Community

LIVING WELL

Residents enjoy a strong public school system with private school options. Medically there are four hospitals within 30 minutes as well as several local clinics, dentists and urgent care. Giddings has two grocery stores, Walmart, many targeted needs stores and several fun specialty shops which are sources for great gifts.

There are more than 30 churches in the Lee County area and just about every denomination has a representative. There are many clubs and organizations for those wishing to volunteer their time or just to get out and enjoy the community. Several annual events add to the fun, including the Lee County Fair and Charcoal Challenge BBQ, Grimes Street Music Fest and Rodeos.

The cost of living in Giddings and Lee County is fairly low, making it very affordable for families. An average home price is under $200,000. The town is serviced by quality police, fire and sheriff's departments.

LOCATION

The family friendly community of Giddings is located about halfway between Austin and Houston down HIghway 290; and also along Highway 77, the connecting route between Dallas and the Gulf Coast. It maintains its small town character while still being close enough to the big city.

Nearby Metropolitan cities are:
Austin -48 miles
San Antonio - 120 miles
Houston - 100 miles
Dallas/Ft Worth - 200 miles

Giddings is the county seat of Lee County. Other towns in the county are Lexingon, Dime Box, Lincoln and Serbin. It's the ideal place for a family-owned business, raising children in a small town or retiring to the country.

POPULATION

The city of Giddings has a population of 5,055. Lee County's population is about 17,058.

TAXES

The State of Texas and the City of Giddings impose no state or city income taxes. There is an 8.25 percent sales tax. Ad Valorem property taxes are levied by the state, county, city and school district, and hospital district. The area tax rate is low in comparison to other tax areas in central Texas .

TRANSPORTATION

The local airport is located about 3 miles west of town and is equipped with a 4,000ft, lighted runway, along with a full-service FBO and flight school. The nearest commercial airline is in Austin.

Located at the center of two major highways makes Giddings ideal for getting quickly to where you want to go. Historically, most of the city's streets are a comfortable 100 feet in width. This is due to the town's founders deciding to create streets wide enough that a horse and carriage could turn around without having to back up! Now that's luxury.

COMMUNICATIONS

Giddings has one local weekly newspaper, The Giddings Times & News, and has delivery available for newspapers from Houston and Austin. The Lexington Leader newspaper also serves Lee County. The local radio station is KGID, specializing in classic country.

The area has cable television services, telephone and Internet. Zochnet currently provides fiberoptic cable connections in Giddings.

UTILITIES

The City of Giddings operates the water and sewage facilities. Electricity either comes from the City of Giddings or Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative. Natural gas is supplied by Center Point Reliant Energy.

EDUCATION

Giddings and Lee County's excellent school systems help to provide a quality work force. There are three public schools: Giddings, Lexington and Dime Box. Three parochial schools provide education from Kindergarten through Eighth Grade. Various community organizations also offer learning opportunities for children, adults and senior citizens.
Quality pre-schools and day cares are available for working parents.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Another asset of the Giddings/Lee County area is the access to higher education opportunities within commuting distance. Blinn College in Brenham, Texas A&M University in College Station and Prairie View A&M in Prairie View.  In Austin there is University of Texas, Concordia Lutheran College, Austin Community College, St. Edward's University, Huston-Tillotson College.

Other institutes a little further away include SouthWestern University in Georgetown, Texas State University in San Marcos, Sam Houston State in Huntsville.

RECREATION

The quaint little town of Giddings has a variety of activities for individuals and families. There are two city parks in Giddings to enjoy on a lazy afternoon, soccer and baseball fields, tennis courts, swimming pool, bowling, and golfing at the country club. Visit several historical locations and learn about Gididngs at the Lee County Museum & Visitors Center, the Lee County Courthouse, the Giddings Public Library or the historic depots.

Giddings is a Gateway to Rural Texas being within 30 miles of at least 20 other little towns you can explore as well as three state parks with camping, hiking, boating and recreational vehicle facilities.

EATING

You'll find few small towns as well equipped as Giddings in the eating department. There are over 30 restaurants in Giddings, from local, home-town facilities to large chain fast foods. The variety is very impressive including tasty styles such as Mexican, home-cooking, barbecue, Vietnamese, Chinese, deli and pizza, home style burgers and steak.