Manor, TX
- About Manor
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Attractions
- Transport
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Sport and Athletic Traditions
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Facilities
Manor is a rapidly growing suburb in Travis County, Texas, located just 12 miles from Austin. Known for its small-town charm and innovative spirit, it was the first US city to deploy a QR code program.
About Manor
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
The city's official name is Manor (pronounced MAY-nər) . It is a city in Travis County, Texas, United States . Manor is an integral part of the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area and serves as a dynamic suburban community within this rapidly growing region .
Date of Foundation and Age
The community of Manor was laid out and named in 1872, following the construction of the Houston and Texas Central Railway through the area . It was officially incorporated as a town in March 1913 . As of 2026, the city is 154 years old from its founding and 113 years old from its incorporation. The town was named after James B. Manor, a local settler who donated the right-of-way for the railroad, bringing the line through the area .
Geographical Position and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 30°20′35″N 97°33′24″W (30.343071, –97.556710) .
- Location: Manor is situated approximately 12 miles (19 km) northeast of downtown Austin along U.S. Highway 290 . It is located on Gilleland Creek .
- Elevation: The city's elevation is 531 feet (162 meters) above sea level .
- Type of Settlement: Manor is a suburban city located in the Texas Hill Country region, characterized by rolling terrain and proximity to the state capital .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Originally a small farming community, Manor has transformed into a dynamic residential suburb and emerging technological hub . Its economy is closely tied to the Austin metro area, serving as a bedroom community for professionals working in Austin's tech corridor and for major employers like Tesla, Samsung, and Amazon . The city itself is focused on fostering growth through streamlined development processes, with key sectors including residential construction, retail, and professional services . Manor is also noted for its innovative spirit, being the first government agency in the United States to deploy a QR code program to share information with residents and tourists .
Population and Demographics
Manor is one of the fastest-growing suburbs in America . As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,652, a dramatic increase from 1,204 in 2000 . More recent estimates for 2023-2024 place the population between 15,341 and 20,209, reflecting a growth rate of over 220% in a decade . By population size, it is classified as a small city but is rapidly growing into a mid-sized one. The community is notably diverse, with a 2024 demographic profile showing a population that is 54.6% Hispanic or Latino, 21.6% Black or African American, and 14.2% White . The median age is around 31-32, making it a young community .
City's "Business Card" (Brief)
Manor, Texas, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and suburban convenience, located just 20 minutes from the energy of downtown Austin . Here, residents and visitors can explore historic downtown murals, cool off in community splash pads, enjoy a round at a top-rated golf course, and experience quirky local spots like a ghost town, all while being part of one of America's fastest-growing communities .
Geography
Hills and Mountain Ranges
While Manor itself is not located in a mountainous area, it is part of the Texas Hill Country region, known for its rolling hills and scenic landscapes . The terrain around Manor offers sweeping hill-country views and forms the eastern edge of this distinctive geographical area .
Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
- Gilleland Creek: This creek flows through the city and is a significant local water feature, with James B. Manor having originally settled on its banks west of present-day downtown .
- Lake Walter E. Long (Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park): Located approximately 8-15 minutes from Manor, this large reservoir offers recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, and hiking around the lake's perimeter .
- Onion Creek (McKinney Falls State Park): About a 30-minute drive from Manor, this creek in McKinney Falls State Park features waterfalls and limestone outcrops, providing unique opportunities for hiking and exploring .
Deserts, Canyons, and Unique Landscapes
The nearest major unique landscape is the Balcones Canyonlands, located about 30 minutes from Manor. The Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge in this area offers hiking and wildlife observation, protecting diverse ecosystems and several bird species .
National and Nature Parks
- East Metropolitan Park: Located just five minutes southeast of Manor, this 273-acre park is a major recreational hub for the community . It features ball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts, playscapes, hiking trails, stock ponds for fishing, a disc golf course, equestrian trails, and a swimming pool managed by the YMCA of Austin .
- McKinney Falls State Park: Approximately 30 minutes from Manor, this state park is known for its waterfalls, limestone rock formations, hiking and biking trails, and fishing spots, as well as its rich history .
Islands and Archipelagos
Manor is an inland city, and there are no islands or archipelagos within its vicinity.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Manor has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) , characteristic of Central Texas, with hot summers and mild winters. The weather is greatly influenced by its location, with summers being hot and oppressive due to high humidity, while winters are short, cold, and windy . The city enjoys a significant amount of sunshine year-round, with the clearest month being October .
Average Monthly Temperatures
Temperatures in Manor vary significantly throughout the year, with an average annual temperature of 21°C (70°F) .
- Hottest Month: August is the warmest, with an average daily high of 95-98°F (35-38°C) and an average low of 74-75°F (23-24°C) .
- Coldest Month: January is the coolest, with an average daily high of 61-64°F (16-17°C) and an average low of 41-43°F (5-6°C) .
- Extreme Values: Summer temperatures are rarely above 101°F (38°C), and winter temperatures rarely drop below 29°F (-2°C) .
Precipitation and Humidity
Manor receives a significant amount of rainfall, with a yearly average of around 997 mm (39.3 inches) .
- Wettest Month: May is the wettest, with average precipitation of 111 mm (4.4 inches) and the highest chance of rain (around 32%) .
- Driest Month: July is the driest, with average precipitation of 45-51 mm (1.8-2.0 inches) .
- Humidity: The city experiences extreme seasonal variation in humidity. The muggiest period lasts from April to October, with July having up to 28 days of muggy or oppressive conditions . Conversely, January has fewer than one muggy day on average .
Sunny Days and UV Index
The number of sunny days varies, with the area being partly cloudy year-round. The sunniest period is from September to November, with October being the clearest month (sky clear 70% of the time) . The cloudiest months are January and February . The length of the day varies from 10 hours, 12 minutes in December to 14 hours, 6 minutes in June .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Manor for hot-weather activities is from late May to late September .
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm rapidly from an average high of 72°F (22°C) in March to 85°F (29°C) in May. This is a wet period, with May being the rainiest month . It's a good time for outdoor activities before the peak summer heat.
- Summer (June-August): This is the hottest and most oppressive time of year, with average highs in the 90s°F (mid-30s°C) . July and August are the sunniest and least rainy, making it ideal for water-based activities and swimming .
- Fall (September-November): Temperatures become more comfortable, with highs dropping from 89°F (32°C) in September to 71°F (22°C) in November . September can still have significant rainfall, but October is the clearest and sunniest month, making it an excellent time for visiting .
- Winter (December-February): Winters are short, cold, and windy. Highs average between 61-66°F (16-19°C), and lows can drop to around 42°F (6°C) . Rain is common, and there is a slight chance of snow in January and February .
Specific Weather Phenomena
While not as prone to extreme weather as other parts of Texas, the region can experience severe thunderstorms, especially in the spring, which may bring hail and high winds . The windiest month is April, with average speeds of 16 mph (26 km/h) .
Landmarks and Attractions
[The Historic Manor Water Tower]
The Manor Water Tower is a beloved and iconic landmark in the downtown district . Although no longer in use, this old tank gained fame for its role in the film "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," where a developmentally disabled boy, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, regularly climbs it . Today, it remains a significant piece of local history and a popular subject for photographs .
[J. Lorraine Ghost Town]
For a truly unique experience, visit the J. Lorraine Ghost Town, a quirky Old West-themed entertainment venue . It offers food, drinks, and family-friendly fun with rustic buildings, numerous photo opportunities, games, and occasional live entertainment. It's a one-of-a-kind attraction and a popular spot for group events .
[ShadowGlen Golf Club]
Golf enthusiasts should not miss the ShadowGlen Golf Club, a public 18-hole course consistently ranked among the best in the Austin area by publications like Golf Digest . The course weaves through rolling hills and features beautiful water hazards and well-kept greens, offering a scenic and challenging round for golfers of all skill levels .
[Jennie Lane Park]
Located in the heart of downtown, Jennie Lane Park is the central gathering place for the community . It's a modern "Smart Park" with free WiFi access . Key features include a splash pad for cooling off, shaded picnic tables, a playground, and a gazebo . It hosts popular community events like the Manor Farmers Market, a summer movie series, and Christmas in the Park .
[Historic Downtown Manor]
A stroll through Historic Downtown Manor offers a glimpse into the city's small-town charm . This compact area features well-preserved buildings now housing boutique shops and cozy local eateries. Visitors can admire unique murals and colorful street art, making it a perfect spot for photos and experiencing the town's local flavor .
Monuments and Memorials
While Manor has no large-scale monuments, it honors its history in other ways. The Manor Historical Society Museum, a small museum downtown, features artifacts and exhibits that highlight the city's past, providing an educational experience for visitors . The city's innovative QR code signs placed on historical landmarks and structures also serve as a modern way to commemorate and share its history with residents and tourists .
Transport
Main Airports
Manor is conveniently located near Austin's primary airport.
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS): This is the main airport serving the region, located approximately 18-19 miles (29-30 minutes) from Manor . It offers a wide range of domestic and international flights. The drive is straightforward via U.S. Highway 290 and State Highway 71 .
Major Highways
Manor is a well-connected community with excellent road infrastructure.
- U.S. Highway 290 (US 290): This is the primary artery running through Manor, connecting it directly to downtown Austin (12 miles west) and to points east, including Houston .
- State Highway 130 (SH 130): A toll road that forms part of the Central Texas turnway system, SH 130 intersects with US 290 near Manor, providing easy access to other parts of the Austin metro area and facilitating commutes to major employment centers .
- State Highway 45 (SH 45): Another toll road in the region that, along with SH 130, has significantly increased accessibility to Manor .
- FM 973: A Farm-to-Market road that intersects with US 290 on the east side of town, leading to other communities and recreational areas like East Metro Park .
Public Transit
Public transportation options within Manor are currently limited. The city's growth prospects are bolstered by the possibility that the still-active rail line running through the area might be used for commuter rail in the future, connecting Manor more directly to Austin . For now, residents and visitors rely primarily on personal vehicles, rideshares, or taxis. Getting around from Manor is simple due to its convenient location near US 290 and SH 130 .
Ride-Sharing and Taxis
As a suburb of a major metropolitan area, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and provide a convenient way to travel to and from Manor, as well as to nearby attractions and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
While Manor is a growing community with its own local spots, its dining scene is also influenced by its proximity to Austin and broader national trends. The town offers a mix of local Tex-Mex favorites and new arrivals bringing Southern flavors to the area.
Taqueria La Chiapaneca
For an authentic taste of local flavor, Taqueria La Chiapaneca is a beloved spot in Manor, known for its delicious and authentic Mexican food. This taqueria has garnered a strong local following for its classic dishes.
- Must-Try Dishes: The menu features standout items like the carne asada plate, which comes with perfectly cooked rice, solid frijoles (beans), and nopales (grilled cactus), a flavorful and traditional Mexican vegetable . The Al pastor tacos are also highly recommended, noted for their excellent and unique seasoning blend, and a satisfying level of spiciness . For a lighter bite or for kids, the mini taquitos plate is a popular choice .
- What to Expect: Reviewers consistently praise the food, describing items like the carnitas as having an "excellent crispiness" . It's the kind of place where the delicious food makes it worth the visit, even if you need to brush up on your Spanish .
Bojangles
In a significant development for the local food scene, the Carolina-born chain Bojangles opened its first Austin-area restaurant in Manor in January 2026 . This marks the arrival of a major regional chain known for its distinct Southern menu.
- Famous Dishes: Bojangles is legendary for its signature hand-breaded chicken, freshly baked made-from-scratch biscuits, and its "Legendary Iced Tea®" . They also offer classic Southern "fixins'" like Cajun Pintos, Dirty Rice, and Macaroni & Cheese, providing a taste of Carolina flavor in the Lone Star State .
- Why It's Notable: The opening of this location at 12432 State School Rd. is part of Bojangles' strategic national expansion, bringing its unique Southern charm and bold flavors to the Manor community for breakfast, lunch, and dinner .
Sport and Athletic Traditions
In Manor, sports are a community-centered affair, with a strong focus on youth athletics and the ever-important Texas high school football.
Local Sports Teams
The primary sporting spirit in Manor is driven by its high school and youth programs.
Manor New Tech Titans
High school football is a cornerstone of Texas culture, and Manor is represented by the Manor New Tech Titans. The team competes in Texas high school football, a fiercely competitive and deeply followed sport across the state .
- Program History: The Titans have a developing program with three playoff appearances to their name . They compete in District 13-4A Division I, facing off against other schools from the Austin area .
- Community Spirit: For a town of Manor's size, the local high school team is a major source of community pride and entertainment, with games bringing residents together on Friday nights.
Manor Area Youth Association (MAYA)
For the younger generation, the Manor Area Youth Association (MAYA) is the heart of youth sports. MAYA organizes baseball and softball for the community's children .
- Programs and Teams: With the motto "Where kids can dream Big in a Little town," MAYA offers spring seasons with teams like the 10u MAYA Mustangs and 12U MAYA Vaqueros, fostering a fun, safe, and enjoyable sporting environment .
- Community Focus: The organization emphasizes developing lifelong bonds and a strong community spirit through team excellence, highlighting the importance of sports in Manor's social fabric .
Universities and Educational Institutions
Manor itself does not host a university or four-year college. However, it is located in the Greater Austin area, which is home to several major institutions. The most prominent of these is the University of Texas at Austin, a world-renowned research university located about 15 miles to the west.
It is also important to note that a search for "Manor College" returns a result for a completely different institution located in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, which is not related to the city of Manor, Texas .
Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare in Manor is a rapidly developing sector, designed to meet the needs of its growing population. While the community currently lacks a full-service regional hospital, significant new investments in emergency care have recently been made.
St. David's Emergency Center
In December 2025, St. David's Emergency Center opened its doors, becoming the first full-service emergency department in Manor . Located at 10703 East US 290 Highway, this 10,840-square-foot facility is an extension of St. David's Medical Center in Austin and operates 24/7 .
- Services: The center features 11 exam rooms and is staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians and nurses trained in emergency care . It is equipped to handle all urgent and life-threatening conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, head and spine injuries, and respiratory distress . The facility also has on-site advanced radiological testing and a medical lab .
- Patient Care: For patients requiring more extensive care or hospitalization, the center coordinates transport to St. David's Medical Center in Austin . This new facility significantly reduces travel time for Manor residents who previously had to commute 20 minutes or more to the nearest emergency room .
TXM MicroHospital
In addition to the St. David's ER, a TXM MicroHospital is planned to open just east of downtown Manor on U.S. 290 . This 24,000-square-foot facility will offer more services than a standalone ER.
- Expanded Services: It will include 6 emergency department beds and 6 inpatient beds, allowing for overnight stays. It will also have two operating rooms for scheduled day surgeries (such as gall bladder removals) and will offer a medical detox program .
- Workforce: The microhospital is expected to employ over 60 staff members, including more than 10 doctors, further expanding healthcare access in the area .
Future of Healthcare in Manor
Community leaders, including Mayor Christopher Harvey, acknowledge that while these new emergency centers are a vital and welcome step, the rapidly growing area—projected to swell from 49,000 to 150,000 residents in the next five to seven years—will ultimately need a full-service regional hospital . The city has identified potential sites and views a hospital as a critical need for ensuring long-term healthcare equity and access for its residents .