Everything is bigger in Texas, including its cities.
With so many cities in Texas, each offering a spectrum of benefits and lifestyles, sometimes choosing where to settle can be difficult.
For those who do not want the sky-high living costs of cities like Austin, residing in one of the suburbs of Austin, like Georgetown, becomes the preferred option.
Located north of Austin, Georgetown’s cost of living is 10% below the national average. A neat escape for residents to escape the urban chaos without sacrificing too much convenience.
Yes, it’s quieter. Yes, it’s safer. However, like any relocation, before moving to Georgetown, TX, there are a few things you will want to know.
Let’s look at five things that will help you settle in and adapt faster when you decide to move here.
Georgetown is not the place to chase your big corporate dreams.
Unless your dream job is in healthcare, education, or retail, you may search for a while before finding a suitable job. Although the technical service and construction industries do well here, they are not the mainstay of Georgetown’s economy.
The job market here is fairly limited, especially if you seek niche industries or high-growth opportunities.
But the silver lining is that Round Rock is only about 20 minutes away. Plus, Austin’s tech-savvy job scene is also just a 40-minute drive away, with minimal traffic. These cities offer a more varied and competitive job market that you can benefit from, even while living in Georgetown.
Perhaps you work remotely, moving to Georgetown, TX, will offer you a slice of peaceful paradise. If you are not, don’t worry.
Being strategically sandwiched between two economic powerhouses gives you flexibility without the expense of crowding.
Georgetown takes water conservation seriously.
Due to Texas’s hot, dry climate, the city enforces strict watering schedules and irrigation restrictions, especially during summer.
What this means is you can’t just flip on the sprinkler anytime you feel like it. Watering is typically limited to one or two specific days a week, based on your Georgetown, TX, zip code.
If you are working with experienced movers in Georgetown, TX, they may even give you a heads-up on local details like this as you settle in.
However, you don’t need to worry or stress over this. Georgetown’s utility services do a great job of notifying residents and updating schedules on their website.
Note:
Landscaping with drought-tolerant plants is widely adopted here—it’s water-efficient, beautiful, and very Texan. Plus, it also means you have less grass and will mow less.
So, it’s a total win-win when you see it that way.
Interstate 35 is the infamous artery connecting Georgetown to the rest of the Austin metro area. During rush hour, it seems to stand still.
When moving to Georgetown, TX, you will find that traffic congestion on the I-35 is a daily headache, especially if you are commuting to Round Rock or Austin for work.
The average commute time in Georgetown is 33 minutes, 1 minute more than the national average.
Also, most Georgetown residents (about 75% of commuters) drive themselves to work here, and only 0.3% rely on public transportation. The implication is that you will likely be held in traffic more times than you would like.
However, the upside to this is that Georgetown itself is straightforward to navigate. Once you are in town, life moves slower in a good way.
Although new infrastructure projects are underway to ease the I-35 pinch, locals are already experts at using back roads when needed.
Note:
You will enjoy a smoother drive if you can adjust your work schedule to avoid peak hours (7 to 9 AM and 4 to 6 PM).
You know those cute, historic town squares where everyone knows your name, and the coffee shop serves lattes and life advice? That’s Downtown Georgetown.
It’s hands-down one of the most charming areas in Central Texas, and you will likely fall in love with it fast.
In this area, you will find:
The Red Poppy Festival is a local tradition. It’s also a perfect excuse to eat funnel cake while listening to live music. For a laid-back town, Georgetown sure knows how to serve up a delicious start to your day.
Locals will tell you that some of the best breakfast Georgetown, TX, has to offer can be found in the cozy cafés and mom-and-pop diners sprinkled throughout the downtown area.
Some of the favorites include the 600 Degrees Market, which surprises with hearty morning options alongside its famous pizza lineup. From biscuits and gravy to fresh-baked pastries, you will quickly find your go-to morning spot.
The historic Courthouse Square in downtown here is not just for admiring. It’s a center for community life, especially during the monthly Georgetown Market Days, held on the second Saturday of every month (March through November).
…it’s part farmers’ market, part street festival, and 100% charming.
Not to forget the Georgetown Palace Theatre, just steps away from the square. The historic gem puts on Broadway-quality performances in an intimate, beautifully restored space.
Many newcomers are pleasantly surprised to find such a vibrant, creative scene in a town this size.
To be honest, the city of Georgetown, TX, is not a place to go car-free.
While it’s a very walkable and bike-friendly town, getting around without a vehicle is a tall order once you are in certain neighborhoods or the downtown area.
Public transportation options are minimal. No major bus or rail system connects you to the rest of the Austin metro area. Even rideshare availability can be spotty, depending on the time of day.
However, driving around town is easy. Streets are wide, traffic (outside of I-35) is calm, and you can get from one side of town to the other in under 15 minutes. Plus, parking is still gloriously free and easy, which is something you definitely can’t say about Austin.
If you are moving to Georgetown, TX, from a city where you didn’t need a car, don’t worry. You will adapt quickly. Just make sure to factor vehicle expenses into your relocation budget.
Georgetown might feel a bit too slow if you are looking for a high-powered, fast-paced city lifestyle. But if you crave affordability, nature, and a slower rhythm of life, this little city packs a big personality.
Yes, you have to plan your watering days, and I-35 will test your patience. But in return? You get sunsets over the lake, a bustling historic square, a lower cost of living, and proximity to bustling economies.
Moving to Georgetown, TX is a win in these departments and still has the kind of neighborly charm that’s getting harder to find these days.
So, what do you say? Yes, perhaps?
