Just outside the city limits of places like Austin, Dallas, and Houston, something exciting is happening in the real estate market. Wide open tracts of land that were once pasture or farmland are becoming the next generation of neighborhoods. These areas offer the best of both worlds: close enough to enjoy the convenience of the city, but far enough away to have space, privacy, and a connection to nature.
This space in between city and country is where residential real estate and land development truly meet. Understanding both sides is key to creating communities that make sense for today’s buyers and for the long-term vision of Central Texas growth.
As someone who works in both residential and land sales every day, I’ve seen how powerful it is when those two worlds align.
Where the Real Estate Market Is Moving: Central Texas Growth in Motion
Williamson County is currently one of the fastest-growing counties in the U.S., with over 30,000 new residents added annually in recent years. Major employers- such as Samsung in Taylor, Apple in Northwest Austin, and Meta and Dell in Round Rock- continue driving job growth along the SH 130, I-35, and US-79 corridors.
Meanwhile in Bell County, investment is rising near the I-14 corridor and Killeen–Temple–Belton metro, particularly around new medical, manufacturing, and logistics expansions. Subdivision permits in Bell County have increased year-over-year as more buyers look for affordable acreage lifestyle with manageable commute times.
What this means for land buyers and developers:
- Tracts that once felt “too far out” are now positioned directly in the path of growth.
- School districts like Georgetown ISD, Jarrell ISD, and Salado ISD are actively expanding facilities and bond planning.
- TXDOT is prioritizing roadway widening and loops that improve access to rural-suburban transition zones.
Growth is no longer theoretical — it’s already on the map.
Seeing It Through the Buyer’s Eyes
Every successful subdivision starts with understanding what homebuyers really want. Trends evolve, but core preferences remain:
Today’s Central Texas buyer is looking for:
- Flexible floor plans (spaces that transition from office to guest room to playroom)
- Outdoor living and usable yard space
- Smart connectivity: high-speed fiber internet is now a must-have, not a luxury
- Community without crowding – trail systems, pocket parks, and natural areas outperform swim + clubhouse-only neighborhoods
When planning starts with the buyer in mind, the result feels intentional, livable, and connected to the land.
Understanding the Land Side of the Equation
Every tract has its own personality. Topography, soil, water access, jurisdiction, and utility capacity all determine what can and should be built.
In transitional areas just outside Austin and Temple, the best opportunities are often found where:
| Factor | Ideal Characteristics |
| Utilities | Water + electric nearby, wastewater accessible or feasible via LCRA / MUD |
| Taxes & Regulation | ETJ or County jurisdiction offers flexibility and reduced carrying cost |
| School District | Demand-stable districts like Georgetown, Liberty Hill, Salado, Belton |
| Corridor Access | Within 5–12 minutes of SH 130, I-35, I-14, or Georgetown’s Inner Loop |
This is where experience in both land and residential real estate markets becomes invaluable.
How to Evaluate a Transitional Tract (Quick Checklist)
Use this whether you’re investing, recommending, or designing:
- Location & Access
- Distance to major corridors (ideally < 12 minutes)
- Visibility + road frontage suitable for entrances
- Utilities
- Water line size and provider capacity
- Wastewater availability or treatment feasibility
- Electrical provider and infrastructure extension cost
- Topography & Soil
- Identify natural drainage, buildable pad areas, tree coverage opportunities
- Real Estate Market Alignment
- Match lot sizes + price point to real, current buyer demand — not assumptions
- Jurisdiction & Taxes
- City vs. ETJ vs. County plays a major role in zoning flexibility and tax rates
Real-World Market Scenario
Jarrell / SH-130 Corridor, 2024
A landowner approached me regarding a tract just outside the city limits of Jarrell. On paper, it looked like any other 10-acre pasture. But by evaluating:
- Its proximity to I-35 and new school campuses
- Utilities already available at the frontage
- The area’s upcoming tech/data infrastructure investments
…we positioned the property as a small-scale mixed-use transitional site versus simply “rural acreage.”
The result?
We increased the projected lot yield, aligned the layout with market-ready floor plan sizes, and attracted multiple end-users — including a builder, an investor group, and a local business owner. The landowner saw a significant gain compared to traditional acreage comps.
That’s the power of understanding both the buyer and the land.
Transitional Areas: The Next Chapter of Central Texas
In places like Williamson and Bell Counties, we’re seeing rapid change. Fields that once seemed too far out are now on the edge of major infrastructure improvements, new schools, and high-tech employers.
These transitional areas are the future of Central Texas housing. They’re close enough for convenience, but still offer space, lower taxes, and a more relaxed lifestyle. Buyers love that balance. Developers love the opportunity. And the communities that grow here can truly capture the spirit of Texas living.
The key is smart design. Thoughtful lot layouts, preservation of natural trees and topography, and community features that reflect the land’s character all help a development stand out. It’s not about copying what’s inside the city—it’s about creating something that enhances the edges of it.
Collaboration is Everything
The most successful projects happen when residential and land professionals work together early in the process.
Residential agents bring insight into what sells, what buyers are asking for, and which design trends are performing best. Land specialists understand what can be built, where utilities can realistically go, and how to navigate city and county approvals.
When those perspectives come together, subdivisions are better planned and more profitable. The design fits the market instead of guessing at it. Builders can launch with the right floor plans and price points. And buyers end up with homes that truly meet their needs.
Even a small 10- or 20-lot subdivision can benefit from that kind of collaboration. It’s how you create communities that are both marketable and sustainable.
Responsible Growth and the Role of Local Experts
As Central Texas continues to grow, our responsibility as local experts is to guide that growth in a way that preserves what makes this region special.
That means being thoughtful about density, maintaining green space, and planning infrastructure that keeps up with the demand. It also means helping buyers and developers understand the value of doing things right—taking into account drainage, access, school capacity, and the long-term character of the community.
Smart growth doesn’t just happen by chance. It happens when professionals understand both the people and the property.
A New Kind of Real Estate Professional
The future of real estate belongs to professionals who can bridge the gap between residential and land.
Understanding both sides allows us to create stronger outcomes for clients—whether that’s helping a buyer find their perfect home on acreage, or guiding a developer toward a project that meets both real estate market demand and environmental realities.
This kind of crossover expertise is shaping the next wave of growth in Central Texas. It’s not about selling land or houses in isolation, but about connecting the two to build communities that will thrive for decades.
In Closing
The real opportunity in our real estate market lies in the middle ground—the intersection where residential knowledge meets land strategy. When we combine that insight with collaboration and vision, we’re not just helping people buy property. We’re helping design the next chapter of Central Texas living.
Megan Turnipseed, ALC, is a Broker Associate with Keller Williams Lone Star in Georgetown, Texas. She specializes in bridging residential real estate and land development to guide smart growth across Central Texas
