If you’re considering a move to the Austin area, the choice of suburb can make or break your experience. It’s not always about finding the cutest downtown or the lowest price tag. Sometimes, it’s about balancing commute times, housing costs, schools, lifestyle, and even taxes to fit your unique needs. Two suburbs near Austin Texas that are exploding in popularity for 2025 are Manor Texas and Georgetown Texas. One is steeped in charm and history, while the other is modern and booming. But which one is the best fit for you? Let’s dive deep into a side-by-side comparison of Manor Texas vs Georgetown Texas, so you can make an informed decision without any sugarcoating.
Table of Contents
- Commute Times & Traffic: Manor TX vs Georgetown TX
- Housing Prices, Property Taxes, and Cost of Living in Manor TX vs Georgetown TX 2025
- Public School Ratings: Manor ISD vs Georgetown ISD
- Manor TX vs Georgetown TX: Lifestyle, Shopping, and Neighborhood Vibes
- Dining and Restaurants in Both Manor TX and Georgetown TX
- Manor TX vs Georgetown TX: Access to Medical Care and Hospitals
- Growth Trends and Future Projections: Manor TX vs Georgetown TX
- Pros and Cons of Living Manor TX vs Georgetown TX
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Final Thoughts
Commute Times & Traffic: Manor TX vs Georgetown TX
We all know the pain of being stuck in traffic, especially on I-35, Austin’s infamous artery. A long, stressful commute can quickly drain the joy out of living in your dream home. So, let’s start with the all-important commute.
Manor Texas is just 12 miles from downtown Austin, making it a prime location for anyone working in the city. It also offers close access to major tech employers like Tesla and Samsung. For commuters, Manor provides access to State Highway 130 and Highway 290, which are excellent alternatives to the congested I-35. This means fewer therapy sessions induced by traffic jams!
On the other hand, Georgetown is scenic and located about 27 miles north of downtown Austin. While the drive offers beautiful views, rush hour traffic can turn what should be a quick trip into a slow crawl. If you’re commuting daily, expect to practice some deep breathing exercises to keep calm. Georgetown doesn’t have strong public transportation options either, so a car is a must regardless of where you live. But when it comes to commute speed, Manor Texas is the clear winner.
Housing Prices, Property Taxes, and Cost of Living in Manor TX vs Georgetown TX 2025
Next up, let’s talk money—because where your dollar stretches the furthest matters immensely.
Georgetown’s overall cost of living is about 12% lower than Manor’s, which might initially make it seem like a better deal. But when you dig into housing prices, the story changes.
Both suburbs have median single-family home prices above the Texas average of $350,000. Manor’s median home price hovers around $360,000, while Georgetown comes in notably higher at about $470,000—a 30% increase. So, while you might save on groceries and gas in Georgetown, the upfront cost of your home is significantly higher.
Taxes are another factor to consider. Manor’s property tax rate is roughly 2.07%, whereas Georgetown’s is lower at 1.53%. Since property taxes are based on your home’s market value, the higher-priced homes in Georgetown might offset the lower tax rate. If you’re budget-conscious, Manor will stretch your dollar further, but Georgetown offers a more subtle tax bite.
Public School Ratings: Manor ISD vs Georgetown ISD
Whether you have kids or are planning to, school quality is a top priority.
Manor ISD serves close to 10,000 students. It’s a diverse and expanding district but currently ranks in the lower half statewide. Niche.com grades Manor ISD a C+. However, the district is actively investing in STEM programs and project-based learning, which shows commitment to growth and improvement.
Georgetown ISD is larger, with over 14,000 students, and consistently scores higher on state assessments. Niche gives Georgetown ISD a B+. With the area’s population boom, Georgetown’s school district is rapidly scaling up, recently breaking ground on its 12th elementary school and fifth middle school. This growth signals that the district is keeping pace with community needs while maintaining quality education.
Manor TX vs Georgetown TX: Lifestyle, Shopping, and Neighborhood Vibes
Now let’s talk about what it’s really like to live in these suburbs beyond homes and schools.
Manor is a quiet bedroom community with more parks and open space than shopping and restaurants. It’s home to farmers markets and eco-friendly neighborhoods like Whisper Valley, known for its sustainability focus. Retail is catching up though—Manor Crossing, a new shopping center anchored by H-E-B, is set to open in November 2025. This will be a game changer for locals, offering more stores, food options, and reducing trips into Austin.
When it comes to groceries, Manor currently has a Super Walmart and local spots like Mr. Jim’s Grocery and Snack Stop. Farmers markets are solid, but if you want specialty stores like Sprouts or Costco, prepare for a 15-20 minute drive.
Georgetown, meanwhile, is a grocery shopper’s paradise with four H-E-B stores (yes, four!), plus Sprouts, Randall’s, Aldi, Costco, and a variety of specialty stores. You’ll never have to rage-drive across town for essentials again.
For nightlife and entertainment, Georgetown offers more options. There’s Lake Georgetown for outdoor fun, boutique shops, art galleries, and seasonal festivals like the Red Poppy Festival. Plus, there’s a skate park, golf courses, live theater, and a packed community calendar. Manor is working on expanding its lifestyle amenities but currently has fewer options, making Georgetown the lifestyle winner.
Hollywood Moments
Both towns have had their moments in the spotlight. Downtown Manor appeared in the movie What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? and even had scenes from Texas Chainsaw Massacre filmed there. Georgetown isn’t far behind, having been featured in Dazed and Confused —earning it the reputation as Austin’s overachieving cousin in film credits.
Dining and Restaurants in Both Manor TX and Georgetown TX
Food lovers, rejoice! Both towns have unique culinary flavors to explore.
Georgetown brings the heat with local favorites like Goodfolks for comfort food and Mikey V’s for scratch-made tacos. Monument Cafe serves hormone-free meats and garden-fresh veggies, and District 6 is a funky sports bar with arcade games, a patio, and burgers that truly satisfy.
Manor keeps it humble but solid. Cafe 290s—a World War II barracks turned diner—is a personal favorite, especially for its chicken fried steak. Los Salsas and Downtown Manor offer authentic Mexican flavors, while Good Luck Grill serves comfort food with a side of front porch charm. Don’t overlook Manor’s growing lineup of food trucks along Highway 290 and FM 973, featuring everything from barbecue to birria.
In terms of variety, Georgetown wins hands down, but Manor’s food scene has heart and some seriously underrated eats.
Manor TX vs Georgetown TX: Access to Medical Care and Hospitals
Medical care is a critical factor, especially in emergencies.
Georgetown is well-equipped with St. David’s Hospital, Baylor Scott & White, and Austin Regional Clinic (ARC) locations throughout the Austin metro area. It even has a family emergency room with themed rooms for kids—a lifesaver when your toddler takes a tumble.
Manor’s medical services are more limited but still include ARC, Baylor Scott & White, and CareNow Urgent Care. A St. David’s emergency center is under construction in Manor, but for now, the closest full-service hospital is about 12 miles away at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center.
If access to full-service hospitals matters most to you, Georgetown is ahead. Manor covers the basics and relies on Austin-area facilities when more advanced care is needed.
Growth Trends and Future Projections: Manor TX vs Georgetown TX
Both suburbs are growing fast, but their growth patterns differ.
Manor has seen explosive growth—56% from 2020 to 2025—and it’s not slowing down. With about 21,000 residents now (including us!), estimates predict the population could more than double to 44,000 by 2030. Manor is the up-and-comer, attracting folks looking for affordable housing near Austin’s tech corridor.
Georgetown is much larger, currently home to 107,000 people and projected to surpass 130,000 by 2030. Its growth is steadier at about 9% per year but very intentional. The city is expanding without losing its small-town charm, making it an excellent choice if you prefer polished improvement over rapid change.
Pros and Cons of Living in Manor TX vs Georgetown TX
Let’s wrap up with a quick recap of the highlights and lowlights so you can decide which suburb fits your lifestyle and budget best.
- Manor: Affordable housing, close proximity to tech jobs, modern green communities focused on sustainability. However, property taxes are higher (around 2.2% of home market value), and lifestyle amenities are still developing.
- Georgetown: Strong schools, rich culture, a vibrant community atmosphere, and plenty of shopping and dining options. The tradeoff is a longer commute and a higher upfront price tag for housing.
It really boils down to speed versus polish, budget versus amenities. What matters most is your unique situation and priorities.
FAQs About Living in Manor TX vs Georgetown TX
Which suburb has a better commute to Austin?
Manor offers a shorter and quicker commute, with access to State Highway 130 and Highway 290, avoiding the worst of I-35 traffic. Georgetown is farther north and experiences longer rush hour delays.
Are schools better in Manor or Georgetown?
Georgetown ISD generally scores higher on state assessments and has a B+ rating from Niche, while Manor ISD is growing and improving but currently ranks lower with a C+ rating.
Which suburb is more affordable?
Manor has a lower median home price (~$360,000) and higher property tax rate (around 2.07%), while Georgetown homes are pricier (~$470,000) but have a lower tax rate (1.53%). Overall cost of living is about 12% lower in Georgetown, but housing costs make Manor more affordable upfront.
What about lifestyle and amenities?
Georgetown offers more shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including multiple H-E-B stores, festivals, and outdoor activities. Manor is quieter with more parks and green spaces but is catching up with new retail developments.
How is medical care access in these suburbs?
Georgetown has multiple full-service hospitals and specialized clinics, including a family emergency room. Manor has urgent care and clinics but relies on hospitals in nearby Austin for full-service care.
Which suburb is growing faster?
Manor is growing rapidly (56% growth from 2020-2025) and is expected to double its population by 2030. Georgetown is larger and growing steadily at about 9% per year, focusing on maintaining its small-town feel.
How can I decide which suburb is right for me?
Consider what matters most: commute time, budget, schools, lifestyle, or amenities. Both suburbs have unique strengths, so weigh your priorities carefully. Consulting with a local expert can provide personalized guidance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Manor Texas and Georgetown Texas isn’t just about picking a place to live—it’s about choosing the lifestyle that suits your family, work, and future. Manor offers affordability, proximity to Austin’s booming tech sector, and growing green communities, but with higher taxes and fewer amenities for now. Georgetown presents a polished, established community with excellent schools, abundant shopping, dining, and culture, but at a higher price and longer commute.
Whatever you decide, being informed is your best tool to avoid costly mistakes and suburban road rage. Remember, the right suburb can save you time, money, and sanity.
And if you’re still torn, our team is happy to help! Whether you’re moving in 10 days or 10 months, book a Zoom call with us. We have the answers you need, whether it's Manor TX real estate or Georgetown TX real estate. Professional guidance can make all the difference in making a confident choice.
Here’s to finding your perfect Austin suburb the Wilson way—with experience, patience, and positivity!
