Austin is truly a city with heart and soul. It brims with both
southern tradition and quirky eccentricity. The area is
politically charged and culturally rich. A high-tech, big city
meets a low-key, college town. A city far from ordinary, it’s
the kind of place where you check your worries at the city
limits sign, trade in suits for something a bit more casual
and prepare for experiences you’ll find only in Austin.

Texas Factoids
State name: Texas, from the Native American word tejas,
meaning friends.
State nickname: “The Lone Star State”
State motto: “Friendship”
State song: “Texas, Our Texas”
State tree: Pecan
State flower: Bluebonnet (blooms from late March to
early April)
State dish: Chili
State bird: Mockingbird
Governor: Rick Perry, Republican
Population: About 23,904,380 million
(2007 Estimate by the US Census Bureau)
6 National flags flown over Texas:
Spain (1519-1685; 1690-1821), France (1685-1690),
Mexico (1821-1836), Republic of Texas (1836-1845),
Confederate States of America (1861-1865), United
States of America (1865-present)

Austin Factoids
Area code: 512
Time zone: Central
Founding Date: 1839
Original name:
Waterloo (Capital of the Republic of Texas)
City population: 1,598,161
(2007 Estimate by the US Census Bureau)
Austin regional population:
Over 1.5 million (2008)
Total City of Austin land area:
298.03 sq. mi. (2006)
Mayor: Will Wynn

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County: Travis
County Judge: Samuel T. Biscoe
Average days of sunshine per year: 300
Average temperature: 70° F
Elevation: 125 to 1000 ft. above sea level
Taxes: No corporate income tax, state or local
No personal income tax, state or local
Distance to the Border: It is 225 miles from the Mexican
border. San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas are all within 200
miles of Austin.
Dress: Spring, summer and fall are all suitable for shorts,
short sleeves and light dresses. In winter, a sweater or light
jacket may be needed. A few days of the year during the
colder months may require a heavy coat.
Official slogan: “Live Music Capital of the World”

Surrounding Counties
Williamson, Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Blanco

A Brief History of Austin
1838: Austin was recommended as the site for the new
capital by Mirabeau B. Lamar, Vice President of the young
Republic of Texas. Lamar dreamed that the beautiful area
around Waterloo, a city that once stood on the banks of the
Colorado River, would become “the seat of a future empire.”
As president of the Republic in 1839, Lamar recommended
the site to a congressional commission appointed to pick the
new capital. Despite Sam Houston’s objections, the
commission chose Lamar’s site, now present-day Austin.
1840: Austin population is 856.
1873: Gracy Title Company was established.
1881: Austin public schools admit their first classes.
1882: The cornerstone for Old Main, the first building at UT,
was dedicated Nov. 17. The following September, the first
221 UT students attended class.
1888: The Capitol building was dedicated on May 16.
1893: The Great Granite Dam on the Colorado River is
constructed. This dam would later be replaced by a series
of government-funded dams.
1917: Barton Springs Pool becomes part of the city park,
which would be later known as Zilker Park.
1941: Lake Travis is created by the impounding of the
Colorado River and the completion of Mansfield Dam.
1982: The 360 bridge is erected

Climate and Environment
Austin is located on the Colorado River where the
stream crosses the Balcones escarpment
separating the Texas Hill Country from the Blackland
Prairies to the east. Within the City of Austin,
elevations range from 400 to 1,000 feet above sea
level. The climate is classified as “humid subtropical”
with hot summers, while mild weather prevails
during most of the winter. The coldest low was -2 on
January 31, 1949. Luckily, freezing temperatures
occur only about 25 days per year. Cold spells are
short and seldom last more than two days. While
summer days are hot, summer nights are usually
pleasant. Most of the time, the moderate affects of the
Gulf of Mexico limit daytime highs; however, they also
add higher humidity. Precipitation is fairly evenly
distributed throughout the year. The heaviest
amounts of precipitation occur in May and September.

Local up-to-date weather reports online:
www.news8austin.com/content/weather
www.fox7.com
www.kvue.com
www.keyetv.com/weather
www.kxan.com
www.weather.com

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Population & Diversity
Austin boasts a diverse labor force in its young,
growing and talented population. 46,958 students
were enrolled at the University in Texas Austin in
Spring of 2007. In fact, over one quarter of Austin
holds a Bachelor’s Degree. Almost half the region’s
population is in peak working age; 20-44, which lends
itself to a strong entrepreneurial culture with creative energy.

Population by Age & Sex
(Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area 2006, Estimates by the US
Census Bureau)

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Population by Race & Origin
(Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area 2006, Estimates by the US
Census Bureau)

■White 52%,■Hispnic / Latino 32%, ■black 9%, ■Asian 5.5%,
■Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander .1%,
■American Indian and Alaska Native .7%

Emergency Phone Numbers
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency / Animal Abuse: 311
Fire (non-emergency): 477.5784
Police (non-emergency): 974.5750
Travis County Sheriff (non-emergency): 854.9285
Fire Department Public Information Office: 974.0150

City & State Organizations
City of Austin website
www.ci.austin.tx.us

Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce
www.austinchamber.org / 478.9383

Buda Area Chamber of Commerce
www.budachamber.com / 295.9999

Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce
www.cedarparkchamber.org / 260.7800

Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce
www.drippingspringstx.org / 858.4740

Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce
www.pfchamber.com / 251.7799

Round Rock Chamber of Commerce
www.roundrockchamber.org / 255.5805

Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce
www.laketravischamber.com / 263.5833

San Marcos Chamber of Commerce
www.sanmarcostexas.com / 393.5900

Wimberley Chamber of Commerce
www.wimberley.org / 847.2201

Travis County
www.co.travis.tx.us

Austin Bergstrom International Airport
(Non airline-related)
www.ci.austin.tx.us/austinairport/
530.2242

Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau
www.austintexas.org
474.5171 or 800.926.2282

Texas Workforce Commission
www.twc.state.tx.us

State of Texas
www.window.state.tx.us

The Austin Housing Finance Corporation
www.ci.austin.tx.us / 974.3100

News & Entertainment
Austin American-Statesman
The Austin Newspaper
www.statesman.com

The Austin Chronicle
Austin’s alternative weekly newspaper
www.austinchronicle.com

Austin City Search
Information about entertainment, restaurants, nightlife, etc.
www.austin.citysearch.com

Austin360.com
Information about entertainment, restaurants, nightlife, etc.
www.austin360.com

Austin Business Journal
www.austin.bizjournals.com

Austin City Links
www.austinlinks.com

News/Public Information Office
974.2220

Buda

Buda is a relaxing, friendly town and a great place to live, work,
and visit.
Located just south of Austin on I35, this once quiet railroad
community is becoming one of the fastest growing communities
in Central Texas. However, Buda residents are working hard to
retain that rural atmosphere characteristic of our heritage. Main
Street has retained its “old time” look and Buda is well known
for its antique downtown shopping in the original buildings. With
both a rich historical heritage and quality, well planned growth,
Buda combines the best of the past, the present, and the future.

City Factoids
Area Code: 512
Population: 5,595
(2007 Estimate by the US Census Bureau)
County: Hays
Mayor: Bobby Lane
City Slogan: Outdoor capital of the world.

 

Attractions
Antique Row
A collection of stores and businesses that run along the
historic Main Street in downtown Buda.
The Gazebo
The centerpiece of the greenbelt

Old Stagecoach Property and Post Office
These late 1800’s structures sit along the 50 acre park that
is a gathering place for many of Buda’s residents.

Events
The Buda Fine Arts Festival
295.2022
BudaFest
Downtown Buda / 694.3413
Wiener Dog Races
www.budalionsclub.com / 295.3158
Red White and Buda
295.9999

Education
Hays Consolidated Independent School District
www.hayscisd.net / 268.2141

Important Phone Numbers
Electric
Pedernales Electric / 888.554.4732
Water
City of Buda / 295.8845
Gas
Center Point Energy / 800.427.7142
Telephone
Verizon / 800.483.4000
Cable & Internet
Time Warner / 800.418.8848
Police Non-Emergency / 393.7896
Fire Dept. Non-Emergency / 295.2232

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Cedar Park

Cedar Park, a popular place to live, work and raise families.
Located only 17 miles from the heart of downtown Austin, Cedar
Park offers all the amenities of a major metropolitan area but is
far enough away to offer the relaxed life style that is in keeping
with a family oriented community. One of the advantages of
living in Cedar Park and central Texas is that there is just so
much to do and so much to enjoy.

City Factoids
Area Code: 512
Population: 58,099
(2007 Estimate by the US Census Bureau)
County: Williamson
Mayor: Bob Lemon

Attractions
Austin Steam Train
Escape from the 21st Century and relax with us on a ride
through the American railroading romantic past. Let the rivers
and ranches of the Hill Country, or the historic neighborhoods
and lush parks of Austin, slip by your window as your family and
friends share the delights of an adventure on Central Texas’ very
own vintage passenger train!
www.austinsteamtrain.org / 477.8468

Avery Ranch Golf Courses
www.averyranchgolf.com / 524.2442
Twin Creeks Country Club Golf Courses
http://www.twincreeksaustin.com/golf.asp

Events
Cave Day
www.texascaves.org

Education
Leander Independent School District
www.leanderisd.org / 434.5000
Summit Christian Academy
2121 Cypress Creek Road
www.summiteagles.org / 250.1369
Good Shepherd Elementary School
700 W. Whitestone Blvd.
258.7602
Hilltop Christian Academy
1150 South Bell Blvd
258.0080

Important Phone Numbers
Electric
Pedernales Electric / 888.554.4732
Water
City of Cedar Park / 258.6651
Gas
ATMOS / 800.460.3030
Telephone
SBC / 800.464.7928
Cable & Internet
Time Warner / 800.418.8848
Police Non-Emergency
259.3600
Fire Dept. Non-Emergency
401.5220

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Dripping Springs

A small, slow-paced and welcoming city with beautiful scenery.
Dripping Springs offers you a true blend of hill country living with
all the benefits of a cosmopolitan city at your doorstep. Dripping
Springs is home to numerous artists, skilled craftsmen, organic
produce and exotic animal farms. Still largely agricultural,
Dripping Springs is a fast-growing community that is attractive
because of its top rated schools, small town atmosphere and
close proximity to both Austin and San Antonio. Dripping Springs
remains a close knit community where you can create a lifestyle
that promotes personal, professional and spiritual growth

City Factoids
Area Code: 512
Population: 1,772
(2007 Estimate by the US Census Bureau)
County: Hays
Mayor: Todd Purcell
City Slogan: “Gateway to the Texas Hill Country”

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Attractions
Dr. Pound Pioneer Homestead Historical Museum
858.4547
Hamilton Pool
30 miles southwest of Austin
264-2740

Events
Founders Day
July, 7th
www.foundersdayfestival.com
Thirsty Thursdays
Free performances by area musicians, songwriters,
poets and storytellers.
New Life Lutheran Church / 894.0155
Harvest of the Arts
September 20th
Pound House Museum

Education
Dripping Springs ISD
www.dripping-springs.txed.net / 858.4905
Dripping Springs Christian Academy: K-12
www.drippingspringschristianacademy.com / 858.9738

Important Phone Numbers
Electric
Pedernales Electric / 858.5611
Water
DS Water Supply Corp. / 858.7897
LCRA / 397.6766
Trash Service
I.S.W. / 804.2984
Gas
Texas Gas Service / 800.700.2443
Telephone
Verizon / 800.483.3000
Cable & Internet
Time Warner / 800.485.5555
Hays County Sheriff Dept.
Non-Emergency / 396.6166
North Hays County Fire Dept.
Non-Emergency / 858.4600

Georgetown

Georgetown is considered one of the prettiest cities in
Williamson County.
Located 26 miles north of the state’s capital, Georgetown is a
great place to enjoy a walk along the bank of the San Gabriel
River or play a round of golf on one of the five local courses.
Mountain biking trails around Lake Georgetown lead riders to
the edge of the famous Texas Hill Country. Georgetown’s
annual food and arts festivals, independently-owned
restaurants, rodeo, and nearby wineries are enough to keep
residents close to home with plenty of fun things to do.

City Factoids
Area Code: 512
Population: 46,867
(2007 Estimate by the US Census Bureau)
County: Williamson
Mayor: Gary Nelon

Attractions
Georgetown Firefighters Museum
930.3473
Historic Georgetown
101 W. Seventh St. / (800) 436.8696
Inner Space Cavern
Exit 259 off I-35 a half mile south of Downtown Georgetown
www.innerspace.com / 931.2283
Williamson County Historical Museum
www.wchm-tx.org / 943.1670

Events
2nd Saturday Market Days
Georgetown Square
www.downtowngeorgetownassociation.org / 868.8675
Williamson County Sheriff Posse Rodeo
San Gabriel Park
www.georgetownrodeo.com / 636.6477
Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival
April 13th
San Gabriel Park
www.texaswineandfood.org / 249.6300
Red Poppy Festival
April 26th - 27th
Downtown Square
www.redpoppyfestival.com / 930.3545
A Taste of Georgetown (October)
Embark on a culinary journey at A Taste of Georgetown.
Local restaurants and caterers along with regional wineries
are all in the spotlight under starry skies! Water Plaza,
Wolf Ranch Town Center / 868.8675

Education
Southwestern University
www.southwestern.edu / 863.6511
Georgetown Independent School District
www.georgetownisd.org / 943.5000

Important Phone Numbers
Electric
City of Georgetown Utility / 930.3640
Georgetown Utility Systems / 930.3555
Water
City of Georgetown Utility / 930.3640
Gas
TXU Electric & Gas / 800.460.3030
Telephone
Verizon / 868.1927
Cable & Internet
Suddenlink / 930.3085
Grande Communications / 220.4010
Police Non-Emergency
930.3510
Fire Dept. Non-Emergency
930.3473

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Kyle

A quaint, quickly growing community, vibrant with development.
Kyle has recently become a booming community and home to
thousands of citizens. Straddling I-35, eight miles north of San
Marcos and 20 miles south of Austin, Kyle is the second largest
city in Hays County. Kyle enjoys a south central location
convenient to most major population centers in Texas. With a
strategic location close to major highways, airports and rail, Kyle
is a great community to live and conduct business.

City Factoids
Area Code: 512
Population: 23,905
(2007 Estimate by the US Census Bureau)
County: Hays
Mayor: Miguel Gonzalez

 

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Attractions
Claiborne Kyle Log House / 396.8489
Plum Creek Golf Course / 262.5555
The Kyle Hanging Tree
Highlighted in the book Famous Trees of Texas
Katherine Ann Porter House
Great American writer and Pulitzer Prize winner
The Blanco River

Events
Kyle Market Days
First Sat. of the Month April to November
Kyle Kite Fest
Gregg-Clark Park / Apr. 30th
Independence Day Celebration
Gregg-Clark Park / July 4th
Kyle Fair and Music Festival
Gregg-Clark Park / October 16th - 19th

Education
Hays Consolidated Independent School District
www.hayscisd.net / 268.2141

Important Phone Numbers
Electric
Pedernales Electric / 262.2161
Water
Tecon / 335.7580
Goforth / 376.5695
Aquatexas / 670.7625
County Line Water / 398.4748
Gas
Center Point Energy / 392.6672
Cable & Internet
Time Warner / 805.2555
Telephone
Verizon / 800.483.3000
Police Non-Emergency / 268.3232
Fire Dept. Non-Emergency / 268.3131

 

Leander

An excellent school system, affordable living, progressive
government, and an array of recreational opportunities.
Leander lies within the heart of Central Texas and at the edge of
the Texas Hill Country. Beautiful lakes, rolling hills, and an
exceptionally stunning municipal golf course which is
surrounded by the hills and nature, including deer and turkey
that run freely.

City Factoids
Area Code: 512
Population: 23,523
(2007 Estimate by the US Census Bureau)
County: Williamson
Mayor: John Cowman

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Attractions
Crystal Falls Golf Course
www.crystalfallsgolf.com / 259.8555
Way Off Broadway
Live Theatre / 336.8966

Events
Leander Parks & Recreation operates several parks which
offer recreational activities for the entire family. The Parks
Department also hosts special events such as Concert
Series in the Park, Movies at the Park, Spring
Egg-Stravaganza, swimming lessons, softball leagues,
Liberty Fest and many other programs for fun family outings.
Contact the Parks Department for more info.: 528.9909

Education
Cornerstone Christian School: Pre-K-12
259.4416
Leander Independent School District
www.leanderisd.org / 434.5000
Lifesprings Academy: K-11
515.5591

Important Phone Numbers
Electric
Pedernales Electric / 262.2161
Water
City of Leander / 943.1100
Gas
ATMOS / 800.460.3030
Telephone
SBC / 800.464.7928
Cable & Internet
COX Communications / 930.3085
Time Warner / 800.418.8848
Police Non-Emergency / 528.2800
Fire Dept. Non-Emergency / 528.2856

 

Round Rock

Considered one of the best managed cities in Texas.
Only fifteen miles north of Austin in the Central Texas hill
country, Round Rock is one of the fastest growing cities in
Texas. The city has maintained high quality of life while
becoming a major center for economic development in Central
Texas. Renowned for its award-winning master plan, park
system and school district, as well as for having some of the
lowest crime, property tax and utility rates in Texas, Round Rock
is a great place to live and work.

City Factoids
Area Code: 512
Population: 96,992
(2007 Estimate by the US Census Bureau)
County: Williamson
Mayor: Nyle Maxwell
City Slogan: Purpose, Passion, Prosperity.

Attractions
Dell Diamond
This baseball diamond is home to the Houston
Astros AA affiliate team, the Round Rock Express.
www.roundrockexpress.com / 255.2255
The Chisholm Trail
San Bass Road South to RM 620
218.7094

Rock’N River Family Aquatic Center
Old Settlers Park
671.2737
Round Rock Ghost Tours
An informative walking tour through downtown.
www.roundrockghosts.com / 314.5070
Round Rock Premium Outlets
Find great savings at your favorite stores
all in one convenient outdoor location.
www.premiumoutlets.com / 863.6688
Round Rock Roller Rink
15501 N. RM 620 / 218.0103
Teravista Golf Club
www.teravistagolf.com / 651.9850

Events
Round Rock Express
Baseball games scheduled all season.
www.rrexpress.com / 255.2255

Education
Round Rock Independent School District
www.roundrockisd.org / 464.5010
Zion Lutheran School: PK-8
863.5345
St. Helen Catholic School: PK-5
868.0744
Round Rock Christian Academy: 6-12
255.4491

Important Phone Numbers
Electric
TXU Energy / 800.242.9113
Water
City of Round Rock / 218.5460
Gas
ATMOS / 800.460.3030
Telephone
SBC / 800.464.7928
Cable & Internet
Time Warner Cable / 485.5555
Police Non-Emergency / 218.5500
Fire Dept. Non-Emergency / 218.5590

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San Marcos

San Marcos is filled with small town charm, big time shopping
and everything else under the sun.
Located south of Austin, San Marcos is a great place to live or
attend school. The city has wonderful places to stay, and some
of the best shopping in Texas. The spring fed San Marcos River
provides a refreshing playground for swimming, canoeing, and
tubing. From a relaxing dip in the San Marcos River or a
challenging class load at Texas State University, San Marcos
has something to offer people of all walks of life.

City Factoids
Area Code: 512
Population: 50,373
(2007 Estimate by the US Census Bureau)
County: Hays
Mayor: Susan Lea Clifford Narvaiz
City Slogan: A Texas Natural

Attractions
Aquarena Center
245.7570
Historic Main Street
A development program designated to capitalize on the unique
character of the downtown commercial district.

LBJ Museum
www.lbjmuseum.com / 353.3300
Prime Outlets San Marcos
www.primeoutlets.com / 396.2200
Tanger Outlet Center
www.tangeroutlet.com / 396.7446
Tubing on the San Marcos River
Wonderworld
392.3760
www.wonderworldpark.com

Education
Texas State University
www.txstate.edu / 245.2111
San Marcos Independent School District
www.san-marcos.isd.tenet.edu / 393.6700
Hill Country Christian School: PK-12
353.8976
San Marcos Baptist Academy: 7-12
753.8041
San Marcos Adventist Junior Academy: K-12
392.7475
San Marcos Center School: 6-12
396.8500

Important Phone Numbers
Electric
City of San Marcos Electric Utility / 393.8301
Bluebonnet Electric / 800.949.4414
Pedernales Electric Co-op / 262.2161
Water
City of San Marcos Utility / 393.8301
Gas
Center Point Gas Company / 392.6672
Telephone / Cable & Internet
CenturyTel / 754.5699
Time Warner Cable / 805.2555
Grande Communications / 878.4880
Police Non-Emergency / 753.2108
Fire Dept. Non-Emergency / 393.8460

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Wimberley

A picturesque and friendly village surrounded by the rolling hills
of the Texas landscape.
Established in 1848, the picturesque village is a close knit
community located on R.M.12 north of San Marcos. Visitors are
entranced by cool, shady pools beneath towering cypress trees,
frothy cascades on the Blanco River and sparkling Cypress
Creek, green meadows and majestic hills, and abundant white-
tailed deer.

City Factoids
Area Code: 512
Population: 3,797
County: Hays
Mayor: Tom Hayley

Attractions
7A Ranch Resort
www.7aresort.com / 847.2517
Bella Vista Ranch
A commercially producing olive grove and olive mill
847.6514
Camping along the Blanco River
Corral Theatre
www.corraltheatre.com / 847.5994

 

Old Town Plaza
A big draw for shoppers
Wimberley Glass Works
www.wgw.com / 800.929.6686

Events
Butterfly Festival
Third Saturday in April / Emily Ann Theatre
Wimberley EMS Annual Rubber Duck Race
May 17th / Blue Hole Park / 847.2526
Market Day
1st Sat. of every month April - Dec.
Lions Field

Education
Wimberley Independent School District
www.wimberley.txed.net / 847.2414
St. Stephens School: 6-12
www.sstx.org / 847.9857

Important Phone Numbers
Electric
Pedernales Electric / 888.554.4732
Water
Wimberley Water Department / 847.2323
Aquasource Water Service / 847.2972
Gas
Center Point Energy / 392.6672
Telephone
Anvil Communications / 866.352.2693
Verizon / 800.483.4000
Cable & Internet
Time Warner / 800.418.8848
Hays County Sheriff Dept.
Non-Emergency / 393.7896
Fire Dept.
Non-Emergency / 847.2345

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