ATX Things to Do – Austin Properties Group

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.

Great news for sellers

One thing we know to be certain, these longer days are inspiring Austinites to head outdoors. Those chirping birds and sprouting greenery are sure signs it’s finally Spring. As we all emerge from hibernation, Austin’s housing market is waking up after February’s winter storm too. Low interest rates are great for buyers, while a quickly moving inventory makes it a great time for sellers.

Last month, the central Texas housing market continued to crash through records, despite crippling winter storms. In fact, Austin’s median home price (inside the city limits) exceeded $491,000 which is a 24% leap over this time last year. According to the Austin Board of Realtors Central Texas Housing Report, it’s the highest it has been ever on record! This is great news for sellers while inventory remains low, but can prove challenging for those interested in buying a home this season.

Mortgage Forbearance

If you’ve placed your mortgage into forbearance due to the due to the coronavirus pandemic, or are finding yourself in a short sale situation, our agents are here to walk you through the ins and outs of your sale. Give us a call today, so we can assist with what steps to take to get your finances and your property ready for the sale of your home.

Great news for buyers

While we’ve got lots of great tips for how to make the most of your offer or choosing the right agent for the job, we’ve also got the details of all the newest, hottest, and most sought after developments in the area.

Hanover Brazos Street- 201 East Third Street

Ground has been broken on this 44-story residential tower. It has plans to hold 310 apartment units with ground level restaurants and retail space on the south-west corner of Fifth and Lacaca streets. It will feature a nine-level above-ground parking garage topped by 32 stories of apartments. The top two levels have plans to include community amenities including a pool.

A greener Austin

It’s not just April showers bringing those May flowers this season. Austin’s businesses, nonprofits and residents alike are working together to create places and spaces which promote sustainability and conservation.

The Presidium Waterford Building

Presidium released information in March stating that their newest building was being built with environmentally friendly factors in mind. The upcoming development will include a rain bio-filtration system and energy efficient appliances in each of the 283 residential units. Their eco-conscious plans integrate smart technology, like thermostats and lighting, into each unit too.

The Brodie Oaks Retail Center

The ball has been set in motion to promote a $1 billion plan to develop South Austin’s Brodie Oaks shopping center into a space that focuses on highlighting ecology, conservation and green space. The project allots 37.6 acres to a mixed-use development which will consist of restaurants, more than 1,600 residential units, office and retail space, and a hotel. However, the part of the plan which makes environmentalists smile is that approximately 13.6 acres, will be parkland and open space, with additional trails and sidewalks within that open space to increase greenbelt access to the Barton Creek Greenbelt. While the project still awaits final approval, it’s looking like it will be a beautiful addition to the character of South Austin.

Urban Roots is planting seeds of change for area teens

Urban Roots is a local nonprofit that is working to use farming and cooking to inspire Austin’s youth. The organization recently planted fruit trees and crops on its 6-acre Southeast Austin and plans to hold its first harvest in spring 2022. They plan to offer paid opportunities for individuals ages 14-23 to grow produce which will be provided to those in need.

According to Executive Director Frances Deviney, Urban Roots is also planning to build a large administrative building with staff offices, a community space and a commercial kitchen at the site in the future. The farm is located at 4711 Winnebago Lane, Austin. This is the second farm for Urban Roots, their first property is located on 3.5 acres in East Austin at 7651 Delwau Lane, Austin.

Eco-Friendly Living in Austin, TX