East of Town: Manor and Elgin
OVERVIEW
Just east of Austin are a few charming towns including Manor and Elgin.
Proximity
The main transportation route through here is US Highway 290. This highway does have a toll option in some places on your way to and from Austin. In Manor, you have quick access to SH 130 Toll Road, and further east in Elgin, you have highway 95, a charming drive running north and south from Elgin.
Population
Manor’s population, as of 2018, is estimated to be 8,595. The average household income is $63,568 and the median property value is at $160,600.
The population of Elgin is estimated to be 9,616, as of 2018. The average household income is $46,819 and the median property value is at $135,100.
Public Transportation
While the cities themselves do not offer public lifts throughout town, you can hop on the 990 Manor/Elgin Express provided by CapMetro to get you into downtown. You can access the flyer by parking at the Manor Park & Ride or the Elgin Park & Ride.
School System
Manor ISD and Elgin ISD are the main districts, and include many schools.
Manor ISD has several elementary schools: Bluebonnet Trail Elementary School, Decker Elementary School, more. Middle Schools include: Decker Middle School and Manor Middle School. These schools then feed their students into Manor High School.
Elgin ISD has three elementary schools: Booker T. Washington, Neidig, and Elgin. Kids then go to Elgin Intermediate and Elgin Middle School. From there, students attend Elgin High School.
ART & CULTURE
Nightlife
If you’re in Manor, stop by Beer:30. It’s the ultimate small town neighborhood bar.
In Elgin, you can head to Bobs Blue Collar Tavern, a local favorite with a wide selection of drinks, good food, and plenty to do, including pool and karaoke. The historic downtown also has many great spots, including the Liberty Tree Tavern, a beloved old school joint downtown where you can still smoke at the bar and have a good time.
Shopping + Entertainment
Downtown Elgin has plenty to do, from shops to galleries, right on Main Street. Check out The Clever Tiger: Art Studio and Gallery to let out your creative spirit. Also on Main are several shops, like the antique store The Tattered Shutter or The Owl Wine Bar & Home Goods Store. This place is two historic favorites. According to their site: “The Owl, Elgin's first home goods store and wine bar, offers unique vintage home goods and furniture and a local option for happy hour and sampling boutique wines,” and “G&M DRYGOODS is a locally owned gift store specializing in Made in America products.”
We’d be remiss to not mention the J. Lorraine Ghost Town in Manor, when it comes to entertainment. This amusement park is an Old Western-style “town” on 4.5 acres. The Wild West storefronts take you back to the 1800s, complete with a restaurant and outdoor theater.
RECREATION
Food Scene
We head to the historic downtowns of these two suburbs to find some great eats. In Manor, check out Lillie Mae's Comfort Food or Ramos Restaurant and Sports Bar for some authentic Tex-Mex and good drinks. ‘
In Elgin, try Lucy's Kitchen, a nearly five-star restaurant with over 500 reviews online. Down the street is Regulators Sports Bar & Grill if you want an “Austin vibe with small town prices,” as one reviewer put it.
Hotels
If you’re just stopping in to check out the area, you might need a place to stay. In Manor, rest your head at Red Roof Inn. In Elgin, there’s the trusted Holiday Inn Express & Suites. For a hyperlocalized experience, you can always check with AirBNB or VRBO!
Outdoor Activities
Go for a stroll at East Metropolitan Park in Manor or Elgin Memorial Park. Hit the green in Manor at ShadowGlen Golf Club, or take horseback riding lessons at White Fences Equestrian Center. Not far down Highway 290 towards Austin is Big Walnut Creek Nature Preserve— 47 acres of land for you to explore!
