Lampasas was first settled in 1850, after John Burleson received 1,280 acres of land for his role in the Texas Revolution. The town was incorporated in 1883.
When pondering where to go for a fun day out, Lampasas isn't often the first place that springs to mind. However, you may be pleasantly surprised at how much there is going on. With a population of 6,681, it isn't exactly New York City, but if you wanted all that hustle and bustle, Lampasas wouldn't be your first choice, would it? What you might lack in amenities is made up for in great weather. The summers are scorching and the winters are mild, so you won't be needing those gloves and earmuffs any time soon.
Moving to Lampasas
Although moving can be a nuisance, the whole process shouldn't be too awful, as long as you do a little bit of advance planning. While it's hardly going to be as pleasant as a stroll by the waterfront on a warm summer's day, it won't be as painful as having a tooth pulled. Just put a bit of effort in and you'll soon find rental housing that's just right for you.
When Should You Start Looking?
You should be able to find places to live in Lampasas quite swiftly. The percentage of homes that are occupied by renters is much higher than both the state and the national average, meaning that there are generally more rental properties on the market. More often than not, around four to six weeks should be enough time for you to find a place to live. However, the sort of people who have very specific requirements (you know who you are!) might need a little while longer to find that perfect abode.
What Happens Next?
Once you've found the right housing for rent, you should let the landlord know you're interested in it as soon as possible. You snooze, you lose, and all the rest! You'll usually be asked to fill out some paperwork and provide documentation, such as your proof of income, rental history and references. Some landlords will run a credit check, as well. Be sure to have everything you need ready, so as not to hold up the process. If everything checks out, or if your landlord simply decides your trustworthy face is good enough for them, you'll need to sign a tenancy agreement. There might be something important in there, so try to read the small print.
How Much Will it Cost?
The exact cost of moving house can vary greatly, so you'll have to do the math for yourself here. Most of the time, you'll be required to pay one month's rent upfront before you move in, along with a security deposit of a similar amount. The deposit is refundable when you move out, just as long as you haven't damaged the property, so keep the wild parties to a bare minimum! You'll also have to factor in other costs, such as hiring movers, if necessary, which can be costly, especially if you're moving from right across the country.
Lampasas Neighborhoods
Each neighborhood in Lampasas has its own characteristics, so it's important that you choose the right one. The type of property you're after will play a part in which neighborhood is right for you. For instance, some neighborhoods have lots of apartment complexes, whereas others mostly contain large houses for rent. However, other differences also exist between neighborhoods, such as proximity to amenities and access to the highway.
Studio Junction: Property in this area is mostly a mixture of houses and mobile homes. Although it's not right in the center of town, it's a fairly walkable and isn't far from a number of shops, restaurants and businesses. You'll also be near the Hanna Springs Sculpture Garden.
Downtown Lampasas: This neighborhood is where the action is, at least by Lampasas standards! You'll be near tasty eateries, such as Austin Sonic and Hart's Firehouse BBQ. While many apartment rentals can be found in this area, there are a number of townhouses for rent, too.
Shortall: If you like trees, fields and open space, you'll find a lot of those things in this neighborhood. Houses in the area tend to be on the larger side, with bigger yards. Although you're far from the center of town, there's easy access to not one, but two highways: Highway 281, which heads toward Dallas and Fort Worth, and Highway 190, which takes you in the direction of San Angelo.
Living in Lampasas
While you might not find it at the top of anyone's "must-see" list, there's adequate entertainment to be found in Lampasas. You don't want to spoil yourself, after all! Besides, if you get the itch for bright lights and culture, you can drive to central Austin in a little over an hour.
Outdoor Endeavors
You'll find eight (count 'em -- eight!) city parks in Lampasas, along with a number of other recreational facilities run by the city. The Hanna Springs Swimming Pool is located at Campbell Park or, if you like a little more history with your swim, try the Hancock Springs Free Flow Pool, which was constructed in 1911. Both are only open during the summer months. If you like to swing the iron, head on over to the Hancock Park Golf Course. If you're willing to venture a small way out of town, you can go to the Colorado Bend State Park, where you can take a tour of the falls, go caving or simply spend some time hiking or wildlife watching.
Community Events
Lampasas is a small town and you'll often find community events taking place. Attending, or even joining in with the organization, is a great way of meeting new people in the area. These events range in size, from large festivals to simple gatherings. The Spring Ho Festival is one of the highlights and takes place on the second weekend of July each year. It generally involves music, a carnival, fireworks, food and much more.
Art in Lampasas
If you are artistically inclined, you might like to get involved with Lampasas Association for the Arts. Even if you are not an artist yourself, the association organizes many events throughout the year, which aim to give local residents great access to the arts, such as the annual Art in the Park Sculpture Celebration. There are some gorgeous murals to see around town. If you go to Western Street, you'll see the boot mural on the side of the Jerry Goodson Surveyor Building and on the Lampasas Hardware building on 2nd Street, you'll see the generations mural.
Eating Out
Whether you want to grab a quick bite to eat or you want to go out for a fancy meal with friends or loved ones, there is a perfect option for you in Lampasas. Some of the highlights of the culinary scene in the city include Alfredo's Mexican Restaurant, the Country Kitchen and Bakery, and Giovanni's Italian Restaurant.