If there's one thing that can make or break the long-term cost of homeownership in the Austin area, it's property taxes. And right now, one brand-new community in Georgetown is turning heads for exactly that reason: Broken Oak. With a tax rate of just 1.79%, this pocket neighborhood off William Stride in Georgetown is genuinely rare — and worth a serious look.
Why the Tax Rate at Broken Oak Is Such a Big Deal
Anybody who has been shopping for a home in the Austin metro knows that property tax rates can swing dramatically depending on where you land. Rates in the 2.5% to 3% range are common in many suburban communities. That difference isn't just a number on paper — it adds up to thousands of dollars per year on a home valued at $550,000 or more.
At 1.79%, Broken Oak offers a genuine financial advantage that compounds over time. Whether you're budgeting as a first-time buyer, upgrading to a larger home, or right-sizing as an empty nester, that lower tax burden gives you real breathing room every single month.
Where Broken Oak Is Located — and Why the Location Works
Broken Oak sits off William Stride in Georgetown, Texas — one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and a longtime favorite among Austin-area buyers who want space, charm, and value without sacrificing convenience.
Here's what surrounds the community:
- Wolf Ranch — a major shopping center with restaurants, retail, and everyday errands covered
- A brand-new H-E-B just down the road (this is Texas, after all)
- A nearby Costco for the bulk buyers among us
- Quick access to IH-35 for commuters headed into Austin or Round Rock
- Healthcare facilities and services within close range
For those who work from home, the setting feels serene and private — more on that in a moment.
Georgetown ISD: A School District Worth Noting
Broken Oak feeds into Georgetown ISD, which has earned a strong reputation with several A+ rated campuses. If schools are a deciding factor in your search — and for many buyers they absolutely are — this district delivers.
What Makes Broken Oak Feel Different as a Neighborhood
This isn't a massive master-planned community that stretches for miles with cars cutting through at all hours. Broken Oak is a pocket community — a deliberate, inward-facing neighborhood design with roundabouts and cul-de-sacs throughout.
What that means practically:
- No through-street traffic
- A quieter, safer feel — especially for families with kids
- The kind of neighborly atmosphere where you actually know the people on your street
- Natural surroundings that give it a genuine community feel, not a cookie-cutter subdivision vibe
If you've been looking for that balance between new construction convenience and a neighborhood that actually feels like a neighborhood, Broken Oak checks that box.
Highland Homes at Broken Oak: What to Expect from the Builder
One of the two builders in Broken Oak is Highland Homes — and if you've followed new construction in the Austin area at all, you know this builder's reputation for quality finishes and thoughtful design. The Birchwood floor plan in the model home is a strong example of what Highland delivers.
Inside the Birchwood: A Closer Look at the Finishes
The kitchen is where this floor plan immediately earns its keep. Highlights include:
- Quartz countertops with a marble-like finish — durable and beautiful
- A 36-inch, six-burner stove that makes holiday cooking or dinner parties actually enjoyable
- Stacked cabinetry for additional display and storage space
- A striking backsplash that elevates the entire kitchen aesthetic
- Built-in stainless steel appliances throughout, including an oversized refrigerator
- Side-of-island storage — a small detail that signals serious design intentionality
The kitchen flows directly into the dining space, which comfortably seats six to eight guests, and then opens into the living room — no walls cutting off the connection between spaces.
Living Room: Ceilings, Light, and Built-Ins
The living room in the Birchwood plan stands out for a few reasons:
- Tall ceilings with decorative beams — adds character that's hard to find in new construction
- Large windows throughout for natural light
- Built-in cabinetry in a partially enclosed nook — it reads as private without actually being closed off from the main living area
Primary Suite: The Kind of Bedroom You Don't Want to Leave
The primary bedroom is designed for a king or California king with room to spare, a bay window with space for a reading nook or seating area, rich lighting fixtures, and hardwood floors. The suite connects directly to:
- A freestanding soaking tub
- A floor-to-ceiling tiled shower
- Dual sinks — no negotiating counter space
- A walk-in closet with enough room for every season
The Floor Plan Breakdown: Four Bedrooms, Four-and-a-Half Baths
This is the detail that tends to close the deal for a lot of buyers. The Birchwood is a single-story, 4 bed / 4.5 bath plan — meaning every bedroom has its own private bathroom. Guests aren't sharing. Kids aren't fighting over the hall bath. Everyone has their own space.
The layout is also thoughtfully arranged:
- Two bedrooms at the front of the home, each with en-suite baths, plus the half bath
- A private guest suite positioned separately from the main living area
- A dedicated media room for movie nights or gaming
- A laundry room and drop zone off the garage entry
And the backporch — it's long, covered, fan-equipped (two fans, not one), and large enough to host 20 people comfortably. There's more than enough room for a dining table, a seating area, and if you want to go all in, a built-in outdoor kitchen.
Pricing and Floor Plan Options at Broken Oak
Highland Homes at Broken Oak starts in the mid-$500s — which, given the finishes, the layout, and that tax rate, represents genuine value in today's market.
The community offers 16 floor plans to choose from, ranging from:
- Just over 2,300 sq ft for buyers who are downsizing or simplifying
- 3,000+ sq ft for larger families who need more room to spread out
There are both single-story and two-story options available, so regardless of what stage of life you're in, there's likely a plan that fits. Inventory homes are currently available, which means you don't necessarily have to wait through a full build timeline to get in.
The Bottom Line on Broken Oak
Broken Oak in Georgetown is the kind of community that doesn't need much convincing once you see it in person. The combination of a 1.79% tax rate, a private cul-de-sac layout, a highly rated school district, strong retail and dining access, and Highland Homes' quality construction makes it one of the more compelling new construction options in the Austin area right now.
For buyers who've been frustrated by high tax rates eating into their monthly budget — or who've been priced out of similar communities closer to Austin proper — this one deserves a spot on your shortlist.