🌟 Georgetown 2026: What Every Buyer & Seller Should Know

A Local Homeowner’s & Realtor’s Guide to Our Schools, Growth, and What’s Coming Next

Georgetown isn’t just growing — it’s evolving with intention. At the recent Georgetown City Update at 5 Points Board of Realtors, Mayor Josh Schroeder, City Manager David Morgan, and Superintendent Dr. David Padavil shared a detailed look at where we are today and where we’re headed.

As a Georgetown homeowner and local Realtor, I attend these updates so my clients don’t have to dig for the facts. Below is a clear, digestible breakdown of the most important insights for families, investors, and anyone considering a move to our city.

🏫 Georgetown ISD: Academic Momentum & Future‑Ready Students

GISD is experiencing some of its strongest academic gains in years.

📈 Academic Highlights

• 64% of elementary students are reading on or above grade level — a 15‑point jump in one year.
• Math scores are up 11 points mid‑year.
• 86% of parents say their child enjoys school, and 84% say their child feels connected to adults on campus.
• 84% of staff would recommend GISD as a workplace.

These aren’t small improvements — they’re cultural shifts.

🎓 Future-Ready Focus

GISD is preparing students for a rapidly changing workforce:

• 580 industry certifications earned last year across 24 programs
• Programs include health sciences, engineering, aviation, manufacturing, hospitality, and more
• 97.5% graduation rate (well above the state average)
• 2,941 college credit hours earned by students last year

The district’s goal is to create “Swiss Army Knife” graduates — adaptable, skilled, and ready for college, career, or military pathways.

🏗️ New Schools & Facilities: Growth With Caution

GISD is building for the future — but doing it responsibly.

New Campuses Coming

• Frost Elementary – Opened 2025
• Jessie Daniel Ames Elementary – Opening 2027
• S.C. Marshall Middle School – Opening 2027
• High School #4 – Opening 2028

However, due to slowed housing development and high interest rates, GISD made the strategic decision to delay opening two campuses until 2027 to avoid budget deficits.

This is the kind of long‑range planning that protects taxpayers and ensures teacher pay remains competitive.

💰 GISD Budget Realities: What Homeowners Should Know

School districts only have four ways to increase revenue:

1. Enrollment growth
2. Higher attendance
3. More state funding
4. A voter‑approved tax rate increase

With development slowing and state funding stagnant, GISD is exploring a VATRE (Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election) for fall 2026. Even with a potential increase, GISD would remain one of the lowest tax rates in Williamson County.

Teacher pay is a major driver — starting salary is $57,000, just under the Texas minimum living wage of $58,544.

🏙️ City of Georgetown: High Satisfaction, Smart Growth, Big Investments

The City’s 2025 Resident Survey revealed something remarkable:

🌟 90% of residents are satisfied with Georgetown as a place to live.

That’s:

• 35 points above the U.S. average
• 40 points above the Texas average

City services scored significantly higher than state and national averages in 47 out of 49 categories — including police, parks, utilities, and customer service.

The only area residents want improvement?
Traffic flow.
(And the City is tackling that head‑on.)

🚧 Transportation: Nearly Every Major Road Is Being Expanded

If you’ve noticed construction everywhere… you’re not imagining it.

Major Road Projects Completed or Underway

• Westinghouse
• Corridor C (Sam Houston Extension)
• D.B. Wood (multiple phases)
• Southwestern Blvd
• Shell Road
• SE Inner Loop
• Williams Drive Enhancements
• Austin Avenue Bridges
• Leander Road
• Wolf Ranch Parkway
  …and many more.

The City is investing over half of its property tax revenue into transportation — more than any other service category.

This is intentional: Georgetown wants to stay ahead of growth, not chase it.

💧 Water Security: The Biggest Long-Term Win

Water is the defining issue for Central Texas growth.

Georgetown made two major moves:

1️⃣ Selling 60% of its water service territory

This reduces future water demand dramatically and saves hundreds of millions in infrastructure costs.

2️⃣ Securing a long-term groundwater supply

The City signed a term sheet for 34,800 acre-feet per year from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer (Bastrop & Lee Counties).
This ensures Georgetown has the water it needs through 2070 and beyond.

Rates will rise — but now we know why and by how much, instead of guessing.

🏢 Economic Development: Jobs, Commercial Growth & Downtown Awards

Georgetown is becoming a magnet for advanced manufacturing and professional services.

Recent Wins Include:

• Pegatron
• Total Site Solutions
• GAF Solar
• Blueprint Data Centers
• Texas Municipal League HQ relocation

These projects bring:

• $650M in capital investment
• 1,120 new jobs
• 573,000 sq ft of commercial space

Commercial growth is crucial — it expands the tax base without adding strain to police, fire, or schools.

Downtown Georgetown Wins “Best Downtown in Texas” (2025)

The City also opened a new 315‑space parking garage with office space and public art.

🏡 What This Means for Buyers & Sellers

For Buyers

• Georgetown offers top-tier schools, strong city services, and major infrastructure investment.
• Long-term water security makes Georgetown a safer bet than many fast-growing Texas cities.
• New schools and road expansions will continue to boost property values.

For Sellers

• High satisfaction scores and strong economic development make Georgetown extremely attractive to out-of-state buyers.
• Inventory remains tight, and demand for well-located homes is strong.
• Neighborhoods near new schools or road improvements may see accelerated appreciation.

🤝 Thinking About Moving to Georgetown?

As a local homeowner and Realtor who follows city and school planning closely, I help clients understand not just the homes here — but the future of Georgetown.

If you’re considering buying, selling, or relocating to our area, I’d love to be your resource.

📩 Reach out anytime — I’m here to help you make the most informed move possible. 512-921-7002 or amy-mccallister@realtytexas.com