Bastrop Property Management

Are You Interested in Buying Property in Bastrop, Texas?

Nicknamed “The Most Historic Small Town in Texas,” the city of Bastrop is the county seat of Bastrop County, Texas, and boasts a close-knit community of roughly 9,200 people.

And while it’ll never be as big or bustling as nearby Austin, it has no interest in living in the shadows of skyscrapers and big tech.

Bastrop area is proud to embrace a much slower pace – something that attracts many to this small town each year.

Ready to Invest in Bastrop, Texas? Here’s What You Need to Know

If Austin real estate prices have become too inflated for your liking, then you’ll find Bastrop area to be a welcome reprieve.

Close enough to Austin for a commute into town, yet far enough away to embody its own distinct flavor, Bastrop area has some of the best real estate prices in the area.

And as Austin continues to grow, more and more people will flock to the outskirts to find more affordable housing opportunities.

Now is the time to position yourself ahead of this movement.

Location

Bastrop is situated in the center of Bastrop County, directly adjacent to the lower portion of the Colorado River.

In fact, the downtown business district is located on the east bank of the river, whereas the city also extends over to the west side of the river.

The city is relatively small, with just 9.1 square miles.

Part of the appeal of Bastrop is its convenient location. It sits 33 miles southeast of downtown Austin, 92 miles northeast of San Antonio, and 133 miles northwest of Houston.

This means residents of Bastrop can be in three of Texas’ biggest cities within less than two hours.

Population and Demographics

While still small compared to other cities in the area, Bastrop has undergone some significant population growth (relatively speaking) over the past couple of decades.

From 1950 to 1990, the population of Bastrop increased from 3,176 to 4,044 – a growth of just 27 percent over a 40-year period. But starting in 1990, people began flocking to the area. By 2000, the population had ballooned by 32 percent to 5,340 full-time residents.

That number increased to 7,218 by 2010 (35 percent growth for the decade). And the population is now estimated to be around 9,242. That means the city of Bastrop has more than doubled in size since 1990.

Bastrop’s demographic breakdown is 83 percent white, 10 percent African American, and 7 percent other. The median age is 38, though 23 percent of the population identifies as senior citizens.

The gender breakdown is approximately 52 percent male to 48 percent female.

Approximately 88 percent of Bastrop residents speak English, while roughly 8.5 percent speak Spanish. The median income is $79,141 for families and $32,835 for individuals.

Area History

Bastrop has a rich history. It was the temporary site for Spanish soldiers as early as 1804, when a fort was established in the area where the Old San Antonio Road intersected the Colorado River.

It was later named after Felipe Enrique Neri, Baron de Bastrop, a Dutch businessman and landowner who assisted Stephen F. Austin in obtaining a number of land grants.

The town was incorporated into the Republic of Texas in 1837. And up until 1862, dozens of buildings, local businesses, and homes were constructed in the area. However, a fire destroyed most of the town in 1862 – including the majority of commercial buildings and the county courthouse. As a result, most of the buildings in the downtown portion of the city now postdate the Civil War.

Education

Bastrop is a highly educated city with 31 percent of residents over 25 holding a bachelor’s degree or better. Another 25 percent have some college experience.

Just 8 percent of the adult population has failed to graduate high school. (That amounts to less than 500 people.)

Things to Do

It might be a small town, but there’s still plenty for Bastrop residents to see, experience, and do. Here are some favorites:

Downtown Bastrop.

With a nickname like “The Most Historic Small Town in Texas,” Bastrop doesn’t disappoint. The downtown area is filled with historic charm, brick storefronts, shops, diners, museums, and more. It’s a great place to spend the weekend.

The Bastrop Opera House.

Looking for some live theater? The Bastrop Opera House has performances that rival many of the live theaters you’ll find in much larger towns and cities. The schedule usually includes a blend of musicals, theater performances, and tributes.

Bastrop State Park.

Get outside and enjoy the beautiful Texas weather. With seven miles of trails, Bastrop State Park has plenty for your family to enjoy. (There are even cabins and campsites for quick weekend getaways.)

Community Gardens.

The Bastrop Community Gardens are one of the coolest attractions. This community co-op is a partnership of local businesses and entrepreneurs. Each week, there’s an indoor/outdoor marketplace for shoppers and families to enjoy.

Home Prices and Trends

According to Census.gov, there are an estimated 31,090 housing units in Bastrop, with 77.5 percent being owner-occupied. The median value of owner-occupied housing is $160,100. For rental properties, the median gross rent is $960.

While real estate prices are still affordable, local investors and builders are expecting an influx of residents into the city over the next ten years. This will drive property values and rents up considerably.

New Tesla Gigafactory

It was announced in the summer of 2020 that Tesla will be building a massive Gigafactory in southeastern Travis County, which is anticipated to bring 5,000 new jobs into the area.

Local officials also believe that the factory, which sits just a dozen miles from the Bastrop County line, will lead to other manufacturers and vendors coming to the area.

As a result, this will lead to opportunities to build more neighborhoods in and around the city.

“We do want to bring some of that – [so that the employees can live] in our city and in our county," says Cameron Cox, CEO of the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation. "Once we get this study completed, there’s going to be a call between us and the county and the county economic development department to figure out how we can work together to leverage that and work to have those types of solid good developments in our county.”

Combined with the jobs and businesses spilling out of Austin, the injection of an entirely new industry into the Bastrop area will likely lead to an increased demand for property (and a subsequent increase in property values).

Is Bastrop the Best Place for You?

Bastrop is a small town with big access. Here are a few signs that it might be a good fit for you and your family:

• Do you want affordability? You won’t find real estate prices this affordable in many towns that are this close to Austin and San Antonio. This makes it the perfect opportunity to become a Texas property owner without overpaying.
• Do you want upside? With a massive population boom expected in the next decade, an investment in Bastrop real estate brings plenty of upside.
• Are you looking for convenience? Whether you plan to live, work, and play here, or you plan to commute to Austin for work and entertainment, Bastrop epitomizes convenience for all.

If you’re ready to move to Bastrop, there’s never been a better time. Real estate prices continue to track well below neighboring cities and there’s still time to gobble up property – whether for a primary residence or as an investment opportunity.

Contact us today and we’ll connect you with one of our experienced Bastrop real estate professionals!