Round Rock, Texas continues to garner attention as a prime destination, now ranking as one of the best places to live not just in the Southwest, but also in the nation, as per livability standards. According to a new ranking earlier this month by CBS Austin, the city claimed the number three spot among the best places to live in the Southwest. Positioned behind Sugar Land and Frisco, Texas, Round Rock beat out other Arizona contenders such as Gilbert and Chandler.
A collation of data by Livability.com, which surveys small to mid-sized cities with populations ranging from 75,000 to 500,000, propelled Round Rock toward the top of the list. The roundup included diverse factors like the economy, housing, and the important vector of affordability, a rising challenge in today's housing market. "In today’s landscape, where affordability is increasingly challenging, people are prioritizing locations where their money stretches further,” noted Amanda Ellis, editor-in-chief of Livability.com, in a statement obtained by CBS Austin. Round Rock stands out with its combination of lower living and housing costs as compared to many neighboring areas.
Meanwhile, KVUE reports that Round Rock's attributes led to a 'Quality of Life LivScore' of 807 out of 1000 in Livability's national ranking, where economic strength, environmental quality, and the overall cost of housing and living earned high marks. The city is home to prospering businesses such as Ascension Seton Williamson Hospital and Emerson Automation Solutions, offering sunny days and ample outdoor activities in venues like Brushy Creek Lake Park and Old Settlers Park.
Housing is moderately valued here, as the average Round Rock home hovers around $367,000, with property taxes near $3,400. Nevertheless, the city did face lower scores in the areas of safety, amenities, and transportation, posing a contrast to its more favorable indicators. Despite these drawbacks, Round Rock joined other Texan cities such as Frisco and Sugar Land on this prestigious list, honed in on criteria encompassing economy, education, and environment, among other things.
