Why people choose it.
What Cedar Creek Is Actually Like
This is country that happens to be close to town. A post office, a few businesses along 21 and 71, McKinney Roughs Nature Park on the Colorado, and otherwise acreage behind gates and down sandy roads. Bastrop ISD serves it, the airport is 20 minutes, and downtown Austin is closer than from most of Round Rock. Pines, oaks, and enough space that you do not see your neighbor.
Rural property this close to a city has specific homework. Six things decide whether this works for you.
Closer to Austin than you think
Roughly 30 to 40 minutes to downtown and about 20 to the airport. Nothing else with this much land sits this close. If your priority is acreage and you assumed you had to drive an hour, start here.
No city means no city services
Unincorporated Bastrop County. No city tax, which helps your rate, and no city water, sewer, or code enforcement in most places. Verify what utilities reach the property, who maintains your road, and what the deed restrictions actually say.
Wildfire and insurance
This area burned in 2011 and carriers have not forgotten. Insurance can be costly or declined depending on the property, and defensible space and roof material both matter. I get a real quote during your option period, because out here it can end a deal.
Well, septic, and sandy soil
Most properties are on a well and septic in sand, which behaves differently than clay. Flow test, water quality test, septic inspection. Sandy soil also means paying attention to erosion and how the driveway holds up in a wet spring.
Floodplain near the river
The Colorado and the creeks that feed it flood. On anything low-lying I want the flood map, a real insurance quote, and an elevation certificate before you commit. Drive the low-water crossings in the rain if you can.
VA appraisals on rural property
A VA appraisal has minimum property requirements, and on rural land those get tested: well, septic, access, roof, and general condition. I flag likely issues before we write so the appraisal does not surprise us.
Street by street.
Where to Look in Cedar Creek
Eight areas I send buyers to most, and what each one trades away.
01
Estate acreage
Double Eagle Ranch
Acre-plus lots, mature trees, custom homes, and the most privacy in Cedar Creek. The address most people mean when they say they want land out here. Verify well, septic, and what the deed restrictions actually allow before you plan a shop or a barn.
02
Established and secluded
Las Alamedas
Quiet, settled, and larger traditional properties on generous lots. Less turnover than the newer sections and a more finished feel. Older systems, so inspect thoroughly and get the insurance quote early.
03
Country, low restriction
Elm Ridge and the Highway 71 pockets
Non-HOA or lightly restricted country living with older ranch-style houses and open space, at the lowest prices out here. The freedom is the appeal. Financing is the constraint rather than the price, and some manufactured homes will not qualify for a VA loan. I will tell you up front what works.
04
Newest master-planned
Juniper Springs
Modern new construction with family amenities and the lowest entry point for a new home in the area. Builder incentives usually available. A builder contract is not the standard Texas contract, so bring me in before you sign.
05
Newer phases
Riverbend at Double Eagle
Current layouts and community perks next to the established Double Eagle area, which gives you new construction without being surrounded by construction. Verify what the assessment adds and what is platted nearby.
06
New builds on bigger lots
Colony at Cole Springs
The combination people actually want out here: newer construction with generous lot sizes instead of a dense suburban section. Confirm utilities, septic, and the road situation for the specific lot.
07
River side
Toward the Colorado and McKinney Roughs
Trees, terrain, and river proximity with park access nearby. Beautiful, and the place where the flood map matters most. I check it before you tour, not after.
08
Most land
The county roads off 21 and 1209
Five to twenty acres of pines and pasture, and the best land value this close to Austin. Verify access easements, road maintenance responsibility, water, and any agricultural exemption status.
For the military family.
Cedar Creek for Veterans and Active Duty
Commute
The airport is the advantage
Camp Mabry is 40 to 55 minutes, and the airport is about 20, which is one of the shortest airport drives on my whole list. For anyone who travels for duty or drills out of state, that is worth real money in time.
Your care
Austin VA clinic is close
The south Austin VA clinic is roughly 30 minutes, which is very workable for a regular appointment schedule and better than most rural options.
Your benefit
VA loans on land, close in
Zero down and no mortgage insurance on acreage this close to Austin is a genuinely rare combination. VA does not cap acreage, and the property still has to meet condition standards. With a 100% disability rating, the low county rate makes the payment very manageable.
