Recently, according to the Community Impact newspaper, Hutto, Texas was named the "Fastest Growing City in Texas", posting an incredible 665.7% growth over the years from 2000 - 2006. Currently, the population is over 17,200. In 1990, the population was at a mere 650 people, and in 2000, it was approximately 1250.
So, what is responsible for this phenomenal growth? Having lived in nearby Pflugerville for 13 years now, I have watched this growth firsthand. The current population growth spike mainly comes from simple geography.
With the advent of the toll road system in late 2006, Hutto is now located mere minutes from several key destinations: Round Rock, Pflugerville, Taylor, Georgetown, and more. Additionally, the toll road goes directly to Austin Bergstrom International Airport, so the trip is now only about 25 minutes whereas it used to be closer to 40 minutes away. 
In addition to the large existing shopping center in Hutto proper, Stone Hill Town Center is slated to open within a few months at the intersection of the two primary toll roads (45 and 130), and it promises over 1,000,000 square feet of shopping and entertainment. Home Depot, Best Buy, Chili's, several retail clothing stores, a large Cinemark theater, and a fitness center are among the anticipated tenants.
Many people are also quick to point out the very competitively priced housing market in Hutto as well. Believe it or not, it is still possible to find a good, newer home in the $110's.
The article states,
"From my perspective, we've experienced exponential growth in Hutto because of the quality of our schools," said Scott Martinez, economic development corporation executive director. "We've seen a lot of younger families move [here] because our schools are really good. Hutto is one of those great areas where the homes are affordable and the schools are good, and if you're a young family just starting out, it's a pretty good scenario."
So, whether you are considering relocating or investing, Hutto looks like an interesting choice.
If you are considering purchasing a home in Hutto (or anywhere in the general Austin area), please feel free to give me a call. I would love the opportunity to help you get it sold quickly. You can visit my primary website at www.austintexashomes.com. You can also reach me anytime on my cell phone at 512-796-7653 or via email at jason@austintexashomes.com. Thanks for checking out this area news! I hope to hear from you soon.
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Jason--
Looks to me that you are definately at the RIGHT PLACE at the right time!!
Bruce
BRUCE - It certainly seems that way!
ELAINE - I agree - downtown Hutto is very cute. Georgetown is even cuter - it looks like the "Back to the Future" town square with the courtyard and shops on all sides.
LINDA - That's cool! Hutto is about 5 minutes from my house. Do you know the story of the origin of the Hutto Hippo?
wow - Hutto looks just like Paia in that top picture - don't let them tear that down!
I didn't know you had hippos in Texas.... and so tame!
That is an AMAZING growth spurt! I just hope they manage the growth. Those fantastic schools need to be expanded along with the growth.
A home for 110k? That IS AMAZING.
Awesome Post Jason - boy what growth!!! and affordable housing too! and a new mall - I may have to get Jeff to take me there just for the shopping LOL what's a 25 minute ride from the airport LOL
Sincerely
Grace
GEORGINA - I don't think there are any plans to tear down those buildings. Here is a link to the origin of the "Hutto Hippos": http://www.huttotx.gov/Community/History/History.htm
DAN - It really is friendly and quaint in Hutto. I guess you have been to Pflugerville, which is about five minutes away.
JULIE - Thanks for your comments, my friend. Yes, Hutto is extremely affordable and growing quickly. The hippo is Hutto's mascot.
JIM - I agree - I hope they are able to manage the growth properly, which can be a big challenge.
FAINA - Yes, the local taxes have already dropped somewhat, and they are expected to drop again over the next couple of years.
LINDA - This link explains it pretty thoroughly: http://www.huttotx.gov/Community/History/History.htm
TOM - Thanks, buddy. I think Hutto is poised to be a great investment area for the upcoming several years.
RICKI - I agree - Texas is growing in general. Hutto is just on a rather extreme curve.
GRACE - Let me know when you will be here, and my wife and I will join you guys on your shopping spree.
LISA - This area has certainly become a popular destination spot for relocation and retirement. I also like the colorful buildings in downtown Hutto.
DONNA - Thanks! It is a nice town, and it might become a nice city at this rate.
I agree Hutto is a nice town. One thing to watch out for is that fast growth spurt strain, especially on the local school system. The next thing you know standards will be lowered in order to pull in teachers, take a que from the Katy ISD system. They aren't as good as they were 10 years ago. Justs aheads up. I'll be dropping by Debbies Pies on the next pie run if I can make it.
Back in the day there was a circus that came through Hutto. During this time a Hippo escaped and settled itself in a creek in Hutto. It took three days or so to re-capture the Hippo. Hence, the birth of the Hutto Hippos.