local economy, providing incentives for business relocation and expansion that have helped create a more resilient job market within city limits.
Top Employers
Major employers within Georgetown include:
- Georgetown Independent School District
- City of Georgetown
- St. David’s Georgetown Hospital
- Southwestern University
- Airborn, Inc. (electronics manufacturing)
- Manitex International (industrial equipment)
- Sun City Texas (retirement community)
The city’s proximity to major employers in Round Rock (including Dell Technologies) and Austin’s tech corridor provides additional employment options within reasonable commuting distance.
Recreation and Leisure
Parks and Outdoor Activities
Georgetown maintains an extensive parks system with over 40 parks encompassing more than 1,200 acres of developed parkland and natural areas. Notable outdoor spaces include:
- San Gabriel Park along the San Gabriel River with extensive trails, picnic areas, and recreational facilities
- Blue Hole Park, a scenic lagoon on the South San Gabriel River popular for swimming
- Georgetown Recreation Center featuring fitness facilities, pools, and sports courts
- Garey Park, a 525-acre former ranch with hiking trails, equestrian facilities, and event spaces
- Lake Georgetown offering boating, fishing, camping, and 16 miles of hiking trails
The city’s award-winning parks and recreation department maintains these spaces while hosting numerous community events and programs throughout the year.
Shopping and Dining
Georgetown’s retail landscape combines historic charm with modern convenience:
- The historic downtown square features boutique shops, antique stores, and specialty retailers in beautifully preserved Victorian buildings
- Wolf Ranch Town Center offers national retailers and chain restaurants in an open-air shopping environment
The dining scene has expanded significantly in recent years, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. Visitors and residents enjoy local favorites like Monument Cafe (featured on Food Network), Wildfire Restaurant, and numerous unique eateries around the historic square that capitalize on Georgetown’s small-town charm while offering sophisticated dining experiences.
Arts and Culture
Georgetown boasts a vibrant cultural scene anchored by:
- The Georgetown Palace Theatre, a restored 1920s theater presenting year-round live performances
- Southwestern University’s Sarofim School of Fine Arts hosting concerts, exhibitions, and performances
- Georgetown Art Center showcasing rotating exhibitions and arts education
- The annual Red Poppy Festival, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each April
- Georgetown Public Library, recognized nationally for its exceptional programming and community engagement
The city earned designation as a Cultural District by the Texas Commission on the Arts, reflecting its commitment to arts and cultural development.
Transportation and Accessibility
Public Transportation
While Georgetown primarily serves residents who rely on personal vehicles, limited public transportation options exist through Georgetown’s GoGEO bus service, which provides fixed-route service within the city for those with physical disabilities. Most residents drive for daily transportation, though rideshare services operate throughout the area.
Major Highways and Roadways
Georgetown enjoys excellent regional connectivity via:
- Interstate 35 (primary north-south artery)
- SH 130 toll road (eastern bypass around Austin)
- SH 29 (east-west corridor)
- Ronald Reagan Boulevard
- Williams Drive and University Avenue (major arterials)
- FM 1460
These thoroughfares provide access to Austin, Round Rock, and surrounding communities, with typical commute times to downtown Austin ranging from 35-50 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Community and Lifestyle
Demographics and Diversity
Georgetown’s population reflects an interesting demographic mix, with both young families and a significant retiree population. The median age is approximately 49 years, higher than the Texas average due in part to the presence of Sun City Texas, which houses approximately 13,000 residents aged 55 and older.
The community has seen increasing diversity in recent years, particularly among younger residents moving to the area for its quality of life and relative affordability compared to Austin. Educational attainment is high, with over 42% of adults holding bachelor’s degrees or higher.
Local Events and Social Scene
Community engagement thrives through year-round events including:
- Red Poppy Festival (April) celebrating Georgetown’s designation as the “Red Poppy Capital of Texas”
- Georgetown Christmas Stroll and downtown lighting ceremony
- Music on the Square concert series (summer)
- First Friday events with extended shopping hours and entertainment
- Southwestern University cultural and sporting events
- Georgetown Market Days on the historic square
These events foster strong community connections while attracting visitors from throughout Central Texas.
Climate and Weather
Georgetown enjoys the same pleasant Central Texas climate as the greater Austin area, with approximately 232 sunny days annually. Summers bring warm temperatures averaging in the mid-90s from June through September, while winters remain mild with average lows in the 40s.
The area receives about 35 inches of rainfall per year, primarily during spring and fall. The city’s slightly higher elevation compared to Austin occasionally results in marginally cooler temperatures, particularly in evening hours during summer months.
Pros and Cons of Living in Georgetown
Advantages
- Historic charm and beautifully preserved downtown square
- Strong sense of community and small-town atmosphere
- Excellent parks system and outdoor recreational opportunities
- Lower housing costs compared to central Austin
- Good public schools and higher education options
- Consistently low crime rates and strong public safety services
- Municipal utilities (electric and water) with local control
- Vibrant arts and culture scene for a city its size
- Attractive retirement destination with excellent senior services
Challenges
- Traffic congestion on Interstate 35 during peak commute hours
- Limited public transportation options
- Significant distance from Austin’s employment centers (30+ miles)
- Water conservation restrictions during dry periods
- Some residents prefer more nightlife and entertainment options
- Summer heat waves and occasional drought conditions
- Growing pains as the city expands and develops
Georgetown continues to balance growth with preservation of its unique character, offering residents a distinctive community with excellent amenities, strong schools, abundant recreation, and an authentic sense of place that distinguishes it from many other suburban communities.