Taylor is a thriving community with a rich history and commitment to small town values. Located northeast of Austin in Williamson County, Texas, Taylor is part of the greater Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metropolitan region. The stately, historic homes and buildings located around downtown Taylor reflect the city’s historical prominence and it ongoing commitment to preserving this heritage. Taylor’s downtown abounds with unique shopping opportunities and more than 40 restaurants, ranging from Texas staples like BBQ and Tex-Mex to Southern fare and Italian. Taylor is also home to Louie Mueller Barbecue, one of the top BBQ destinations in the United States. The barbecue restaurant has been in business since 1949, serving as an anchor for the downtown district.
While Taylor’s school district has struggled in the past, new investments in an innovative curriculum and brand-new high school are translating into improved performance. Compared with some nearby suburbs, Taylor real estate remains an affordable option for many Austin families, attracting steady growth. The median value for owner-occupied homes in 2010 was $112,000, compared with $172,500 in Round Rock and $227,800 in Austin.
From historic railroad town to modern commercial hubLike many towns in central Texas, Taylor owes its existence to the railroad. Founded in 1876 after the International-Great Northern Railroad auctioned off lots, the town was named after a local railroad official. It quickly became a popular destination with central European immigrants, with many relocating to Taylor from Germany, Austria, and what is now the Czech Republic. Thanks to the railroad, Taylor became a major shipping point for cattle, grain and cotton. The town grew rapidly and was even home to the first savings and loan institution in Texas.
In the mid 1950’s, Taylor city planners faced a dilemma regarding plans for the proposed Interstate 35 that would connect Austin with Dallas. Plans called for the interstate to pass through Taylor, since the city was a regional economic powerhouse. However, town planners did not want to cede the necessary farmland to the highway, and I-35 moved west through Round Rock, instead. For better or worse, this decision has impacted Taylor’s future growth. As Austin grew, so too did Round Rock, which exploded into a huge bedroom community and ultimately a major economic base in its own right. Taylor remained quieter farming community and small town. Today, Taylor has a population of 16,483, compared with Round Rock’s estimated population of 112,744. However, many local residents prefer that Taylor has remained “just off the beaten path”. Taylor retains its small town charm, open space, and affordability while still being close to suburban amenities.
Over the last decade, the Taylor Economic Development Corporation (Taylor EDC) and the Taylor Chamber of Commerce have worked to increase Taylor’s economic base. Since 2008, nearly 20 companies have expanded or relocated to Taylor, creating 300 new jobs. Taylor is also home to the T. Don Hutto Residential Center, a detention center opened in 2006 to hold illegal immigrant families while the away the outcome of their immigration hearings. The residential center is a major employer for local residents.
What are public schools like in Taylor?
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While the Taylor Independent School District ranks in the bottom third of Texas public schools, the district is taking significant strides forward. The Texas Education Agency has recognized the Taylor ISD for the significant improvements made to its curriculum and performance. Taylor ISD won six Gold Performance Standard awards for academic performance in 2011. That same year, Taylor ISD opened a new, state-of-the-art high school with two gyms, a Wi-Fi network, expansive library, culinary arts academy, modern welding lab, and band hall. Every student who attends Taylor High School receives a Mac Book. Taylor ISD is a “district of choice”, which means students from any school district are welcome.
Taylor ISD is also home to Legacy Early College High Schools (ECHs), which provides dual credit courses at no cost to students. Graduates earn both a high school diploma as well an associate degree or at least 60 college credit hours towards an advanced degree. Legacy ECHS is one of the 49 ECHS campuses throughout Texas that are designed specifically to help first-generation college-going students achieve academic success. Early College High Schools are a public-private initiative of the Communities Foundation of Texas.
What is life like in Taylor, Texas?
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Primarily a working class community, Taylor is a family-oriented small town that’s proud of its roots and focused on future growth. The revitalized downtown offers a number of popular dining and retail options, including the famous Louie Mueller Barbecue. Taylor ISD is working to offer students a strong education, including innovative pathways towards college for first-generation college-going students. Residents take advantage of the city’s expansive parks system, with amenities that include swimming pools, walking trails, basketball courts, playgrounds, and lakes. In comparison to the larger neighboring suburbs of Round Rock and Pflugerville to the west, Taylor offers a good quality of life at a lower price. Expect steady growth in the coming years as more Austin families relocate to enjoy Taylor’s open spaces and small town charm.
