During War World II Camp Swift was the largest army training camp in Texas, and even housed thousands of German prisoners of war.
There was a time when very few people chose to move to Camp Swift. Rather, they were ordered there, first because it was an Army installation, and then because it was temporary home for German prisoners of war during World War II. Fortunately, you'll be moving here on your own accord, so consider yourself luckier than many residents of years past! National Guard units still train on the grounds of the formerly huge and historic base, and more than 11,000 acres are still government owned and used for multiple purposes, even though 40,000 acres have been returned to private ownership. The University of Texas even operates a cancer research center here.
Camp Swift is actually bounded by State Highway 95 on its west side, and lies between Bastrop and Elgin. If you're looking for housing here, a good trick is to search the listings for Bastrop "and surrounding areas." You won't find many ads for places to rent in Camp Swift, per se, but they do exist! You should begin your search for apartment homes in Camp Swift just as soon as you have a timetable for moving. It's very livable here, situated just a little more than 30 minutes east of Austin, the state capital.
Once you're here, you can enjoy the low cost of living and the many amenities in an easy-to-like, small-town atmosphere. The weather, as in most of Texas, is mostly pleasant with plenty of sunshine, even though it can get hot in the summer. Don't sweat it, though -- everything is air conditioned, and Lake Bastrop is near enough that you can get away to the water almost on a moment's notice. The Colorado River that meanders through the area offers another way to enjoy leisure hours.
Only about 14 percent of the housing in the community is renter-occupied, so if you're interested in finding premier apartments you might want to use the services of an apartments locator. Home rentals actually might be easier to find. In any case, be prepared to submit to a credit check, and plan to have available funds for the deposit and at least the first month's rent before you move in.
Camp Swift is its own place, and it's unique. Its livability score places it squarely in the "very livable" range, with a low cost of living, more moderate housing prices than many of its neighbors, a low crime rate. Most residents commute in their own vehicles to work, and return home in the afternoon in time to walk around the block, play informal sports at nearby parks and playing fields, and even head out for dinner, shopping, and entertainment. That would be called "paradise" by some people in overcrowded cities!
South Camp Swift: South Camp Swift is preferable for those who want to have a little want to have a little more action in their lives. There are a few restaurants in this part of town, like Las Cocinas Mexican Restaurant and Brenda's Steak and Seafood. It's also close to Bastrop, which has some dining and entertainment options too! If you're more interested in outdoorsy stuff, the Lost Pines Scout Reservation is a great spot to relax and do some hiking or camping and Lake Bastrop makes for a beautiful backdrop to your trip!
North Camp Swift: The north side of town is less expensive than the south side and has a few housing options in the midst of all the army training facilities and other government run operations. It's set in the dry desert and is pretty much all flat lands.
Shopping? Yes. Dining Out? Absolutely! Fun in the Sun? If you like water, you'll love it here. City life? All the benefits, with none of the noise, congestion, and hassle. But you'll need a car -- it's all at least 3-5 miles away -- shopping, restaurants, hairdressers, parks -- all of it!
If you live in Camp Swift -- or even if your address is actually a rural route -- you cannot escape the history of this place, and it is fascinating. If you're a history buff, you might be interested in learning more about the area -- Camp Swift has a long and varied history and you will have ample opportunity to learn of its past, but only in books. Very little of the former "life" here has been preserved in reality. But, you might get an idea of the extent of its importance during the periodic National Guard training exercises.
Dining Out
There are a few choices for dining out in this area and the surrounding towns. Three "way-popular" options, all on Main Street, include Maxine's on Main, Cindy's Downtown and Baxters on Main. You can't go wrong with any one of them, and you'll likely be joined by a lot of your friends whenever you choose to go. Fitties, on Highway 71, is a local favorite for BBQ, and Taqueria Jalisco as well as Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant, both also on 71, serve up great Mexican specialties all the time. Grace Miller Restaurant is a family favorite, affectionately known as Gracie's, and has added a backyard patio that's perfect for pleasant spring and fall evenings.
A bit farther out of town, the Roadhouse serves up great burgers (voted one of the top 50 in the state of Texas -- yes, ALL of Texas). On the road to the lake, it's casual, reasonable and a great place to chow down whether you're on the way to the water or headed home after the weekend.
Fun Times
Nearby Lake Bastrop has some of the best fishing in Texas -- crappie, perch, catfish, largemouth bass, sunfish and carp. If you don't fish, you can simply enjoy days near the water and in the sun; camping out and picnicking are equally popular; and boating and swimming are great. A large portion of the adjacent land is owned by the Boy Scouts, so there are always things happening on and around this superb recreation area.
On another side of the lake is Bastrop State Park, with a network of hiking paths and great stands of Loblolly Pine as well as Post Oaks and Juniper. There are rustic cabins and primitive backpacking campsites, as well as swimming areas and picnic tables. So, whenever you want to retreat into nature, you can do it!
And whenever you feel the need to get to a bigger city, you can head beyond Austin to Dallas or turn south to Houston. Even the beaches of the Gulf Coast are near enough for a weekend escape. What could beat that?
Shopping
You'll find some of the most unusual and captivating series of small shops, boutiques, specialty stores, gift emporiums, antiques shops and galleries that you will encounter anyplace in the world. It is, indeed, a destination for Austin visitors. And here it is, in your backyard, if you choose to live in Camp Swift or anyplace close.
Oh, you can also buy groceries and the necessities at modern supermarkets and you'll find coffee shops and bakeries where you can sip and snack as you go about your chores.
Sports and Recreation
Two city parks connected by the Colorado Riverwalk are reminiscent of another Texas favorite town, San Antonio, and there's a historic opera house as well as a Center for the Performing Arts. First-run movies play at the Chestnut Square Family Entertainment Center, and several films have been shot in the area, including "Predator" in 2010. You can bowl or watch televised games at a local sports bar. Or you can practice your swings at more than one golf course.
