• North/Northwest
  • Avery Ranch
  • Canyon Creek
  • Cat Mountain
  • Cliff Over Lake Austin
  • Grandview Hills
  • Great Hills
  • Highland Hills
  • Jester
  • Lakewood
  • Milwood
  • River Place
  • Scofield Farms
  • Steiner Ranch
  • Westminster Glen
• South/Southwest
  • Bauerle Ranch
  • Belterra
  • Circle C
  • Legend Oaks
  • Meridian
  • Shady Hollow
  • Travis Country
  • Village at Western Oaks
• Central
  • Allandale
  • Brentwood
  • Clarksville
  • Crestview
  • Highland Park
  • Hyde Park
  • Old Enfield
  • Pemberton Heights
  • Rosedale
  • Tarrytown
• Lake Austin
• Lake Travis
• Suburbs
  • Round Rock
  • Pflugerville
  • Cedar Park
  • Kyle
  • Buda

The City of Taylor

The city of Taylor is in Williamson County , Texas , at the intersections of State Highway 95 and U.S. Highway 79. About 20 miles northeast of Austin , Taylor is home to 15 000 residents. With a rich history of trade and railroading, this city has all the romance of the old west coupled with modern-day amenities. Residents of Taylor enjoy beautiful historic properties, lush parks, a rich history and a high quality lifestyle. The city of Taylor gives residents easy access to all the modern amenities of the large city but still offers clean and safe streets that are perfect for raising a family. Many companies and businesses are attracted to the city, so Taylor residents can enjoy convenience and opportunity in their own backyard without the bustle and hassle of a big city.

The city was established in 1876, when the Texas Land Company predicted that the International-Great Northern Railroad was coming to the region and auctioned lots that became Taylorsville . The city officially became Taylor in 1892. In the early years of its development, Taylor was primarily known as a small railroad town. Cotton, grain, and cattle shipments via the railway were the ticket to the town’s prosperity and very rapid growth. Economic opportunities brought by the railroad attracted settlers from Sweden , Czechoslovakia , Austria , and Germany . These newcomers were instrumental in helping Taylor develop into a bustling center of business and commerce.

Today, Taylor has not forgotten its heritage. Descendants of the early settlers as well as more recent residents have created a diverse town. The city works on preserving its heritage through its historical and museum projects and through the development of its historic downtown area. In 1983, the city became a Main Street Community. Today, Taylor is doing an inventory of its downtown in anticipation of becoming listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Taylor Economic Development Corporation and the Taylor Chamber of Commerce are helping to prepare the nomination, hoping that the listing would offer wonderful tax benefits to the residents and homeowners of Taylor .

Taylor is an active participant in the Texas Historical Commission’s Brazos Trail Region heritage tourism initiative. For such initiatives and for tourism purposes, Taylor has a number of sites of interest. The city boasts the Moody Museum (built in 1887), which is the birthplace of Governor Dan Moody. Moody was known for his stance against lawlessness and his tireless fight against government corruption. Dan Moody was also the youngest governor of Texas and the first attorney to successfully prosecute a Ku Klux Klan case. In addition to these accomplishments, Moody was elected Attorney General. The Moody house was first recognized as a historic site in 1968 and was refurbished to reflect its historic character. Today, it draws tourists from all over the region. Tours are available of this fascinating property.

The city also has a wonderful array of 19th century buildings, built from the prosperity that thrived in the town. Many of these antique homes have wonderful details such as cast iron staircase supports, stained glass and stone exteriors. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy the several antique shops in the area as well as the Taylor Public Library at 721 Vance Street . The library has plenty of information about Taylor ’s fascinating history.

Education in Taylor

Taylor students enjoy many excellent educational opportunities. One middle school, three elementary schools, and one high school are all part of the Taylor Independent School District . Students can attend Naomi Pasemann Elementary School (2809 North Drive 365-2278), T.H. Johnson Elementary School (3100 Duck Drive 365-1091), Taylor Middle School (304 Carlos Parker Blvd. 352-2815), or Taylor High School (3101 North Main 365-1291). In 2001, Taylor became home to a new $9.3 million dollar middle school, which features plenty of innovations and amenities to help students learn. Taylor is also home to two private schools: St. Paul Lutheran School and St. Mary’s Catholic School . Taylor students also have the option of attending downtown’s Temple College at Taylor . The college offers certificate programs as well as many classes and even dual credit courses.

Parks, Green Spaces, and Recreation in Taylor

In 2002, a grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife allowed Taylor to build the $1.2 million Murphy Park Aquatic Center . This state-of-the-art complex has two pools, including a children’s beach-entry play pool and an eight lane competition lap pool. If you love to swim, this amazing center is sure to become part of your daily routine. The center is in Murphy Park , in the northern part of the city. The park has roughly 55 acres that include a pavilion, a miniature golf course, children’s playgrounds, picnic tables, and lighted tennis courts as well as the Murphy Park Aquatic Center .

In northwest Taylor , residents of the city enjoy Bull Branch Park . This park has a pavilion as well as a fully stocked fishing pond for whole afternoons of fun. Fitness buffs are sure to enjoy a hiking and biking trail. For family recreation, Taylor residents want to head over to Robinson Park. Located in the southeast area of the city, the park boasts ball fields, a swimming pool, a full-size lighted softball field, and picnic areas.

In total, Taylor has about 120 acres of city parks. In addition to this abundance of green space, Taylor also has additional hiking and biking trails, 12 tennis courts, lighted baseball diamonds, playscapes, a top-flight fishing lake that also offers water sports, picnic areas, a public golf course, and miniature golf facilities. Just outside of town, residents have access to Lake Granger, and 6 700 acres of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department land that allows for game bird hunting and other recreation.

Taylor homeowners can enjoy their parks and green spaces more often thanks to the area’s moderate climate. Taylor has an average of 300 days of sunshine each year, so there is plenty of time to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The annual

average temperature in Taylor is 65 F. In summer, this Texas town enjoys an average high of 89 F in August. Winters are mild here — the average low in January of 37.9 F.

Healthcare in Taylor

Residents of Taylor have plenty pf choice when it comes to healthcare services. More than 25 practitioners and a number of excellent facilities provide a high quality of care.

Johns Community Hospital in the city is a 65 bed general cute-care hospital boasting 24-hour emergency services. Scott & White/John’s Clinic offers pediatrics, radiology, audiology, family practice, general surgery, internal medicine, and an outpatient lab. The physician’s clinic in Taylor is The Health Center. The city also has other medical clinics, five dental offices and three nursing homes to provide excellent patient care.

Contact Information For Those Moving to Taylor

• Telephone: SBC , 1-800-464-7928
• Electricity: TXU, 1-800-242-9113
• Gas: Atmos, 1-800-460-3030
• Water and Wastewater: City of Taylor , 352-2066
• Cable: Time Warner, 1-800-418-8848