Elgin is a small community (population 8,622) located 25 miles east of downtown Austin at the intersection of U.S. Highway 290 and State Highway 95. Elgin is primarily located in Bastrop County, with a small portion of the city limits extending into Travis and Williamson counties. Elgin real estate is a popular choice with working class and young middle class families seeking an affordable suburb and reasonable commute times to downtown. Four-bedroom, two-bath homes are readily available for less than $200,000, although newer builds on larger lots will cost upwards of $300,000. Still, that’s considerably less than Austin or its most popular suburbs of Round Rock, Cedar Park and Buda.
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Like many towns in central Texas, Elgin traces its existence back to the Houston and Texas Central Railroad Company, which established a flag stop in present-day Elgin back in the 1830's. The town was officially incorporated in 1872 and quickly grew into a thriving boomtown, thanks to the addition of a second railroad line that turned the town into a shipping point for cotton, wool and livestock. In the mid-1900's, Elgin earned the nickname “Brick Capital of the Southwest” due to three major brickyards (two of which are still in operation today). The local hot sausage factory processed thousands of pounds of beef and pork each week, earning it a second nickname, “The Sausage Capital of Texas”. Today, Elgin is best known for its proximity to Austin, its rich history, and its small town charm. While the brickyards may no longer the biggest employer in town, they still supply building materials for a number of Austin’s suburban homes.
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The rapid growth that’s swept through hot Austin suburbs like Round Rock and Cedar Park has yet to make its way to Elgin. This is partly because Elgin is located far enough away from the I-35 corridor that the town has yet to be swept up in the suburban sprawl rippling outwards from from Austin. It’s also a testament to the town’s commitment to traditional, wholesome family values.
Folks that move to Austin for its quirky “Keep Austin Weird” vibe will find the exact opposite in Elgin. This is a community that values tradition and family above all else. The biggest game in town is still Friday night at the high school football stadium. The best way to enjoy a warm spring weekend is outside hiking or camping in nearby Hill country. And don’t even think about showing up at a cookout without some of Elgin’s famous hot sausage straight from Southside Market & BBQ; the slow-smoked meats at this BBQ joint have been a local staple since 1882.
Elgin’s 14-block historic downtown was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places. The historic downtown includes 67 buildings from the early 1900's, including the Dr. I.B. Nofsinger House (built in 1906) and the Houston and Texas Central Freight Depot. History buffs will want to stop by the Elgin Depot Museum, which offers a permanent collection of exhibits on the town’s early growth, including an extensive photography collection.
Popular community events include the annual "Music in the Park" in April, "Movies in the Park" in June, the July 4th People's Parade, and the Halloween "Safe Trick or Treat Trail".
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Outdoor recreation opportunities are abundant in Elgin, which lies just on the edge of scenic Texas Hill Country. For hiking and horseback riding, residents head to the 1100-acre McKinney Roughs Nature Park, an outdoor recreation area with diverse terrain ranging from wildflower meadows to box canyons along the Colorado River. Further west are Hill Country staples like Pedernales Falls and Enchanted Rock. Heading eastward, outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty to do at Bastrop State Park. Despite damage from recent summer wildfires, the park remains a popular spot for hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and biking. Bikers will enjoy the 12-mile scenic ride through the Lost Pines of east Central Texas, which is part of the famed MS-150 bike race between Houston and Austin.
Despite the rapid growth of neighboring suburbs, Elgin has managed to fly under the radar thus far. Most local residents think that’s a good thing, as the city continues to maintain its small town charm and quiet lifestyle. If you’re considering a move to Elgin, be aware that the city lacks many of the suburban amenities associated with Round Rock and Cedar Park. While there is an HEB, there’s no Starbucks or Target. Most resident get their essentials at Walmart or drive 20 minutes west on 290 towards Austin for more varied shopping opportunities.
What Elgin lacks in suburban comforts, it more than makes up for in its warm, friendly neighbors and affordable homes. Long-time residents appreciate newcomers who make an effort to learn about the town’s history and respect its tradition. Falling in love with the local BBQ at Southside Market won’t hurt either.
