What's Good About Early? (Austin, Midland: mobile home, school district, college)

[gardenista]

Doing some research into the town of Early, in Brown County. Any feedback about this little town would be helpful. We are looking for a place to land. Love the Austin area but it has become almost too expensive now. Thanks for any help and information about Early. Most interested in the people there, community events, schools, downtown vibe, and town governance.

[LocalPlanner]

Early itself is quite small - it just happens to have an old shopping mall (not sure how occupied it is at this point). Basically you're talking Brownwood, which is the dominant town. It has an old downtown with the beginnings of revitalization going on but a lot still to do. There is a small private / Baptist college there as well.

Know that the dominant employers in the area are 3M and Kohler. They are manufacturing jobs, but the pay is fairly low. There are other industrial employers located in the big industrial park that used to be an old military depot. Generally the vibe is working class.

There is some nice topography in the area and a large reservoir (Lake Brownwood) nearby. Most of the housing near the lake is low-end, much of it mobile homes. Though, there is the "castle" (ask the locals).

Some folks who grew up there and who have been living in larger metros have started moving their families back to the area, so there may be a nascent "gentrification" push. There is an old country club which is the focus of the affluent segment of the community in the area.

Some folks who are retiring from Midland / Odessa have also been moving to the area.

[supfromthesite]

I love that part of Texas. More familiar with the Dublin and Stephenville area but anywhere out there would be a great place to get some land

[gardenista]

Thanks LocalPlanner and supfromthesite. From what I can tell so far, it seems like a friendly family place that is getting new attention and revitalization. I appreciate you both taking the time to reply.

[C24L]

Originally Posted by gardenista

Doing some research into the town of Early, in Brown County. Any feedback about this little town would be helpful. We are looking for a place to land. Love the Austin area but it has become almost too expensive now. Thanks for any help and information about Early. Most interested in the people there, community events, schools, downtown vibe, and town governance.

I think Early borders and is immediately adjacent to Brownwood.They have the lake nearby which would be nice.I am really impressed with the area.I bet the people there are good generally.what is your budget???

[LocalPlanner]

FYI Early is seen by the academically-minded locals as having the better school district as compared to Brownwood. Not sure if there's substance to that or not.

[Suesbal]

The people are healthy, wealthy, and wise.