Market Overview for Bastrop
There are 54 active listings in Bastrop with a median list price of $335K and a median sold price of $306K.
Homes average 89 days on market.
Most homes that closed in the last 90 days sold in the $300K-$500K range (67% of 30 closings), taking a median 27 days to go under contract; 3% of closings were $500K or more.
Over the past 30 days, 7 homes have sold, with 106 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $184.
About Bastrop
Bastrop is a city of approximately 14,000 residents and the county seat of Bastrop County, located about 30 miles southeast of downtown Austin along State Highway 71 at the crossing of the Colorado River. The city sits at the western edge of the Lost Pines, an isolated stand of loblolly pine forest separated from the main East Texas Piney Woods by roughly 100 miles of post-oak savanna and Blackland Prairie. Elevations in the area run from about 370 feet along the river bottoms to 500 feet on the surrounding sandy hills. The Colorado River bisects the city, with the historic downtown on the north bank and residential areas spreading in all directions.
Bastrop's housing market offers a range of options, from historic homes in the downtown area starting around $200,000 to properties in newer communities like the Colony, Piney Creek Bend, and Tahitian Village ranging from $250,000 to $500,000 or more. The median home price sits around $310,000. Tahitian Village, a large residential area south of town, was originally platted as a lakeside and weekend-home development in the 1960s and contains a mix of permanent residences and weekend getaways. The 2011 Bastrop County Complex wildfire destroyed over 1,600 homes in the area, and rebuilding and new development have gradually filled in many of the affected lots.
Bastrop ISD serves the city and surrounding area, enrolling approximately 13,453 students across 17 campuses, including eight elementary schools, four middle schools, and four high schools. The district has invested in career and technical education programs, and Cedar Creek High School serves students in the eastern portion of the county. Higher education options include an Austin Community College location in Bastrop and proximity to Austin's universities via SH-71, which provides a 30-to-40-minute drive to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and the southeast Austin area.
The local economy includes government services (as the county seat), healthcare, retail, tourism, and a growing creative sector. Main Street in downtown Bastrop has undergone revitalization, with galleries, restaurants, breweries, and boutiques occupying restored historic buildings. Bastrop State Park, which lost much of its pine forest canopy in the 2011 fire, has been replanted and continues to offer hiking, fishing, and camping. The park connects to Buescher State Park via a scenic 12-mile road through the Lost Pines. SH-71 and SH-21 provide highway connectivity, and the Colorado River supports kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Annual events include the Bastrop Patriotic Festival on the Fourth of July and the Lost Pines Christmas celebration.
Living in Bastrop
Bastrop's population has a median household income of approximately $55,000, with employment distributed across county government, healthcare, education, retail, and a growing number of remote workers. The median age is around 35. About 25% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The community has a blend of longtime residents with deep ties to the area and newer arrivals from Austin seeking more affordable housing and a small-town feel.
Daily life in Bastrop revolves around the historic downtown, the river, and the Lost Pines landscape. The Colorado River runs through the center of town, with Fisherman's Park providing a popular put-in point for kayaking and canoeing. Downtown Main Street hosts restaurants, the Bastrop Opera House (which stages live theater productions), and shops. Grocery shopping is handled by H-E-B on SH-71 and a Walmart on the east side of town. Bastrop State Park offers hiking and swimming in a pine-forested setting. The Bastrop Public Library on Main Street serves as a community hub, and the weekly Bastrop 1832 Farmers Market runs on Saturdays during the growing season. High school sports, river festivals, and Main Street events provide regular gathering opportunities throughout the year.
Things to Do in Bastrop
- Bastrop State Park: 6,000-acre park in the Lost Pines with 8.5 miles of hiking trails, CCC-built stone cabins (12 available for overnight rental), a swimming pool, fishing pond, and an 18-hole golf course.
- Colorado River Paddling: The Colorado River runs through Bastrop with free kayak and canoe access at Fisherman's Park. Local outfitters offer guided trips and rentals for 2-4 hour float trips downstream.
- Historic Downtown Main Street: Six blocks of historic storefronts dating to the 1850s housing restaurants, art galleries, antique shops, and the Bastrop Opera House community theater.
- McKinney Roughs Nature Park: LCRA-operated 1,100-acre nature park along the Colorado River with 18 miles of trails, zip lines, kayaking, and overnight camping in screened shelters.
- Bastrop Brewhouse: Craft brewery on Chestnut Street in downtown Bastrop producing seasonal ales and lagers, with a taproom, outdoor beer garden, and live music on weekends.
Major Employers in Bastrop
- Bastrop ISD (Education): The school district employs approximately 900 staff across 17 campuses and is the largest employer within the Bastrop city limits.
- Bastrop County (Government): County government operations including the courthouse, sheriff's office, and county services employ approximately 400 workers in Bastrop.
- Tesla Gigafactory Texas (Automotive Manufacturing): Electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facility on the eastern outskirts of Bastrop County
- Bastrop Federal Correctional Institution (Federal Government): Federal Bureau of Prisons minimum-security facility on SH-95 north of Bastrop employing approximately 200 correctional and administrative staff.
Bastrop Schools
Bastrop is served by Bastrop ISD. Based on MLS listing data, homes attend Mina Elementary, Emile Elementary, Colony Oaks Elementary, Bluebonnet Elementary (Bastrop ISD), Bastrop Middle School.
School District: Bastrop ISD
Public Schools
Pre-Schools
- Bastrop Community Learning Center - Nonprofit early learning center on Farm Street serving low-income households with Head Start and pre-K programs for ages 3-5.
- Creative World School - Bastrop - Child care center on SH-71 enrolling infants through school-age children with structured learning stations and outdoor play areas.
Private Schools
- Calvary Episcopal School - Episcopal school in Bastrop serving approximately 80 students with small class sizes of 8-12 and a classical curriculum integrated with outdoor education.
- Lost Pines Christian Academy - Christian school serving approximately 60 students with Bible-integrated academics and family-style multi-grade classrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average home price in Bastrop TX?
The median home price in Bastrop is approximately $310K. Older homes near downtown start around $175K, while new construction in The Colony and other developments ranges from $300K to $600K. Rural acreage tracts list from $350K to $700K.
How far is Bastrop from Austin?
Bastrop is 30 miles southeast of Austin via SH-71. The drive takes 30-40 minutes to downtown Austin. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is only 20 minutes west on SH-71, making Bastrop convenient for air travelers.
What happened in the Bastrop fires?
The 2011 Bastrop County Complex fire burned 34,000 acres and destroyed 1,691 homes, making it the most destructive wildfire in Texas history at that time. Bastrop State Park lost 96% of its loblolly pines, which have been slowly regenerating since.
What is the Lost Pines?
The Lost Pines is an isolated stand of loblolly pine forest separated from the East Texas Piney Woods by approximately 100 miles of blackland prairie. The area covers roughly 70 square miles around Bastrop and supports unique ecosystems including the endangered Houston toad.
Is Bastrop growing because of Tesla?
Tesla's Gigafactory is located approximately 15 miles west of Bastrop in southeast Austin, driving housing demand and population growth in Bastrop County, with new master-planned communities like The Colony responding to increased demand.
What school district is Bastrop in?
Bastrop is primarily served by Bastrop ISD, which has approximately 13,453 students across 17 campuses. Cedar Creek High School and Cedar Creek Middle School, west of Bastrop, are Bastrop ISD campuses. The district offers CTE programs and compete in UIL athletics.
