Fern Bluff, Brushy Creek

Updated June 22, 2026 · 4,372 residents

Fern Bluff is a highly walkable suburban community defined by its extensive trail network and proximity to natural greenbelts. Residents benefit from a quiet, residential atmosphere with top-rated local schools and a complete absence of industrial activity.

Key Highlights

Balanced Residential SpacingHighly WalkableUpscale Residential AestheticPet Friendly TrailsSuburban GreeneryQuiet Suburban RhythmHigh Traffic NoiseModerate Air QualityNo Industrial ActivityHigh Insurance CoveragePolitically MixedGenerational MixUncertain Flood Risk
Map showing the location of Fern Bluff, Brushy Creek, TX

About Fern Bluff

The Fern Bluff neighborhood in the Brushy Creek area of Round Rock, Texas, is named after a local limestone bluff on Hairy Man Road (County Road 174) that serves as a natural habitat for the Maidenhair Fern. Historically, the area was a rural passage where early settlers traveled by buggy. The modern neighborhood took shape following the establishment of the Fern Bluff Municipal Utility District (MUD) in June 1986. Residential development began in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with homes built by developers such as Milburn, Legacy, and Meritage. Known for its mature, tree-lined streets and proximity to natural springs, the neighborhood features extensive greenbelts and trails that connect directly to Williamson County's Brushy Creek Regional Trail System.

The neighborhood offers a consistent suburban aesthetic, characterized by affluent single-family homes and well-maintained landscapes. According to iHuus data, the area excels in walkability, featuring clear sidewalks throughout the community and direct access to the regional trail system. It is a purely residential environment, free from industrial activity or commercial encroachment, which contributes to a predictable and stable living experience for its inhabitants.

While the area provides a peaceful retreat, the lack of immediate commercial hubs makes it better suited for those who prioritize a quiet environment over urban convenience. Families are particularly well-served by the local elementary school, which maintains high performance standards. Although the area offers excellent access to nature and outdoor recreation, residents generally rely on vehicles for daily errands outside of walking for leisure.

Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities

🤫 Privacy Index

Detached homes feature modest side-yard gaps and fenced boundaries that provide a sense of separation. This level of density is largely consistent with the average for the Brushy Creek area, according to iHuus data.

🚶 Walkability

Extensive sidewalk networks and dedicated off-road trail systems make navigating the area on foot very easy. This level of pedestrian connectivity is notably higher than the average for Brushy Creek.

🎨 Visual Appeal

Manicured landscapes, large homes with complex rooflines, and frequent private backyard pools create a polished environment that is largely consistent with the Brushy Creek average. According to iHuus data, the area features spacious driveways and prominent multi-car garages characteristic of an affluent community.

🐕 Dog Friendliness

Interconnected greenbelts and wide, grass-lined sidewalks provide ample space and safe relief areas for pets. According to iHuus data, these continuous trail networks and park connections offer slightly better accessibility for dogs than the Brushy Creek average.

🗺️ Urban-Rural Index

Managed green belts and preserved corridors provide a sense of openness, though the area feels slightly more suburban than the broader Brushy Creek average according to iHuus data.

Neighborhood Vibe

Serene residential blocks and green spaces provide a steady, subdued pace of life that is slightly more tranquil than the average Brushy Creek setting. While local parks and wellness businesses offer some activity, most commercial services require a short drive as very few businesses are within walking distance.

🔊 Acoustic Comfort

Frequent noise from nearby major roadways and transportation corridors creates a louder environment than the Brushy Creek average. According to iHuus data, this area is subject to significant acoustic disturbances from heavy traffic and transit patterns.

🌿 Air Quality

Air quality levels in Fern Bluff fluctuate between acceptable and unhealthy conditions, appearing slightly lower than the Brushy Creek average according to iHuus data. Sensitive groups may experience occasional concerns during certain periods.

🏭 Industrial Proximity

Residential streets and open green spaces are free from warehouses, factories, or hazardous industrial sites. According to iHuus data, this area maintains a purely residential and recreational environment that is slightly cleaner of industrial presence than the surrounding city average.

🏥 Health Insurance Coverage

Health insurance access among residents is widespread, appearing nearly in line with the average for the city of Brush Creek according to iHuus data.

🗳️ Ideological Lean

Political leanings in Fern Bluff are relatively balanced, presenting a more even split between conservative and liberal residents than the Brushy Creek average.

👥 Population Age Profile

Residents live alongside a balanced distribution of young adults, families, and older individuals. This age profile is consistent with the average seen across Brushy Creek.

🌊 Flood Safety

Flood safety levels in this area are lower than the Brushy Creek average due to a lack of detailed FEMA studies. According to iHuus data, the precise risk level for this specific location remains undetermined.

Block-Level Insights for Fern Bluff

iHuus Neighborhood Intelligence Insights

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Compare with Any Neighborhood

Compare with
DimensionFern BluffBrushy Bend Park
🚶
Walkabilityavg 8.09
🔊
Acoustic Comfortavg 4.18
🤫
Privacy Indexavg 6.12
🎨
Visual Appealavg 8.08
🐕
Dog Friendlinessavg 7.52
🗺️
Urban-Rural Indexavg 7.04
Neighborhood Vibeavg 4.12
🏥
Health Insurance Coverageavg 8.86
🌿
Air Qualityavg 6.64
🏭
Industrial Proximityavg 9.95
🌊
Flood Safetyavg 6.28
🗳️
Ideological Leanavg 5.93
👥
Population Age Profileavg 4.59
🔥
Fire Safety
🏫
School Quality

School Districts Serving Fern Bluff

Round Rock Independent School District school district map
Round Rock Independent School District
Grades K–127/10
59 schools Rating range: 210 / 10

Round Rock ISD is a premier, stable district characterized by exceptional academic achievement, particularly within its high school feeder patterns which include some of the highest-rated campuses in Texas. While the district is grappling with a projected $30 million budget deficit and modest teacher pay increases that lag behind inflation, its ability to pass significant bond measures and maintain an 'A+' rating from Niche underscores strong community support. A minor performance gap exists between northern and southern campuses, but the district remains a top regional destination for its specialized IB and CTE programs and comprehensive safety infrastructure.

Schools

Fern Bluff ElElementary
10/10
Deep Wood ElElementary
10/10
Kathy Caraway ElElementary
10/10
Round Rock H SHigh
10/10
Canyon Vista MiddleMiddle
10/10
Laurel Mountain ElElementary
10/10
Great Oaks ElElementary
10/10
Ridgeview MiddleMiddle
10/10
Blackland Prairie ElElementary
10/10
Cactus Ranch ElElementary
10/10
Patsy Sommer ElElementary
10/10
Chandler Oaks ElElementary
10/10
Rrisdpk3PPrekindergarten
10/10
Noel Grisham MiddleMiddle
10/10
Spicewood ElElementary
10/10
Rrisd Early College H SHigh
10/10
Mcneil H SHigh
10/10
Cedar Valley MiddleMiddle
10/10
Brushy Creek ElElementary
10/10
Purple Sage ElElementary
10/10
Westwood H SHigh
10/10
Live Oak ElElementary
10/10
Canyon Creek ElElementary
10/10
James Garland Walsh MiddleMiddle
10/10
Teravista ElElementary
10/10
Linda Herrington ElElementary
10/10
Pearson Ranch MiddleMiddle
10/10
Elsa England ElElementary
10/10
Forest North ElElementary
8/10
Xenia Voigt ElElementary
8/10
Chisholm Trail MiddleMiddle
8/10
Old Town ElElementary
8/10
Redbud ElElementary
8/10
Pond Springs ElElementary
8/10
Jollyville ElElementary
8/10
Hopewell MiddleMiddle
8/10
Forest Creek ElElementary
8/10
Stony Point H SHigh
8/10
Cedar Ridge H SHigh
8/10
Vic Robertson ElElementary
6/10
Deerpark MiddleMiddle
6/10
Union Hill ElElementary
6/10
Pfc Robert P Hernandez MiddleMiddle
6/10
Claude Berkman ElElementary
6/10
Double File Trail ElElementary
6/10
Gattis ElElementary
6/10
Wells Branch ElElementary
6/10
Caldwell Heights ElElementary
6/10
Success H SHigh
6/10
C D Fulkes MiddleMiddle
4/10
Bluebonnet ElElementary
4/10
Neysa Callison ElElementary
4/10
Joe Lee Johnson ElElementary
2/10
Anderson Mill ElElementary
2/10
Round Rock Opport Ctr DaepHigh
Not rated
S T E P - DetentionSecondary
Not rated
GoalsHigh
Not rated
El DaepElementary
Not rated
S T E P - C O R EHigh
Not rated

School Insights for Fern Bluff

School Insights

See what's really behind every school rating near Fern Bluff

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  • Every school in the district — all schools within the enrollment boundary ranked by rating, not just the closest one
  • Grade levels & benchmarks — elementary through high school, with below/above state-average flags

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fern Bluff a good place for families?
Yes, the neighborhood is served by the highly rated Fern Bluff Elementary and falls within the Round Rock Independent School District. The district is recognized for its strong academic performance and robust community support.
How walkable is the neighborhood?
The area is exceptionally walkable, featuring continuous sidewalks on major roads and direct access to the extensive Brushy Creek Regional Trail System.
Are there industrial areas nearby?
No, the neighborhood is entirely residential with no visible industrial activity, warehouses, or hazardous sites, ensuring a quiet living environment.