Discover the Heart of Central Texas
Nestled in the heart of Central Texas, Smithville is a charming small town that perfectly balances historic charm with modern amenities. Located just 45 minutes southeast of Austin, Smithville offers residents the perfect blend of small-town community living with easy access to big-city opportunities.
Known for its friendly community, excellent schools, and rich history, Smithville has become a sought-after destination for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle while still enjoying all the benefits of Central Texas living.
Approximately 4,200 residents
1827
Bastrop County, Central Texas
45 minutes (40 miles)
Where Hollywood Meets Texas History
Did you know this charming town of 4,000 souls has been captivating filmmakers for decades? But Smithville's story started long before the cameras rolled...
Picture this: 1827, Dr. Thomas Jefferson Gazley arrives to establish the first store, serving both settlers and the friendly Lipan and Tonkawa Indians. This Texas hero helped write the Texas Declaration of Independence and fought at the Battle of San Jacinto!
The town's name? Decided by a legendary coin toss between the Smiths and the Burlesons. The Smiths won!
When the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad established its central shops here in 1894, Smithville boomed overnight - becoming Bastrop County's largest city for nearly 50 years!
Sandra Bullock & Harry Connick Jr. put Smithville on the map! Fun fact: The mayor sold the town's naming rights for $1 (now framed in City Hall)
Terrence Malick's masterpiece featuring Brad Pitt. They moved a 65,000-pound oak tree through town, lifting utility lines for 2 days!
Jack Black's dark comedy filmed throughout downtown
Even the Autobots couldn't resist this Texas charm!
The iconic Star Biscuit Co. mural featured in Hope Floats - a must-see photo spot!
Smithville: Texas's FIRST certified "Film Friendly" community, where every street corner has a story and Hollywood keeps coming back for more!
Texas's Lifeline Through History
Did you know Texas has its OWN Colorado River? (Not the Grand Canyon one!) This mighty waterway has shaped Smithville's story for nearly 200 years.
Length
862 miles long - the longest river entirely within Texas!
Source
Born in the high plains of Dawson County near Lubbock
Path
Flows southeast through the Texas Hill Country → Austin → Bastrop → SMITHVILLE → La Grange → Columbus → Wharton → Bay City
Destination
Matagorda Bay on the Gulf of Mexico
Drainage
39,900 square miles of Texas landscape
For decades, a massive logjam called "the raft" blocked the Colorado just 10 miles from its mouth, making navigation nearly impossible. This natural dam stretched for 6 miles and changed Texas commerce forever!
Unlike the Mississippi, the Colorado never became the commercial highway Texans hoped for:
Next time you cross that bridge over the Colorado in Smithville, remember: you're crossing a river that almost became Texas's Mississippi, where steamboats once churned toward an Austin that was barely a frontier town, and where dreams of river commerce shaped the early Texas economy!
Recognition & Media Coverage
Family Destinations Guide
"Smithville is like that quiet kid in class who turns out to be a secret rock star."
The article highlights Smithville's unique charm and cinematic appeal, praising the town's historic downtown area with vintage storefronts, friendly local atmosphere, and its impressive Hollywood credentials including films like Hope Floats and Tree of Life.
Southern Living Magazine
Southern Living Magazine has recognized Smithville as one of the charming destinations worth discovering in Texas. The article showcases what makes this small town special - from its rich history and welcoming community to its role as a beloved filming location.
With its proximity to Austin, historic downtown, and authentic Texas character, Smithville continues to attract visitors and new residents seeking the perfect blend of small-town charm and modern convenience.
Smithville continues to capture the hearts of visitors and media alike, earning recognition as one of Texas's most charming and picturesque small towns!
Smithville Independent School District (SISD) serves the educational needs of the community with a strong commitment to academic excellence and student development.
Grades Pre-K through 5th
Grades 6th through 8th
Grades 9th through 12th - Home of the Tigers
Smithville enjoys a mild Central Texas climate with four distinct seasons, making it perfect for year-round outdoor activities.
Average High: 95°F (35°C)
Warm and sunny with occasional afternoon thunderstorms
Average High: 62°F (17°C)
Mild winters with rare freezing temperatures
Average High: 78°F (26°C)
Beautiful wildflower season with pleasant temperatures
Average High: 81°F (27°C)
Comfortable weather with colorful foliage
Smithville's charming downtown and picturesque surroundings have made it a popular filming location for Hollywood productions. The town's well-preserved historic district has provided the perfect backdrop for numerous films and television shows.
Starring: Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr.
This beloved romantic drama extensively used Smithville's Main Street and historic downtown as the fictional town of Smithville in the film. Many of the town's iconic buildings and locations are featured prominently throughout the movie, making Smithville itself almost a character in the story.
Starring: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, and Jessica Chastain
Director Terrence Malick chose Smithville for several scenes in this critically acclaimed film that won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The town's nostalgic 1950s-era atmosphere perfectly captured the film's themes of childhood and memory.
Starring: Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio
Some scenes from this classic drama were filmed in and around Smithville, taking advantage of the town's authentic small-town Texas atmosphere.
Starring: Dennis Quaid
This inspiring true story about baseball player Jim Morris included scenes filmed in Smithville, showcasing the town's authentic Texas character.
Starring: Christopher Guest
This comedy classic utilized Smithville's charming downtown area for various scenes, perfectly capturing the essence of small-town America.
Smithville takes pride in its role as a filming location and welcomes production crews. Walking through downtown, you can still recognize many of the buildings and streets that have appeared on the silver screen, making the town a favorite destination for movie fans and film tourism.
Smithville offers a variety of recreational opportunities and community amenities that make it a wonderful place to live.
Discover new construction homes at The Prairie Smithville
View Available Homes