The city of Bastrop, located 35 miles east of Austin, is a draw for those wanting to be near downtown while also enjoying the nature and laidback lifestyle that comes with living outside city limits.

But once you're there, where should you live, and why? Master-planned community The Colony has the answer.

  

Photo by Nazar Abbas Photography/Getty

Find peaceful nature just outside the city.

Small town charm
Full of small town appeal, vintage architecture, and walkability to shops, bistros, and cafes, downtown Bastrop is beloved for its culinary and shopping flair, emphasis on the legacy of early Texans, and just plain friendliness.

Surrounded by gently rolling hills and peaceful piney woods, the area also offers countless ways to connect with the outdoors.

McKinney Roughs is a neighboring nature preserve with 18 miles of hike and bike paths and 12 miles of horseback trails. It's dotted with colorful wildflower meadows and sited along the Colorado River — where opportunities to canoe and kayak abound — letting residents find their balance with nature.

Big city convenience
Downtown Austin, Austin-Bergstrom Airport, and major thoroughfares are just minutes away, meaning an easy commute for work or play.

The University of Texas, the Texas State Capitol, Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool, Lady Bird Lake, and the famous Sixth Street are all just a quick drive away.

Super-charged neighbors
The already-massive Tesla headquarters are expanding again, meaning even more jobs and opportunities on the "Gigafactory" campus. It's already one of the largest buildings on the planet, but like so much of Austin, there seems to be no end to its growth.

The Bastrop 552 film studios are also expected to break ground later this year, building 486,000 square feet of studio space, 300,000 square feet of warehouse, and 200,000 square feet of office.

All the amenities
You don't even have to leave The Colony to live the good life. Resort-style amenities are at every turn, from hike and bike trails to parks, playgrounds, and even pickleball courts and disc golf courses.

A new onsite elementary school sets kiddos up for success, while the Greenbelt Dog Park gives four-legged family members even more space to run and play.

The Overlook, Prairie Vista, and Stephen F. Austin Blvd. amenity centers feature pools and state-of-the-art fitness rooms, each designed for different neighborhoods throughout the community.

Homeowners can also take advantage of discounted memberships at the nearby Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort. Relish a day of pampering at Spa Django or take to the greens at Wolfdancer or ColoVista Country Club, two outstanding area golf courses.

First-class homes
Take your pick of plans from David Weekley Homes, Lennar Homes, Perry Homes, Terrata Homes, Gehan Homes, M/I Homes, Scott Felder Homes, Sitterle Homes, and Westin Homes. There's inventory available now, with some dwellings set to be available later in the year.

See all your options and learn more about living in The Colony here.