About Star Ranch
Star Ranch is a 1,000-acre master-planned community located in Hutto, Texas, in eastern Williamson County. Development began in 2003, and the community has grown to include single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and multi-family dwellings built by Meritage Homes, Wilshire Homes, Pacesetter Homes, and Clark Wilson Homes. The community is organized around the Golf Club at Star Ranch, a public 18-hole course that stretches 7,030 yards at par 71 with Tif Eagle greens and 62 Kosse white-sand bunkers. The course winds through gently sloping hills, oak tree stands, and ponds, and the 15,000-square-foot clubhouse includes a restaurant, pro shop, locker rooms, a ballroom, and an outdoor pavilion. Homes in Star Ranch range from entry-level floor plans to larger custom-style residences, and the development's scale has supported its own commercial services and community amenities.
Star Ranch straddles two school districts, split along Gattis School Road. Homes south of Gattis School Road fall within Pflugerville Independent School District, and students from that portion attend Dearing Elementary, Park Crest Middle School, and Hendrickson High School. Kelly Lane Middle School also serves a portion of the Pflugerville ISD attendance zone for Star Ranch. Homes on the Williamson County side north of Gattis School Road are in Hutto Independent School District, where students attend Ray Elementary, Farley Middle School, and Hutto High School. The dual-district configuration means buyers should verify their specific school assignments based on their address within the community. Both districts have expanded capacity in recent years to accommodate the growth in eastern Williamson County.
The community amenities at Star Ranch extend beyond the golf course. A community center with a swimming pool, changing rooms, and playground serves residents, and the HOA manages common areas, landscaping, and organized community events. The Villas at Star Ranch, a section of the community, offers patio homes and smaller-footprint residences for buyers who prefer lower-maintenance living. Rushcreek at Star Ranch is an apartment community within the development that provides rental options. State Highway 130, the toll road running north-south through eastern Williamson County, is accessible from the community and connects to Interstate 35, Round Rock, and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. FM 685 runs through the Star Ranch area and connects to Gattis School Road and the broader road network serving Hutto and Pflugerville.
Hutto's economy has grown alongside the city's population expansion from roughly 1,400 in 2000 to over 40,000 by the mid-2020s. Samsung operates a semiconductor fabrication facility approximately five minutes from Star Ranch, and the facility's presence has drawn supporting businesses and workers to the area. Firefly Aerospace, a space launch vehicle company, operates near Hutto as well. The Golf Club at Star Ranch contributes to the local economy through green fees, dining, events, and the wedding and banquet business hosted at the clubhouse. Historic Downtown Hutto, centered around a renovated cotton gin that serves as an event venue, hosts a weekly farmers market and small retail establishments. The Dell Diamond, home to the Round Rock Express Triple-A baseball team affiliated with the Texas Rangers, is located about five miles from Star Ranch and hosts games from April through September in an 8,631-seat stadium.
Living in Star Ranch
Day-to-day life in Star Ranch centers on a suburban community where the golf course, community pool, and neighborhood trail system provide on-site recreation. The HOA maintains common areas and organizes community events that bring residents together across the development's different sections. Grocery shopping and errands are handled at commercial centers along Gattis School Road and in Hutto's expanding retail corridors, where H-E-B, Walmart, and chain restaurants have opened locations to serve the growing population. Round Rock's more extensive retail and dining options along IH-35, including the Round Rock Premium Outlets with 125 stores, are within a 15-minute drive.
Commuters from Star Ranch reach Austin's employment centers via SH-130 to IH-35 or via toll road connections to MoPac and US 183. The drive to downtown Austin takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic, while Round Rock and north Austin tech employers are closer at 15 to 25 minutes. The dual school district configuration requires buyers to confirm their address-specific assignments with either Pflugerville ISD or Hutto ISD. Both districts have invested in new campuses and facility upgrades to keep pace with the area's residential growth. Property tax rates in the Star Ranch area reflect Williamson County levies and whichever school district the property falls within. The community's 1,000-acre footprint supports enough residents to maintain active neighborhood social networks, youth sports participation, and a community calendar that runs throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What school district serves Star Ranch in Hutto?
Star Ranch straddles two districts. Homes south of Gattis School Road are in Pflugerville ISD (Kelly Lane Middle, Hendrickson High). Homes north are in Hutto ISD (Farley Middle, Hutto High).
Is the Star Ranch golf course public?
Yes. The Golf Club at Star Ranch is a public 18-hole course. It offers an all-inclusive package covering green fee, cart, range balls, breakfast, and lunch.
How far is Star Ranch from downtown Austin?
Star Ranch is approximately 30 miles northeast of downtown Austin. Commute times range from 30 to 45 minutes via SH-130 and IH-35.
What builders built homes in Star Ranch?
Star Ranch homes were built by Meritage Homes, Wilshire Homes, Pacesetter Homes, and Clark Wilson Homes starting in 2003. The community includes single-family homes, townhomes, and condos.
What is the Samsung facility near Star Ranch?
Samsung operates a semiconductor fabrication facility approximately five minutes from Star Ranch. The facility is one of the largest employers in the eastern Williamson County area.
Does Star Ranch have community amenities?
Star Ranch has a community center with a swimming pool, changing rooms, and playground managed by the HOA. The Golf Club at Star Ranch includes a 15,000-square-foot clubhouse with a restaurant and event space.
