Rockdale, Texas, offers a promising landscape for residential development, characterized by its blend of small-town charm and strategic location. Nestled in Milam County, this vibrant community boasts a rich history, picturesque surroundings, and a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to families, retirees, and professionals alike. With affordable housing options, excellent schools, and a robust economy bolstered by industries like manufacturing and agriculture, Rockdale presents an ideal setting for those seeking a peaceful yet dynamic living environment. Whether you’re drawn to its recreational opportunities, strong community spirit, or its proximity to larger urban centers, Rockdale stands out as a compelling choice for residential development in Central Texas.
Austin is home to a number of dynamic companies who are creating thousands of new primary jobs. Most job creation, however, comes from small businesses – those with less than 500 employees. Austin added 71,000 jobs in 2022 and was the 3rd largest job-creating US Metro. In 2022, nearly 5,000 new businesses were created, making Austin one of the best business creating metros.
Developers are meeting consumer demands for attainable housing by building new communities, up to 45 miles from Downtown Austin, in Prairie Lea, Uhland, and Elgin.
Industrial projects are begining to realize the benefits of searching for sites within a one-hour radius of Austin. Costs associated with marginal distance can be offset by land availability (larger tracts) and affordability with abundant water supplies.
In October 2021, the former ALCOA property (31,000 acres) was sold to a development company, XEBEC Realty. In the summer of 2023, XEBEC announced the development of a new 3,300 acre industrial park, the Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics Center. When completed, this complex will have over 30 million square feet under roof.
This site is approximately 5 miles from Rockdale and will offer rail served sites; abundant water, sewer, electricity, and natural gas utilities; and highway access.
When developed, this will be the largest industrial mega-site in Central Texas.
The City of Rockdale and the Municipal Development District are partnering with a private property owner to activate up to 550 acres as a new rail-served industrial park, targeting major employers in general but semiconductor suppliers in particular.
The City of Rockdale created a Public Improvement District and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone as a mechanism to fund a Development Reimbursement Agreement back to the Cornerstone developers for certain infrastructure costs.
A similar arrangement could be negotiated for future development projects.
The City of Rockdale offers fast-track entitlements and permitting with a no-hassle zoning process.
THE CITY OF ROCKDALE DOES NOT CHARGE IMPACT FEES.