Living in Bastrop vs. Smithville, TX: What’s It Really Like?
If you’re thinking about moving out to this part of Central Texas and can’t decide between Bastrop and Smithville, you’re not alone. These two towns sit just 15 minutes apart, but they each have their own vibe, pace, and pros and cons. As someone who lives, works, and plays in this area, I wanted to break it down in real-talk fashion—what it’s actually like to live in Bastrop vs. Smithville, Texas.
Let’s start with the basics...
Population and Size
Bastrop is the bigger sibling. With a population around 10,000 and growing, Bastrop has seen a surge in development in the last 10 years. New neighborhoods, big-box stores, and the ever-expanding Highway 71 corridor are pulling in families, retirees, and folks looking to escape Austin prices without losing all the amenities.
Smithville, on the other hand, is smaller—closer to 4,000 people. It’s quieter, sleepier, and hasn’t had quite the same growth. That said, it’s got a super charming historic district, a tighter-knit community feel, and just enough going on to keep life interesting without the hustle.
Vibe Check: The Feel of Each Town
Bastrop feels like a small city. You’ve got H-E-B, Buc-ee’s, Home Depot, Chick-fil-A, and tons of new developments like Colony Riverside, Pecan Park, and Piney Creek Bend. There are new schools popping up, movie theaters, breweries, and a lot of master-planned communities pulling in people from Austin, Houston, and out of state. It’s still got a country feel in places, but it’s definitely more suburban now than rural.
Smithville feels like an old-school Texas town. Think historic homes, downtown shops that close at 5, and neighbors who actually wave when you drive by. There’s a bit of an artsy, creative vibe here too—probably because of its film history and the quirky crowd it attracts. You’ll find musicians, writers, antique shop owners, and some lifelong locals who’ve been here for generations.
Cost of Living and Housing
Here’s where things get interesting. Smithville is generally more affordable than Bastrop. You can still find homes under $250K if you’re not super picky, and even the newer builds tend to come in a little cheaper than Bastrop. But—there’s a catch. Inventory in Smithville is tight. It’s a small town, so there just aren’t that many homes on the market at any given time.
Bastrop has more options, but prices are creeping up. New builds in neighborhoods like The Colony can range from the high $200Ks into the $500Ks. Want land? You’ll pay for it. That said, there’s a much wider variety of housing—new construction, older ranch homes, and even a few custom luxury builds tucked into the hills.
Commute and Location
If you’re working in Austin (or anywhere west), Bastrop wins for commute convenience. It’s right on Highway 71, and you can be in Austin city limits in about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. Tesla, the airport, and the new developments in southeast Austin are all within easy reach.
Smithville is further out, and while it’s only 15 minutes from Bastrop, you’re looking at 50–60 minutes to Austin. It’s doable, but not ideal for daily commuting unless you’re used to long drives and rural highways.
That said, Smithville is closer to La Grange, Flatonia, and the I-10 corridor, so if you’ve got connections to Houston or the southeast part of the state, that might be a win.
Schools
Both towns are served by their own independent school districts—Bastrop ISD and Smithville ISD. Bastrop has more schools and more variety, including newer facilities. Smithville has smaller class sizes and a very community-driven feel.
If you're raising kids and want a bigger school district with more programs, Bastrop may have the edge. But if you're looking for a close-knit campus and a small-town education experience, Smithville ISD delivers.
Things to Do: Food, Fun, and Local Life
Here’s the thing: Bastrop has more options, hands down. Restaurants, shopping, movie theaters, local events, you name it. You’ve got your classic chains, but also gems like Southside Market BBQ, Neighbor’s Kitchen & Yard, and Stem & Stone wine bar.
There’s also Bastrop State Park, which is great for hiking, biking, camping, or just getting your nature fix without driving far. And the Colorado River cuts right through town—so paddleboarding and kayaking are part of the lifestyle here.
Smithville is smaller but full of heart. You’ve got places like Comfort Cafe (amazing breakfast and a great cause), Honey’s Pizza, and Olde World Bakery. It’s the kind of place where you’ll know your favorite waitress by name within a few weeks. The town also throws some fun seasonal events—think parades, small-town festivals, and quirky local gatherings.
Bonus? Film buffs will love Smithville. “Hope Floats” was filmed here, and you’ll see little nods to its movie history all around town.
Growth, Development, and Future Potential
Bastrop is booming. There’s no way around it. It’s on the radar now for major developers, and projects like Bastrop 552 (the film studio project), the SpaceX influence nearby, and continued growth along the 71 corridor mean it’s only going to get busier. That’s great if you’re looking for investment potential or plan to sell down the road.
Smithville is slower paced. That’s part of its charm. It’s growing, sure—but it’s doing it on its own terms. There are some new builds popping up, and the city is investing in infrastructure, but you’re not going to see the same level of explosive development.
So if you want in before it gets discovered, Smithville might be your chance to get ahead of the curve.
Community and Culture
This is where the choice really comes down to personal preference.
Bastrop feels more diverse and fast-paced, with new people moving in from all over. It’s still got a strong sense of Texas pride, but it’s starting to feel a bit more like the outskirts of Austin. If you like energy, newness, and lots of change, Bastrop’s your place.
Smithville is like stepping back in time (in a good way). The downtown is walkable and lined with vintage shops, murals, and art galleries. You’ll see everyone at the football games, local events, and farmer’s market. It’s quiet, close, and a little quirky.
Final Thoughts: Bastrop or Smithville?
So, which one is better—Bastrop or Smithville?
It honestly depends on your lifestyle.
Choose Bastrop if:
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You want access to more amenities.
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You need a shorter commute to Austin or Tesla.
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You’re looking for a wider range of home types and price points.
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You like being part of a growing, changing city.
Choose Smithville if:
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You want a slower pace and tighter community.
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You’re craving character, history, and charm.
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You don’t mind a longer commute or fewer stores.
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You want small-town Texas with a twist of artsy charm.
At the end of the day, they’re both great towns—with two totally different personalities. Bastrop is like the big brother heading off to college and taking on the world. Smithville is the old soul staying home and tending the family land. Both are beautiful in their own way. Just depends on what you’re looking for.
Ready to finance the purchase of land or a home in Bastrop or Smithville, check out this interview with Brittany Rodger of Frontier Bank
If you’re still torn, shoot me a message. I work with buyers in both towns and would love to help you figure out which spot is right for you. And if you want to check out a few listings in each, I’ve got you covered. 512.998.1957 [email protected]
