Regional Information
Located just 26 miles north of Austin, Georgetown has the charm of a small city with many of the perks of a large city. Georgetown has received numerous awards and was recently named the 7th Fastest Growing City in the U.S.
Education
Georgetown is a community that places a high value on education. Georgetown ISD is a Texas Education Agency “Recognized” school district that serves a diverse population of Williamson County students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade including: 10,400 students, 10 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 2 high schools, and 2 alternative disciplinary program campuses. Those seeking an alternative to public school can choose from: *Community Montessori School *Grace Academy of Georgetown *Grace Episcopal School *Orenda Education *St. Helen’s Catholic School and Round Rock Christian Academy and Zion Lutheran School are also nearby.
Higher Education
Georgetown is home to Southwestern University, Texas’ oldest liberal arts institution. This highly selective college is affiliated with the Methodist Church. Their 1,400 students have a passion for intellectual and personal growth; enjoy small classes and numerous collaborative undergraduate research opportunities. Living-Learning Communities and the Paideia Program offer exceptional opportunities to fully integrate one’s experiences in and out of the classroom. In addition to Southwestern University, National American University recently opened a Georgetown campus. NAU offers evening and online classes for Associate and Bachelor degree programs. College students also have the option to attend classes at Texas State University’s Round Rock Campus or at Austin Community College’s Round Rock Campus.
Recreation
San Gabriel Park which is located in Georgetown is graced with 200 year-old oak trees that offer shady spots for family picnics. The 180-acre park also provides space for concerts and festivals, as well as fields for soccer and baseball. A hike and bike trail goes through San Gabriel Park, including a 1.6 mile loop in the park and nearly 9 miles of hike and bike trails along the North and South San Gabriel Rivers. Another nice feature is the shaded 18-hole Disc Golf Course that winds along the river. The Skateboard park and McMaster Athletic Complex are also nearby. Georgetown also has a top notch dog park. The Bark Park is a public, off-leash dog park located in a beautiful pecan grove at 151 Holly Street. The dog park is situated on approximately 6 acres featuring separate areas for small dogs and large dogs.
Some other recreational highlights in Georgetown Include:
Blue Hole Lagoon – Blue Hole is a scenic lagoon bordered by limestone bluffs along the South Fork of the San Gabriel River. The park features picnic and wading areas.
Lake Georgetown is a 1200 acre lake that offers boating, skiing, fishing, four separate camping areas, a wildlife preserve and 16 miles of hiking trails. Cedar Breaks Park and Jim Hogg Park have boat ramps and camping facilities with RV hook-ups and restrooms with showers. Russell Park has both a camping and swimming area, a boat ramp and restrooms with showers.
Go exploring at Inner Space Cavern. Hidden for 10,000 years, Inner Space Cavern is one of the best preserved caves in Texas and one of the few places where remains of prehistoric animals were unearthed. In any given week in Georgetown, you can find multiple performances, art openings or live music to experience. Choose from multiple venues that showcase eclectic and traditional art, or find yourself swept away by award winning performances. Georgetown Texas Georgetown
The Palace Theatre opened in 1926 to play silent movies. It closed in 1989 and re-opened in 1990 as a non-profit community theatre showing musicals and other plays. Also, the Theatre Department at Southwestern University produces four mainstage productions, including musical theatre production. In addition, students produce their own performance projects throughout the academic year.
Shopping – Bargain hunters, antique lovers, and shoppers with discriminating taste find the eclectic mix of boutiques and specialty stores a refreshing oasis in a desert of ordinary. Spend an afternoon on the Square marveling at artisan crafted wares and vintage treasures and pick up a few hand made chocolates at the local confectioner. Venture over to our new outdoor malls for a look at the latest fashions, and be sure to take in the spectacular Hill Country views. Wolf Ranch Town Center is an open-air community center with over 80 retail stores and restaurants. What makes Wolf Ranch unique is its interpretive nature trail, ponds, and scenic areas. Downtown Georgetown is also home to numerous shops and restaurants. Also, 125 shops are located at the Round Rock Premium Outlets, located near the Georgetown/Round Rock border.
Enjoy a game of golf -There are three public golf courses in Sun City as well as private golf courses at Berry Creek Country Club, Cimmarron Hills and Georgetown Country Club.
Dining – You’d expect to find a good steak in the heart of the Chisholm Trail, but Georgetown has far more to offer when it comes to pleasing the palate. Sit down at one of many locally owned diners, barbeque joints, or small town cafes for a leisurely lunch or dress to the nines for a taste of our four star cuisine. With an emphasis on local and organic meat and produce, the menus of Georgetown bring fresh, innovative recipes to the table without sacrificing hometown hospitality.
Visit a Winery while on the Georgetown Square – Taste award winning wines made in Georgetown at Georgetown Winery. They offer daily wine tastings, wine by the glass, bottles to take home, cigars, and a large selection of wine gifts. Grape Creek Vineyard offers an exclusive wine club member lounge upstairs with views of the square. There is also a large outdoor patio with seating and mister system for hot summer days.
Accolades
• #1 Retirement Town in America by Boston Globe (2011).
• Top 10 Best Places to Reinvent Your Life in Retirement by U.S. News & World Report (2010).
• 25 Best Places to Retire by CNN Money (2011).
Best Cities for Relocating Families
Established in 1848, Georgetown, Texas has over 180 homes and buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Georgetown’s population is just over 50,000 people. It is the perfect balance of “small town charm” with all the conveniences of larger cities. The city has grown 67% since the last Census. In fact, Georgetown was recently named the “7th Fastest Growing City in the U.S.” (based on percentage). Those moving from larger cities will be pleasantly surprised by the range in shopping, healthcare, and entertainment found in the area. “Georgetown is considered one of the prettiest cities in Williamson County, especially during the spring and summer months when poppies and wild flowers are in full bloom. … residents who settle into one of the city’s restored Victorian homes or new Tuscan villas can enjoy a walk along the bank of the San Gabriel River or play a round of golf on one of the five local courses. Mountain biking trails around Lake Georgetown lead riders to the edge of Texas Hill Country,” says Fortune Magazine in its description of Georgetown as the #2 Place to Live & Launch a Small Business. Retiring Here – Small town charm, warm weather, meticulously preserved historic buildings, and numerous festivals & concerts are some of the reasons why some consider Georgetown to be the top retirement destination in the country. Others point to Georgetown’s vibrant downtown, numerous nearby medical facilities, and the city’s exceptionally low crime rate. Georgetown has multiple 55+ communities and a large number of Georgetown residents are seniors. Given that, there are numerous businesses that cater to seniors.
Business Overview
Located at the northern edge of the Austin Metro area in the heart of one of North America’s fastest-growing technology centers, Georgetown continues to grow and prosper. The city’s success is illustrated in the many awards received and continuing recognition for its business climate and quality of life. Businesses in Georgetown enjoy:
*a well-educated, highly motivated, and highly skilled workforce;
*good cooperation between business and government;
*a diverse and vibrant business community;
*outstanding local and regional education centers;
*an excellent transportation system including dual rail service and a municipal airport:
*an extensive utility infrastructure; and
*a favorable tax structure.
