So, you landed a job at the new Samsung semiconductor plant in Taylor, Texas. Congrats—big move! But now comes the less exciting part: figuring out where to live. And if you’ve been doing some digging, chances are two towns keep popping up—Taylor and Rockdale.
These two Central Texas communities are roughly 17 miles apart, but they have their vibes, quirks, and pros and cons. Think of it as the small-town version of a showdown—Rockdale vs. Taylor. Which wins out for Samsung employees looking to build a life around their new job?
Here’s the thing: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But by the end of this post, you’ll have a solid picture of what each place offers—and which one might be your perfect fit.
Location, Location, Location
Taylor: The Samsung Site’s Backyard
Let’s start with the obvious—Taylor is the home base for the Samsung plant. Taylor’s hard to beat if your priority is living close to work to skip the commute and maximize your time off.
Highlights of Taylor’s location:
- 5–10 minute commute to the chip plant
- Easy access to Hwy 79 and I-35
- Around 40 minutes to Austin, depending on traffic
- A growing infrastructure thanks to Samsung's $17B investment
With Samsung’s development boom, Taylor is seeing new restaurants, shops, and housing communities sprout like wildflowers in spring.
But with that growth comes… well, growing pains. Rising housing prices. Heavier traffic than you’d expect from a town with under 20,000 people. It’s progress, but not everyone’s cup of sweet tea.
Rockdale: Close, But Calmer
Now, take a short drive east, and you’ll land in Rockdale—a town with a slower pulse and a more nostalgic Texas feel. While it’s a bit farther from the Samsung plant (around 25 minutes door-to-door), many workers find the trade-off worth it.
What Rockdale offers in terms of location:
- Less traffic congestion
- Lower cost of living (more on that in a minute)
- Easy weekend getaways to College Station or the Hill Country
- Still close enough to make the commute painless
If you don’t mind an extra 15 minutes in the car, Rockdale offers more space and a quieter rhythm without losing proximity to work.
Cost of Living—Where’s Your Dollar Go Further?
Taylor’s Costs Are Climbing
Taylor used to be the “affordable” alternative to Austin. But with Samsung moving in, it’s catching up fast.
- Median home prices: Hovering around $325K–$375K (and climbing)
- Rent: $1,500–$2,000/month for a modest apartment or home
- New construction = premium pricing
Grocery prices, utility costs, and gas are all pretty standard for Texas towns, but housing is the major factor tipping the scales here.
Rockdale Still Offers Bargains
This is where Rockdale shines. It’s one of those places where you can still find a three-bedroom house with a decent yard under $250K.
- Median home prices: Around $200K–$250K
- Rent: Often below $1,200/month for a family-sized home
- Lower property taxes and insurance rates
Samsung workers trying to save or buy their first home might find Rockdale a friendlier financial option.
Vibe Check—What’s It Like to Live There?
Taylor: Small Town on the Rise
Taylor’s got that “next big thing” energy. It’s growing, changing, and buzzing with potential.
Here’s what you’ll find:
- A cute, revitalized downtown with coffee shops, breweries, and boutiques
- Community events like Blackland Prairie Days and the Taylor Rodeo
- A more diverse population, with a mix of old-school locals and new transplants
- New schools and infrastructure projects in the works
But, again, that progress comes with dust, construction zones, crowded roads, and a culture shift that longtime residents have mixed feelings about.
Rockdale: Slower Pace, Strong Roots
Rockdale feels more like a throwback—quiet neighborhoods, Friday night football, and people who wave at stop signs.
What locals love:
- Less hustle, more breathing room
- Tight-knit community with longtime residents
- Parks, trails, and outdoor spaces like Fair Park
- Local diners and BBQ joints with that "everybody knows your name" feel
It’s not flashy. But that’s a significant plus for folks who like peace and predictability.
Schools and Family Life
Schools are a big deal if you’ve got kids (or plan to).
Taylor ISD
- Offers a range of public and charter options
- Some schools have strong programs, while others are still catching up
- Expect crowded classrooms due to rapid population growth
- Several investments in facilities post-Samsung arrival
Rockdale ISD
- Smaller class sizes and a more intimate campus experience
- Fewer elective programs than in larger districts, but strong in academics and athletics
- Known for its award-winning band and competitive sports
- Ideal for families who want their kids to grow up in a tight-knit environment
Commute, Convenience & Connectivity
Taylor Commute = Short but Risky
Sure, it’s a quick drive to the plant. But:
- You might hit traffic bottlenecks around shift changes
- Expansion construction can be a headache
- It's closer to Austin, which also means closer to Austin traffic
Rockdale Commute = Longer but Predictable
The 20–25 minute drive is easygoing—no major traffic snarls, and mostly scenic backroads.
Plus:
- No stress parking
- Less wear and tear on your nerves
- Work hybrid or remote a few days a week? It's barely a blip
Real Talk from Real People
We contacted a few Samsung workers and local transplants to get their take. Here’s what they had to say:
“We moved to Rockdale because we wanted a yard for the kids and couldn’t afford what we wanted in Taylor. The commute’s a bit longer, but it’s worth it.”
— Derrick, Equipment Engineer
“Taylor feels like it’s on the edge of something big. There’s always something going on. I love being able to walk downtown after work.”
— Tina, Process Technician
“We toured both towns, and Rockdale just had that quiet charm. We’re not nightlife people—we wanted space and a slower pace.”
— Marcus & Liz, newlyweds from Houston
So… Rockdale or Taylor?
Here’s a quick side-by-side to help you decide:
Feature
Feature
Feature
Commute to Samsung
5–10 mins
20–25 mins
Housing Cost
Housing Cost
Higher
Vibe
Energetic, up-and-coming
Relaxed, Traditional
Growth
Rapid
Steady
Schools
Expanding, mixed performance
Smaller, community-oriented
Convenience
Closer to Austin
Less traffic, more peaceful
Entertainment
Growing scene
Limited but charming
Final Verdict: It Depends on Your Priorities
If you want to be at the heart of the action, live near your job, and enjoy a modernizing town with new amenities, Taylor might be the place for you.
But if you’re after affordability, space to breathe, and a more laid-back lifestyle, Rockdale is tough to beat.
Either way, both towns offer solid options for Samsung employees—and the choice comes down to what kind of lifestyle you’re after. Want to own a home sooner? Lean Rockdale. Prefer walkability and modern perks? Taylor might check those boxes.
Ready to Make the Move?
Whether you’re leaning toward Taylor or seriously eyeing Rockdale, the next step is visiting both towns. Drive the route, tour a few neighborhoods, and talk to locals. It’s the best way to get a feel for what suits you.
Need help finding housing, comparing neighborhoods, or learning more about life in Central Texas? Rockdale RV Park has guides, listings, and insights to help you confidently settle in.
Start planning your Central Texas move today—because your next chapter is waiting.