Renters looking for an exciting, economical place to live within 30 minutes of Texas’ capital need search no further than Round Rock. Located in both Williamson and Travis Counties, this dynamic city is firmly situated within the Greater Austin metropolitan area.

With a population of more than 128,000 as of 2018, Round Rock was named one of Apartment Therapy’s Coolest Suburbs in America and one of Money’s Best Places to Live in America. Thanks to its flourishing economy; stellar school district; and extensive shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities, it’s easy to see why.

A center for economic growth in Central Texas, major employers in Round Rock include companies in the clean energy, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and computer and software development industries. Dell Technologies has become one of the best-known employers in the area since moving its international headquarters to Round Rock in the 1990s. Overall, Round Rock has seen a 41% increase in job growth over the last decade.

The Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD) is among the best school districts in Texas, with an average student-teacher ratio of 16 and a higher-than-96% graduation rate. The district is comprised of five high schools, 10 middle schools, 32 elementary schools and two alternative learning centers. Twenty-five of these schools have received an exemplary rating.

Education in Round Rock doesn’t stop there. The city is also home to campuses for Texas State University and Austin Community College, as well as the Texas A&M Health Science Center.

Many residents say Round Rock is a wonderful place to raise a family. According to Sperling’s Great Places, Round Rock has a lower rate of violent and property crime than the national average. In its 2018 Community Survey, the City of Round Rock found that 84% of its residents were satisfied with their overall quality of life, and 90% felt safe or very safe within the city.

Shopping and dining opportunities in Round Rock are plentiful. At the corner of Interstate 35 and University Boulevard, renters will find Round Rock Premium Outlets, with more than 100 stores, as well as the Austin metro area’s only IKEA.

The city also features a vibrant downtown area with more than 24 restaurants and 29 retailers. Downtown Round Rock hosts numerous family-friendly events throughout the year, including market days, pop-up art shows and art walks, live music, and community festivals.

While Round Rock has invested millions of dollars to make downtown more walkable and bikeable, the Capital Metro bus service is another convenient way to get around. Its most popular routes often run extended hours with extra stops to make moving about the city easy.

Renters who enjoy an active lifestyle will also find plenty to do in Round Rock. As the self-proclaimed sports capital of Texas, the city is home to a free public skate park and professionally designed disk golf course, as well as a 20-field baseball complex, five-field softball complex, seven soccer facilities and the Rock’N River Water Park.

Round Rock offers residents thousands of acres of public parkland and miles of nature trails, as well as the opportunity to catch a Round Rock Express baseball game at Dell Diamond Stadium, enjoy a concert at the Round Rock Amphitheater or explore the 64-mile long Lake Travis.

Despite all of these unbeatable amenities, Round Rock remains an affordable place to live. According to the city government’s website, Round Rock’s property tax rate is one of the lowest in the region, as are its water and wastewater rates.

• Established in 1851, Round Rock was not known by that name until 1854 when the postmaster requested an official change from its original moniker of Brushy.

• Round Rock is home to Round Rock Donuts, considered by many Texans to be the best donuts in the state.

• Legendary old west outlaw Sam Bass died in a shootout in downtown Round Rock in 1878 and was buried in the Round Rock Cemetery.

• Many scenes in the classic 1974 horror movie "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" were filmed in Round Rock.

• The city’s official website is RoundRockTexas.gov.