Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why national rankings say Round Rock is one of Texas’ best homes

And check out The Light Park on the Round Rock Patch calendar

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Tuesday December 23rd Patch AM
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Hi there, Round Rock! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

Before we get to what's happening, a big thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Round Rock PatchAM possible. Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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Find out what's happening in Round Rockfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

In today's newsletter:

  • Why national rankings say Round Rock is one of Texas’ best homes
  • What Dell’s five-day office mandate means for Round Rock sales staff
  • See how Santa brightened NICU families’ holidays in Round Rock.

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Round Rockfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Decreasing clouds; very warm, with a high of 78 and low of 64 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Partly sunny and very warm, temps: high: 78, low: 63.
  • Thursday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 80 and low of 64 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Round Rock listed among best places to live in Texas (roundrocktexas.gov) — Round Rock just earned another accolade, being named one of WorldAtlas’ 12 best places to live in Texas for 2025, thanks to its strong job market and quality of life. The city stands out for fast economic growth, lower housing costs than Austin, and high median household income. Local favorites like Old Settlers Park and Dell Diamond also helped boost Round Rock’s ranking.
   

2. Dell Mandates 5-Day Office Return for Sales Teams in 2025 (webpronews.com) — Dell sales employees based in Round Rock face a strict new rule: eight hours a day in the office, five days a week, with managers doing walkthroughs to catch early departures. The company is doubling down on ending hybrid work, arguing in-person collaboration boosts productivity, even as some workers nationwide complain about burnout, long commutes, and fears that the policy could drive talent away.
   

3. BSW Health's Tiniest Texans get a visit from Santa Claus! (fox44news.com) — Families with babies in the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Round Rock NICU got a special visit from Santa, who stopped by to spread cheer and pose for photos. The event was part of a broader Central Texas celebration that also included NICUs in Temple, Waco, Rowlett, and McKinney, with FOX 44 and the hospital system sharing warm holiday wishes.
   

4. Texas girls high school basketball: District 25-5A looks loaded again (statesman.com) — Round Rock High’s girls basketball team rolled past Manor 53-34 behind a huge 28-point night from Ally Heaton and 12 from Peyton Griffin, keeping the Dragons competitive in a stacked Central Texas field. The story also tracks how nearby programs like Cedar Park, Liberty Hill, Glenn, and others are shaping tough district and non-district races heading into the holiday break.
   

5. This Tiny Steakhouse Chain Manages To Disappoint At Every Location (tastingtable.com) — If you’ve ever eaten at the Sirloin Stockade in Round Rock, you’re not alone in finding it underwhelming—one TripAdvisor reviewer blasted its desserts as among the worst in Texas. A broader review of the eight-location chain across four states highlights repeated complaints about bland, overcooked food, sanitation concerns, and inconsistent experiences, though a few locations still earn praise from loyal customers.
   

📸 Around Round Rock

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Round Rock

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Friday December 26
  • The Light Park
    Dell Diamond, 3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock
    7:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events
    Friday January 2
  • Girls Basketball (FR) @ Vandegrift
    Vandegrift High School , 9500 McNeil Dr , Austin
    11:15 am
  • Girls Basketball (jv) @ Vandegrift
    Vandegrift High School , 9500 McNeil Dr , Austin
    11:30 am
  • Girls Basketball (V) @ Vandegrift
    Vandegrift High School , 9500 McNeil Dr , Austin
    1:00 pm
    • Saturday January 3
  • Wrestling (JV, V & VG) - New Year Rumble
    Canyon High School , 1510 I-35 , New Braunfels
  • Christmas tree recycling event
    Deepwood Recycling Center , 310 Deepwood Drive , Round Rock
    9:00 am

📣 Round Rock Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • My husband and son were hunting this weekend and came across four abandoned female dogs—a mom and her three daughters.
    The younger dogs appear to be approximately 6 months to 1 year old. All four are very friendly, gentle, and people-oriented, and they get along well… (Nextdoor Hidden Glen)
  • FOUND DOGS
    Found 2 missing dogs. Looks like Australian Sheppards. Found today at ~9:30p on Creek Bend. Please contact me if you know or are the owner! Thanks! (Nextdoor Wood Glen)
  • Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Round Rock. Apply here.
  • The Learning Experience posted a job opening for Infant Teacher in Round Rock. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Round Rock here.

Ok Round Rock! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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