If you are hunting for the best Austin suburb for families, you probably want a place that balances small-town charm with easy access to city life. The Colony in Bastrop delivers that mix: affordable homes near Austin, abundant amenities, and a layout designed for families of every size. I spend a lot of time exploring neighborhoods around Austin and The Colony deserves serious consideration when you are deciding where to plant roots.
The Colony sits just outside of Bastrop proper and offers everything from gated estates on acre-plus plots to newer master plan sections with thoughtfully designed lots. It is the kind of neighborhood families pick when they want the best Austin suburb for families without paying premium Austin prices.
Table of Contents
- What is The Colony in Bastrop, TX?
- Why The Colony in Bastrop Is One of the Best Austin Suburbs for Families
- Homes and Builders in The Colony Bastrop: What to Expect
- Inside a Westin Homes Model in The Colony in Bastrop
- Schools Near The Colony in Bastrop TX
- Home Prices in The Colony Bastrop
- Who Should Consider Moving to The Colony in Bastrop
- Practical Tips for Touring and Buying in The Colony Bastrop
- FAQs About Living in The Colony Bastrop TX
- Final thoughts
What is The Colony in Bastrop, TX?
The Colony is a large, mixed product neighborhood roughly five miles from downtown Bastrop. It blends old and new: gated sections with sprawling acre lots, mid 2000s custom homes, and newer master plan parcels with contemporary floor plans. If you are searching for the best Austin suburb for families, The Colony merits a spot near the top of your list because it gives you options across price, size, and lifestyle.
Bastrop itself feels like classic small-town Texas — historic downtown streets, a river running through town, and a calendar full of festivals. For families who want outdoor recreation and a tight-knit community vibe but need to commute occasionally to Austin or the airport, The Colony is a sweet spot.
Why The Colony in Bastrop Is One of the Best Austin Suburbs for Families
Here are the core reasons The Colony often shows up as the best Austin suburb for families in real conversations:
- Variety of home styles — from oversized custom homes on one to two acre lots to practical new-construction family homes.
- Master-plan amenities — multiple amenity centers, pools, playgrounds, trails, and fishing ponds that make family life easier and more fun.
- Small-town downtown — Bastrop’s downtown, with local cafes and shops, is within easy reach for weekend strolls, river time, and community events.
- Affordability — compared with Austin proper, you can find much larger homes for the price, making it attractive for families who want space without compromise.
For many parents, the question is simple: where can I get the most house, the best community amenities, and reasonable commute times? The Colony checks those boxes. That is why I say The Colony should be on your radar if you're weighing the best Austin suburb for families.
Homes and Builders in The Colony Bastrop: What to Expect
If you are looking for affordable homes near Austin and want a reputable builder, The Colony hosts several recognizable names. Builders active in the neighborhood include Westin Homes, David Weekley, Perry Homes, and Ashton Woods. They offer a range of floor plans from four-bedroom homes with media rooms to five-bedroom homes with three-car garages.
Because multiple builders are building here, you can compare floor plans and finishes side by side — something that families appreciate when picking a plan that fits their routines and storage needs. If a priority for your household is finding the best Austin suburb for families with flexible home options, this builder mix is an advantage.
Inside a Westin Homes Model in The Colony in Bastrop
I toured a Westin Homes model to capture what many of the new homes in The Colony offer. These homes are large, with open-concept living areas, tall ceilings, oversized islands, and significant storage flow. If you prioritize family flow — that is, a kitchen that opens to the living area, an adjacent dining space, and a home office — you will appreciate these layouts.
The ground floor typically includes a generous living room with a high fireplace, a sizable dining area that is truly built for company, and a kitchen with a corner pantry and a visible coffee station. These design choices make life with kids, homework, and weekend entertaining more manageable.
One consistent feature across many plans: gas cooking. That may sound small, but it matters to families who cook often. If you are prioritizing the best Austin suburb for families, having practical features that make daily living easier is part of the appeal.
Primary suites in these models are roomy, with large windows, dual vanities, a standalone tub, and an oversized walk-in shower. The closets often feel like a retail dressing room — which parents will cheer for when organizing seasonal gear. A well-placed utility room often connects to the closet or hallway for efficient laundry flow.
Upstairs you typically find multiple bedrooms with excellent natural light, a game room or flex space, and a media room — features that let families carve out zones for kids, work, and adult time. The presence of a media room in this price bracket is a notable value add for many buyers.
Outdoor Living in The Colony Bastrop
One of The Colony’s biggest selling points for families is the outdoor infrastructure. There are numerous small parks sprinkled through the neighborhood — over a dozen in many sections — plus community pools, playgrounds, fitness centers, and miles of trails. If you picture weekends filled with bike rides, practice soccer, and easy dog walks, The Colony delivers.
Backyards are typically generous compared to inner-city lots. Many lots are 50 feet wide by roughly 150 feet deep, which is a comfortable size for a good deck, playset, or garden. Some pockets of the neighborhood have larger acreage lots if you prefer extra privacy or space for animals.
Schools Near The Colony in Bastrop TX
Families often ask about schools first. Public school zoning in Texas is strict — you attend the district you are zoned to unless you qualify for a transfer within the district. The Colony is zoned to Bastrop ISD. On typical school-rating sites, Bastrop ISD earns a C+, but many families report positive experiences, and Colony Oaks Elementary is actually inside The Colony, which is convenient for younger kids.
When deciding on the best Austin suburb for families, it is important to visit schools, ask about classroom sizes, and talk to parents in the community. Ratings are one tool, but feel and fit for your child matter a lot more.
Home Prices in The Colony Bastrop
Affordability is a major reason families gravitate to The Colony. New construction from Westin Homes in parts of the community shows surprising value. Right now, Weston’s inventory includes only homes priced under $575,000. Those homes are all four bedrooms or larger and typically have three or more bathrooms.
Here are snapshot examples of what the neighborhood offers from this builder:
- Albany plan: 4 beds, 3.5 baths, 3,090 sq ft — priced around $515,000 on a 50 ft lot.
- Alden plan (model shown): 4 beds, 3.5 baths, includes a game room and media room — priced around $540,000. Expect to budget for some post-purchase finish upgrades if you want the model appearance.
- Fairfax plan: 5 beds, 4.5 baths, 3,158 sq ft — priced around $560,000 with a three-car garage.
These figures are significant because they show you can get a 3,000+ sq ft house in a family-focused master plan with media rooms and sizable lots for well under what many buyers pay inside Austin proper. That affordability, coupled with amenities, is why families consider The Colony one of the best Austin suburb for families.
Who Should Consider Moving to Bastrop
The Colony is an excellent fit for several types of households:
- Families who want more space and yards without a long commute to Austin.
- Those seeking an active neighborhood with multiple parks, trails, and community events.
- Buyers prioritizing affordability and larger floor plans compared to Austin’s inner suburbs.
- Anyone who wants small-town living with access to city conveniences and the airport.
If you are relocating to the region with kids and you ask me where to start looking for the best Austin suburb for families, The Colony belongs on your shortlist because of the combination of price, community amenities, and home variety.
Practical tips when exploring The Colony
- Drive the different sections — gated older sections feel different than the newer master plan parcels.
- Compare builders — finishes, energy options, and lot depths vary among builders.
- Visit schools — meet staff, ask about extracurriculars, and consider proximity to the house.
- Ask about inventory — some builders sell spec homes with upgrades included; others sell base plans and upsell options. Know what is included in the price.
Thinking about moving near Austin? The Colony gives you an appealing blend of family-first features and price that you will not find easily inside city limits.
FAQs
Is The Colony Bastrop really the best Austin suburb for families?
The Colony is one of the strongest contenders for the title of the best Austin suburb for families because it combines master plan amenities, a variety of home sizes, convenient access to Bastrop’s downtown and the Colorado River, and more house for your money compared with Austin neighborhoods.
How far is The Colony from Austin and the airport?
The Colony sits east of Austin and provides a reasonable commute to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Exact commute times will depend on traffic and which pocket of The Colony you live in, but many families find the airport commute convenient enough for regular travel.
What price range should I expect for homes in The Colony?
New homes from builders like Weston are currently listed under $575,000. Typical inventory includes four- and five-bedroom homes priced roughly between $515,000 and $560,000 depending on plan and upgrades. Expect to budget for additional upgrades if you want model-level finishes.
Are there good schools in the area?
The Colony is zoned to Bastrop ISD, which receives mixed ratings on some public rating platforms. Many parents report positive experiences, and Colony Oaks Elementary is located inside the community, which is convenient for young families. Visiting schools and talking to local families is strongly recommended.
What amenities can families expect inside The Colony?
Expect an abundance of family-friendly amenities: multiple parks, play areas, community pools, trails, a fitness center, dog parks, pickleball courts, and fishing ponds. The Colony emphasizes outdoor and community programming designed for families and retirees alike.
Are there larger estate homes in The Colony?
Yes. The neighborhood contains older gated sections with one- to two-acre lots and larger custom homes if you prefer acreage and privacy. It also offers newer master plan lots if you prefer the convenience of community amenities.
Final thoughts
Choosing the best Austin suburb for families comes down to priorities: space, schools, community, commute, and budget. The Colony in Bastrop offers a rare combination of all those elements. For families who want more square footage, generous yards, master-plan amenities, and easy access to the Colorado River and downtown Bastrop, The Colony is an excellent option.
If your search includes affordable homes near Austin and you want a place with immediate family-friendly infrastructure, The Colony should be on your short list. The variety of builders, park systems, and surprising price points make it a strong contender among the best places to live near Austin.
When you are ready to dig deeper, walk the neighborhood at different times of day, talk to neighbors, and compare floor plans. Those small steps will tell you whether The Colony is the right next chapter for your family.
