Bastrop is Moving Up
Bastrop is Moving Up – What That Means for All of Us
If you’ve driven through Bastrop lately, you’ve probably noticed things are changing—and fast. From new retail and restaurants to major national brands taking interest, it’s clear: Bastrop is moving up. And one of the biggest indicators of this momentum? The groundbreaking of the Courtyard Marriott right here in town.
Now, I’ve heard the conversations—some folks aren’t sure about all this development. And I get it. There’s something special about the rolling pastures, old oak trees, and small-town charm that brought us here in the first place. I love seeing cattle grazing just as much as the next person.
But let’s talk about what this cycle of growth actually means—because it’s a lot more exciting (and beneficial) than it might appear on the surface.
When a brand like Marriott chooses Bastrop, it means we’re hitting benchmarks: strong traffic counts, visitor demand, income levels, and overall economic growth. Simply put, we’ve become a destination. Tourists are staying overnight, which means they’re stopping to fill up gas tanks, grab groceries, eat at our restaurants, and explore local businesses—including our beautiful downtown.
More visitors mean more dollars spent locally—and more tax revenue collected. That translates directly into better support for our police, fire departments, parks, libraries, and hopefully, in the near future, a recreation center. These improvements don’t just “look nice”—they actually enhance our quality of life.
Now, you may be wondering—what about the trees? What about the land?
You’re not alone in that. I care deeply about preserving what makes Bastrop feel like home. Thankfully, our city leadership has implemented ordinances that require developers to preserve green space and maintain the character of the land. In fact, many of those expenses fall on the developers—not the taxpayers.
So while we might not be able to keep cows on every corner, we can make sure there’s a thoughtful balance between growth and preservation. And as a real estate agent and a community member who loves this place dearly, that balance is something I work to protect every day.
Marriott coming to Bastrop is a door-opener. It’s a signal to other high-quality brands that we’re not just a pass-through town—we’re a destination. This means opportunity for our landowners, our businesses, our kids, and our future.
I’m proud of where we’re headed, and even more proud of how we’re doing it—with intention, care, and opportunity in mind.
