Texas Porch

Austin, the I-35 corridor, and limestone country

Central Texas & the Hill Country

Austin, the booming I-35 corridor, and the spring-fed rivers and granite of the Hill Country — MUD districts, flash-flood country, and some of the fastest growth in the state.

34 counties · 404 local notes

Cities & towns

Counties

A taste of the notes

Bandera County · Property tax

How property taxes and homestead exemptions work in Bandera County

Bandera County has a single appraisal district (Bandera CAD) that values property, and a separate tax office that collects taxes — you deal with different offices for different issues.

Bell County · Hunting

Deer hunting rules in Bell County

Bell County has different deer bag limits and antler restrictions depending on whether your land is east or west of Interstate 35.

Brazos County · Water / Septic

Septic system permits in Brazos County

If you build or replace a septic system on unincorporated Brazos County land, you need a permit from the Brazos County Health Department before you start.

Burnet County · Property Tax

Two offices handle your property tax in Burnet County

The Burnet County Appraisal District sets your home's value, but it also handles tax collection — the Tax Assessor-Collector office does not collect property taxes here.

Coryell County · Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption Lowers Your Tax Bill

If you live in your home as your main residence, you can apply for an exemption that reduces what you owe in property taxes.

Gillespie County · Property Tax

Two Different Offices Handle Your Property Tax in Gillespie County

Gillespie County has two separate offices for property taxes, and it matters which one you call.

Hays County · Higher Education & Economy

Texas State University shapes San Marcos and the local economy

Texas State University, one of the largest universities in Texas, has its main campus in San Marcos and is a major driver of the local economy and population.

Kimble County · Property Tax

Appraisal and Tax Offices Share the Same Address in Junction

The Kimble Central Appraisal District and the county tax assessor-collector are separate offices, but both are located at the same address in Junction.

Llano County · History & Identity

Llano County's Granite Geology and German Settlement Roots

Llano County sits on an ancient granite formation called the Llano Uplift. Its first settlers were mostly German immigrants who came in the 1840s after a peace treaty with the Comanche.

Milam County · Property Tax Savings

Cut Your Property Tax Bill with a Homestead Exemption

If your home in Milam County is your primary residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption to lower your taxable property value.

Travis County · Homestead Exemption

How to Get Your Homestead Exemption in Travis County

A homestead exemption lowers the taxable value of your home and can save hundreds per year.

Travis County · Roads & Highways

Roads in Travis County: State Highways, FM Roads, and County Roads

Travis County has a mix of state highways, Farm-to-Market roads, and county roads — each maintained by a different agency.