What to know before visiting one of the most charming cities in Texas

What to know before visiting one of the most charming cities in Texas - Image is of Downtown Bastrop in Bastrop, Texas. Courtesy of Visit Bastrop

30 May 2026


News

A small, charming Central Texas town has quickly become a growing tech hub for business and entertainment outside of Austin.

While the City of Bastrop is known for its historic Southern charm, it has also captured national attention for its ties to Texas resident and billionaire Elon Musk, along with Hollywood filmmaking. Located roughly 33 miles east of Austin, Bastrop has experienced a massive population boom over the past decade due to its proximity to the Capital City, its relative affordability and major company moves like Elon Musk's SpaceX, the Boring Company and X.

In the future, the city will also be home to a major film studio, a $440M data center and a $10 million new hotel as Bastrop continues to attract new visitors and residents alike. Whether you're planning a visit or a move, here's everything you need to know about Bastrop.

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Image courtesy of Visit Bastrop.

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