Nestled in a rural landscape, the city of Jarrell captivates with its small-town allure, boasting a population of around 2,100 people within city limits (mind you, the "greater area" of Jarrell is probably more like 10,000+).
Founded in 1909, this charming little city experienced substantial population growth during its early years, owing to its favorable proximity to the railroad.
Old, Rusted Out Cars in Downtown Jarrell
Today, Jarrell remains an enticing destination and continues to grow by leaps and bounds thanks to its location along the I-35 corridor, which ensures convenient access to neighboring major cities such as Austin and Georgetown.
Feel free to click to jump to whichever section you want to learn more of about Jarrell, TX:
THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND JARRELL
There are not a ton of things to do in Jarrell itself. However, Jarrell is surrounded by (and in close proximity to) a ton of places to go hiking, fishing, swimming, hunting, boating, dining, drinking, clubbing, and a lot more.
For anybody who enjoys spending time in nature, Jarrell is just down the road from several parks along the San Gabriel River. These include places such as the Twin Springs Nature Preserve, Cedar Breaks Park, Blue Hole Park (my personal favorite) and Jim Hogg Park.
Underground caves can also be explored nearby at Inner Space Caverns while the Berry Creek Country Club offers great opportunities to spend time on the greens.
In the opposite direction is Salado. While Salado is also a small town, it is located along the beautiful Salado Creek (more like a river especially during the rainy seasons). There is a creekside park (Pace Park), and plenty of places all along the river to park and enjoy the water, golf, or go on picnics. There are also quite a few locally owned coffee shops in Salado, too, whereas Jarrell currently only has one Starbucks.
Salado Creek in Salado, TX
There's also plenty of shopping in the downtown area of Salado, including a really neat, old-school candy shop called the Salado General Store.
And then of course there's Georgetown, Austin, Temple, Killeen, Waco, etc., all within 60 minutes drive (or less) of the Jarrell area.
PLACES TO EAT IN JARRELL
Restaurant options inside of Jarrell are limited to mostly chain restaurants - but you do have a few options! If you're looking for local food options in Jarrell or nearby, here are a few to check out:
Love at First Bite (Jarrell): Delicious, small town comfort food.
Corner Cafe (Jarrell): An unassuming, small local cafe serving up mostly traditional American fare.
The Granary (Jarrell): A food truck park also featuring a permanent John Miller BBQ location.
McCains Bakery & Cafe (Salado)
Cathy's Boardwalk Cafe (Salado)
Alexander's Craft Cocktails & Kitchen (Salado)
The Shed (Salado)
Johnny's Steaks & Bar-Be-Que
The Granary Food Truck Park
Jarrell also has several restaurants featuring good Mexican food:
El Pitayo Mexican Kitchen
Rodriguez Mexican Kitchen
Mexicano Bar & Grill
BARS IN JARRELL
If you're looking for a good bar in Jarrell, then you have five options.
Each of the five bars in Jarrell offer something entirely unique from the next bar, so without further ado, here's the down-low on all of the bars in Jarrell, TX:
Lucky Penny Lounge
The Lucky Penny Lounge is the oldest, longest operational bar in Jarrell with a traditional Texas feel - wood interior and often smoky air all included, complete with an old-school dart board.
Rotunda Bar and Patio
The newest addition to the bar scene in Jarrell is the Rotunda Bar & Patio. It's also the most modern, sleek and sophisticated bar in the area. If you're looking for a more upscale bar experience, then the Rotunda Bar & Patio is calling your name.
The Granary Outdoor Bar
This is the only bar in Jarrell that's completely outdoors (with food trucks available, too). And it's a fun vibe especially on nights when they have live music on-stage with the outdoor lights on. The ambience is unmatched anywhere else in Jarrell.
The Outdoor Bar at The Granary
American Legion Post 317
Veteran or not, you're welcome to stop in at the Joe Kott American Legion Post 317 and grab a drink and/or bite to eat, and hang out for a while. It's an unassuming, hole in the wall kind of place that doesn't really advertise its existence. But it stays busy consistently serving up good drinks, great food, and even better company.
Mexicano Bar & Grill
If you're looking for more of a traditional restaurant AND bar kind of vibe, then Mexicano Bar & Grill may be the place you're looking for because you have the best of both worlds here.
WINERIES & BREWERIES IN JARRELL
Jarrell does not yet have any wineries or breweries. For breweries or wineries located near Jarrell, you'll need to drive to somewhere like Salado where you'll find bars and wineries such as:
Salado Winery
Salado Lone Star Winery & Chupacabra Craft Beer
Harry’s on the Creek
Barrow Brewing Company
There is a wine vineyard located near Jarrell that's absolutely worth the short drive from Jarrell to Florence, TX. That winery and vineyard is called The Vineyard at Florence. It features absolutely beautiful grounds with gates and buildings influenced by traditional Spanish architecture.
The Vineyard at Florence
You can go for a few hours, or stay several days at their overnight luxury rentals onsite. You can also take tours of the wine vineyard, attend special events and more.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN JARRELL
Families residing in Jarrell are fortunate to have access to quality education provided by the Jarrell Independent School District. The district comprises one high school, one middle school, and two elementary schools, ensuring that school-aged children receive excellent educational opportunities:
Jarrell Elementary School
IGO Elementary School
Jarrell Middle School
Jarrell High School
It's important to keep in mind that Jarrell is growing quickly and (much like the area in general) the Independent School District is likewise going through growing pains such as:
Record new enrollment each year with a swelling student population
Rapid bus line expansion and route change issues each year
Redrawn school district line issues determining who goes where (especially an issue when the new elementary school was built)
Student population management, and discipline issues (as discussed in many threads on local social media groups)
INTERNET PROVIDERS IN JARRELL
One of the common questions that people have about rural towns like Jarrell is what internet options are available. Well, you'll be happy to know that there are quite a few super fast internet providers available in Jarrell, TX!
In fact, for being such a rural area, there are a lot of internet options.
Here are the internet providers available in Jarrell, TX:
Heritage Broadband (one of the highest rated internet providers in Jarrell)
Optimum (formerly "Suddenlink")
JARRELL FACEBOOK GROUPS & ONLINE COMMUNITIES
Jarrell is a rapidly growing part of Central Texas, and as a result of the influx of new people in the area, there is a constant need to get connected with the local community.
That's where online groups help facilitate taking people from forming online connections, to building in-person relationships. Here are some of the most important groups to join in the online Jarrell, TX community:
AFFORDABILITY IN JARRELL
Though the cost of a home has gradually increased over the years, Jarrell still presents an attractive option for those seeking affordable housing near Austin without the exorbitant prices associated with the city. It offers a desirable alternative, allowing individuals to enjoy the relative proximity to Austin (as well as Temple, Waco and Killeen) while embracing a more budget-friendly lifestyle.
ALTERNATIVES TO JARRELL
If proximity to Austin is not a concern, then there are also reasonably priced alternative communities just up the road in places like Salado, Belton, Temple, Killeen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove, and Waco.
THE 6 JARRELL NEIGHBORHOODS
At first, like all towns, it started off with just the small town of Jarrell inside city limits, with quite a few outlying farms and ranches. It didn't take long before it expanded to a booming population in the 2000's with a neighborhood subdivision known as Sonterra. Sonterra quickly became the fastest growing subdivision in the US, and sooner after, more subdivisions started to get planned and developed.
HOME PLACE AT JARRELL
The Home Place at Jarrell presents a diverse range of housing options, catering to various needs and preferences, with three- to four-bedroom and two- to three-bathroom floor plans spanning from 1,800 to 2,700 square feet.
This community ensures a plethora of sizes, styles, and price points for prospective homebuyers. Embracing an array of amenities, the homes within The Home Place boast sought-after features such as open-concept floor plans, walk-in closets, and generously sized soaking tubs.
Positioned at the heart of Jarrell, The Home Place enjoys an advantageous location, being less than a mile away from the local high school. In close proximity, residents can find an abundance of dining establishments, places of worship, and essential service providers.
With the convenience of Interstate 35 just minutes away, this community offers seamless access to Downtown Austin, Waco, and Temple along with their myriad offerings, all within an hour's reach.
CALUMET
Highlighting an array of floor plans and architectural styles from Richmond American Homes, the meticulously designed Calumet community presents an enticing blend of rural charm and urban conveniences. Showcasing an assortment of single-family homes, multi-family homes, and townhomes, this thriving community caters to the diverse needs of individuals seeking a home in the area.
Situated a mere 40 miles north of Austin, the Calumet community enjoys a prime location that grants effortless access to Interstate 35 and all the attractions the region has to offer. Just a stone's throw away from the community, numerous restaurants await, tantalizing residents with delectable dining options. Moreover, a nearby park and baseball fields provide ample opportunities for recreation and outdoor enjoyment.
SONTERRA
Renowned for its warm small-town hospitality and budget-friendly housing options, Sonterra, a sprawling 1,400-acre master-planned community, presents an enticing array of floor plans to suit various preferences. These well-designed homes boast desirable features like kitchens adorned with granite countertops, kitchen islands, stainless steel appliances, designer flooring, and energy-efficient elements throughout. With fenced backyards and thoughtfully landscaped surroundings, each home offers a complete package for comfortable living.
A Cul-De-Sac in Sonterra
Functioning as both a master-planned community and a designated place according to the census, Sonterra stands as a distinct city bordering the southern edge of Jarrell. Its western boundary aligns with Interstate 35, granting residents seamless access to Temple, Waco, and Austin, along with the abundant amenities and conveniences these cities have to offer.
Within the community itself, an array of amenities awaits, including a welcoming clubhouse, sparkling swimming pools, sports courts, a playground, and walking trails.
EASTWOOD
Scheduled for construction commencement in 2023, Eastwood emerges as a meticulously planned community nestled within the expansive 1,400-acre Sonterra community.
Seamlessly blending the tranquility of a rural environment with the modern conveniences of city living, Eastwood presents an impressive collection of single-family homes boasting diverse floor plans and captivating designs.
Residents of the Eastwood community delight in a wealth of amenities at their fingertips. A vibrant community clubhouse, inviting swimming pool, trails, engaging playground space, a basketball court, and much more await exploration and leisure in the Eastwood community.
Positioned within mere moments from IH-35, Eastwood offers seamless accessibility to Austin, neighboring cities such as Waco, Temple and Killeen, along with a plethora of dining, shopping, and entertainment options that grace the area.
Nature enthusiasts can revel in the recreational opportunities nearby, such as the picturesque San Gabriel Park, the captivating Blue Hole Park, and the beautiful Lake Belton and Lake Georgetown.
STONEBRIDGE CROSSING
Encompassing an enticing selection of three- to five-bedroom floor plans, featuring both one- and two-story designs, the Stonebridge Crossing community presents an extensive range of housing options designed to cater to diverse needs. These thoughtfully crafted homes boast open layouts, creating a welcoming and spacious ambiance. Prominent features include chef-ready kitchens equipped with energy-efficient appliances, elegant granite countertops, and exquisite crown molding details.
Nestled just north of Austin and in close proximity to Georgetown and Salado, the Stonebridge Crossing community offers residents the perfect blend of idyllic countryside living with easy access to the amenities and conveniences of larger cities.
BAILEY PARK
Nestled within the expansive Sonterra community, Bailey Park emerges as a meticulously planned master-planned community, showcasing an extensive array of homes featuring diverse floor plans, designs, and price points. This section of Sonterra offers residences ranging in size from approximately 1,200 to 2,400 square feet, providing ample options to suit individual preferences and needs.
Benefiting from its strategic location near IH-35, the Bailey Park community ensures residents enjoy seamless access to Georgetown, Temple, Austin, and Jarrell, along with the plethora of amenities and attractions these vibrant cities have to offer.
What Jarrell Residents Are Called
When you travel to different cities, it's common to refer to them by a single name that references the city in which they live. Here are some examples:
People who live in Austin are called "Austinites"
People who live in Dallas are called "Dallasites"
Houston = Houstonites
San Antonio = San Antonions
New Orleans = New Orleanians
Atlanta = Atlanteans
The battle is still raging over what to call people who live in Jarrell. Some people say it's "Jarrellites", others say it should be "Jarrellineans".
Jarrellites rolls off the tongue a little easier, and it's a shorter word to spell, so it makes sense to call people who live in Jarrell, Jarrellites.