austin texas: "Is Everyone in Austin this Friendly?"
- 08/19/08 07:15 AM
I have worked with buyers relocating to Austin, Texas for almost 12 years now. Of course, I also work with sellers and local buyers, too. Many of the people that are coming from other states are quick to note how friendly everyone seems.
First, it starts at their hotel (or perhaps at the airport) when they arrive. Those who are employed in the travel and hospitality industries could certainly be expected to be friendlier than average, since their livelihood depends on it. The same goes for real estate agents (I hope).
At some point, after we have spent a few … (11 comments)
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austin texas: ActiveRain Gathering in Austin, Texas - The Date is Set! You are cordially invited to join us...
- 07/12/08 01:33 PM
I wrote a post a couple of weeks ago about the possibility of a gathering here in Austin in August. The response was even stronger than I had anticipated, so we will be getting together after all.
Please keep in mind that this is NOT limited to members in this part of Texas, or even within Texas at all. At least one out-of-state member is attending. If you are able to come, we want to meet you!
Here are the details as of today:
DATE: Saturday, August 16th, 2008
TIME: Probably all afternoon. I was thinking of starting around 11 or … (72 comments)
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austin texas: Forbes Magazine Article Names Austin, Texas #3 on its "recession proof cities" list
- 05/14/08 09:08 AM
Once again, Austin, Texas has made national news. Forbes.com has named Austin #3 on its new list of "Recession Proof" cities. The top two cities were Oklahoma City and San Antonio, TX.
The top 50 largest metro areas were ranked on a scale using three major factors, namely:
Unemployment rate - Which areas added the most jobs over the past year? Real estate prices - Which areas posted the largest annual gains in median home price over the past year? Gross metropolitan product growth - How would rising foreclosures and falling home prices affect overall levels of productivity in … (14 comments)
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austin texas: Adventures in the Grocery Store - A Real Estate Allegory
- 05/04/08 05:29 PM
For me, there has always been something comforting about the grocery store. Maybe it's because my first paying job was as a sacker in the Minyard's store in Waxahachie, Texas. Maybe it's because my grandfather worked for H-E-B Grocery for 38 years until he retired in the early 1970's, not long after I was born. Whatever the case, I like grocery shopping, unless of course it is with three cranky children in tow.
Today after church, we needed a handful of items from the store, so I decided to go in and grab them while Pam waited with the kids.
Two gallons … (65 comments)
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austin texas: Golf Course Homes near Austin, Texas - One-Story Homes under $300,000
- 05/03/08 02:15 PM
The Austin, Texas area is home to a myriad of both private and public, "daily fee" golf courses. One of our more common request from those looking to retire to Austin is to find something reasonably priced backing to a golf course. With that in mind, I gathered a few current listings to illustrate the value here in central Texas.
All of these listings are one-story ("ranch") homes, with at least 2000 square feet.
Take a look:
This lovely home in Lago Vista (near Lake Travis) features 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2117 s.f. per the tax records, with lake and hill country … (2 comments)
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austin texas: Our night at the opera!
- 04/19/08 10:09 AM
Last night, I went to the newly opened Long Center with my wife, son, and mother-in-law to see Bizet's "Carmen". I remember distinctly that when I was a kid, I never enjoyed the opera quite as much because I had no idea what they were actually saying during the songs, even if I knew the general storyline. This is no longer an issue, since they provide projected subtitles for all of the dialogue and lyrics. Even my nine-year old son was able to follow along easily.
"Carmen" is a relatively long opera, clocking in at just over three hours, which includes two … (18 comments)
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austin texas: Austin Texas Live Music - Look No Further!
- 03/21/08 04:02 AM
Austin Texas is known as the "Live Music Capital of the World", and it seems to be well-deserving of this title. With Sixth Street, the South by Southwest Music Festival, and the popular "Austin City Limits" TV show, our town is definitely at the forefront of the live music scene nationally.
Because of the sheer number of musical venues in and around Austin, ranging in size from amphitheaters to small "hole-in-the-wall" places, it would be difficult to include every single venue in one article. With that in mind, I want to attempt to give you a cross-section and a taste of what … (15 comments)
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austin texas: Crazy Weather in Austin This Week!
- 02/26/08 03:27 PM
There is an old saying in our state, "If you don't like the weather in Texas, wait five minutes - it'll change!". This is sometimes completely true, and never more so than this week so far.
Yesterday, my mom was in town, so we took the kids out shopping and to lunch at Chuy's, where we had some of their incredible creamy jalapeno dip. My mom hadn't tried it before, so she was in for a special treat. While we were out, we commented on how unseasonably warm it was. Everyone seemed to be in a great mood - the shoppers, … (6 comments)
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austin texas: Austin Children's Museum - Fun for the Whole Family!
- 02/22/08 02:49 PM
The Austin Children's Museum in downtown Austin serves as a great outing for the entire family. My wife and I have had a membership there previously, and it is well worth the money. With a recent influx of funds, the museum has completely revamped many of the learning areas, and our kids, ages 9, 6, and nearly 2, had a terrific time on a recent excursion.
Their hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sunday 12pm-5pm (Closed Mondays). Wednesday nights from 5pm-8pm are "community nights", which means FREE admission for everyone during that window of time.
The normal … (21 comments)
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austin texas: Austin Texas Area Hospitals - An Overview
- 01/26/08 10:37 AM
If you are considering relocating to the Austin, Texas area, you may have questions with regard to the medical facilities here. Basically, no matter where you live in the general Austin area, there is probably a hospital located within 10-15 minutes of your home, especially with the advent of the toll road system which opened about a year ago.
If you have children, it is important to note that Austin is home to Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, which is a world-class facility specializing in pediatric care. It began as Austin Children's Hospital, then moved to a location near … (13 comments)
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austin texas: Tukong Moosul Martial Arts, Austin Texas - A great place for kids!
- 01/17/08 03:10 PM
My nine-year old son has been training for several years in Tukong Moosul, and I wanted to promote this business as a terrific place for kids to learn and exercise. Specific skills that I have seen improve for my son include balance, strength, and endurance. Additionally, there is a mental toughness instilled that impresses me. In addition to this, the teachers that he has had are all "good with kids", especially Master Ali Brown. Master Ali is young and personable, and the kids always respond well to him. In fact, we switched to the headquarters school a couple of years ago … (14 comments)
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austin texas: Top Employers in Austin Texas - Looking for a job? These may be worth considering
- 12/27/07 01:09 PM
Occasionally, we have potential home buyers who are considering moving to Austin, and they ask about the primary employers here in this area. Each year, the Austin Relocation Guide releases a list of the top Austin employers, both public and private. Here is the latest list:
1. The State of Texas - 65,688 employees - http://www.governor.state.tx.us/
Top agencies include the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Water Development Board, and the Texas Department of Health.
2. Dell Computer, Inc. - Approx. 17,000 employees - http://www.dell.com/
Dell was started by Michael Dell in his dorm room … (27 comments)
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austin texas: Round Rock Restaurant Review - Zorba Greek Restaurant
- 12/27/07 09:54 AM
Yesterday, while my mom was still in town, we decided to go do a bit of shopping with the whole family. We were headed to Lakeline Mall, and we originally considered going to that area to eat. On the way there, I decided that would be ill-advised, considering it was the day after Christmas and it was exactly "lunchtime" (i.e. around noon). Instead, we opted to go to Zorba, which is a Greek restaurant located near Dell in Round Rock, just in front of the Wal-Mart.
Although the food was superb, the communication skills of the employees who were placed in … (15 comments)
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austin texas: What Can I Buy in the Austin, Texas area for Under $150,000? Seriously?
- 12/22/07 07:23 AM
Are you considering a move to Austin? Are you looking for an investment property here in Texas? Either way, we can help. Take a look at some of the incredible values still available here when compared with other markets around the country (we have others):
This home is located in Round Rock, which is the home of Dell Computer's headquarters office. It was built in 2004, and it features a covered patio, a master bath with separate shower and garden tub, nice kitchen with center island and tile backsplash, and a large living area open to the kitchen. With 3 bedrooms, 2 … (13 comments)
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austin texas: Austin, Texas Restaurant Review - Waterloo Ice House
- 11/12/07 06:18 PM
Last week, I reviewed EZ's on Lamar. This week, I focus on Waterloo Ice House. Well, actually my wife decided to write this review for me. My wife and kids visited two of the six locations, 1106 W. 38th St. and 8600 Burnet Rd. She helped me write this review, so that you could know whether it was worth a visit.
1106 W. 38th St.
Located at the Corner of 38th and Medical Parkway, this Austin tradition's slogan is, "Serving great food since the hippies showed up." My wife took two of our kids while she was out and about, my eight year old son and … (31 comments)
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austin texas: My Day with Project Intercept (Helping Disadvantaged Kids in Austin)
- 10/20/07 09:23 AM
One year ago this month, I began assisting through my church with an outreach program to disadvantaged kids in east Austin called Project Intercept. As a major football fan myself, I can relate to the concept of an interception, believe me. Project Intercept seeks to break the cycle of poverty by providing kids with positive adult role models and an environment of acceptance and support. The kids that I work with live in the Coronado Hills goverment housing project. I wrote a little about my experiences in a previous blog here:
Giving of your time, talents, and treasures
Once a month, I help out … (26 comments)
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austin texas: Going Pink for the Cause! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- 10/12/07 04:16 AM
Along with many others in the Active Rain community, I have "gone pink" in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Interestingly enough, my wife had her check-up/exam this morning, so what better time than now? After all, I am secure enough in my masculinity to wear pink.
Here is a link to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month site: http://www.nbcam.com/
Also, you can visit the Susan G. Komen Foundation website for information on prevention, treatment, and the continued search for a cure: http://www.komen.org/
Locally, the "Race for the Cure" is taking place in Austin on November 4, 2007 at Auditorium Shores: More Info … (21 comments)
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austin texas: Round Rock Real Estate - Stone Canyon
- 09/22/07 04:52 PM
Having lived in or near Round Rock for 19 years, I can confidently say that one of my favorite neighborhoods in this town is Stone Canyon. Nestled in the trees near the Round Rock Medical Center off Highway 620, this community boasts the following awesome features:
Five community parks Walking trails Community swim center Blue Ribbon Fern Bluff Elementary (used for training teachers how to teach) Convenience to I-45 and I-35 Near shopping and restaurants (Lakeline Mall and Round Rock Premium Outlets are just minutes away) High-quality construction Greenbelt lots for some homes
Prices range from the high $180's … (7 comments)
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austin texas: Another Local Oddly-Named Restaurant
- 09/12/07 10:30 AM
They recently opened a restaurant in the Arbor Walk shopping area in north Austin (which appears to be a chain, but this is the first one I have seen), and my wife and I kept making fun of the name:
Once, when she was shopping in the area with our kids, she couldn't help but laugh because two ladies exited the restaurant with noticably large potbellies themselves. Despite this "endorsement", we decided to give it a try with our kids in tow.
Overall, I would give it a decent review. The food quality was good and it is inexpensive ($4.19/sandwich), but they … (22 comments)
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austin texas: Austin's Top 50 Corporate Employers
- 08/09/07 03:20 PM
The Austin Business Journal released its new list of the top 50 corporate employers in the Austin area. Although Dell recently announced a round of layoffs, they remain in the top spot (for now) with 17,000 local employees. H-E-B, which is a grocery chain based in San Antonio, was a distant second place with 7095, followed by Seton Healthcare Network, Wal-Mart, and St. David's HealthCare. There were a few surprises this year. For the entire list, check out my Austin Texas real estate website here:
http://www.austintexashomes.com/austin_top_corporate_employers.htm
Lots of tech and health care companies are found on this list. Keep in mind that it doesn't include … (0 comments)
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