Author: bdowdy

5 Benefits of Building a New Home

Post author By bdowdy
Post date October 28, 2021

One of the best investments you can make in your lifetime is to buy a new home. Homeowners often experience a bigger return on their investment when they eventually sell their homes. On top of that, the Austin real estate market is hot.

Those who prefer a quieter and smaller place to live in the Texas Hill Country will find that in Kyle, which is just 20 minutes from downtown Austin. Kyle has everything you want to live, work, and play while being close enough to Austin to take advantage of its unique offerings like Austin City Limits.

Here are the top five reasons to buy a new home in Kyle, TX.

Live in a home built by hand-selected homebuilders

Our team vetted many Kyle homebuilders to choose the right ones for the Crosswind’s community. It’s important that all builders design homes that reflect Crosswind’s mission of creating an active community with all the comforts of home.

While you and your neighbors have the same goal of finding a place to call home with a thriving community, you may have different design styles. We selected these builders to make sure you get a home in a design that you love.

Building a home in the Texas Hill Country is very different from building a home in the panhandle or East Texas. The environment, elements, and land are different. These builders know the Texas Hill Country and design homes with nature in mind.

Have a say in your home

If you have specifics in mind about your floor plan, you can do that in a Crosswinds home. Each builder has different floor plans. Whether you want a three-car garage, an office, a game room, or all of the above, you can get that by selecting a floor plan the best fits what you want.

Select the right colors

A house may be perfect except that yellow backsplash is not your cup of tea. Rather than having it changed out, you can make those design choices when you work with a to-be-built home. You choose the carpet, the paint colors, the backsplash, and the cabinetry.

Enjoy community amenities

There is one community amenity that no builder has control over. And that’s nature. The Crosswinds community allows the natural beauty of the Texas prairies to shine. Landscape architects developed a plan to highlight the best of nature while adding features that brings everyone and the outdoors together.

Live oak trees shade the community pool complex known as the Cove. The younger kids can splash around its wading pool while adults will relish relaxing by the pool covered by shade. The community also contains a place for gatherings, play dates, or celebrating. Residents can also pick up a fresh gourmet coffee or tea at Le Muse Coffee right in the community.

Be the first to live in your home

When touring pre-owned homes, it’s not easy to spot problems and damage. With a new home, you won’t have to worry about that. And a new home will have a warranty. The type depends on the builder.

You’ll benefit from these top five reasons when you opt for a to-be-built home in Kyle’s Crosswinds. Kyle has much more to offer, so browse this blog for more.

If you’d like to learn more about new homes in Kyle, please contact our Crosswinds team. To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The Austin Housing Market Is Hot

Post author By bdowdy
Post date October 21, 2021

Exciting news! A WalletHub study has ranked Austin in the top 10 in multiple categories. One of those is the No. 2 spot on WalletHub’s Best Places to Buy a House list. And Austin takes the top spot for large cities with hot real estate markets. This hot market extends beyond Austin city limits as the housing market data in the region also shows demand is soaring.

Central Texas Market Is Hopping

The Austin Board of Realtors’ Market Statistics report shows the volume of homes sold in June has set records. Part of this stems from the pandemic changing buyer preferences. With more people working from home, buyers want reliable broadband access, a home office, and flexible working and living spaces. Because of their staying home more, they’re looking to suburban areas to find homes with more square footage and outdoor space.

A Community Impact article states that the Central Texas market has been flying since the middle of 2020 according to realtors and economists. It also credits telework with the boom as remote workers move away from expensive cities where they no longer have a commute.

New Homes in Kyle, Texas

Are you in the market for a new home with easy access to Austin in a quiet place? Come check out Kyle, a small town just 20 miles from downtown Austin and 15 miles from shoppers’ paradise in San Marcos. Be warned that the new home inventory in Kyle’s Crosswinds community goes fast.

CoreLogic states the Austin housing prices have surged almost 33 percent from August 2020. As of October, the median price of a new home is $408,350 in Kyle. This is cheaper than Austin’s median sales price of $470,000. A new home only lasts 25 days on the market before it’s bought, so anyone interested in Kyle, TX homes will want to move fast.

The new homes in Crosswinds range from 1,500 sq. ft. to 2,250 sq. ft. Residents will be able to play, swim, and enjoy the trails at the Windy Point amenity center. The trails connect to the amenity center and pool, a kids’ playscape, and an open playfield. The community dog park also gives fur babies a place to run around and play.

Many places are located within 30 minutes from Kyle. And anytime you’re ready to travel a little further, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) is an easy drive from Kyle.

Residents choose Kyle for the small-town lifestyle while being close enough to Austin to take advantage of its offerings. Even businesses know the value of living in Kyle as Lowe’s, Amazon, Tesla, and others have or plan to move to Kyle and the Austin area.

Amenities Area Attractions Events Family Fun Lifestyle

Celebrate Halloween 2021 in Kyle

Post author By bdowdy
Post date October 14, 2021

One of the most fun days of the year is coming! Who doesn’t love a good Halloween with costumes and candy galore? The City of Kyle has scared up a few family-friendly October Festivities you’ll want to check out!

October Contests

The City of Kyle has multiple contests happening throughout October. Be aware that none of the contests give a deadline. They do list the dates the winner will receive a notification. The contest information section has a contact person you can reach out to confirm the deadlines.

The next contest coming up is the pumpkin carving and decorating contest. You’ll submit a photo of the completed pumpkin. Yard decorating and costume contests are also available.

Halloween Movie at the Lake

This free event takes place tomorrow, October 15 at Lake Kyle (700 Lehman Rd., Kyle, TX 78640). At sundown, they will show “The Addams Family.”

Center Street Trick or Treat

On Saturday, October 23 from 9 am to 12 pm, the businesses on Center St. invite you and your family to trick-or-treat. These local businesses and organizations will have tents and tables at City “Scare” Park aka Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park at 101 S. Burleson Rd. It’ll be a fun afternoon of treats with a costume contest.

The costume contest judging takes place at 10 am and the pumpkin decorating contest judging is at 11:30 am. They’ll have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for three different age groups.

Most businesses will hand out candy and host activities. Food and drink vendors will be on site and some will sell children’s items.

We hope you have a “bootiful” Halloween!

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Explore more at Crosswinds, take a look at the amenities! or contact our Crosswinds team.

Area Attractions Events Family Fun

2021 Founders’ Day Parade in Kyle, Texas

Post author By bdowdy
Post date October 7, 2021

Coming up this weekend is one of the City of Kyle’s most beloved celebrations and events. On Saturday, Oct. 9 from 10 am to 12:30 pm is the Founders’ Day Parade.

How did this parade even get started? What is it about? Sometime in October 1880, people bought the first lots in Kyle. This compelled the city and its citizens to start a new tradition in which they held parades through downtown Kyle every year in mid-October. That parade is the Founders’ Day Parade and its purpose is to recognize the town’s founders.

What’s on Tap for the 2021 Founders’ Day Parade?

This 140-plus-year tradition and parade will start at Gregg-Clarke Park. They’ll travel along Center Street and end at Front Street on the City Square. Right after the parade ends, the city will celebrate its birthday with cupcakes, music, and family fun on Burleson Street.

The best spots to watch the parade are on either side of Center Street between Gregg-Clarke Park and Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park. The City asks attendees to stay on the sidewalks or grassy areas on Center Street. Check out the event’s page on Facebook for more information.

A Brief History of Kyle, Texas

Settlers from Mountain City and Blanco founded the town of Kyle in 1880. Somewhere between 1870 and 1880, the International and Great Northern Railroad planned to build a line between Austin and San Antonio. In building the railroad, the planners discovered there weren’t towns on the route between Austin and San Marcus, Thus, they decided to create a station on that route.

Captain Fergus Kyle and David Moore’s family donated 200 acres for this site. As a result, Texas Land Company deeded the land to build the town. And the City of Kyle got its name in honor of one of the people who donated the land.

In October 1880, the town held an auction under Kyle’s famous Oaktree to auction off the business and residential lots. To encourage people to bid, the railroad offered free train rides to anyone who participated in the sale. The railroad donated the land around the tree, which eventually became the home of Kyle Seminary, the city’s first school.

Want to explore more? Check out these Kyle historical markers.

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Explore the inventory of new homes in Kyle or contact our Crosswinds team.

Area Attractions Family Fun

Costco Comes to Kyle

Post author By bdowdy
Post date September 23, 2021

In partnership with Hays County, the City of Kyle and Kyle Economic Development have announced Costco will be coming to Kyle. The 150,000-square-feet store will be located at the I-35 Texas Innovation Corridor. You’ll find it on I-35 between Kohlers Crossing and Kyle Crossing. Home Depot and Evo Entertainment are also in this area.

About Costco

The City of Kyle and the Kyle Economic Development have been working to bring Costco here. It’s a membership-based retailer with more than 800 locations worldwide. Not only did the City want to provide Kyle residents with one of the top retailers, but also a place that has a proven history of taking care of its employees and providing them with competitive wages and benefits. Early this year, Costco raised its minimum hourly pay to $16 for hourly employees. The facility is expected to support more than 200 jobs.

Costco is perfect for Kyle. As you know, Kyle is the Pie Capital of Texas. Well, it turns out that Costco is one of the country’s largest pizzerias! They sell their large slices at more than 400 locations.

That’s not the only popular food item you can buy there. They’re famous for their hot dog combo deal that only costs $1.50, which includes a soda. It’s been a buck fifty since 1985 and the retailer sells more than 100 million hot dogs every year! Another popular item at the food court is the acai bowl. It’s what you get when you put a smoothie and yogurt together.

Shopping at Costco

If you don’t already know about it, get ready to become familiar with the Kirkland brand. That’s Costco’s in-house brand. You’ll find everything with the Kirkland name: over-the-counter medicines, coffee, rotisserie chickens, bacon, and even golf balls.

Here are some items you may want to buy at Costco:

Breakfast cereal
Cheese
Eggs
Kirkland maple syrup
Kirkland vodka (not kidding)
Clothing

A typical Costco sells 4,000 items. By comparison, an average grocery store sells around 40,000 items. Unlike grocery stores, Costco doesn’t carry multiple brands of each one. We can’t wait to shop at Costco and finish our trip with a stop at their food court.

Area Attractions

What You Need to Know About Kyle’s Transportation Plan

Post author By bdowdy
Post date September 16, 2021

No doubt, Kyle has been growing like a weed in recent years. And exciting things are happening to ensure the city maintains the country-living lifestyle everyone loves. The city last updated its transportation plan in 2015. And now that plan needs to be updated to match Kyle’s extraordinary growth.

It’s standard for the city to update the plan every five years to ensure it reflects current needs and pace of growth.

What’s in the 2021 Transportation Master Plan

As a result, the city has approved a new map for the plan presented by a consulting company. The city contracted a consulting company to help with updating the plan and to do it quickly.

The new plan adds two I-35 crossings to enhance connectivity. One is planned for Kohlers Crossing and the other for RM 158. It also proposes sidewalks, trails, and several arterial roads with six, four, or two to three lanes.

The City of Kyle and the contractor are working to make sure they honor and respect the land and properties. You can view the Transportation Master Plan Update 2021 maps, presentations, and a video on the city’s website. You can also view the City of Kyle’s projects.

What the Mayor Says

“What scares me is not just the development, trucks and congestion that we have, it’s the fact that half our city or more is undeveloped land that’s currently in the process of being developed,” Mayor Travis Mitchell told San Marcos Record.

“I think about our residents and what’s in their longterm best interest. If you approve subdivisions but don’t approve roads, don’t plan for roads, don’t plan for connectivity, but allow the development to come, you end up like Austin. You end up like a city filled to the brim with congestion. The only way that I know to handle that responsibly is to be as proactive and forward-thinking as you possibly can.”

Area Attractions Events Family Fun

Buda Restaurant Week

Post author By bdowdy
Post date September 9, 2021

Buda, Texas and its many offerings are just a 12-minute drive from the Crosswinds community in Kyle, Texas. And you’ll want to head there next week for Buda Restaurant Week. The nice thing about being close to the “Buda-full” city is that you can go for many of the events. No picking and choosing. Go to all of them.

What Is Buda Restaurant Week?

Buda Restaurant Week runs from Sept. 13 through 19. It’s a week-long foodie’s paradise. Participating restaurants around Buda will offer special menu items, pre-Fixe menus, and craft cocktails.

As of this writing, Historic Downtown Buda hasn’t announced the participating restaurants. Visit the event page and Facebook page for the latest news and announcements. You can explore the Buda dining scene to discover the possibilities.

Meet Buda, Texas

Buda is 15 miles south of Austin located along the IH-35 corridor between San Antonio and Austin. Its population of under 20,000 people lives in its 5.4 square miles. Like Kyle, its residents are in the Hays Consolidated Independent School District.

Historic Downtown Buda features six blocks of restaurants, shops, and historic buildings. Every Sunday, they have the Downtown Buda Farmers Market. And on the first Saturday of every month, they host the Downtown Buda Merchant’s Group with its live music, food, and drinks.

They’re known as the Wiener Dog Capital of Texas as they hold Weiner Dog Races every year. The next one is scheduled for April 23, 2022. We hope you’ll experience Buda Restaurant Week.

That’s the beauty of living in a new home in Kyle’s Crosswinds community. It puts you near some of Texas Hill Country’s finest. Here are more places you may want to explore.

Area Attractions Events Family Fun

Texas Radio Live at Güero’s Taco Bar

Post author By bdowdy
Post date August 19, 2021

Looking for something fun to do in the middle of the week? How about on Hump Day Wednesday? Sun Radio’s Texas Radio Live pops-up at Güero’s Taco Bar (1412 S Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704) with live music every Wednesday from 7 to 8 PM CT.

About Texas Radio Live

Texas Radio Live is the longest-running live music radio program on Austin radio. Each week, they present the latest Texas sings, songwriters, and musicians. At the same time, they pay tribute to the many Texas musicians who have come before.

Here’s the schedule of upcoming performances:

Aug 25: Pat Byrne
1: Wayne Sutton
8: Ruby Dice
15: Madam Radar
22: Texas Radio Live
29: Brad Stivers
Oct 6: Jaimee Harris

Not only will you have a grand ol’ time but also contribute to the fundraiser to support the Sun Radio Foundation. Its mission is to support local musicians. The organization provides financial relief by deferring the cost of electricity bills and paying artists to perform. And you can register to win a prize.

You don’t have to wait until Wednesday for live music and authentic Tex-Mex food. Güero’s Taco Bar has live music on other days. Here’s their live music schedule. Browse their site and you’ll also see mouthwatering photos of their menu items. Prepare yourself to have a hankering for Tex-Mex!

History of Texas Radio Live

Larry Monroe moved to Austin in 1977. His goal was to put Austin music on the radio through records, interviews, and live performances. After joining KUT in 1981, he started a program called Texas Music. Eventually, the name changed to Texas Radio.

Texas Radio aimed to share music by Texas musicians. Occasionally, Monroe would have a live guest or broadcast recorded interviews. In 2011, Monroe joined Sun Radio and brought Blue Money and Phil Music with him. But he also wanted to bring Texas Radio back. Sun Radio Founder Daryl O’Neal not only agreed but recommended turning it into a live program.

O’Neal took the idea to Rob Lippincott, owner of Güero’s Taco Bar. He wholeheartedly agreed. Monroe added David Arnsberger to the team and thus Texas Radio Live came back bigger and better. Unfortunately, Larry Monroe passed away in 2014. Thankfully, David Arnsberger carries on Larry Monroe’s spirit and continues to host Texas Radio Live.

Education Events Family Fun

Get Ready for the New School Year in Kyle

Post author By bdowdy
Post date August 12, 2021

On August 19, many parents of kids attending schools in Hays Consolidated Independent School District will happily get their kids up and ready for school. The students, on the other hand, may drag their feet as they start adjusting to their school schedules.

It’s always hard to prepare for a new school year even if you’re excited about it. Restarting a habit isn’t easy. Neither is leaving summer behind.

The good news is that you can take action now to ensure a smoother first week of school. Here’s what you can do.

Register online and complete paperwork

All families — both new and returning students —can register online. Be sure to follow the advice on the page before proceeding. You’ll also need to check with your student’s campus for any registration events.

Those new to HCISD can find the schools their students will attend using the attendance zone page. You’ll also need a copy of your student’s vaccination records as they will be required. Will your student need to keep medicine at school? Contact the campus nurse for details and paperwork for this.

Review the Hays CISD calendar

Here’s the 2021-2022 Hays CISD calendar (PDF). Be sure to enter all important dates into your family’s calendar. Don’t have a family calendar? You may want to consider one. It helps to have a central calendar everyone can access to stay on top of important dates and events.

Obtain school supplies

Although the Texas Sales Tax Holiday has passed, many retailers still have sales on clothes and school supplies. Check for coupons online at RetailMeNot and Honey, and in your local newspaper.

Your student’s school may sell school supplies in one packet. It can be cheaper to buy the packet because they get everything in bulk. The bulk discounts are passed on to your family. Get your kids excited about school by letting them pick one fun or colorful school item of their choice.

Adjust bedtime routines

It takes three weeks to create new habits. As it’s typical of the summer, kids tend to have a different bedtime. Don’t wait until school starts to change bedtime. You have one week from this post before school starts.

Try changing their bedtime to 15 minutes earlier tonight and tomorrow. Then, the next night, change it to 30 minutes earlier. Adjust based on the difference between the old and new bedtime routine. As you adjust bedtime, do the school routine too. Pick out the outfit for the next day and pack the backpack the night before.

Hope these four tips help! Remember to take pictures on the first day! Have a great first day of school.

If you’re looking for new homes in Kyle, explore the master-planned community Crosswinds. Residents savor the natural beauty of the prairies while providing families with a place where they can connect

Area Attractions

Tesla Supplier Plastikon Building Factory in Kyle

Post author By bdowdy
Post date August 5, 2021

Austin and Kyle celebrated when Tesla moved to the area. Now we have reason to celebrate again! Plastikon plans to lease almost 100,000 square feet in the Plum Creek Industrial Center in Kyle.

About Plastikon

Like the name implies, Plastikon is in the plastics industry with headquarters in Hayward, California. The manufacturing company works with automotive, electronics, and medical companies. And one of those automotive companies is Tesla as Plastikon will be a supplier to Tesla’s Gigafactory.

The company makes steering wheels and consoles. They will supply the production of the Tesla Cybertruck SUV and semi-tractor trailer. The factory will be 30 minutes away from Tesla’s Gigafactory.

Founded almost four decades ago, Plastikon’s core values are to deliver on their commitment to providing the highest quality and value with corporate and social responsibility. As a longtime Toyota Select Supplier, they applied the principles of lean manufacturing, which has helped in their growth. They also have a certified minority status.

The company says it will initially hire 75 to 100 people. Then, it may add another 100 positions later. The factory is expected to be operating by October or November of 2021.

The Tesla Effect Continues

Simwon North America Corp. has also signed a lease at Plum Creek for almost 500,000 sq. ft. They’re an auto-body manufacturer that makes body parts for Tesla’s electric vehicles in California. This factory expects to employ 400 people and be operational by December or January. Tesla’s plant is also expected to go live by that time as well.

About a block from the Plum Creek area is Kyle Crossing Business Park where Amazon Kyle will occupy half of it and Lowe’s Kyle will take the other half.

The latest is that Tesla may need 10,000 people for its Gigafactory by the end of 2022. Currently, they’re hiring for more than 250 positions.

The company has also announced a training partnership with Austin Community College District. Tesla START Manufacturing at ACC will offer a 14-week course that will have students working in paid positions at Tesla’s factory while attending training at ACC Riverside campus. Participants will be eligible for full-time jobs upon completing the program.

Business experts believe more companies will follow Tesla to the area to join its supply chain. Kyle residents will now have the opportunity to find jobs at these companies and work closer to home.

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