YEEHAW! Scout Here 🐾

It’s another busy week across Williamson County.

Students are heading back to class, volleyball season is underway, and football teams across the county are preparing for Friday night lights. From Round Rock and Georgetown to Hutto, Taylor, Leander, Liberty Hill, and our smaller communities, the start of a new school year is bringing fresh energy across WilCo.

Growth and development continue to dominate the conversation. Hutto is attracting attention with the possibility of a major Blue Origin aerospace facility, new neighborhoods are moving through the planning process, and businesses and restaurants continue opening and expanding throughout the county.

In Georgetown, residents are also seeing changes close to home. The Georgetown Public Library is temporarily closed August 9–16 while its collection is upgraded with new identification technology, and new businesses—including Tomlinson’s Feed—are preparing to join the community.

Meanwhile, WilCo TX Insider is expanding its coverage of high school athletics through the WilCo HS Sports Zone. We want to give local athletes, coaches, teams, and students a platform while keeping families informed about the games and stories happening across the county.

We’re also continuing the countdown to the Williamson County Fair & Rodeo, returning October 21–24, 2026. As the Official Media Partner, we’ll be sharing more community stories and special coverage as the event gets closer.

Williamson County is changing quickly, and our mission remains the same: to explain what’s happening, why it matters, and how it could affect the place we call home.

Thank you for continuing to follow, share, comment, and support WilCo TX Insider. Every share helps us reach more people and tell more of Williamson County’s story.

Now, let’s get into this week’s biggest stories from around WilCo.

Let’s ride!

— Scout 🐾
WilCo TX Insider

The Voice of Williamson County

Growth. Development. Business. Community. Sports. Rodeo.

📈 S&P 500: The S&P 500 slipped 0.17% Friday to close at 7,785.76. Despite Friday’s pullback, the index gained approximately 0.4% for the week and recorded its third consecutive winning week.

💻 Nasdaq: The Nasdaq Composite fell 0.28% Friday, finishing at 26,729.16. The technology-heavy index still ended the week approximately 0.1% higher.

🏦 10-Year Treasury Yield: The benchmark yield climbed to around 4.67% as rising oil prices renewed inflation concerns. Investors still generally expect the Federal Reserve to hold interest rates steady in September.

🛢️ WTI Crude Oil: West Texas Intermediate crude finished around $82.40 per barrel, gaining approximately 1.4% Friday. Oil prices rose as tensions surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz increased concerns about global energy supplies.

₿ Bitcoin: Bitcoin is trading around $62,800, remaining under pressure and well below the levels seen earlier this year.

The July 2026 report from Unlock MLS shows stronger sales activity alongside slightly lower prices.

Median Sales Price: $415,000 — ↓ 1.2% YoY
Closed Sales: 957 — ↑ 6.0%
Sales Volume: $461 million — ↑ 7.0%
Active Listings: 4,258 — ↓ 10.1%
New Listings: 1,534 — ↑ 2.7%
Pending Sales: 927 — ↑ 3.3%
Months of Inventory: 4.3 months — ↓ 0.9 months
Average Days on Market: 67 days — ↑ 2 days
Average Close-to-List Price: 93.9%, compared with 93.3% last year

Wall Street ended Friday slightly lower after disappointing retail-sales data raised new concerns about consumer spending and the strength of the U.S. economy.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq both declined Friday, but each still finished the week higher. Investors remain caught between two competing forces: weaker economic data could encourage the Federal Reserve to keep rates steady, while rising oil prices could add to inflation.

Closer to home, Williamson County’s housing market showed stronger activity in July. Closed sales increased 6%, pending sales rose 3.3%, and total sales volume climbed 7%.

At the same time, the median sales price declined 1.2% to $415,000. Homes took an average of 67 days to sell, and sellers received approximately 93.9% of their original listing price.

Williamson County’s July housing numbers tell an interesting story: more homes are selling, but buyers remain price-conscious.

The increase in closed and pending sales suggests demand is still present. However, the lower median price, longer selling time and 93.9% close-to-list ratio show that buyers are not rushing into every property at the asking price.

For sellers, realistic pricing remains critical.

For buyers, the market offers more time and negotiating power than during the peak of the housing boom—but active inventory is still down more than 10% from last year.

The biggest factor to watch remains interest rates. If Treasury yields and mortgage rates move lower, Williamson County could see additional buyer activity. If energy prices keep climbing and inflation remains elevated, borrowing costs could stay higher for longer.

As Williamson County continues attracting new employers, residents and major developments, the connection between interest rates, housing affordability, infrastructure and job growth will remain one of the county’s most important economic stories.

Sources: Unlock MLS July 2026 Central Texas Housing Report; Reuters market close, August 14, 2026; Associated Press weekly market recap. Market and cryptocurrency data through August 14, 2026.

Florence could soon experience major residential growth, but water availability remains a key obstacle.

Nightingale is a proposed 74-acre development that would bring 348 homes and more than five acres of commercial property near Main Street. Potential businesses could include a restaurant, convenience store, hardware store or other neighborhood services.

The development has been in the works for seven years. After its preliminary plat expired in June, Florence City Council reinstated and extended the approval for 18 months, contingent upon Florence and Georgetown reaching a water agreement related to the project.

Nightingale would be developed in two phases, with homes expected to range from approximately $325,000 to $400,000. Water has reportedly been secured for the first phase, but officials are still working to ensure adequate capacity for the second.

No builder has officially committed to the project. However, the development team hopes to secure an agreement by the end of 2026, potentially placing the first homes on the ground during the third quarter of 2027.

Nightingale could bring needed housing and new businesses to Florence, but this project is about more than 348 homes.

It highlights the challenge facing many smaller Williamson County communities: growth may be coming, but roads, water and wastewater infrastructure must be ready first.

The success of this development—and Florence’s ability to accommodate future growth—could depend on whether infrastructure improvements keep pace with demand.

Cedar Park’s growing CedarView development is preparing to add its first apartment community.

A new $82 million project will bring 425 apartment units to 750 E. New Hope Drive near the 183A Toll Road. The approximately 650,000-square-foot complex will include a fitness center, clubroom, leasing center, two outdoor courtyards and a parking garage.

Dallas-based JPI Development Group is expected to begin construction in January 2027, with completion targeted for January 2029.

The apartments will join a rapidly growing district anchored by Scheels and NFM, along with a planned Marriott hotel and convention center.

Adding housing could help transform CedarView from a retail destination into a true live-work-play district.

However, 425 new apartments will also bring more vehicles and daily activity to New Hope Drive and the 183A corridor. The bigger story will be whether transportation improvements can keep pace as CedarView continues to grow.

A new professional arena football team could soon call Williamson County home.

The ATX Draft is preparing to begin playing in the Indoor Football League in spring 2027, with the H-E-B Center in Cedar Park under serious consideration as its home venue.

Team owner Vivi Lin says the organization has been speaking with the H-E-B Center and has received support from Cedar Park leaders. Beyond football, the team plans to focus on strengthening families, developing leaders, supporting local businesses and giving fans greater access to players.

Indoor football is played on a smaller field, producing a faster game with closer action and more scoring. The IFL describes itself as the country’s longest-running active indoor football league and the highest level of professional indoor football.

The H-E-B Center has hosted arena football before, but previous teams were unable to establish lasting roots in Cedar Park. The ATX Draft hopes to change that beginning in 2027.

The ATX Draft could bring more than professional football to Cedar Park.

Home games could generate additional activity for nearby restaurants, hotels and businesses while giving Williamson County families another affordable entertainment option.

However, the team’s long-term success will depend on building a loyal local fan base and becoming genuinely involved in the community—not simply playing games at the H-E-B Center.

Williamson County’s housing market showed stronger sales activity in July, even as prices declined slightly from last year.

The latest Unlock MLS market snapshot shows the county’s median sales price fell 1.2% year over year to $415,000.

A total of 957 homes sold, representing a 6% increase from July 2025. Those transactions generated approximately $461 million in sales volume, up 7%.

Pending sales also remained positive. Williamson County recorded 927 pending sales, an increase of 3.3% from last year, suggesting buyers are still entering the market despite elevated mortgage rates.

The county had 4,258 active listings, down 10.1% year over year, while 1,534 new listings entered the market—an increase of 2.7%.

Overall inventory stood at 4.3 months, down 0.9 months from last July.

Homes spent an average of 67 days on the market, two days longer than a year ago. Sellers received approximately 93.9% of their original asking price, compared with 93.3% in July 2025.

July’s numbers show a market with steady demand but increasingly price-conscious buyers.

More homes sold than last year, and pending sales continued to rise. However, the lower median price and longer selling time show that buyers are being selective and sellers must remain realistic.

The market is far different from the pandemic-era housing frenzy. Buyers generally have more time to evaluate their options, negotiate and walk away from homes that appear overpriced.

Demand has not disappeared. It has become more deliberate.

That demand continues to be supported by growth across Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill, Hutto, Taylor, Jarrell and other Williamson County communities.

New employers, neighborhoods, infrastructure and commercial development remain important long-term drivers of the local housing market.

The biggest July takeaway is that more homes are selling without prices rapidly climbing.

Closed sales increased 6%, pending sales rose 3.3%, and total sales volume climbed 7%. Those are positive signs for overall activity.

At the same time, the median price declined to $415,000, homes took an average of 67 days to sell, and sellers received about 93.9% of their original asking price.

For sellers, pricing and presentation remain critical. Buyers have enough leverage to be selective, and overpriced homes may sit longer or require reductions.

For buyers, the market provides more breathing room than it did during the housing boom—but active listings are down more than 10% from last year, so competition could remain strong for well-priced homes in desirable areas.

A slower market with steady sales and relatively stable prices may ultimately be healthier for Williamson County than another period of unsustainable price increases.

Source: Unlock MLS July 2026 Central Texas Housing Report

Conejo’s Tex-Mex Cantina officially opened its new Round Rock location on August 5.

The locally owned restaurant is operated by Bobby Joe Hernandez, chef Eduardo Miguel, and Matt and Sandra Morcher. Conejo’s also operates a location in Leander.

Its menu combines traditional Mexican cuisine with Tex-Mex favorites and Southern flavors. Offerings include tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, quesadillas and more.

The new restaurant is located at 3200 Green Lawn Blvd. in Round Rock.

For menus and additional information, visit www.conejostx.com.

Scripture: Proverbs 9:10

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” — Proverbs 9:10

Leadership begins long before a decision is made.

It begins with the foundation beneath that decision.

Proverbs 9 teaches us that true wisdom does not begin with education, experience, talent, strategy, or influence. It begins with the fear of the Lord.

Fearing God does not mean living terrified of Him. It means recognizing His authority, honoring His holiness, trusting His direction, and refusing to place our own understanding above His truth.

A leader can gain knowledge without gaining wisdom.

A leader can develop experience without developing humility.

A leader can become successful without becoming spiritually grounded.

That is why the foundation matters.

When leaders lose their reverence for God, they can begin believing their own judgment is enough. Success can create self-reliance. Influence can produce pride. Experience can make us less willing to listen.

But wise leaders remember who is truly in control.

They understand that every opportunity, ability, position, and responsibility ultimately comes from God.

The fear of the Lord keeps our leadership properly aligned.

It reminds us that our decisions affect real people.

It teaches us that integrity matters even when no one is watching.

It gives us the courage to obey God when obedience is inconvenient.

It helps us receive correction without becoming defensive.

Proverbs 9 also draws a contrast between wisdom and foolishness. Both call for our attention, but they lead to very different destinations.

Wisdom invites us to grow, accept correction, and walk in understanding.

Foolishness offers shortcuts, feeds our pride, and encourages us to act without considering the consequences.

Every leader must decide which voice to follow.

There will be times when wisdom requires you to admit you were wrong.

There will be moments when honoring God costs you an opportunity.

There will be decisions where obedience does not produce an immediate reward.

But leadership built on the fear of the Lord is not controlled by appearances or temporary results.

It is anchored in something greater.

Before seeking success, seek God.

Before trusting your instincts, test them against His truth.

Before asking whether a decision will advance your position, ask whether it will honor the One who gave you that position.

Because wisdom does not begin with having all the answers.

Wisdom begins with knowing who does.

Is the fear of the Lord truly the foundation of the way I lead?

Where have success, experience, or pride caused me to rely too heavily on myself?

How do I respond when someone offers correction or challenges my thinking?

Is there a decision before me that I need to surrender to God before moving forward?

Am I more concerned with appearing successful or remaining obedient?

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for reminding me that true wisdom begins with knowing, honoring, and trusting You.

Help me lead with humility and never become so confident in my own ability that I stop seeking Your direction.

Teach me to respect Your authority, obey Your Word, and remember that every position of influence is a responsibility entrusted to me by You.

Give me a teachable heart that welcomes correction and a discerning spirit that recognizes the difference between wisdom and foolishness.

Protect me from pride, self-reliance, and the temptation to place success above obedience.

When I face difficult decisions, help me slow down, seek You, and choose what is right—even when the right path is uncomfortable or costly.

May my leadership reflect Your character. Let my words, decisions, relationships, and priorities honor You.

Build my life on the firm foundation of Your truth, and give me wisdom for every responsibility You place before me.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.