Round Rock - A Gem in the Austin Keystone

🡐 Back to Resources | August, 2025 | Written by Kurt Russell

Historic downtown Round Rock, just north of downtown Austin. A city full of history.

Just north of Austin, Round Rock has transformed from a small Texas town into a dynamic community known for its blend of family living, booming business presence, and entertainment options. With major employers, a lively downtown, and easy access to Austin, Round Rock is quickly becoming a prime short-term rental (STR) market in the Austin Keystone region.

Here’s why investors should keep their eye on Round Rock — and how to maximize STR opportunities here.

Why Guests Choose Round Rock

  1. Family-Friendly Appeal
    Round Rock offers top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and family-oriented attractions like Rock’N River Water Park and Dell Diamond baseball stadium. Families visiting relatives or attending events often prefer staying here over Austin.

  2. Business Travel Demand
    Home to Dell Technologies’ headquarters and other major employers, Round Rock attracts a steady stream of business travelers seeking comfort, convenience, and affordability.

  3. Entertainment and Dining
    A revitalized downtown with restaurants, craft breweries, and shopping makes Round Rock appealing to couples and weekend travelers.

Looking for more family-focused markets? Explore our Leander STR guide.

STR Opportunities in Round Rock

Guest Niches That Perform Well

  • Families in town for sports tournaments or university visits

  • Business professionals working at Dell or nearby tech hubs

  • Couples on weekend getaways seeking charm without Austin prices

Property Types That Excel

  • Single-family homes with multiple bedrooms for families and groups

  • Townhomes near downtown or transit for business travelers

  • Larger homes with outdoor spaces for longer stays

Want to stand out? Check our Airbnb interior design guide.

Why Round Rock is Investor-Friendly

  • Proximity to Austin: Only 20 miles from downtown, Round Rock combines accessibility with affordability.

  • Steady Population Growth: With consistent migration into the Austin metro, housing and STR demand are rising.

  • Balanced Guest Demand: Business, family, and leisure travel diversify occupancy streams.

For a broader perspective, see our Austin Keystone investment overview.

Challenges to Consider

Round Rock offers strong potential, but hosts should be aware of:

  • Seasonality: Family and sports-driven demand may fluctuate outside of school or tournament seasons.

  • HOA Rules: Some neighborhoods may restrict STR activity. See our guide on operating STRs in an HOA.

  • Competition: With its growing reputation, Round Rock is attracting more STR investors. Differentiation is key.

For cost optimization, read our guide to boosting profits and minimizing expenses.

The Clear Stay Advantage

At Clear Stay Properties, we help investors capture Round Rock’s potential by:

  • Analyzing ROI based on business and family-driven demand

  • Staging properties with guest-loved amenities

  • Leveraging dynamic pricing strategies to maximize revenue during peak demand

  • Handling cleaning, maintenance, and guest communication

With Clear Stay, your property isn’t just listed — it’s optimized for performance.


The Takeaway

Round Rock’s mix of family appeal, business travel demand, and affordable entry point makes it one of the strongest short-term rental opportunities in the Austin Keystone. For investors, it offers a balance of stability and growth that’s hard to ignore.

👉 Ready to explore Round Rock’s short-term rental potential? Fill out the form below to schedule your free consultation with Clear Stay Properties and let us help you maximize your returns.

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