Tag: Kyle Texas

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Education

Home Maintenance: Just the Basics You Need to Know

The best thing about buying a new home in Kyle’s Crosswinds Community is that everything works and runs smoothly. You don’t have to wonder if the house started having problems under a previous owner. It’s a clean slate.

The joy of homeownership also requires doing basic home maintenance tasks. Spending a few minutes doing these tasks and learning the basics will stave off bigger, more expensive problems in the long-run. It also extends the life of your home and keeps utility bills as low as possible.

Here are the most important basics to know that will help your new home last for decades to come.

Electricity

The first thing to find is your circuit-breaker box and switches. It’s typically in the garage. Check the switches to see if they have labels showing you which controls what part of the house. If there are no labels, ask your home builder.

Knowing where the breaker box is and which switch to … well … switch comes in handy when the power goes out in one area of your home. It’s actually a good thing the power went off because something tripped the switch. The power turning off is a safety measure to prevent potential problems. Most of the time, flipping the switch fixes the problem.

You may notice outlets in the kitchen and bathroom that features red and black buttons. The black button is a test button. It deactivates the outlet. The red is the reset button.

Say you’re using the hairdryer and it suddenly stops working. You won’t need to go to the circuit-breaker box to fix this. Just press the red (reset) button and the hairdryer should work again.

Water

Just like you want to know the location of your circuit-breaker box and switches, you also want to locate your water valves in case you ever have to shut off the water. Typically, you can find valves under the sink or behind appliances. Or follow the hose to the valve.

This one tip will save you loads of money and headaches. When you spot a leak or a flood, turn the valve to the right (clockwise) to shut it off. The sooner you do it, the less water will get out and do damage.

After shutting off the water, drain the residual water where the valve feeds. Go about doing the repairs. As soon as you finish and verify everything works, turn the valve to the left (counter-clockwise) to restore the water supply. Open the faucet associated with the valve to let out any air.

Air

For new homes in Kyle, you’ll want to replace the air filter more frequently in the beginning. Things like drywall dust take time to settle. Right after moving in, change the filters every two weeks for a few months. Then, you can switch to replacing the filters every three months.

It makes a huge difference in the utility bill. The more filled the filter is, the harder your air conditioning unit will work and drive up the cost.

Toilets

You don’t need to have every tool under the sun as soon as you move into your new home. It’s fine to keep adding to your collection over time.

These are the first tools you want to have on hand:

  • Plunger
  • Auger
  • Bucket
  • Rubber gloves

It’s not a matter if, but a matter of when a clogged toilet will happen. And the plunger will do the trick most of the time. Sometimes the situation requires something stronger and that’s where the auger will come to the rescue.

Before you plunge, evaluate the water to determine its chances of overflowing. If it looks likely, turn off the valve near the toilet. Grab the plunger for this. Remove half of the water from the toilet, make a tight seal with the plunger, and plunge several times. If the water goes down, give it one more plunge. Turn on the valve and flush the toilet.

Still backed up? Time to bring in the auger. Insert it into the toilet and slowly crank it to the right (clockwise) until it’s tight. Turn the crank in reverse (counter-clockwise) for a little bit and then crank forward as far as you can. All good? Now, crank in reverse while pulling backward. This should solve the problem. Test it by flushing the toilet several times.

Bonus Home Maintenance Tip

Nowadays, you can download most manuals from the internet. This is the time to look up all your appliances and pick up the manuals for each. Store them together in a folder on your hard drive.

You may have some print manuals. Store them in one place where you know you will find them. These manuals prove useful when you run into a problem or need to replace a part. They let you know exactly what part you need to order.

If you encounter a problem not covered here, just do a search for home maintenance solutions and videos. You’ll find a how-to video for almost everything. Also, open your phone’s app store and search for home maintenance apps. Many nifty checklists and references are available to help you with home maintenance.

Now that you know where everything is located and bought the tools, treat yourself! Or maybe you’re thinking about looking at new homes in Kyle? Come explore the Crosswinds Community with its diversity of amenities.

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Area Attractions Events Family Fun

Awesome Kyle Events Coming up in September

The hot temperatures may not have let up yet, but fall is right around the corner. And that means lots of fun and popular fall events are coming up in and near Kyle, Texas! A wide variety of events awaits you in September, everything from a festival to a BBQ fundraiser and sports to great food. People living in the Kyle master-planned Crosswinds community won’t have to go far for these adventures.

The events appear in the order of dates they take place.

Santa Cruz Holy Cross Festival
Sept. 6 and 7
1100 Main Street
Buda, TX 78610

Santa Cruz Holy Cross Festival is a large community festival where you can enjoy live music, food booths, carnival rides, auction, and raffle prizes. All proceeds benefit Santa Cruz Catholic Church and School’s mission to educate others to live a communal life of faith, hope, and charity that moves them to love and serve God and others. Michael Salgado and Grupo Solido will perform. Admission is $5 per person. It’s free for children ages 12 and under.

Festival Hours

  • 6: 6 – 11 pm
  • 7: 2 – 11 pm

Kyle Classic Golf Tournament
Sept. 13
Plum Creek Golf Course
4301 Benner
Kyle, TX 78640

Voted as one of the best golf tournaments in Hays County, attend the Kyle Classic for a memorable day of golfing, entertainment, and networking. More than 120 people will attend the event to promote their products and services. There will be food, beverages, giveaways, prizes, and more.

Schedule

  • 7 – 8 am: Sponsor Check-In
  • 7:30 – 8:30 am: Golfer Check-In
  • 9 am: Shotgun Start

9/11 Memorial BBQ Fundraiser
Sept. 11
Kyle VFW Auxiliary Post 12058
Performing Arts Center
979 Kohlers Crossing
Kyle, Texas 78640

At the 9/11 Memorial BBQ Fundraiser, Kyle VFW Auxiliary Post #12058 will honor and remember the lives of those heroes lost on September 11, 2001. The program includes a Color Guard, guest speaker, a special video of America the Beautiful followed, prayers, and TAPS.

The special guest speaker is retired Army SFC (E7) Larry “Scott” Teakell, a recipient of the Soldier’s Medal. Hear his story of heroism and his determination. The Kyle event starts at 7 pm.

Mermaid SPLASH Festival

This is a 15-day festival with many events. Visit Mermaid Society of SMTX for all festival events and locations. The San Marcos event kicks off with the Downtown Mermaid Parade and Aqua Faire on Sept. 21 from 10 am to 6 pm at the San Marcos Downtown Mermaid Promenade.

With the San Marcos River serving as the backdrop, the faire begins with the parade consisting of lots and lots of mermaids and more than 100 parade entries. The parade starts the corner of CM Allen and Cheatham Street with many viewing spots along the route.

The parade ends at San Marcos Plaza Park where the Mermaid Aqua Faire Celebration begins. Revel in live music, a juried art market, KIDzone, and food trucks. Don’t miss out on the SPLASH Royal Court and free fun!

Annual Fajita Fiesta and Cook-off
Canceled for 2019

The Fajita Fiesta and Cook-off is canceled because Buda’s city park is undergoing major renovations. Don’t fret! It’ll be back in September 2020!

For more Kyle events and tips, check these out!

Kyle, Texas and surrounding areas offer many wonderful opportunities to explore a beautiful part of Texas. If you’re looking for a home, you may want to explore the Crosswinds Community in Kyle. To learn more, contact Crosswinds today or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Homebuilder

Homebuilder Highlight: Gehan Homes

As you search for new homes in Kyle, you may want to explore the master-planned Crosswinds community located right off I-35 between Austin and San Marcos. Just 20 miles from Austin, residents appreciate its big-city resources and entertainment with all the joys of small-town living. Known as the Pie Capital of Texas, Kyle offers a slice of heaven literally and figuratively.

In planning the community, Crosswinds looked at many Kyle builders to select the right ones to bring the vision for this community to life. One of those is Gehan Homes, which Builder Magazine has ranked as the 14th largest private homebuilder in the U.S. For more than 25 years, Gehan has welcomed families to their new homes.

About Gehan Homes

Gehan Homes builds most of its homes in Texas. They know the locales well and design homes made to withstand Texas weather and optimize them for the different types of Texas soil.

Everything the Texas homebuilder does revolves around these four cornerstones:

  • Highest quality
  • Exceptional design
  • Personalization
  • Superior buying and customer experience

You can find them in Crosswinds at 231 Tailwind Drive Kyle, TX 78640. (The community is East of I-35 off of Windy Hill Road and Crosswinds Pkwy.) Their homes range from three to four bedrooms with two to three baths. Homes start in the $260s and range from 1,850 to 3,050 sq. ft. Explore Gehan floor plans in Crosswinds.

Gehan Home Achievements

The Kyle homebuilder has received the 2017 Texas Association of Builders STAR Award for Builder of the Year along with more than 20 STAR awards. TAB created the awards program to spotlight the exceptional work of home builders, architects, designers, remodelers, and other industry leaders.

Gehan Homes has also won several Houzz awards including one for customer service and another for product design. They’ve received many more awards. While they take pride in their awards, nothing is more valuable to them than their customer relationships.

BUILDER Online has recognized Gehan Homes as one of the “Top 25 Builders Killing It Via Social Media.” So, check them out on your favorite social network. It’s a great way to get to know them better.

The Crosswinds community features a pool, pavilion, parks, playgrounds, and trails. For more information about Gehan Homes, please call 512-965-9977 or email reicher@gehanhomes.com.

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Area Attractions Family Fun

Best Restaurants in and Near Kyle

Kyle may offer small-town living, but you will find no shortage of delicious restaurants that are sure to make your taste buds do a little dance. Texas small towns typically serve comfort food like chicken fried steak, BBQ, and burgers. Yes, you’ll find those in Kyle. Still, it also has cuisine you won’t find in many small towns.

kyle restaurants

Check out these favorite Kyle restaurants.

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

Lest you think this is a bakery, not a restaurant, it’s both. Texas Pie Company’s menu consists of pies, casseroles, quiches, salads, and sandwiches. 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.

Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant
575 E Fm 150, Kyle, TX 78640
garciassmtx.com

Founded in 1988, Curtis and Antonio Garcia’s family recipes have gained such a following that they have multiple locations including one in Kyle. Reviewers rave about their service and everything from cheese enchiladas and salsa to chili rellenos and breakfast tacos. That’s why it’s not surprising that people drive from other cities to this Mexican restaurant in Kyle.

Pho Thai Son Vietnamese Cuisine
5401 S. FM 1626 #370, Kyle, TX 78640
phothaison.com

You won’t believe what this Kyle restaurant serves: Vietnamese cuisine. Kyle residents can get their sushi and egg rolls fix from this authentic Vietnamese restaurant.

Thailai and Son Nguyen left Vietnam for greener pastures and worked in a tech company until they decided to start a business. That business is Pho Tai Son.

Milt’s Pit Barbecue
208 W Center St., Kyle, TX 78640
miltspitbbq.com

Texas is known for having some of the best BBQ in the U.S. with many being in Austin and nearby. For times you a gosh darn good brisket right in Kyle, Milt’s your place. With homemade sides and desserts, one reviewer says its BBQ heaven with its tender beef that melts in your mouth.

Customers laud its sweet tea, jalapeno sausage, pork ribs, and turkey at this quaint and homey place. The Kyle BBQ restaurant is also a stop at one visitor’s 10 days of Texas brisket in which he visited famous BBQ places. It’s definitely a hidden gem and it’s right in Kyle.

Ilario’s Italian Restaurant
5401 Fm 1626, Kyle, TX 78640-6038
ilarios.com

Here’s one place you don’t have to leave Texas for New York Style pizza. This Kyle Italian restaurant serves authentic fresh Italian cuisine with a Texas smile and large portions fitting for this great state. For those who eat a gluten-free diet, Ilario’s offers gluten-free pizza, pot roast, and spaghetti with meatballs.

Hays City Store and Ice House
8989 Ranch to Market Rd 150, Driftwood, TX 78619
hayscitystoretx.com

Initially a gas station and convenience store, Hays City Store has morphed into a burgeoning full-service restaurant and bar. Featuring made-from-scratch Texas comfort food and hand-crafted cocktails, the restaurant has 40 beers on tap, five TVs for sports fans, and a wood-fired pizza oven.

Customers praise its chicken fried steak and you’ll find something for everyone with its house-ground burgers, hand-battered shrimp, fish tacos, and more. They even serve up hot towels for cleaning up after noshing on wings.

Sylver Spoon
6700 N I35, New Braunfels, TX 78130
sylverspoon.com

A trained culinary artist with foodservice experience, a theater artist with a restaurant background, and an actress as UT Austin directing graduate all have one thing in common. They’re sisters and proud founders of Sylver Spoon, the place for dinner and theater, or dinnertainment as they call it.

They’ve thought of everything. If you want to eat, but not see a show — you can do that. Need childcare? They offer it. Want to meet wine snobs with a five-course wine-pairing dinner? Ditto. They even have bingo and trivia.

Want more Kyle tips? Check these out!

Want to live in a community near all these restaurants that have you craving their food? Check out Crosswinds in Kyle with its swimming pool, playground, and planned nature trails at Windy Point amenity center.

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Education

Six Tips to Get Ready for Back to School in Kyle, Texas

Parents and guardians of students attending Hays Consolidated Independent School District (HCISD) will be celebrating on August 15 when school starts. No doubt, they will be a few sleepy kids dragging after changing their sleeping schedule for the summer.

Whether or not your family is excited about school, it’s always hard to change your routine and leave the dog days of summer behind. You can ease the transition and avoid scrambling at the last minute with these six tips.

  1. Check registration and related paperwork

You may already have already completed the required school district paperwork. The due dates vary based on district and schools. Ensure you register your child or contact the school.

Visit Hays CISD’s registration page for information about registration for new and returning students. Like most schools, HCISD requires proof of address, immunization records, and other documents.

If your student has medical needs, then contact the school nurse to ask about the process to make sure the child can receive treatment or medicine at school.

  1. Access online accounts

HCISD requires parents and guardians to register for the school year online as covered in No. 1. The district has a parent self-serve portal (PSS) for checking the student’s academics, contact information, attendance, and transportation information.

You can also sign up to receive notifications about missing assignments or absences and alerts from the principal, school, and district. Verify you can access your account and that all the information is current.

  1. Update your calendar

Review the Hays CISD calendar, so you can enter all the important dates into yours. If you haven’t already, you might create a family calendar that everyone can see every day. Better yet, set up a private online calendar that everyone in the family can access on their devices and computers.

  1. Pick up school supplies

If you haven’t shopped for supplies yet, you’re in luck! Texas Tax-Free Weekend is August 9 – 11. And many retailers hold sales on clothes and school supplies before, during, and after tax-free weekend. You might find more savings opportunities online at RetailMeNot, Rakuten (formerly Ebates), and Honey.

Some schools and PTAs sell school supplies where you just pay one fee for the entire packet. This can be cheaper than shopping because they get bulk discounts. Treat your kids to one cool or colorful school item of their choice to get them excited about school.

  1. Kick-start bedtime routines

The fact is that kids’ sleeping schedules fall off track in the summer. It takes three weeks to create a new habit. The first day of school will go better if students start their school bedtime routine at least a week before school starts.

Start small. Put them to bed 15 minutes earlier for a few days. Then move it back another 15 minutes until they return to their school bedtime. Do the same with wake-up time. Wake them 15 minutes earlier for a few days and so on.

  1. Designate a study space

Creating a study area to help the kids make it a habit to study in that area without any distractions. Stock the space with pens, pencils, crayons, markers, scissors, and other supplies. This prevents “I don’t have what I need” syndrome.

About Hays CISD for Kyle, Texas Residents

Students living in the Crosswinds community attend the following Hays CISD exemplary schools:

The district serves 18,000 students on 22 campuses. Residents have excellent post-secondary options in Austin Community College and its nearby ACC Hays Campus, Texas State University, University of Texas at Austin, St. Edwards University, Hutson-Tillotson University, San Antonio College, Trinity University, and University of Texas at San Antonio.

Be sure to take pictures on the first day of school. It’s amazing how much kids grow in a school year when you compare the first day and last day pictures. If you follow these tips, you’ll have a great first day of school in the growing Hays ISD in Kyle!

Categories
Education

What You Need to Know About Texas Tax-Free Weekend

It may still be July, but it’s almost time to start thinking about shopping for school supplies, clothes, and shoes. That’s because the Texas Tax-Free Weekend is coming up Aug. 9 – 11, 2019. Planning for the Texas sales tax holiday will ensure you pick up what you need without overspending.

Back to school shopping during the tax-free weekend can also help older kids involved in extracurricular activities. These often have added expenses. The nice thing about not paying sales tax is that you pay the exact price for qualifying items and save on taxes.

Say you want to buy a $19.99 shirt and only have a $20 bill, you’re golden. You don’t have to worry about looking for change to cover the taxes. Hey, some people still pay cash for items.

The best part? The sales tax holiday applies to everyone, not just families with school-aged kids. Keep these things in mind as you prepare for the tax-free weekend:

  • Stores do not give out rainchecks.
  • Items costing $100 or more do not qualify for the tax break.
  • Hang on to those receipts.

Here are four tips to help you make the most of tax-free weekend and back-to-school shopping.

  1. Review the official list

Use the Comptroller of Texas’ official Sales Tax Holiday list as your tax-free shopping bible. Beware that some resources refer to this list, but they don’t always describe the rules correctly.

Not all school supplies and clothing qualify for the tax break. Again, any item priced $100 or higher does not qualify regardless of what it is. Some shoes aren’t exempt from taxes.

Stores charge taxes for the following types of shoes:

  • Cleats
  • Ski boots
  • Overshoes
  • Golf shoes

While soccer shoes and cleats aren’t tax-free, soccer socks are exempt. While golf shoes are taxable, golf caps, jackets, shirts, and skirts are not if they’re under $100 each. Tennis shoes, cowboy boots, and general-purpose boots are exempt.

Did you know that lunch boxes are tax-exempt? Many are surprised by this because people don’t see it as a school supply item. Here are other surprising tax-free items:

  • Pajamas
  • Robes
  • Swimsuits
  • Slippers
  • Adult diapers

So be sure to study that list from the Comptroller of Texas.

  1. Check store hours

Don’t work hard to get to the store as soon as it’s open to avoid the crowd only to find out that it opened an hour earlier than usual. That’s because many Texas shopping centers, malls, and stores extend their hours for the Sales Tax Holiday.

While the hours aren’t as wild as Black Friday’s, it still gives you more time to shop. So, confirm the store hours before you shop.

  1. Skip the lines

You can count on one thing with Sales Tax Holiday to have in common with Black Friday: long lines. Your best bet is to go as soon as the store opens. Some people still work on Friday, so that morning may have the least amount of traffic.

And some people like to sleep in on the weekend. First thing on Saturday and Sunday are the next best options after Friday morning. If anyone needs to try on clothing, start shopping for clothes first. It’s your best chance of shorter dressing room lines.

Another way to avoid the crowd is to shop online with stores that do business in Texas. They typically don’t charge taxes for the weekend. This gives you the chance to shop around and compare prices.

  1. Create a shopping list

Between the crowd and sales, it doesn’t take much to overspend. And when you’re away from home, you have no way of checking someone’s shoe size or whether anyone needs more pants. That’s why it helps to make a list of what you need and the sizes. Confirm sizes especially children who grow like weeds.

Check your supplies. Murphy’s Law has a way of striking. People buy a box of supplies only to find they have unopened boxes in the closet.

Considering you save $1.65 in buying a $20 item, it doesn’t feel like you save much in sales tax. The real bargain comes in stores lowering their prices for the sales tax holiday. A $20 item on sale for $18 saves a total of $3.65. The savings add up if you buy enough.

Follow these four tips to save yourself a lot of headaches. Residents who live in Crosswinds in Kyle, Texas have many shopping options. You can shop in Kyle and Buda. Or you can drive 20 minutes to South Austin or San Marcos’s fantastic outlet shopping centers.

 

Categories
Lifestyle

5 Quick and Easy Tips to Save Money on Your Home Energy Bills in the Summer

While swimming feels refreshing during the hot Texas Summer, it causes the air conditioners to work in overdrive. And when they toil harder, it sends the home energy bills soaring. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration reveals the average monthly home energy bill in Texas for 2017 was $122.47.

Moreover, electricity prices reach the max in the summer. The good news is that you can ease the pain while staying cool. Here are five ways to quickly lower home energy bills to save money and boost energy efficiency.

  1. Request an energy assessment

An energy auditor comes to your home to analyze your energy use. To get the best results, have a copy of your annual energy bills ready for the auditor. The auditor conducts tests and finds ways to increase energy efficiency. It’s possible to get a free audit. For more information about energy audits and finding an auditor, visit the Department of Energy website.

  1. Turn off the air conditioner when you don’t need it

When the last person leaves the house, the person can adjust the air conditioner to at least 78 degrees F to save energy. People who can sleep in a warm environment can yield huge savings by keeping the AC at least 78 degrees. Or you can do it all automatically with the next tip.

  1. Use a programmable thermostat

You don’t have to keep the thermostat on 85 degrees to lower your bill. Fortunately, you can invest in a smart thermostat to automatically regulate the temperature based on whether someone is home or in a room. The advantage of a programmable is that you don’t have to remember to turn the AC down or up. And it can start cooling your house just before the first person comes home.

  1. Choose ENERGY STAR appliances

The ENERGY STAR certified label isn’t a marketing tool. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designates a product as ENERGY STAR certified when it meets rigorous U.S. government energy efficiency guidelines. ENERGY STAR certified air conditioners use about 15 percent less energy than non-certified products.

  1. Replace filters regularly

Replace the filters on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit every month especially in the summertime. Dirty filters make the cooling system exert more to push air throughout the home. Change the filters monthly or at least every other month. This can deliver energy savings anywhere from 5 to 15 percent.

If you’re looking at new homes in Kyle, Texas, check out the Crosswinds master-planned community. Its builders use energy-efficient equipment to help save money. When browsing new homes, ask the builder about its energy-saving features.

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Area Attractions

Keep it Kyle and Keep it Cool with La Ola Pop Shop

This Texas summer heat is truly no joke! Thankfully, La Ola Pop Shop, one of our favorite local businesses in Kyle, has all the summertime sweets that make it easy to beat the Texas heat.

Keep it Kyle and Keep it Cool with La Ola Pop Shop
(Image via facebook.com)

The Scoop on La Ola Pop Shop

With experience going back for generations, this local Kyle business stems from a long line of Mexican Paleteros and Heladeros. That great depth of experience and family knowledge helped La Ola Pop Shop master the craft of making delightfully refreshing ice pops (paletas) and ice cream that help the people in Kyle, Texas beat this dastardly summer heat. Like some of our favorite local businesses in Kyle, La Ola Pop Shop is located in downtown Kyle and is the perfect stop to make before exploring all of downtown Kyle.

Paletas

Paletas/Ice Pops/Popsicles – it doesn’t matter what you call them. What matters is how delicious and refreshing it is when you first get that freezing treat that seems to send a chilly wave straight through your body. When it comes to the flavors, La Ola Pop Shop has more than you could ever ask for! They have refreshing fruit-based paletas like mango, pineapple and watermelon, but they also have cream-based paletas like pecan, Oreo and strawberry cheesecake. That isn’t even all! They also have seasonal flavors that they rotate, so make sure to ask about them when you visit. You won’t be disappointed.

Ice Cream

Now if you’re craving a treat that comes in a scoop and not a stick, then you’ll really want some of the amazing ice cream scooped up at La Ola Pop Shop! For a scoop that is refreshingly fruity, you’ll love their fruit-based ice creams like mango and strawberry. For your more classic, cream-based ice creams, they’re scooping up flavors like key lime pie, pistachio and, of course, chocolate. As with the paletas, they have seasonal flavors of ice cream that you can only discover by going to the store!

They don’t just stop at paletas and ice cream though! You’ll have to go visit them to see just all their cool concoctions. La Ola Pop Shop and many other local businesses in Kyle are trying to help everyone beat this dreadful summer heat. Stay cool and close to home by supporting these great local establishments near Crosswinds that give us all such fun things to do in Kyle. Want to get the scoop on all things Kyle? Connect with Crosswinds on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter today!

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Amenities Education Homebuilder Lifestyle

Crosswinds at a Glance – Crosswinds FAQ

Crosswinds, new homes at Crosswinds, homes near Austin, master-planned community in Kyle

You’ve probably heard a lot about Crosswinds, our new master-planned community in Kyle, or maybe you haven’t, but either way you want to know more. Get to know more about our community and the new homes at Crosswinds with the answers to these frequently asked questions.

Why is Crosswinds the perfect place to call home?

As a picturesque master-planned community in Kyle, Crosswinds is the ideal location for families who want to be close to Austin but not actually live in the city. Essentially, Crosswinds is the perfect place for you to stretch out your arms and take in a deep breath of fresh air.

What is there to do at Crosswinds?

The community amenities at Crosswinds are excellent for families that want to spend time together outside. More than 130 acres of parks, trails and greenbelts provide plenty of space for biking, jogging, picnics and so much more! Let’s not forget about the newly opened Windy Point Amenity Center, which features a resort-style pool to help you beat the summer heat.

What school district is Crosswinds in, and what schools will children attend?

Our community of homes near Austin is part of the renowned Hays CISD. As for the specific schools, kindergarten through fifth grade attend Pfluger Elementary, sixth through eighth grade attend Chapa Middle School and ninth through twelfth grade attend Lehman High School.

Who are the homebuilders, and what are their lot sizes?

We have three exceptional builders that create the beautiful new homes at Crosswinds: Highland Homes, Meritage Homes and Pacesetter Homes. As for the lot sizes, Highland Homes builds on 50’ lots and 60’ lots, Meritage Homes builds on 50’ lots and Pacesetter Homes builds on 40’ lots and 50’ lots. We know that it can be hard to pick a builder, and that’s why we wrote a little guide to help you figure out which builder is the one for you!

What are the yearly HOA dues?

For our master-planned community, the yearly Home Owner Association dues are $575 and include maintenance of the community amenities and common areas. Our HOA is also managed by Guardian Associate Management.

Who handles utilities and cable?

The City of Kyle handles the water, sewer and trash collection. Natural gas is handled by CentralPoint Energy and electricity is handled by Pedernales Electric Cooperative. Lastly, internet, phone and TV are handled by Time Warner Cable.

We hope these answered some of your questions about our lovely master-planned community in Kyle! Now, if you still have some questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the new homes at Crosswinds. You can also get a feel for our community by connecting with Crosswinds on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Categories
Area Attractions

What Becoming Certipied Really Means for Kyle, TX

certipied, Texas Pie Company, Pie Capital of Texas

(Image via texaspiecompany.com)

No, it isn’t a typo…Kyle, Texas is officially certipied! So…what does that mean? Well, let us tell you all about it in this week’s blog!

The Pie Capital of Texas

While it is a fun little play on words, “certipied” represents how Kyle, Texas has been trying to make a name for itself by branding the city as the Pie Capital of Texas. Where is this self-given title coming from, you might ask? Well, it all comes from the fact that Kyle, Texas has been the home of The Texas Pie Company for 32 years.

What makes this branding so unique is that rather than Kyle trying to create and then live up to some aspirational identity, they took a look at what was already in the fiber of their existence, which is PIE! This means that it’s absolutely easy for Kyle, Texas to live up to being certipied as the Pie Capital of Texas.

Standing Out from Austin

Okay, so aside from general branding, one of the other big benefits to making a name for ourselves as Kyle – the Pie Capital of Texas, is to be able to stand out from Austin. While we love Austin, it can be hard for the smaller surrounding cities to have a strong identity. All the cities around us struggle with the same thing, and that is why so many have started to branch out to try and make themselves be seen as near Austin, not part of it.

If you’re ready to be certipied and want to stand out from the Austin norm, come take a look at our beautiful new homes in Kyle. Not only can they be the perfect fit for your family, but you’ll also just be that much closer to the amazing Texas Pie Company! To learn more about Kyle becoming certipied, check out this great Community Impact article! Contact Crosswinds in Kyle, Texas today for more information.