Bastrop, TX Properties

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Bastrop is a city in Bastrop County, Texas, and serves as the county seat, located along the Colorado River roughly 30 miles southeast of Austin. It is among the oldest municipalities in Texas, with roots stretching back to early Anglo settlement in the region, and its carefully preserved downtown reflects that long history. More than 130 documented historical sites are found in and around the center of town, and the historic district along the riverfront is filled with a blend of restored storefronts, shops, restaurants, and civic buildings. The city's defining natural feature is the Lost Pines, a stand of loblolly pines that is isolated from the main pine forests of East Texas by a wide stretch of drier country. This gives Bastrop a wooded, East Texas character distinct from much of the surrounding Hill Country and prairie. Bastrop State Park, one of the earliest Civilian Conservation Corps parks in Texas, protects a large portion of that pine landscape and has been a regional recreation destination for more than seven decades. Bastrop is also positioned directly in the path of Austin's eastward growth. Highway 71 provides a fast link to southeast Austin, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and major employment centers, which has drawn new residential development to the city's edges while the historic core holds its small-town character. The Colorado River runs through the community, supporting paddling and riverside parks, and the nearby Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort adds a resort component to the local economy. With about 14,000 residents, Bastrop has grown considerably from its small-town past while retaining a strong sense of identity as a historic river town. It appeals broadly to families seeking the Bastrop Independent School District, commuters who want a more spacious and affordable setting within reach of Austin, and retirees drawn to the river, the pines, and the slower pace.

Population 14,125

County Bastrop County

Active Listings 1158

Frequently Asked Questions

What county is Bastrop in?

Bastrop is in Bastrop County, Texas, and serves as the county seat. The city lies along the Colorado River about 30 miles southeast of Austin, making it both a historic small town and an increasingly connected part of the greater Austin metropolitan region.

How far is Bastrop from Austin?

Bastrop is roughly 30 miles southeast of Austin, with the drive to central Austin typically taking about 40 to 45 minutes via Highway 71 depending on traffic. The same corridor provides convenient access to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and employment centers on Austin's east side, which makes Bastrop a practical base for commuters.

What are the Lost Pines?

The Lost Pines are a stand of loblolly pine trees isolated from the main East Texas pine forests by a wide band of drier country. They give Bastrop a wooded, East Texas character unlike much of the surrounding Central Texas landscape. Bastrop State Park protects a large portion of the Lost Pines and offers miles of trails, camping, and wildlife habitat.

What school district serves Bastrop?

Bastrop is served by Bastrop Independent School District, which operates elementary, middle, and high schools across the city and much of the surrounding county. Bastrop High School anchors the city, while Cedar Creek High School serves the eastern part of the district. Families relocating should verify specific attendance zones for a given address.

What is there to do in Bastrop?

Bastrop offers a historic downtown with shops and restaurants, more than 130 documented historical sites, and extensive outdoor recreation. Residents kayak and fish on the Colorado River from spots like Fisherman's Park, hike and camp in Bastrop State Park, and explore trails at McKinney Roughs Nature Park. The nearby Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort adds resort amenities to the area.

City Guide

About Bastrop

Real Estate & Housing

Bastrop's housing stock spans more than a century of construction. The historic center contains older, character-rich homes, including restored Victorian and early-20th-century houses near the downtown riverfront. Surrounding those older blocks, mid-century ranches and established neighborhoods fill out the central city. On the outer edges, the Austin area's growth has brought newer subdivisions with contemporary single-family homes, along with some townhome and acreage properties in the surrounding countryside. The Lost Pines setting means many lots carry mature pines and a wooded feel that sets the market apart from the open prairies and limestone terrain found elsewhere in Central Texas. The result is a mix that ranges from historic downtown living to newer master-planned communities on the city's perimeter.

Neighborhoods

The historic downtown district is Bastrop's centerpiece, a riverfront commercial and residential core that preserves the city's 19th-century layout and architecture. Nearby older neighborhoods contain many of the 130-plus historic sites cataloged by local preservation groups, giving the central city a layered, house-by-house sense of history. As development has accelerated, newer subdivisions have expanded the city outward, particularly along the Highway 71 corridor and to the west and south, offering contemporary housing and community amenities. The surrounding Bastrop County landscape, including the Cedar Creek area and communities near the Lost Pines, extends the city's reach with a mix of ranch land, acreage, and additional residential growth tied to the broader Austin metro.

Lifestyle in Bastrop

Life in Bastrop balances a genuine small-town feel with growing access to Austin. The downtown's independent shops, restaurants, and historic storefronts anchor local life, and community events frequently center on the river and the historic district. The Colorado River is woven into daily recreation, with paddling, fishing, and riverside parks drawing residents year-round. The Lost Pines and Bastrop State Park support an active outdoor culture of hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. At the same time, the city's position along Highway 71 means restaurants, entertainment, and employment in Austin are within reach for those willing to commute, giving Bastrop a hybrid character that appeals to both longtime locals and newcomers seeking more space than central Austin typically offers.

Schools & Education

Bastrop is served by Bastrop Independent School District, which operates a full complement of elementary, middle, and high schools across the city and much of the surrounding county. The district has grown alongside the community, adding and expanding campuses as residential development has increased. Cedar Creek High School serves the eastern portion of the district, while Bastrop High School anchors the city itself. Families relocating to the area commonly evaluate specific campus assignments and zoning, since the district covers a wide geographic area. The city's location also keeps private and charter options and, for older students, access to higher education institutions in the greater Austin region within reasonable reach.

Getting Around

Bastrop's primary transportation link is Highway 71, a major east–west corridor that connects the city directly to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, southeast Austin, and central Austin. The drive to central Austin is commonly about 40 to 45 minutes depending on traffic, and the corridor also provides access to employment centers on Austin's east side. Public transit between Bastrop and Austin is limited, so most residents rely on personal vehicles for commuting. Within the region, state highways and county roads link Bastrop to surrounding towns and to other Central Texas destinations such as Lockhart and Smithville. The airport's proximity is a notable convenience, putting national and international flights within a short drive.

Parks & Recreation

Bastrop State Park is the city's signature outdoor destination, protecting a large portion of the Lost Pines with miles of hiking trails, camping, and scenic drives through loblolly pine forest. The Colorado River offers kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, with Fisherman's Park serving as a popular downtown launch point for river trips. Nearby McKinney Roughs Nature Park adds hiking and equestrian trails across rolling wooded terrain along the river. The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort brings additional recreational amenities and open space to the area. Together with community parks and the surrounding countryside, these resources give Bastrop residents steady access to the pine woods, river, and outdoors that define the region's identity.

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