By DeeinAustin™

McAllen, Texas has been the talk of the nation for a few years now.

The McAllen-Mission-Edinburg area in South Texas (past San Antonio) consistently tops national charts for highest expected job growth, appreciation and housing growth.

GROWTH COMPARISON CHART
This chart was created in Google Docs to show you how McAllen, Mission, and Edinburg compare to each other as well as two major cities in Central/South Texas.

TOP THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU VISIT MCALLEN, MISSION, OR EDINBURG TEXAS

(more…)

Popularity: 7% [?]

By DeeinAustin™

I took a trip to New Braunfels this past weekend. I’d been hearing about rapid growth in the area, so wanted to see for
myself. New Braunfels and the Gruene (pronounced, "green") Historic District are our Destination Spotlight for this week.

New Braunfels,Texas is a sleepy town about 30 miles South of Austin on the way to San Antonio. The areas is a getaway destination for busy professionals in Central Texas as well as out of state visitors.

College students from San Marcos and Austin also visit during the summer for fun on the Guadalupe and Comal
Rivers.

View the short photo tour below of new construction in the area. Click the photos to view a larger version.

"GRUENE GARDEN" LUXURY GARDEN VILLA COMMUNITY

(more…)

Popularity: 6% [?]

SEASONS GREETINGS from DeeinAustin™ (Dee Copeland) and her guest bloggers.

We wish you and your family a happy holiday season! We will be back on THURSDAY December 27th.

In the meantime, enjoy some of our favorite posts from the trips and traveling section.

FAVORITE TRIPS AND TRAVEL POSTS

(more…)

Popularity: 6% [?]

By Carey Eskridge

Many weekenders from Houston and Dallas think of the hill country as the area anchored by Kerrville and Fredericksburg, I’m here to tell you those are the foothills and just the beginning.

Your family may be looking for a "home away from home" or maybe you need winter getaway for some R&R. Whatever your fancy, head further west into the heart of the hill country to the area bounded by Vanderpool, Leakey, and Utopia. You’ll have a hard time remembering you’re in Texas when you see what has been called "the Swiss Alps of Texas."

Featuring Lost Maples State Natural Area, Garner State Park, and the Frio and Sabinal Rivers, this area has long been an attraction for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Lost Maples is home to a forest of Sycamore trees that literally explode with New England-esque color in the fall, usually in November.

Keep in mind that conditions are generally more wintry in this part of the
state, building a fire and opening
presents in the middle of such spectacular scenery is a gift itself.

WHERE TO STAY

(more…)

Popularity: 5% [?]

I was reading a great New York Times article about Wimberley, Texas. Wimberley is no longer being overlooked as a beautiful and relaxing relocation destination. Even Texans from Austin, Houston and San Antonio are flocking to the Texas Hill Country.

WHY IS WIMBERLEY POPULAR?

First, Wimberley is part of the scenic Texas Hill Country in Hays County, just south of Austin.  Second, the neighbors. People are friendly in Texas, especially most small towns.

Another popular reason to relocate to the Texas Hill Country? LAND! Where else can you buy 25-50 acres of land with rolling hilltops and mature trees for a reasonable price? If you’re tired of the city and want to surround yourself with nature, this is the place. In fact, it’s not uncommon to to buy land or acreage that includes stock ponds, a well, or wet creek.

THE REST OF THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

Other cities in Hays County, such as Buda and Dripping Springs have boomed in recent years and should continue. If you’re looking closer to the City of San Marcos, land may be a little more expensive since it’s near Texas State University, which is where I graduated. From my understanding, the San Marcos rental market is still going strong. 

SEARCH for Hays County homes and land now.

Read all about the still hot Hays County.
Read the story: A Hill Country Town Raises Its Profile - New York Times.

Popularity: 4% [?]

One of my friends mentioned a great get-away website called HomeAway.com. The site was started by a millionaire retiree from Dell years ago when their stock was booming. Essentially, he’s a "Dell-ionaire".

The entrepreneur started the vacation site to allow home owners to post their seasonal rentals. I really like the site and have been using it to find great deals in all areas of the U.S, but the site also has listings in Mexico, Europe and other countries.

I think it’s a great idea to rent one of the getaways at the site because you save on hotel taxes and will have a more unique place to stay. Most homes have full kitchens and all of the amenities you’d want in a home-away-from-home. The rates are usually much better than if you chose to stay at a resort for the same period of time.

Check it out: Vacation Rentals, Vacation Home Rentals, Condo Rentals at HomeAway. Another great site is BedandBreakfast.com.

Popularity: 4% [?]