Taylor

Taylor is a charming historic suburb located in Williamson County, approximately 29 miles northeast of Austin, positioned at the intersection of Interstate 35 and US Highway 79. Founded in 1876 as a railroad town along the International-Great Northern Railroad, Taylor has evolved from its agricultural and ranching roots into a modern commercial hub while deliberately preserving its small-town character and affordability. The town's population has grown to approximately 18,000 residents, and notably, in the 1950s, city planners made the strategic decision to decline having Interstate 35 pass directly through Taylor, a choice that has allowed the community to maintain its open spaces, affordability, and distinctive charm while remaining within 35 minutes of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and approximately 30 minutes from downtown Austin. The historic downtown area, centered around Second Street, features beautifully preserved older buildings and is currently undergoing revitalization with new restaurants, bars, and a vibrant local business scene.

Taylor offers residents a sparse suburban feel with a strong sense of community and traditional values, where many residents own their homes and enjoy a slower pace of life compared to urban Austin. The town is renowned for its extensive parks and green spaces, featuring over 311 acres of parkland across five major parks—Heritage Square, Bull Branch, Murphy, Taylor Regional, and Fannie Robinson—which collectively offer nearly 10 miles of interconnected hiking and biking trails, public swimming pools, fishing piers, tennis courts, botanical gardens, playscapes, and covered pavilions, many with free Wi-Fi access. The community hosts regular local festivals and events that foster strong neighborhood connections, and the downtown area has become a popular gathering spot with its locally owned antique shops, artisan boutiques, and specialty retailers. Daily life in Taylor emphasizes outdoor recreation, community engagement, and access to local dining establishments like the renowned Louie Mueller's Barbecue, while residents benefit from easy commuting options to Austin for employment and urban amenities, creating an ideal balance between small-town tranquility and metropolitan convenience.

Taylor is served by the Taylor Independent School District, which operates several well-regarded schools including Naomi Pasemann Elementary School, Thorton Elementary School, Taylor Middle School, and Taylor High School. Taylor High School, which opened in 2011, is a state-of-the-art facility featuring two gymnasiums, a culinary arts academy, a modern welding laboratory, an expansive library, and other contemporary educational amenities. The district also operates the Legacy Early College High School, which allows students to earn college credits and pursue an associate's degree or accumulate at least 60 college credit hours while completing their high school diploma. The Taylor Independent School District is one of the three largest employers in the area, reflecting the community's strong commitment to education and student development.

Taylor's dining and entertainment scene reflects its blend of historic charm and modern growth. Louie Mueller's Barbecue is the most notable dining establishment, renowned throughout Texas for serving some of the finest barbecue in the state and serving as a community landmark. The downtown area, particularly along Second Street, features a growing collection of restaurants and bars that cater to both locals and visitors seeking authentic Texas dining experiences. The historic downtown district includes numerous locally owned antique shops and artisan boutiques that appeal to shoppers interested in unique, vintage, and handcrafted items. The revitalized downtown area continues to attract new businesses and entertainment venues, contributing to an increasingly vibrant cultural scene while maintaining the town's small-town character and local business focus.

Taylor's housing market offers affordable options compared to many Austin suburbs, with median real estate prices in the Taylor East area at approximately $439,415, positioning it as more expensive than 74.8% of Texas neighborhoods but offering strong value for the Austin metropolitan area. The town features a mix of housing styles, including historic homes in the downtown and older residential areas, newer single-family home subdivisions such as Castlewood developed by Dream Finders Homes, and contemporary construction reflecting recent growth. Typical lot sizes and home styles vary by neighborhood, with newer subdivisions featuring modern amenities and planned community features, while established areas maintain the character of traditional Texas homes. The housing market reflects slow and steady growth, with the population increasing from 13,575 in 2000 to approximately 18,000 currently, indicating sustained but measured development. The town's decision to avoid Interstate 35 has helped maintain property values and affordability, making it attractive to homebuyers seeking suburban living with preserved open spaces. Recent development trends show increased new construction and business growth, with over 300 new jobs created since 2008, supporting housing demand and market stability.