In our recent video we walked through seven major projects outside of Austin that will reshape where people live, work, and play. If you’re thinking about buying a home in the Austin area, these developments matter: they’re the catalyst for jobs, new amenities, and stronger home values. Below I’ll break each project down, explain what it means for buyers, and show you the timing so you can make an informed move.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Pflugerville – Downtown East (29 acres, $223M)
- Hutto – 1,400-acre industrial mega-site (data centers, advanced manufacturing)
- Manor – Manor Crossing ($100M retail development anchored by H‑E‑B)
- Georgetown – Heirloom (87 acres, walkable mixed‑use, $300M+)
- Taylor – BPP Data Center (three phases, >$1B investment)
- Elgin – Elgin Commons ($200M off Highway 290)
- Round Rock – The District (large-scale mixed-use)
- What this all adds up to
- Timing & strategy for buyers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Next steps
Why these seven projects matter
These seven developments are more than single buildings — they’re identity-defining investments that will remake entire suburbs. From new downtowns and walkable mixed‑use neighborhoods to large-scale job hubs and billion‑dollar data centers, these projects bring city-scale change: new traffic patterns, major infrastructure upgrades, supporting retail and restaurants, and a steady stream of new residents and employees. Many are shovel‑ready or already under way, with key phases and openings expected in the 2025–2026 window.
For buyers that matters in two ways. First, jobs-focused projects (like the Hutto mega‑site and Taylor data center) tend to drive strong, sustained housing demand, while amenity‑first developments (Pflugerville’s Downtown East, Georgetown’s Heirloom, Manor Crossing, Elgin Commons) reframe daily life and attract buyers who want walkability and convenience. Getting in before these projects finish — when prices haven’t fully adjusted — can be a meaningful advantage if you’re comfortable with short‑term construction and a growth‑phase market.
Pflugerville – Downtown East (29 acres, $223M)
Pflugerville’s Downtown East is the city’s largest-ever project and aims to give the suburb a true city center. This $223 million plan covers 29 acres and includes a new city hall, a state-of-the-art recreation center, and a main-street style plaza built for community events, retail, and restaurants.
Why it matters: Think of how The Domain changed North Austin — Downtown East has that same catalyst potential for Pflugerville and the Northeast suburbs. The first phase is already underway with completion expected in 2026, so buyers who move now will be part of the transformation rather than chasing it.
Hutto – 1,400-acre industrial mega-site (data centers, advanced manufacturing)
Just a few miles from Pflugerville, Hutto is planning a 1,400-acre industrial mega-site designed for data centers, advanced manufacturing, and logistics. Major players like Skybox, Prolis, and Titan Development already have projects in the pipeline.
Why it matters: This is a job-first play. When large employers arrive, they don’t just create direct jobs — they spawn waves of indirect positions and attract residents who need housing. The development is shovel-ready. If Hutto follows a growth curve similar to Round Rock when Dell arrived, homeowners who purchase early could see strong appreciation.
Manor – Manor Crossing ($100M retail development anchored by H‑E‑B)
Manor Crossing is a roughly $100 million retail development anchored by a new 101,000 sq. ft. H‑E‑B. The center will include other national retailers and services like Home Depot, TJ Maxx, Burlington, Five Below, Planet Fitness — and yes, the H‑E‑B will include a gas station.
Why it matters: For years Manor residents drove to Pflugerville or Austin for big-box shopping and groceries. A full retail hub changes daily life and signals that a community is shifting from a bedroom suburb to a thriving, self-sufficient town. H‑E‑B is scheduled to open Oct 2025 — coming fast — so buyers moving now can settle before doors open.
Georgetown – Heirloom (87 acres, walkable mixed‑use, $300M+)
Heirloom is an 87-acre, walkable mixed-use community planned for Georgetown. With more than $300 million in investment, the project includes shops, apartments, offices, trails, and green spaces designed to create a lifestyle-oriented neighborhood where residents can walk to dinner or coffee.
Why it matters: This is suburban living redefined. Georgetown is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and developments that prioritize walkability and lifestyle are attracting strong buyer demand. Groundbreaking is expected early 2026, but approvals and momentum are already in place.
Taylor – BPP Data Center (three phases, >$1B investment)
Taylor landed a huge technology investment: the BPP data center project. It’s a three-phase development projected to top $1 billion over the next decade. The city has approved major tax incentives — including a 50% rebate on property taxes for each phase — and the first phase begins in 2025.
Why it matters: While paperwork sometimes lists a small number of direct jobs, data centers bring substantial indirect employment, infrastructure upgrades, and supporting business growth. This project diversifies Taylor’s economy beyond Samsung and places the city firmly on the tech map. Early buyers in Taylor could capture upside as demand for housing and services increases.
Elgin – Elgin Commons ($200M off Highway 290)
Elgin Commons is a $200 million project planned off Highway 290 with hotels, big-box stores, restaurants, and potential multi-family. This development gives Elgin a real commercial front door, delivering the shopping and dining options locals have long traveled for.
Why it matters: With Tesla and Samsung employees in the regional workforce, Elgin is becoming a more viable homebuying option. The first phase is set to open in 2026, and the development signals the city’s arrival as a true Austin suburb rather than a pass-through community.
Round Rock – The District (large-scale mixed-use)
Round Rock continues to build on its reputation as a heavyweight suburb. The District is a major mixed-use project blending retail, office, and industrial space to diversify the local economy beyond Dell. The concept is to create a live-work-play environment where you can grab dinner, head to work, and catch entertainment in one area.
Why it matters: Diversified anchors mean more stability for the local housing market. Round Rock’s ongoing investments, combined with strong schools and medical infrastructure, keep it among the most desirable suburbs in the metro.
What this all adds up to
Together, these seven projects show a clear pattern: suburbs are building identity through city centers, jobs, retail, lifestyle developments, and major tech investments. For buyers that means more choices and improved amenities — and for early movers it often means stronger long-term appreciation.
Timing & strategy for buyers
- Move before completion if you want to capture the most upside — many projects finish between 2025–2026.
- Match your priorities: jobs-focused growth (Hutto, Taylor) vs. amenity/lifestyle (Pflugerville, Georgetown, Manor, Elgin).
- Consider commute, school districts, and short-term construction impacts when selecting neighborhoods.
- Work with a local agent who tracks permit and build timelines so you can buy ahead of price shifts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will prices immediately spike when these projects finish?
Not always immediately — some appreciation happens as construction progresses and tenants/anchors announce openings. The biggest gains tend to occur over several years as supporting retail, restaurants, and rooftops follow.
Which suburb is best if I want jobs nearby?
Hutto and Taylor are focused on job creation (industrial mega-site, large data center). Those are the places to watch for employment-driven demand.
I want walkability and lifestyle — where should I look?
Georgetown’s Heirloom is explicitly built for walkable mixed-use life. Pflugerville’s Downtown East and Round Rock’s The District also focus on creating walkable cores and entertainment options.
How reliable are the timelines?
Timelines are based on current plans and approvals. Projects in the article have expected phases between 2025–2026, but exact dates can shift. Always check the latest local planning and development updates.
Should I wait until the development is finished before buying?
If your priority is being first into a finished community, wait. If your priority is maximizing long-term appreciation, buying before completion can be advantageous — provided you’re comfortable with some construction and growth-phase uncertainty.
Next steps
If you’re planning a move near Austin and want personalized guidance — neighborhoods that match your priorities, school information, and timing strategies — schedule a call so we can walk you through options. We help people move into the Austin suburbs every week, whether that’s in 10 days or 10 months.
Keywords to keep in mind: Austin suburbs, Pflugerville Downtown East, Hutto industrial mega-site, Manor Crossing H‑E‑B, Georgetown Heirloom, Taylor data center, Elgin Commons, Round Rock The District, home values, new jobs, mixed-use development.
