AUSTIN, Texas — Williamson County has been known for having a number of cities named as some of the fastest growing in the country, like Georgetown. Now, more people are moving to the northern area of the county to seek affordability.
“Right off the interstate to the east is Sonterra MUD, or Municipal Utilities District. It’s a largest MUD in Williamson County – has about 15,000 people in it – and that makes it as big as some of our other cities, like Taylor,” said Williamson County Commissioner Russ Boles.
Denise Perry knows all about the growth. She bought a home in Sonterra five years ago, when houses were under the $200,000s. Now, they’re in the $300,000s. She said it’s still more affordable than many other Central Texas cities. Her husband commutes to work in Georgetown.
“We are seeing fewer cows and more houses. Georgetown is pretty expensive. This is – was – more affordable and nicest place you could live,” said Perry.
Boles said affordability is drawing more people to Sonterra.
“They are delivering homes at an affordable price, and that’s pretty attractive to homebuyers,” said Boles.
With all the growth in the Jarrell area, Boles said the county is keeping an eye on the water supply. For MUDs, that’s the developer’s responsibility.
“You see developers looking at variety of options. In that area, we have a water providers such as Jarrell Schwertner,” said Boles. “There is Lonestar Regional, and Jarrell has their own source of water out there.”
Having enough water is always a concern for Perry.
“We also seem kind of in a drought situation,” she said. “It is concerning. They just put a water tower a couple weeks ago.”
County leaders and developers say they are working on water supply and infrastructure to keep with the growth.
Boomtown is KVUE’s series covering the explosive growth in Central Texas. For more Boomtown stories, head to KVUE.com/Boomtown.