The Creative Class Finds an Affordable Home in Giddings, Texas

The Creative Class Finds an Affordable Home in Giddings, Texas Main Photo

10 Jan 2023


News, Client Feature Article

This article originally appeared on and was written for Giddings Economic Development Corporation by Golden Shovel Agency.

The creative economy is a vital economic engine for Texas, growing more than 30 percent over the last decade. In fact, the Texas Arts and Culture Industry generated $6.1 billion for the Texas economy, totaling nearly $380 million in state sales tax revenue and $50.1 billion in gross domestic product in 2019. Austin has long had a substantial draw for the creative class, but ever-increasing prices and dwindling property vacancies prove problematic for many.

The solution could well lie in Giddings, Texas, an affordably priced hidden gem where innovative people thrive. Strategically located within reach of all major Texas markets, Giddings is the perfect stop between Austin and Houston. Situated just 55 miles from Austin, Giddings residents can still access the city’s amenities, but can work, live, and play in a friendly community with good schools and its own burgeoning lifestyle perks.

For instance, the Dime Box Distillery and the Giddings Brewhaus chose the Giddings Depot Complex as the site for their respective headquarters. Dime Box proudly distills “Sixth Street Whiskey” in a guitar-shaped bottle inspired by Austin’s legendary entertainment district.

People from Austin and surrounding towns flock to the Giddings Railroad Depot building that late owner-operator, Mike Leidel, converted to a comfortable tasting room and craft cocktail bar. 

Right next door, the historic Sterling Theater was transformed into The Giddings Brewhaus, a state-of-the-art microbrewery featuring authentic German-style beers, IPAs, and specialty brews, along with a restaurant serving up famed Texas and German fare and live entertainment. Robert Zoch, the technology entrepreneur of ZochNet Fiber Optics, started the Brewhaus to leverage his family’s traditions of good food and drink into a destination hailed by food and beer lovers throughout Central Texas.

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Thought Leadership - Ellen Williams, Golden Shovel Agency

Ellen Williams
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Ellen Williams is a Lead Copywriter for Golden Shovel Agency. Her unique skill sets expand from the foundation of science, academia, writing/editing, and project management. She is adept at breaking down articles and information precisely and clearly to educate general and professional audiences alike. Uniquely, while she is not practicing as a doctor, she has an M.D. and a strong laboratory science background.