As we jump into May we hope you’re soaking up some of that famous Austin sunshine. If there’s one thing Austin, TX really does well it is outdoor living! Parks are open for picnics, our picturesque waterfronts are idyllic spots to enjoy an afternoon, and concerts and rec activities are back on calendars. Below we’ve got some great ideas to get your body moving and get yourselves outside. This month we’re highlighting three Austin neighborhoods that are supporting eco-friendly living and showcasing some excellent trails right in our backyards.
3 Super Spots for Hiking and Biking
If you’re ready to get out and enjoy some of Austin’s blooming greenery, our trail systems can’t be beat.
Ann and Roy Butler Trail
This is a pretty well known trail to those familiar with the metropolitan Austin area (it is sometimes called the Lady Bird Lake Trail) is more than ten miles long and meanders along both sides of Lady Bird Lake. While enjoying lake views, hikers and runners can also easily get to two great Austin parks from the trial with access to Guerrero Park and Zilker Park. Another perk to using this trail system is that it passes through Downtown Austin which makes a great excuse to stop into a café for a mid-hike snack.
Walnut Creek Trails
North Austinites can easily enjoy the trail system of Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park. The green space includes nearly 300 acres and dozens of hiking trails. You’ll also find some great scenery with creek views and pretty pedestrian bridges.
Brushy Creek Regional Trail
Cedar Park trail is perfect for gorgeous hikes where you can convene with nature. The Brushy Creek Regional Trail has cool signs posted along its length detailing the areas where settlers began to build towns and where the local railroads ran through. The 10-mile path is paved and lined with bluebonnets in the spring.
Awesome Eco-Friendly Living in these Austin Neighborhoods
Preserving the environment has become an important aspect as homebuyers search through communities for the perfect house. This commitment to eco-friendly living has pushed developers in Austin to highlight and focus on building practices and amenities which save energy, recycle building materials and reduce waste. These Austin neighborhoods are quickly becoming the most sought after, because they are embracing a greener culture.
Whisper Valley
Whisper Valley was developed with environmental factors in mind and proclaims itself to be dedicated to “energy efficiency and cutting-edge technology.” That’s because Whisper Valley homes feature all energy-efficient technologies like the use of geothermal energy pumps and solar panels throughout. All Whisper Valley houses also come standard with programmable Google Nest thermostats, which monitor your home schedule and automatically adjust based on your needs to best conserve energy. Even the community swimming pool is heated with geothermal technology.
Mueller
This Central Austin neighborhood has lots of parks and has embraced companies that are fostering sustainable development practices. For instance, this neighborhood is working on using former airport architecture in current design plans and is even using old airport hangars for use in street construction. Well-marked bike lanes and strategic pedestrian walkways make this neighborhood an easy one to navigate car-free.
Sweetwater
Sweetwater combines “resort-style” living with their eco-friendly practices. So while residents can enjoy luxuries like a clubhouse and a three-pool aquatic complex the development focuses on greener ways to maintain this lifestyle. Sweetwater uses “reclaimed” water for its landscaping needs, uses sustainable materials for building, and incorporates efficient technologies for energy maintenance.
The five reasons you want to be eco-friendly this month
- Water conservation.
Eco-friendly homes are often built with low-flow bathroom fixtures or other devices to help reuse and reduce water waste. - Smaller footprint.
With the greenhouse effect in its peak, reducing your carbon footprint has never been more important. Conserving the environment for future generations a big reason many people choose eco-friendly homes. - Save money.
Eco-friendly homes often use natural or reusable items which eliminate the cost of re-buying household necessities. - Reduced heating and cooling needs.
Creative insulation and ventilation in eco-friendly homes allows energy use and cost to be much lower. - Healthy indoor air.
Environmentally friendly houses use products such as water-based paints, recycled materials, and green cleaners that make a healthier environment at home.
We’re here to help homeowners
Whether you’re ready to sell your home or still just looking at your options, we’re ready to answer any of your questions throughout the process. As the Austin market skyrockets this month and home prices are hitting an all-time high, it might be the perfect time to sell. Contact us to see how we can help you live your best life in Austin.