November 23, 2011 | No Comments | Category: Uncategorized | Tags: Havenwood,live in texas,masterplanned communities,thanksgiving
We’ll admit it, life in Havenwood is pretty nice! There are so many things to be thankful for, and in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday we would like to share them with you!
1. Our Great Neighbors
2. Being nestled perfectly between Austin and San Antonio, Texas
3. Our basketball, tennis and volleyball courts
4. Miles of scenic walking trails in the Texas Hill Country
We would be even more thankful if you were a member of our community! To find out everything you would be thankful for if you made the Texas Hill Country and Havenwood home click here.
August 17, 2011 | No Comments | Category: Uncategorized | Tags: activities,land for sale,live in texas,masterplanned communities,New Braunfels,premier homesites,san antonio,Texas Hill Country,texas land
San Antonio is one of the most unique cities in the country, with an interesting history, and one of the largest populations. Even though it is the seventh largest city in the country, many people notice the small-town feel whenever they visit.
San Antonio is constantly buzzing with exciting events and things to do. Home to the annual Fiesta and Stock Show & Rodeo celebrations, countless conventions and San Antonio Spurs NBA games, the city stays true to its heritage, educating visitors and residents alike with exciting activities available throughout the year.
One of the most unique aspects about San Antonio, however, is the people that comprise the city. San Antonians are friendly and down to earth, and no matter what part of town you visit, they are willing to always greet you with a smile and show you the quickest route to the Alamo.
Since San Antonio is so big, surrounding areas have also become very desirable places to call home. Just North of San Antonio you will find the Texas Hill Country, consisting of New Braunfels, Boerne, San Marcos, Gruene and other small towns along the outskirts of town. San Antonio is unique in that it was a planned community that was able to grow and expand along with the population.
Havenwood at Hunters Crossing – just miles north of San Antonio on the way to Austin – has land available for sale, with sprawling views of rolling hills and close access to the Texas wine trail. Learn more about leaving near San Antonio by visiting our website today!
August 10, 2011 | No Comments | Category: Uncategorized | Tags: activities,amenities,community tour,downtown gruene,Havenwood,land for sale,live in texas,masterplanned communities,New Braunfels,New Braunfels land,premier homesites,rural,small town,Texas Hill Country,texas homesites,texas land
Those who live in the Texas Hill Country will tell you – nothing beats the genuine, charming feel of a small, Texas town. After all, there are so many tremendous benefits to living just outside a major metropolitan area.
First, small towns have a strong sense of community. The phrase “everybody knows everybody” carries a lot of weight, because smaller towns are quieter and have less people, allowing you and your family to enjoy the built-in community with your neighbors. Plus, smaller towns tend to support local business, keeping the economy strong.
Also, small towns ten do experience less traffic and the annoyances of taking a long time to drive from one place to the next. When most people imagine bit city life, the first thing that comes to mind is traffic and smog, but you won’t get that in the quiet Texas Hill Country.
Overall, the New Braunfels and Gruene areas have one of the least instances of crime in the state – yet another reason why families prefer to raise their children in small towns. Peace of mind knowing that your children are free to roam about and ride bikes with their friends is priceless!
Havenwood at Hunters Crossing is just miles away from San Antonio and Austin, so residents have easy access to the hustle and bustle of the city while enjoying the relaxing and laid-back atmosphere of your small town. Visit our website to learn more about the unique aspects that small town life has to offer, and let one of our sales representatives show you the homesite of your dreams!
August 3, 2011 | No Comments | Category: Uncategorized | Tags: land for sale,live in texas,masterplanned communities,premier homesites,texas land,texas land buyers guide
Southstar Communities is committed to helping you locate the best plot of land in Texas for you and your family. That’s why we’ve created our Texas Land Buyers Guide eBook, which is a valuable resource for those looking to buy land in Texas.
This guide outlines all of the great reasons to live in Texas, why it’s an ideal time to buy land, and even highlights several of our Southstar Communities, including Havenwood at Hunters Crossing in the Texas Hill Country. Because of Texas’ growing housing market and steady job market, as well as affordable options for land, Southstar Communities’ master-planned communities in Texas have something for everyone.
Southstar Communities has ideal land for everyone. We offer prestigious golf and equestrian communities just outside Texas’ major metropolitan areas. We’ve been developing land since 1966 and have sold Texas the home of their dreams for decades.
Contact us to learn more about finding your perfect homesite in Texas. Download the Texas Land Calculator to find out how much money you can save on our website!
July 27, 2011 | No Comments | Category: Uncategorized | Tags: activities,community tour,Havenwood,land for sale,live in texas,masterplanned communities,New Braunfels,retirement,Texas Hill Country,texas homesites,texas land
The Texas Hill Country is known as one of the most popular and relaxing places to retire in the country, and there are several distinct reasons why.
Location, location, location. Most retirees choose to live in the Gruene and New Braunfels areas simply because of its popular location. Havenwood at Hunters Crossing, located in the Gruene area, is near several towns and metros including Austin, San Antonio, Kerrville, Fredericksburg, San Marcos and Bandera.
The Hill Country is also one of the most affordable places to live in Texas. Cost of living in the area is much lower compared to the rest of the U.S., and land is affordable. Imagine being able to build your dream home on the ideal plot of land, among rolling hills and large oaks trees!
Nearby amenities and activities such as museums, schools for continuing education opportunities, as well as easy access to medical facilities is also an important factor for retirees looking for their next home. The Texas Hill Country has award-winning, reputable hospitals within miles.
Overall, the Texas Hill Country offers retirees unbeatable activities, beautiful views and a decadent lifestyle. All of the area natural attractions and ideal warm weather make it the perfect place to call home. For more information about retiring in Texas, visit our website.
July 7, 2011 | No Comments | Category: Uncategorized | Tags: activities,amenities,community tour,downtown gruene,gruene,gruene events,Gruene history,Havenwood,land for sale,live in texas,local events,masterplanned communities,New Braunfels,New Braunfels land,premier homesites,restaurant,Texas Hill Country,texas land
Just north of New Braunfels lies a small town that is anything but ordinary. Gruene, Texas dishes out a healthy dose of Hill Country charm and a sense of community that can be matched by few. Antique shops, restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts and Texas’ oldest dance hall entice visitors, with many of these businesses occupying original buildings from the town’s beginning in the mid-1840s. The Historic District is a thriving collection of “mom and pop” stores and restaurants that flourish and remain true to their small-town foundations.
When visiting a place like Gruene, one of the best ways to experience it is to indulge in the local flavor. The Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar, which is the original cotton gin, offers flavorful dishes that are guaranteed to make your mouth water. Under the protection of several giant oak trees, or perhaps in front of one of the stone fireplaces, sink your teeth into a juicy steak or a heaping burger. After dinner, head to the Gruene General Store (the original mercantile building) and pause for a drink at the soda fountain. As the sun sets, visitors and locals alike can relax on the spacious patio of The Grapevine and sample New World and Texas wines by the glass or bottle. Down the road, toes are free to tap as music springs to life at Gruene Hall where live music is available almost every night.
For the avid antique enthusiast, the mercantile building, which once held dry goods and housed Gruene’s original bank vault, is now home to the Gruene Antique Co. In this impressive Texas Landmark Building, 6,500 square feet of antiques, gifts and collectibles can be found. Lone Star, originally a Gruene family cottage, offers an eclectic assortment of furniture, gifts, candy, dinnerware, candles and accessories.
Preserving the authenticity of Gruene has been a long-time focus for those that love and protect the town. It is this that makes it an ideal and inviting place to come and slow your pace for a weekend and experience living history. Whatever your fancy, this small piece of the Texas landscape will delight and rejuvenate.
Plan your stay today! Visit www.gruenetexas.com for more details. Interested in living in Gruene? Havenwood is a special, masterplanned community adorned with majestic oak trees and rolling hills. You can enjoy the hill country sunsets from the porch of your very own custom-built home at Havenwood, with acres of land to explore. For more information on Texas hill country homesites, visit HavenwoodTexas.com.
June 29, 2011 | No Comments | Category: Uncategorized | Tags: activities,gruene,gruene events,Havenwood,land for sale,live in texas,local events,masterplanned communities,New Braunfels,premier homesites,restaurant,Texas Hill Country,texas homesites,texas land
Everyone knows that the Texas Hill Country has a relaxed state-of-mind – even down to the way people dress and the things they do for fun. After all, flip-flops are the choice footwear of most residents and visitors the majority of the year, and tubing the Guadalupe or Comal rivers involves nothing other than laying in a tube to soak up the sunshine!
So, it just goes to show that those who live in Gruene love their restaurants the same way. Local favorite, Gruene River Grill, is the newest member of the Clear Springs Restaurant Family, which are known for their larger-than-life fried catfish and homemade onion rings. In fact, most of the menu items at Gruene River Grill are made from scratch.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is often raved about, with a relaxing patio overlooking the river. There is also a newly-remodeled wine room that seats up to 22 people, and serves rare, unique wines from around the world.
And of course, to round out a hearty, home-cooked meal at Gruene River Grill, you can’t forget their Crème Brulee made with real vanilla beans or their Fudge Nut Brownie with vanilla ice cream.
Have you been to Gruene River Grill? What’s your favorite Gruene or New Braunfels area place to dine?
June 14, 2011 | 1 Comment | Category: Uncategorized | Tags: activities,community tour,gruene,Havenwood,land for sale,live in texas,masterplanned communities,New Braunfels,premier homesites,restaurant,Texas Hill Country,texas homesites,texas land
It would take all day to rattle off all the reasons why living in the heart of Texas is an experience like no other. However, is there actually anything to back it up? Publications like U.S. News & World Report, in addition to CNN and Yelp.com have become trusted online ratings indicators from those who know best – consumers. If you ever wondered where the Texas Hill Country ranks in terms of categories like job growth, places to retire, or even the best restaurants, see our list below.
- Hill Country named among small towns to “Retire in Paradise,” CNN/Money Magazine
- Austin #1 on Kiplinger’s Best Cities for the Next Decade
- Austin in Top 10 Best Places to Live, U.S. News & World Report
- Austin ranked as one of Best Places to Live, CNN/Money Magazine
- Austin ranked as one of Best Places to Retire, CNN/Money Magazine
- San Antonio ranked as one of Best Places to Live, CNN/Money Magazine
- San Antonio named “Great Place to Live,” Sperling’s Best Places
- San Antonio named one of “Best Places to Live,” Relocate.com
- Texas Workforce Commission says the unemployment rate in the Central Texas area saw a 0.4% drop to about 6.9% from February 2010 to February 2011
- The Comal Independent School District – 12 schools rated “Exemplary” and 10 schools “Recognized.” Several schools recognized with Gold Performance Acknowledgement (GPA) Awards by the TEA for outstanding performance
- Nearby restaurants Liberty Bistro, Friesenhaus, Red Rooster Café, Gruene River Grill and the The Gruene Onion Grill voted as best New Braunfels –area restaurants by Yelp.com users
For more information on living in Gruene, visit the Havenwood website, or schedule a tour today.
June 8, 2011 | No Comments | Category: Uncategorized | Tags: activities,gruene,Havenwood,land for sale,live in texas,local events,masterplanned communities,premier homesites,restaurant,Texas Hill Country,texas homesites,texas land
One of the most well-known restaurants in the Texas Hill Country is the Gristmill. If ever asked for suggestions on a great place to enjoy a chicken fried steak and a breathtaking view, locals will point you in the direction of this historic restaurant and bar.
Situated on a hill overlooking the babbling Guadalupe River, the Gristmill is reminiscent of a treehouse situated around majestic oak trees.
In 1922, the Gruene cotton gin processed crops raised by area farmers until the wooden structure tragically burned to the ground. All that remains of the water-powered mill today is the three story brick boiler room, which now serves as the main part of the restaurant and bar.
The Gristmill’s most popular dishes include their steaks and homestyle hamburgers, as well as catfish, grilled chicken and enormous sandwhiches. They also have an adjoining bar with great win and fresh-squeezed lime margaritas.
For more information on the Gristmill and to make your reservations, visit http://www.gristmillrestaurant.com/
June 1, 2011 | No Comments | Category: Uncategorized | Tags: activities,community tour,downtown gruene,gruene,gruene events,gruene market days,Havenwood,land for sale,live in texas,local events,masterplanned communities,Texas Hill Country,texas homesites,texas land
On the third full weekend of every month, starting in February and going through September, you will find downtown Gruene, Texas, a bustle with handmade arts and crafts, rare finds and antique treasures. The Old Gruene Market Days have supported local vendors for who proudly sell their own wares for several years now, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
Texas Hill Country residents and visitors alike enjoy the wide range of items including jewelry, candles, crafts, ceramics, metal art, furniture and clothing made 100 percent by the vendors themselves. Downtown Gruene businesses and restaurants also participate in the fun by welcoming market day participants in to see what all the buzz is about. Even the scenery is a draw – beautiful oak trees line the quaint streets, and german-style houses frame the backdrop of the rolling hills and the calming sunsets that South Texas is famous for.
Admission to Old Gruene Market Days is free, and live music is playing as you stroll the grounds of the Adobe Verde restaurant. If you live out of town, it’s worth the trip! Hope to see you there next month!
We’ll admit it, life in Havenwood is pretty nice! There are so many things to be thankful for, and in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday we would like to share them with you!
