Texas Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Leander, Texas

Population: 3,398

Located in Travis County

The city of Leander lies within the heart of Central Texas and at the edge of the Texas Hill Country. Leander is home to approximately 15,000 people and continues to grow at a rapid pace. An excellent school system, affordable living, progressive government, and the close proximity to a variety of employment options are a few of the valuable attributes to the community.

Close to Nature...
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, provide for exciting recreational opportunities.

Close to Austin...
The City of Leander has a variety of housing to offer as well, with homes for the first time buyer, move-up homes, and executive homes all within the city. Just 5 miles north of Austin on U.S. 183, the City of Leander is located within close proximity to anything your family needs. All of this works together to make Leander the premier place to live in Central Texas. Whether you are a new resident or just passing through, we know you will feel right at home with us in Leander!
For phone numbers you may find useful, see our Helpful Contacts, and Thank You for visiting the City of Leander web page.

The Depression Hits Leander
When the depression hit the population dropped to 200. The schools continued to grow and were consolidated with Pleasant Hill in 1928. After the school burned down in 1938 the district continued growing, consolidating with Round Mountain and Volente in 1938, and then with Nameless. Whitestone joined the district in 1952. The school was still the most important part of the community. Churches provided the social life where many community gatherings were held.

Many young men left to join the war effort during World War Two. The local citizens had to adjust to such things as sugar rationing. They also organized watch groups to report any sightings of enemy aircraft to authorities. During this time traveling shows would set up at Brushy and Willis streets for entertaining the townspeople. Three more churches were established during the 1940s, St. Mary Margaret Catholic Church, Leander Church of Christ, and First Baptist Church of Leander. Many citizens banked at the 1st State Bank of Leander and Barnes & Jones Lumber Company was a well-established business.

During the 1950's the population had risen back up to around 300 people. There were three stores that provided the community with groceries and goods, MacFarland Grocery, The Red and White Store, and Hub Powell's. Housing subdivisions began to develop in the area in the late 1950s and early 1960s. A new high school was built in 1969, but at this time the population was still around 300 people. Many citizens worked in the Austin area with Highway 183 being a major thoroughfare to assist in their commute in to the Austin area. Shopping trips to Austin were common for residents of Leander by this time.

Leander Incorporates
On January 21,1978 the City of Leander was incorporated and Joe Bates was its first mayor. The City was continuing to grow more rapidly. Subdivisions were being developed west of the city were the water and sewer system was available. As the city continued to grow into the 1980s additional schools were being built in the Cedar Park area. The Leander School district was experiencing tremendous growth. A new city hall was established along with some new additions in the old downtown area. With all of this growth, Leander still continued to be mostly a rural community.

With more homes being built in the west part of Leander the population by the 1990s was 3,398. The school district was growing rapidly and built its second High School in Cedar Park. Many businesses such as service shops and fast food establishments began to locate to the Leander area. The Crystal Falls Municipal Golf Course was built and has proven to be one of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the area.

Leander Today
Leander, presently, has a population estimated at 15,000. The Leander Independent School District has grown into the largest school district in Willliamson County and the fastest growing district in the state of Texas. It presently has a total of two high schools, four middle schools and eleven elementary schools. More that 16,787 students are expected for the 2002-2003 school year. It encompasses the cities of Leander, Cedar Park, Jonestown, and parts of Northwest Austin. New businesses are on their way and the residential growth that has been experienced over the past few year's is phenomenal. The long-term water supply is now secure for the city's residents and a newly expanded wastewater treatment plant is on-line. The city continues to expand its roadway network to assist the residents of Leander in traveling into the Austin area.

Many changes have occurred since the little town of Bagdad opposed the building of the railroad and the unwanted disruption of their peaceful lives. The City of Leander continues to grow and prosper and we invite everyone to come and experience our extraordinary hill-country city.

photo and information courtesy of City of Leander