If you're looking for a place where you can rest your head, where you have nothing but a bed and a kitchen to tide you over until you once again leave, Senna Hills is not the place for you. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a home surrounded by pebble sidewalks, old-fashioned lampposts and stone entryways, for a place that wraps you in beauty and makes you never want to leave, Senna Hills is exactly what you were looking for.
History
Located near Bee Cave, Senna Hills draws its history from that somewhat larger city. Bee Cave, although not technically developed until 1987, began in the 1850s when Dietrich Bohls moved out of Austin to a quieter, more peaceful setting. The then largely uninhabited area soon became a haven for families who didn't want city life but rather a robust community filled with happy, friendly individuals. Schools, stores and more were quickly built, transforming Bee Cave from an unknown neighborhood into a thriving residence.
In the 1980s, the citizens of Bee Cavs became concerned that Austin officials would attempt to annex the small community. To keep this from happening, they formed the Concerned Citizens and Landowners Organization. The group appealed to the capital, and in 1987, Bee Caves was incorporated into Austin. Today, the Bee Cave area continues to thrive seeing a flux of intimate neighborhoods, such as Senna Hills, that attract more and more residents each year.
Economy
When Austin booms, Senna Hills booms. That is how the economy of this small neighborhood works as it is so closely tied to the city it borders. As such, much of the employment opportunities are based in the industry and technology fields as well as higher education and scientific research. Surrounding schools, hospitals and similar structures employ many citizens as well, providing a bundle of opportunity to anyone who may choose to move to Senna Hills.
Real Estate
In a place like Senna Hills, you wouldn't expect cheap homes for outlandish prices and no reward. And fortunately, that's not what you get. Senna Hills is one of the premiere locations for real estate. Homes start at 3,200 square feet and $500,000. Those with four or five bedroom often have three or more bathrooms, several living and dining room possibilities, vast kitchens and multi-car garages. Some even include ornate fireplaces, grand staircases, huge picturesque windows and updated fixtures. The quiet surroundings and beautiful landscape found at every home only add to the lure of the neighborhood.
Attractions
The hills encompassing Senna Hills draw more people to the area than anything else. Miles of lush green dotted by playgrounds, decks, parks and pools appeal to any resident be it a city dweller or country lover. The proximity of prime shopping stores, golf clubs and various restaurants make it an even better community. And when the city calls, Austin is only a short ride away, offering concerts, sports, plays and much, much more.
Senna Hills is a place that will remind you of the past, with its stone buildings and traditional close-knit feel. Let it also be a place that makes you think of your future.
Joe Cline is a professional real estate broker, investor, and REALTOR with RE/MAX Capital City Austin, Texas.
Find out more about Austin Texas real estate and new homes in lakeway Texas.
It’s not the largest city in the country. It’s not even the largest city in Texas, but that doesn’t mean Austin is lacking . . . in anything. As the third fastest growing large city in the United States, Austin is thriving with history, industry and, most importantly, realty.
History
What today is Austin was at first named Waterloo and was originally home to a number of Native American tribes, such as the Tonkawa, a nomadic group who used the area as one of their many stops throughout the year. Plans to turn Austin into a city more European than Native American did not develop until the 1830s. And even then, it was not until 1839 that Austin was truly established and became Texas’ capital.
The city began with a promising start, but a severe population drop in the 1840s offset the region’s initial growth spurt. Months into 1841, the city was home to only 200 people. In 1842, the title of capital was taken from the dwindling city and given to Houston. But three years later, when Texas was annexed into the United States, that wrong was righted, albeit on a temporary basis. And in 1872, Austin was permanently selected as the Lone Star’s capital.
From there, Austin had nowhere to go but up. And up it went. Austin quickly established itself as a legitimate metropolitan, building the Texas State Capitol, creating a reputable public school system, and bringing higher education and booming industry into the region. Today, it houses politicians, businessmen, students, musicians and scientists. It is safe to say that Austin is a far cry from the barely populated town it began as.
Economy/Jobs
Much of the industry in Austin is technology based. The steady flow of graduates from the University of Texas at Austin feed the growing need for employees as technology and science continue to develop, branching out into new, untapped territories. Dell, IBM, Motorola, the University of Texas and the state itself employ most of Austin’s citizens. However, there is no lack of other corporations. Everything from Google to Whole Foods has a base in Austin.
This trend of budding corporations finding a home in Austin does not look to end soon. Commercial, pharmaceutical, and state and local possibilities arise every day. Even as the nation’s economy teeters, Austin’s remains strong, allowing for more jobs, more work and more people.
Real Estate
Just as the economy is strong, real estate is strong. While sales have slowed recently, they have not stopped. The price of living compared to the price of houses is more than appealing, particularly when compared to surrounding areas and metropolitans. New buildings and developments are plotted, begun or finished nearly every day. People are rushing into Austin for homes and offices at startling rates.
To make matters even better, Austin has established itself as one of the greenest cities in the country, mapping the course for green construction, alternative means of energy and environmental friendliness. It is working on becoming an urban area that both respects and takes part in saving the ecosystem.
It is a city that may have begun as a temporary dwelling for nomadic tribes but is now one of the best places to live in the United States, let alone Texas.
Hope you like Austin TX as much as I do now that you know some more about it.
Joe
The city of Austin has come a long way since its days as a buffalo-hunting ground for the Tonkawa and other Indian tribes. The 4,224 square miles now hold more than 1.5 million people. The city has one of the fastest growing populations in the country and the fastest growing income in the state. Neither shows signs of slowing, as more than 8,000 new inhabitants are anticipated every year with 2,000 fewer leaving. But with all these people, where are they living?
Many are in apartments, but more still are in houses, the average price of which are 184,200 dollars - slightly higher than in Texas as a whole but lower than throughout the United States. Most families easily afford the cost, as they are making at least $45,314 and on average $69,300. Incomes for first-time homebuyers are naturally a little less.
While the value of homes are not as high as they were in 2001, when real estate peaked, they are much better than they used to be. Compared to 2003, 2007 prices were extraordinary. Declines are slight, and it’s likely Austin could soon come full circle, back to the booming value of the early boom. If value rises, so does sale pricing; therefore, expect a continuing increase throughout the area.
If you’re concerned not about how much you will get for your home, but how much you will have to pay and if you can, don’t be. Employment is on the rise as well. The University of Texas - Austin is one of the fastest growing schools in the country. With companies such as Dell, Seton Health Care, IBM and AT&T offering jobs, you know that with the right skills, you can get the right position. There is no shortage of employment opportunities.
Austin is a city of possibility. The statistics show it - now all you have to do is prove it.
Just a little post about Austin as I find that overviews are often helpful.
Joe
I CAN'T BELEIVE IT. I just got this in my email. I thought the forced green upgrades was out of characted for Austin, but I must be losing it. Now the city wants to force builders to build with certain specifications. Forget custom homes. Now the city is working on making all homes follow these guidelines.
MANDATORY VISITABILITY IN CAPITAL CITY?
AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) – A proposed city ordinance could require local home builders to equip all new single-family homes with features designed especially for disabled individuals and the elderly.
The city council this month passed a resolution to initiate code amendments requiring new homes to comply with the city's “visitability standards,” which currently apply only to homes built using public funds.
Among the proposed requirements are:
The city's law department is currently drafting an ordinance for public hearings and a city council vote next month.
What gives? Isn't anyone else as disturbed by this as me? I'm all for making public buildings accessible, but forcing the requirement on homes?
Joe
I posted a note about the potential point of sale green update ordinance in Austin a few days ago. Here's my thoughts on the issue now that I've had a few days to think about it.
There’s no denying the importance of eco-conscious living. We have, after all, caused considerable damage to the environment. Whatever we can do to reverse this should be done, but because we want to not because our mayor or government as a whole says we should.
The new energy efficiency ordinances currently under consideration by Austin officials are not the solution to our environmental problems. They are in fact the opposite. Few in this country like to be told what to do; they like even less to be kept from completing their plans, which in this case would be selling their home. Their reaction, therefore, to the ordinances would be largely hostile, most likely creating an environmental backlash. Those currently claiming that the green movement is based in nothing more than unsubstantiated hype would garner support from the frustrated. The eco-consciousness building in today’s society would be shadowed by anger and annoyance.
The key is not to force the citizens of Austin to bow to the government’s will. Nothing will be accomplished if we force residents to install costly measures before they can move forward with their plans. If we do, they will only know the negative. We must instead find ways to properly educate them on the benefits of being green. There are many - tax rebates, higher property values, longer lasting properties and a future on this Earth - and if they know this, they may be willing to voluntarily install the energy efficient systems Austin is so vehemently supporting.
If you think differently, I'd love to know why. I'm always open to changing my mind. :)
Joe
Spillman Ranch Property for Sale | Austin Real Estate Blog
REMAX Austin is a small office of experienced agents. We work Austin and surrounding areas, but specialize in the 360 and 620 corridors.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
