Smithville, Texas: A Gigabit City Ready for Business

Smithville, Texas, a charming town nestled in the heart of the Lone Star State, is more than just a pretty face. While its historic downtown and friendly community are well-known, Smithville has also positioned itself as a forward-thinking city with a robust infrastructure ready to support business growth. One of the most significant indicators of this is its status as a Gigabit City, a designation it has held since 2013.

This early adoption of high-speed fiber optic internet showcases Smithville's commitment to providing its residents and businesses with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age. For families considering a move to The Prairie Smithville, this infrastructure advantage means you can enjoy small-town living without sacrificing connectivity or career opportunities.

What Does Being a Gigabit City Mean?

A Gigabit City designation means Smithville has access to fiber optic internet with speeds up to 1 gigabit per second (1,000 megabits per second). To put this in perspective, the average internet speed in the United States is around 200 Mbps. Smithville's gigabit infrastructure provides speeds that are 5 times faster than the national average.

What This Means for You

• Seamless Remote Work: Video conferences, large file uploads, and cloud-based applications run flawlessly
• Multiple Users: Entire family can stream, work, and game simultaneously without slowdowns
• Future-Proof: Infrastructure ready for emerging technologies and increased bandwidth demands
• Business Operations: Run a home-based business or startup with enterprise-level connectivity
• Online Learning: Kids can participate in virtual classes and educational programs without interruption
• Entertainment: 4K streaming, online gaming, and smart home devices all work perfectly

A City Built for Growth

Smithville's official motto, "Ready for Your Business," is more than just a slogan; it's a promise backed by a wealth of resources and amenities. The city's strategic location, just 45 minutes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, places it at the "Heart of the Megapolis," offering easy access to major Texas cities like San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas/Fort Worth.

This prime location, combined with its business-friendly environment, makes Smithville an attractive destination for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and established companies alike.

Key Growth Indicators

Category	Details
Gigabit City	High-speed fiber optic internet since 2013, providing a crucial advantage for modern businesses and remote workers
Strategic Location	Centrally located with easy access to major highways and airports, connecting businesses to regional and national markets
Workforce Development	Strong focus on education and training through partnerships with local schools and colleges, ensuring a skilled workforce
Unique Amenities	Home to the only full-service hospital and municipal airport in Bastrop County, plus a developing industrial park
Cultural Hub	Designated "Film Friendly," "Cultural District," and "Music Friendly" community, fostering a vibrant and creative environment

Perfect for Remote Workers and Digital Professionals

In 2025, the ability to work remotely has become essential for many families. Smithville's gigabit internet infrastructure makes it an ideal location for:

• Tech Professionals: Software developers, designers, and IT consultants who need reliable, fast connectivity
• Creative Professionals: Video editors, photographers, and graphic designers who handle large files
• Entrepreneurs: Business owners running e-commerce, consulting firms, or online services
• Corporate Remote Workers: Professionals with hybrid schedules who need home office infrastructure
• Freelancers: Writers, marketers, and consultants who serve clients nationwide
• Telehealth Providers: Medical professionals conducting virtual appointments

More Than Just Internet: A Complete Business Ecosystem

While being a Gigabit City is a significant draw, Smithville offers a comprehensive ecosystem for business success. The city is home to:

Regional Workforce Training Center

Career Tracks provides workforce development and training programs, ensuring a skilled local talent pool for businesses and educational opportunities for residents.

Innovation Center

Smithville is developing an Innovation Center to support entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses with resources, mentorship, and collaborative workspace.

Healthcare Infrastructure

Smithville Regional Hospital is the only full-service hospital in Bastrop County, providing comprehensive medical care without traveling to larger cities.

Municipal Airport

The municipal airport serves private aviation and business travel needs, rare for a town of Smithville's size.

Industrial Park Development

A new industrial park is under development, attracting businesses and creating local job opportunities.

"Smithville is a small, rural Texas town, and a great place to do business. It has been a Gigabit City since 2013; its people are friendly, creative, and inventive; and its history, charm, amenities, and terrific school district provide everything needed for a high quality of life."

— City of Smithville, Economic Development

A Community That Invests in Itself

Smithville's forward-thinking approach is also evident in its commitment to its residents. The city has:

• High Graduation Rates: Smithville ISD maintains strong academic performance and student success
• College Partnerships: Collaborations with local colleges provide educational pathways for residents
• Public Library Programs: Adult education programs and resources support lifelong learning
• Cultural Designations: "Film Friendly," "Cultural District," and "Music Friendly" status attracts creative industries
• Community Events: Regular events foster connections and support local businesses

This investment in human capital ensures a skilled and adaptable workforce for the future while creating a vibrant community that attracts and retains talented families.

Comparing Internet Infrastructure: Smithville vs. Other Small Towns

Many small towns struggle with inadequate internet infrastructure, forcing residents to rely on slow DSL connections or expensive satellite internet. Smithville stands apart:

The Financial Benefits of Working Remotely from Smithville

Living in Smithville while working remotely for an Austin-based company (or anywhere else) offers significant financial advantages:

Annual Savings Breakdown

• Lower Housing Costs: $12,000-$18,000/year compared to Austin
• Reduced Commuting: $3,000-$5,000/year in gas, vehicle wear, and tolls (if working hybrid 2-3 days/week)
• Lower Property Taxes: $3,500-$4,000/year
• Cost of Living: $2,000-$3,000/year on groceries, services, and daily expenses
• Total Potential Savings: $20,500-$30,000 per year

Meanwhile, you maintain your Austin salary (or competitive remote salary) while enjoying a lower cost of living—the best of both worlds.

Life at The Prairie: Gigabit Internet + Modern Homes

The Prairie Smithville combines the city's gigabit infrastructure advantage with modern, energy-efficient new construction homes designed for today's connected families:

• Dedicated Home Office Space: Many floor plans include flex rooms perfect for remote work
• Modern Electrical Infrastructure: Plenty of outlets and wiring to support home offices and smart devices
• Energy-Efficient Design: Lower utility bills mean more budget for your internet and tech needs
• Spacious Layouts: Room for multiple family members to work, learn, and stream simultaneously
• Fenced Backyards: Step outside between video calls to recharge
• Quiet Neighborhoods: Professional background for video meetings

Everything is Possible in Smithville

Smithville's status as a Gigabit City since 2013 is a clear signal of its readiness for the future. However, it's the combination of this technological advantage with a strategic location, a supportive business environment, affordable housing, excellent schools, and a high quality of life that truly makes Smithville a city poised for growth.

As former Chamber of Commerce Chair Richard D. Latham aptly put it: "Everything is possible in Smithville!"

For families seeking small-town living without sacrificing career opportunities or connectivity, Smithville offers a compelling solution. You can:

• Work remotely for top companies nationwide
• Run a successful online business from home
• Pursue freelance and consulting opportunities
• Maintain an Austin career with a hybrid schedule
• Enjoy lower cost of living and housing
• Raise your family in a safe, tight-knit community

All while having access to internet speeds that rival major metropolitan areas.

The Bottom Line

In 2025, as more companies embrace remote and hybrid work, Smithville's decade-long investment in gigabit infrastructure positions it as a smart choice for forward-thinking families who refuse to choose between career success and quality of life.

References

City of Smithville. (n.d.). Economic Development in Smithville. Retrieved from https://www.ci.smithville.tx.us/182/Economic-Development-in-Smithville