Living in Lockhart, Texas

Lockhart is best known for barbecue, and fair enough, it’s home to some of the most legendary joints in Texas. But this town of 15,000, located about 35 minutes southeast of Austin, has become a serious contender for folks looking to escape the sprawl and noise of the metro without giving up charm, community, or culture. Lockhart is also growing its own independent music scene, mellower than Austin, but cool nonetheless.

It’s one of the few Austin-adjacent towns that still feels authentically small-town Texas. There’s a real downtown with a courthouse square, antique shops, and an active local arts scene. And while you’ll still find cows and wide-open fields on the outskirts, the town is growing fast with an influx of remote workers, creatives, and young families priced out of Austin and San Marcos.

Just be ready for limited big-box retail and a school system that’s improving but not yet elite. Still, Lockhart is increasingly being seen as “the next big small town,” especially for people who value authenticity, affordability, and a strong sense of place.

Life in Lockhart moves at a different pace. People walk around the courthouse square. Kids ride bikes to school. On the weekends, you’ll find a line down the block at Kreuz Market, Black’s, or Smitty’s for brisket. But you’ll also find live music in the park, independent bookstores, and locals debating the best new mural downtown.

For outdoor time, Lockhart State Park offers camping, golf, hiking, and swimming—all within city limits. And the city hosts events year-round, from chili cook-offs to film screenings at the historic Gaslight-Baker Theatre.

If you work remotely, Lockhart’s growing infrastructure (including fiber internet and coworking options) makes it more viable than ever to stay put and stay connected.

Lockhart ISD serves the town and surrounding areas. The district holds a “C+” rating on Niche.com and is making strides to improve academic performance and teacher recruitment. The district’s size allows (requires) strong community involvement and relatively small class sizes.

Standouts include:

Clear Fork Elementary: One of the better-reviewed elementary options that gets A's for the quality of the teachers.

Lockhart Pride High School: A growing high school with career tech programs and strong athletics.

Some families opt for charters or private options in nearby towns, but the public system is very community-driven and improving.