fbpx
Categories
Area Attractions Lifestyle

Kyle, Texas Real Estate Market Heats up in 2021

The Austin Board of Realtors (ABoR) has released its Central Texas Housing Market Report. It provides an overview of the housing market data in the region for the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). This area includes Austin, and the counties of Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson. Kyle is in Hays county and part of the hot San Marcos-Buda-Kyle market.

The latest edition from December 2020 indicates Austin-Round Rock MSA has closed 2020 with a record-breaking $17 billion housing market. Housing demand has soared to an all-time high in Central Texas. In December, residential home sales rocketed more than 16 percent year-over-year.

Why Central Texas Real Estate Is Heating up

According to Susan Horton, 2021 ABoR president, it’s an unprecedented time for the housing market. It turns out the pandemic increased demand for all housing in the region that inventory is near-zero. “That said, if you are ready to buy a home, now is the time to take advantage of low interest rates that boost your buying power and plant roots in Central Texas,” Horton says.

What could be driving the demand for housing in Austin-Round Rock MSA? Former Chief Economist for the Texas Real Estate Research Center Dr. James Gaines believes the demand is a combination of economic growth and higher consumer buying power. It’s also driven by population growth, employment gains, lifestyle changes, and low-interest rates.

“The pandemic fostered an environment where many families increased personal savings helping some transition from renting to ownership while others needed to ‘move up’ for more space while working from home,” Gaines says.

What Hays County Data Reveals

At close to 24 percent, the San Marcos-Buda-Kyle market is showing a stronger year-over-year growth than the average for all of Austin-Round Rock MSA. Why is it hot? Many new businesses are moving into new commercial developments that have sprung up in Kyle. The city is more affordable than Austin and still within an easy drive. Those that are flocking south of Austin tend to be of a younger demographic seeking affordability without sacrificing lifestyle and activities nearby. Numerous new eateries, local shopping and wineries have popped-up in the Kyle and Buda area—making it the next place to be.

The average day on the market for a home in Hays County is 40 days. The number of active listings has dropped but the number of new listings has gone up a little bit. If you’re shopping for a home in Kyle, Texas, be sure to visit the community’s website often for new listings.

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

Categories
Area Attractions

Oracle Moves to Austin

Considering all the corporations that have moved or are moving to the Austin area, it’s a strong indicator that it’s the place to be. The big one is Tesla, which is building a Gigafactory on a 2,100-acre site. ENF Technology is investing $45 million in its U.S. headquarters, which is right here in Kyle. Lowe’s Company Inc., a home improvement retailer, plans to add a distribution center in Kyle Crossing Business Park.

And now California-based Oracle is jumping on the Austin bandwagon. It’s departing Silicon Valley for the Texas Hill Country.

What draws these companies to Austin? It’s quickly becoming a tech hub and housing is far more affordable than it is in California and other places. And best of all, Texas has no state income tax.

Creating a Flexible Workplace

Oracle is a cloud and software services provider that employs 135,000 people all over the world. What’s interesting is the company has a flexible work policy for employees. This means they can choose their office location, continue remote working, or do a hybrid. “By implementing a more modern approach to work, we expect to further improve our employees’ quality of life and quality of output,” the company said.

This isn’t the company’s first foray into Austin. In 2018, it opened a campus with an on-site apartment building for employees. Located at 2300 Oracle Way, the purpose of the campus was to recruit a younger and more affordable workforce. The campus can support up to 10,000 employees. It’s unknown how many jobs the move to Austin will bring.

The company plans to maintain a presence in Redwood City, Santa Monica, Seattle, Denver, Orland, and others.

Oracle’s History

Engineers Larry Ellison, Bob Miner, and Ed Oates founded the company in Santa Clara in 1977. Initially called Software Development Laboratories, their first office was only 900-square-feet. In 1982, the company changed its name to Oracle Corporation. In fewer than 10 years after its founding, the company joined the NASDAQ exchange as the company went public under ORCL.

By 1989, the company outgrew its headquarters and headed to Redwood City, California. In 2010, the company acquired Sun Microsystems, the creators of Java. This move has allowed the company to bridge hardware and software. We look forward to seeing what they achieve in Austin.

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.

Categories
Area Attractions Family Fun

Check Out These Mini-Golf and Disc Golf Courses Near Kyle

Big news for Kyle. Texas! They will have not one, not two, but three opportunities for golfing! And each one has a unique theme. Meet the disc golf and two mini-golf establishments that are open or coming soon to Hays County.

Memorial Mini-Golf and WWII Museum

You get two cool things in one place at Memorial Mini-Golf and Museum in Buda (1710 Farm to Market 1626, Buda, TX 78610), which is fewer than 10 miles away from Kyle. The museum wants to educate people about the Greatest Generation. They believe that no other war in history affected the entire world like World War II did as the website says:

“It was people who knew the difference between right and wrong/good vs. evil uniting and not backing down. When the USA joined in the fight, our military was ranked #18 in the world…behind Romania.”

The museum wants to honor ordinary people who did the extraordinary. And at the same time, they want to give families a place to go to have fun. And that place is on their mini-golf course. The mini-golf course blends history with each hole dedicated to a veteran of WWII, Korean War, or Vietnam. See photos of the course on Memorial Mini-Golf and WWII Museum’s Facebook page.

The Flying Armadillo Disc Golf Course

Now for a mini-golf of a different kind. The Flying Armadillo Disc Golf Course (3115 Hilliard Rd., San Marcos, Texas) offers disc golf, which combines mini-golf with flying discs. Instead of relying on golf clubs, you trade them for a more powerful tool: your arm. You’ll throw frisbees across four acres of land trying to get them into the basket instead of a hole.

The Flying Armadillo has two 18-hole courses and practice baskets. They also have a family-friendly mini-course that’s a par 2. If throwing discs isn’t your thing, you can try your hand at shuffleboard, foosball, bocce ball, cornhole, or pool (the billiards kind). You can cheer for your companions by catching the action from an observation tower. For the latest news, visit the Flying Armadillo Disc Golf Club Facebook page.

Putt Pub

Also in San Marcos within walking distance from Texas State University is the Putt Pub (307 S LBJ Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666). This one features an 18-hole mini-golf course filled with obstacles, games, and good vibes. The venue has two bars, indoor and outdoor seating, and food trucks.

Minors must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum age to play mini-golf is 16 with a guardian. To join the 21+ crowd, come after 6 pm. Check out the videos of the mini-golf course on Putt Pub’s Facebook page.

Want more ideas of fun things to do in and near Kyle, Texas? Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Explore the inventory of new homes in Kyle or contact our Crosswinds team.

Categories
Area Attractions Family Fun

Keep It Kyle: Flying Armadillo Disc Golf Club

Looking to try something new and different in Kyle, Texas? How about disc golf? It only takes 20 minutes to get to Flying Armadillo Disc Golf Club in San Marcos. This is a full-service disc golf venue and pro shop. You don’t have to be an athlete or have experience to enjoy disc golf.

What Can You Do at Flying Armadillo Disc Golf Club?

The club offers more than disc golf. You can play Bocce ball, shuffleboard, foosball, cornhole, and pool. You can watch the action from a four-level observation tower. It’s also a great spot to take photos. A playscape, cooking grills, outdoor showers, and camping are available. Bring your pets as the facility is pet-friendly.

Flying Armadillo Disc Golf Club has two 18-hole courses and practice baskets. One is a family-friendly par 2 Mini Course. Udisc ranks it as No. 34 in the world. Think of it as mini golf for disc golf. On average, the holes are 100-feet long. It’s perfect for beginners and kids. Like mini golf, they have themed holes like the pond, tank, and Alamo holes.

The other is a 6,000-foot Big Course. Ranked 84th in the world by UDisc, the big course is a great way to explore the Texas Hill Country terrain. You’ll see giant oak trees and creek beds while traipsing across ever-changing elevations. All the baskets contain solar lights for night rounds.

Snacks and drinks are available. Beware it’s BYOB. Occasionally, they have onsite food such as BBQ.

What Is Disc Golf?

Like its name, disc golf resembles the golf everyone knows. Except, instead of a set of clubs and golf balls, players use a flying disc better known as Frisbee. In golf, the goal is to get the ball to the hole in the fewest strokes possible. The same goes for disc golf. Instead of hitting the ball with a club, you throw the disc.

Of course, a disc golf course will feature obstacles. Instead of sand traps and water, discs can end up in shrubs and trees. The player must make the next throw from the position where the previous throw landed. Elevated metal baskets are the “holes” in disc golf.

Go on and give it a try. They’re open seven days a week. Get some fresh air. For the latest news, visit the Flying Armadillo Disc Golf Club’s Facebook page. The address is 3115 Hilliard Rd., San Marcos, Texas 78666.

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

Categories
Area Attractions

Reasons to Move to Kyle, TX in 2021

One of the biggest factors to come out of the pandemic is remote working. The word is that many companies may make it permanent. Or at least do some hybrid of remote working and commuting to the office. For companies that decide to allow full-time remote working, there will most likely be a leap in the number of people who move to another city.

Why is this happening? When people can work from anywhere, they choose to move to places they desire. And Kyle is one of those places. Here are the three biggest reasons you will want to move to Kyle, Texas in 2021.

Small Town Lifestyle and Location

Kyle is located 20 miles from downtown Austin. It allows people who want the small-town lifestyle to live in a quieter place. And at the same time, they’re close enough to enjoy all that Austin has to offer.

The location puts residents near all the action. Businesses are moving close to Kyle including big movers and shakers like Tesla in Austin. And many places are located within 30 minutes from Kyle. For times you need to fly, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) is an easy drive from Kyle.

More Businesses Moving in the Area

Some people still prefer to work in the office or at least part of the time. With more businesses moving to Kyle and Austin, it means more opportunities.

Aside from Tesla, here are some of the businesses that have a home in Kyle:

  • Lowe’s

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. has signed a 120,000 square feet lease in Kyle Crossing Business Park. This 40-acre property will become a distribution center. Lowe’s in Kyle is located one block west of I35.

  • Amazon

A sortation facility in Kyle Crossing is in the work. The company says Kyle’s Amazon facility will employ more than 200 workers.

  • ENF Technology

This company from South Korea is building its $45 million U.S. headquarters. ENF Technology U.S. headquarters will employ 50 workers.

  • RSI, Inc.

RSI and its 60 full-time employees have been in Kyle since 2007. The company distributes electronic equipment.

Lower Cost of Living

One of the first things real estate agents hear from happy homeowners is the affordable cost of living in Kyle. Often, when talking about Kyle, the first thing residents talk about are affordable homes.

These are the biggest reasons people move to Kyle. But there are more. Explore our blog and you’ll see Kyle has much to offer!

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

Categories
Area Attractions

Celebrate the New Years in Kyle with Spirits

Could it be that 2020 is already nearing the end? Where did the time go? Many people thought the year would move at a snail’s pace, but that hasn’t been the case. Before you visit any of these wineries, check out their website and Facebook page for updates and current requirements.

Driftwood Estate Winery and Vineyard

Drive 15 miles northwest from Kyle and you’ll find yourself in Driftwood, Texas. This is where Driftwood Estate Winery and Vineyard (4001 Elder Hill Rd., Driftwood, TX 78619) calls home. The property sits on a bluff with spectacular views.

They have a bistro restaurant that’s open daily. Please visit the website for safety protocols and guidelines. The Driftwood Estate Winery Facebook page also has all the information you need to know before you go.

Duchman Family Winery

Also, in Driftwood is Duchman Family Winery (13308 FM 150 West, Driftwood, TX 78619) where its wines are 100 percent made in Texas. Founded in 2004, Drs. Lisa and Stan Duchman set out on a quest to bring world-class winemaking to the Texas Hill Country. Even HGTV took notice and listed the winery in their list of 20 Beautiful Wineries Across the Nation. The article recommends trying their 2010 Vermentino.

They found their inspiration in the unique Italian grape variety of Texas weather patterns that are similar to Italy. The majority of their fruit comes from the Texas High Plains AVA with its cooler temperatures and continental climate. For the upcoming events, follow the Duchman Family Winery Facebook page.

Wimberley Valley Winery

Founded in 1983 in Wimberley, Wimberley Valley Winery is a short trip from Kyle. They’ve been producing a wide selection of central Texas wine to please all palates. Be sure to make a reservation to attend a wine tasting. A chef is on board and they promise you’re in for a treat. To learn about upcoming events, visit the Wimberley Valley Winery Facebook page.

Bella Vista Ranch

You’ll find the Bella Vista Ranch (3101 Mt. Sharp Rd., Wimberley, TX 78676) just 20 miles from Kyle. Although the tasting room is closed, you can still visit by appointment to pick up products.

It’s worth mentioning this winery as it’s also the home of the First Texas Olive Oil Co. With 1,200 olive trees on the property, they produce 100 percent Texas olive oil. They promise their olive oil tastes nothing like the one you get from the grocery store.

Becker Vineyards

Becker Vineyards (464 Becker Farms Rd., Fredericksburg, TX 78624) is a little further away in Fredericksburg, Texas, which is about 60 miles from Kyle. However, the vineyard is on this list because it also appears on HGTV’s 20 Beautiful Wineries Across the Nation. HGTV recommends the 2009 Canada Res Cab calling it a simple Cabernet Sauvignon with a lively concentration of fruit and herbal notes.

The Becker story is an interesting one that began with a search for a log cabin to renovate. They found one in 1990 on 46 acres of land. Since then, Richard and Bunny Becker have expanded to more than 300 acres. They have two locations in Fredericksburg.

Our Crosswinds community team wishes you a very Happy New Year. For more information about Crosswinds and things to do in Kyle, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. We wish you a joyous holiday season!

Categories
Area Attractions

Head Downtown Kyle to Papa Jack’s Bar

Kyle is grateful to have Papa Jack’s Bar (108 W. Center St.). The bar describes itself as rustic yet eclectic with an electrifying atmosphere that will keep you hopping. Before you know it, a few hours will have flown by and you won’t want to go home. A full bar with an extensive wine selection and a variety of local and craft beers await.

They offer covered patio outdoor seating and arcade games for the younger crowd. But we admit it. Some members of the older crowd love to play video games too. Oh, and the porch is pet-friendly.

Papa Jack’s Bar Story

Founded in 2018 and located in the center of download Kyle, Papa Jack’s Bar serves up a heaping helping of cold drinks, family-free entertainment, and free live music. The bar is owned by Greg Henry, Jack “PapaJack” Henry, Cory McDaniel, Jeff Griffin, Greg Pratt Jr., and … [drum rolls] Wade Bowen.

Yes, the same Wade Bowen people think of when they hear the name. He’s an American Texas Country singer from Waco. Almost 400,000 people follow him on Facebook! If you’d like to catch him in person, he plans to play in Brenham, Texas on New Year’s Eve. It’s only 100 miles from Kyle.

What’s Happening at Papa Jack’s?

Check the website and Papa Jack’s Facebook page for the latest hours and upcoming events. Currently, they offer $2 Tuesday. From 5 to 8 pm, burgers, domestics, and wells are $2. (Drinks must be purchased with a burger.)

Sunday Funday is jammed with free live entertainment. Wing Wednesday means wings for 50 cents and half price off burgers. They’ve had karaoke, dance parties, neon parties with a DJ, and pool tournaments. (The billiards kind, of course.)

We don’t know about you, but we’re ready to head to Papa Jack’s tonight!

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.

Categories
Area Attractions Events Family Fun

A Tuna Christmas: The Comedy You Didn’t Know You Needed

“A Tuna Christmas” is not a can of tuna with a Christmas-themed label. Not even close. It’s what you get when you add a heaping dose of season’s greetings with Greater Tuna. Jaston Williams and Joe Sears are the people behind all the Tuna productions.

What Is Greater Tuna?

And they’re back with another hilarious show. The two actors take on the roles of all citizens of Tuna, the third smallest town in Texas. Apparently, Tuna is the place where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline lives on forever.

“A Tuna Christmas” takes place 24 hours before Christmas. Clearly, it’s Christmas Eve. The eccentric characters are trying to cope with the traumas of the season. Apparently, their little theater production of “A Christmas Carol” was a disaster. And a mysterious Christmas phantom sabotaged their yard-decorating contest.

What to Expect When Attending the Show

Nothing normal ever happens where Greater Tuna is involved. So, masks are required even while sitting in your seat. And no concessions will be available. Fill up before you go to the show. There will be empty seats to separate groups and empty rows every other row. What did we say? Nothing is normal when it comes to Greater Tuna.

There will be temperature checks at the door. The theater has hand sanitizer for every attendee. Employees frequently sanitize surfaces. The show is less than an hour from Kyle in Georgetown at The Georgetown Palace Theater (810 South Austin Ave., Georgetown, TX 78626).

The show runs through December 20. If you’re craving another live show, check out Tidings and Tinsel: Holiday Hits from Broadway at the same theater. Information and tickets for both shows are available at the Georgetown Palace Theater ticketing page.

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.

Categories
Area Attractions Education Family Fun

Central Texas Food Bank and Volunteering

It’s a challenge these days to volunteer. Fortunately, nonprofits like Central Texas Food Bank have found ways to allow people to volunteer safely. In working with the food bank, you’ll be helping Texans affected by COVID-19.

Established in 1982, the Central Texas Food Bank’s mission is to help those in the community in need of food. While Central Texas is among the fastest-growing regions in the U.S., many members of the community are struggling. They have to make difficult choices due to the increasing costs of housing, transportation, healthcare, and utilities.

About the Central Texas Food Bank

Two-thirds of the people the food bank serves have to decide between food and paying for housing. And 80 percent have to choose between food and medicine. Hunger affects working families, retirees on fixed incomes, non-traditional guardians of children, people with disabilities, and the chronically ill. Almost 25 percent of children in Central Texas live with food insecurity.

Working with Partner Agencies in 21 counties in Central Texas, the food bank has delivered almost 40 million pounds of food to a family in need in the 2017 to 2018 fiscal year. This is an average of 200,000 individuals every month!

They have a 4,200-square-foot kitchen to prepare meals from scratch for multiple programs, offer culinary job training, and create volunteering opportunities. The kitchen combines meal preparation and job training to improve people’s employment options and reduce the problems that lead to hunger.

They also have a garden with 36 different crops. Adults can sign up for gardening classes and learn how to grow and harvest their own food. The nonprofit also does advocacy and supports other programs such as Fresh Food for Families, Healthy Options Program for the Elderly (HOPE), Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and more.

How to Volunteer

One of the easiest and safest ways to help the food bank is to donate. Every $1 provides eight meals! Some companies can match your donation. So, check with yours to see if they’ll do it. You can also shop to give. Here, a percentage of your purchases will go to the food bank. It’s possible you may already shop at some of these businesses.

When you volunteer with Central Texas Food Bank, you have a few options. Be aware that the minimum age to participate varies based on activity. All minors must be accompanied by an adult from their household who is at least 21 years old. The first thing to do is to register with the system. Every volunteer, including minors, needs an account.

You can volunteer at a Mobile Food Pantry. This involves distributing food and providing service to clients. Volunteers assist with setup and teardown at the distribution site. Warehouse volunteers inspect, sort, clean, box, and prepare donations for distribution.

Categories
Area Attractions

Ready for Holiday Shopping? Support Local Kyle Businesses

Kyle and its surrounding areas are filled with many amazing local businesses. You won’t have to go far to find unique and memorable gifts.

Ready to shop and support local businesses? Crosswinds and residents in nearby areas have these great options.

Gifts

What to get the person who has everything? One of these shops is bound to have something you have yet to consider.

Milagros Religious Gifts and More
114 S. Front St.
Kyle, TX 78640
Milagros Facebook page

This family-owned evening business offers a variety of inspirational gifts, Christian jewelry, fishermen bracelets, ACTS bracelets, and more. This is a perfect shop for those who appreciate such gifts. ¿Tienes preguntas? Hablan español.

Hands On Healing
147 Elmhurst Ste. 600
Kyle, TX 78640
handsonhealingspa.com

This family-owned and operated spa and boutique offers a variety of services and products to help you relax and feel rejuvenated. People love a massage but may not treat themselves to one. And many folks appreciate a gift of an experience. They pamper feet and do facials. See the full menu on their website.

Shaggy Dog Market
22510 IH 35 Suite 106
Kyle, TX 78640
shaggydogmarket.com

Know people who love their fur baby? Kyle is known for being a dog-friendly place, so it’s no surprise it has a store that has everything a dog could need or want. They also have a self-serve dog wash. Give it a try as it promises to be a better experience than a bathtub.

Mercantile at Mill + Grain
304 S. Main St. #101
Buda, TX 78610
themercantileatmillandgrain.com

Just down the road in the South Historic Main Street in the heart of Buda is a modern mercantile located under the Silos in a little modern white farmhouse. It’s a general store with a highly curated and classic collection of home and kitchen goods, apothecary lines, apparel, and accessories. You can shop online if you prefer that.

Ellipsis Boutique …
306 S. Main St. #105
Buda, TX 78610
ellipsisboutique.com

If you go to Mercantile at Mill + Grain, you might as well as visit nearby Ellipsis Boutique. Here, you can find trendy women’s clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, and gifts.

Baking

Not in the mood to bake for holiday gatherings? Here are a couple of bakeries that will make you look good.

The New World Bakery, Inc.
310 Edwards Dr.
Kyle, TX 78640
thenewworldbakery.com

Specializing in artisan bread, the New World Bakery bakes fresh pies, cookies, croissants, muffins, and more. German Reinhard Haltermann honed his craft in San Francisco and brought that knowledge to Texas when founded the bakery in 1995. It has grown to serve more than 200 restaurants.

Texas Pie Company
202 W Center St, Kyle, TX 78640
texaspiecompany.com

There’s a reason Kyle is the Pie Capital of Texas and Texas Pie Company helps reinforce that. The menu also includes quiches, casseroles, sandwiches, and salads. Many of the recipes come from Chef Julie Albertson’s grandmother that have been handed down through generations of her Texas family. Of course, like the name, they’re best known for handmade pies.

Want to live in a community near all these great shopping spots? Check out Connect with Crosswinds on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.