Tag >> General
The Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., metro area--which includes Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties--has gained a reputation as a mecca for retirees. The south Florida sun shines on scores of condos that jut like vertical cruise ships from the emerald-tinged shoreline. Near the most luxurious of these residences, golf courses dot the landscape, poolside sunbathers enjoy the company of other seniors and gourmet meals are available via room service. Yet Miami isn't quite the paradise it's thought to be. Thanks in part to a battered real estate market and high housing costs, it ranks 29th on our list of America's recession-proof places to retire, well behind top-ranked Atlanta. Our list, compiled by crunching seven sets of statistics from sunny days to median home price, reveals that Atlanta has many trends working in its favor--low cost of living, plenty of sun and housing that is affordable and projected to rise in value over the next five years. "Atlanta is the financial and industrial center of the South," says Eduardo Martinez, senior economist at Moody's Economy.com. "With companies like Delta and Home Depot, it's home to more and more international business." Four cities in the Lone Star State make the list. The Dallas-Ft. Worth metro area; Houston, just two spots behind it; Austin at No. 6; and San Antonio in the No. 10 spot. All three cities are benefiting from some positive Texan trends. "In Texas, it was a relatively mild recession," says Martinez. "All our projections are for quite a bit of growth. In terms of job creation, more people are moving out there, and families are getting bigger. The fundamentals for Texas are a lot stronger than those of other peer large states." Behind the Numbers To form our list, we looked at the country's 40 largest metropolitan statistical areas and applied seven metrics. Americans are living longer--the average life span has been increasing for a decade, rising from an average 76.5 years in 1997 to 77.9 in 2007, according a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released in August. As a result, retirees should be looking for reasonably priced homes that will appreciate in value. With this in mind, we looked at current median home price and five-year projected home price via data from Moody's Economy.com. We also included two important cost measures: median monthly housing expense from the Census Bureau and a cost of living index--for expenses unrelated to housing--from the Council for Community and Economic Research. Read the rest of the story and see the entire list on Forbes.com
Posted by: gardnergroup in General on
Dec 19, 2009
During the holiday season, Austin Children's Museum has even more to offer its visitors. From decorating yummy, sticky gingerbread houses to shopping for presents in our Museum Store, tax-free, there is something at Austin Children's Museum (201 Colorado) that every member of your family can enjoy. Shopping in the Museum StoreGet all your holiday gifts for kids and the young at heart. You'll find educational toys, art supplies, stocking stuffers, gingerbread house kits and more. All Store profits benefit the work of Austin Children's Museum. We also offer free gift wrap while you wait. Holiday Savings on MembershipsGive the gift your friends and family can enjoy year-round - a Museum Membership. Of course, you could always just get one for yourself. Buy between November 27 and December 31 and get $10 off. With the purchase of a membership, guests will enjoy one year of unlimited admission as well as discounts on programs and other benefits. For more information on membership and to buy online visit austinkids.org. ABOUT ACMThe mission of the Austin Children's Museum is to create innovative learning experiences for children and families that equip and inspire the next generation of creative problem solvers. Located at the Dell Discovery Center downtown at the corner of 2nd Street and Colorado, the Austin Children's Museum is one of the city's popular cultural attractions with 210,000 visitors annually. Founded in 1983 as a non-profit organization, the Austin Children's Museum delivers its mission through a variety of exhibits, programs and outreach activities. For more information, please visit www.austinkids.org.
Posted by: gardnergroup in General on
Sep 09, 2009
1.5 million bats take flight from the heart of Austin...and it's not even creepy. An army of bats pouring into the sunset sky may sound like something from the latest horror flick, but each year, thousands of people flock to Austin's Congress Avenue Bridge to see such a spectacle. Humble abode to nearly 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats, the Austin landmark stands as a popular attraction to tourists and locals alike. The largest urban bat colony in North America feels perfectly at home in Austin from late March until early October. Each evening during these months, observers can watch in awe as these creatures of the night flock out in search of food. This dinnertime hunt creates quite a show for onlookers, resembling a dark smoke cloud spilling into the deep orange evening sky. Like most bi-peds around Austin, the Mexican free-tail bats aren't from here, but got here as soon as they could. The summer of 1980 to be exact, after reconstruction on the Congress Avenue Bridge created rifts beneath that unexpectedly provided the perfect roost. It's their extended summer vacation spot if you will. Though the nocturnal flight is now a calling card of Austin's unique character, locals didn't immediately embrace sharing the town with these mysterious animals. It seems everyone has seen one too many scary movie. Many Austinites were weary of this new arrival and petitioned for the city to remove the group. Thankfully, Bat Conservation International stepped in. BCI, a local organization dedicated to the protection of bats and their ecosystems, educated the community about the gentle, often misunderstood migrants and their benefits.
The nightly bat flight provides more than just a stunning visual display; the bats provide insect relief for the area, as they impressively consume between 10-20,000-pounds of insects per night, including those pesky mosquitoes. Some consider this a simple "thank you" for hosting the bats' way of life.
In recent years, the Austin community has made it strikingly clear how much they cherish the show at dusk. The Austin-American Statesman has dedicated an area beside the bridge for bat observation, where close to 100,000 people come to witness the memorable show each season. A bat sculpture, created by local artist Dale Whistler, sits cattycorner to the notable bridge as a tribute to the black-winged friends. The bats typically begin emerging around 8:30pm. The population is at its peak mid-August. If you're planning to take a trip down to the bridge, contact the Bat Hotline for an estimated flight time at 512.416.5700 (x3636). But don't plan for a picnic dinner. With that many bats flying high overhead, the chances of getting guano in your ham sandwich are rather high, and the pungent smell is anything but appetizing.
Come October, the colony will make the long journey to Mexico for warmer, drier weather, and locals can only hope they continue to return each March for years to come. For those traveling through in the warm summer months, the Congress Avenue bats are a fascinating must-see. As for the locals, hot evenings mean taking a moment to appreciate the character and comfort the bats have added to the Austin landscape over the years. Note: Although the bats are completely harmless in flight, in the odd chance that you come across a wounded bat on the ground, do not attempt to handle it. by Chelsea Wallace, Austin.com
Posted by: gardnergroup in General on
Aug 11, 2009
Discover Ingram Ingram Texas is one of Texas' authentic old western towns and is a short day trip from Austin.... Old Ingram Business buildings of the old section of Ingram now house art studios and galleries, antique shops, boutiques and restaurants. It is on the loop off Texas 39 and Texas 27.
Stonehenge in the Hills Far from the Salisbury Plain in England, this replica of the famous megaliths rises in a rural setting two miles west of Hunt, Texas, on F.M. 1340. Stonehenge II, as it's called, is 60 percent as tall as the original, and 90 percent as large in circumference. Along with the replica of Stonehenge are Easter Island-type statues. Take Texas 39 to Hunt, Texas. Hill Country Arts Foundation This visual and performing arts facility, founded in 1958, provides a cultural atmosphere for neighbors Kerrville, Texas, and Hunt, Texas, as well as the entire Texas Hill Country. The campus is nestled on the banks of the Guadalupe River and includes an art gallery, four studios, a gift shop, and indoor and outdoor theaters. An array of art and theater workshops is offered for students of all ages and abilities.
Famous artists conduct classes. The theater directed by top professionals. Gallery exhibitions, theater productions and educational classes are conducted year round. It is just west of Ingram on Texas 39. Ingram, Texas is a short drive to Fredericksburg, Texas, known for its many festivals and unique shops. From: http://www.austin.com/content/view/1745/1/
Posted by: gardnergroup in General on
Jul 27, 2009
Krause Springs is a well-known camping & swimming site located in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas. It is located in Spicewood, Texas approximately 30 miles west of Austin. The 115 acre property is listed on the National Registry of Historical Sites and has been privately owned by the Krause Family for over 50 years. The full article can be found at: http://www.austin.com/content/view/1774/360/
Posted by: gardnergroup in Job Market, General on
Jul 22, 2009
With a high-tech workforce of more than 54,500, Austin ranks 7 th on bizjournals' list of the nation's biggest tech cities. Texas' Capital City is home to over 2,660 tech companies, which employ an average of 20 employees each. Austin also has a relatively educated populace-11% of residents have a master's degree or higher. State government and the University of Texas also help make Austin a dynamic tech market. ( bizjournals.com , 5/11/09) http://www.bizjournals.com/edit_special/79.html
Posted by: gardnergroup in Job Market, General on
Jun 16, 2009
from the Austin Business Journal Austin is the best city in America to get a fresh start, according to a new report from  Relocation.com. The online moving service company ranked Austin No. 1 on its list of the best cities to start over and seek out new economic opportunities. Relocation.com used the following elements to create its list: city "popularity" based on consumer requests for moving quotes to move to that city; economic-growth prospects; home affordability; and the strength of a community as reflected by volunteerism rates. The top cities following Austin, in order, are Dallas; Charlotte, N.C.; Denver; Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis; and Washington, D.C.; Atlanta; Oklahoma City, Okla.; and a three-way tie for 10th place between Houston, Seattle and Las Vegas. "Studies have shown that many people don't like where they live," said Sharon Asher, chairman and founder of Relocation.com. "At the same time, a lot of people are looking for work, whether they're unemployed now or fearing layoffs. It's a scary time, but for some it might be a good time to think about starting over." The full list and more details are available on the company's Web site.
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Thursday, June 04, 2009 The Austin area had the nation's strongest job market among big cities last month, according to data released last Wednesday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Among the 38 metro areas with a work force of at least 750,000, only Austin gained jobs from April 2008 to April 2009, the bureau said. It was the third month in a row Austin had earned that distinction. Austin added 3,400 jobs in that period, a 0.4 percent gain that brought the regional job count to 781,400. In January, Austin, Houston and San Antonio were the only large metro areas that had more jobs than a year earlier. But Houston and San Antonio have been losing jobs since then. Austin's job picture isn't all rosy: The area has been losing manufacturing and construction jobs at an accelerating pace, but those losses are being offset by gains in government, retailing and services fields. Central Texas is holding up better in the recession than other technology hubs. In April, the Silicon Valley area lost jobs at a 4.4 percent annual rate. Portland, Ore., was down 4.7 percent, Seattle was down 3.4 percent, and Raleigh, N.C., was down 3.3 percent. Some smaller cities also racked up gains, including Midland, up 2.2 percent, and Odessa, up 2.9 percent.
Posted by: gardnergroup in Property Value, General on
Jun 11, 2009
By Luke Mullins Luke Mullins - Tue Jun 9, 9:53 am ET With the decade winding to a close, Americans have grown increasingly reluctant to gas up their moving vans. Last year, the Census Bureau's national mover rate--which represents the percentage of Americans 1 year and older who moved within the past year--hit its lowest level since 1948, when the bureau began tracking the data. And who can blame us? In the face of a terrifying banking crisis, a historic housing crash, and a grueling recession, relocating to a new city isn't exactly on the to-do list. But despite the uncertain economy, the nation's diverse topography presents an enviable menu of great places to find work, retire, or just change your scene. In selecting our Best Places to Live for 2009, U.S. News took a thrift-conscious approach: We looked for affordable communities that have strong economies and plenty of fun things to do. The cities we selected are as distinct as America itself--ranging from a quaint suburb to a live-music mecca. But whether you prefer hiking through the Rocky Mountains, pulling a fish out of the Atlantic Ocean, or grilling hot dogs at a college football tailgate, here are 10 places that will fill up your daybook without emptying your wallet. Albuquerque, New Mexico Along the banks of the Rio Grande, with the Sandia Mountains in the background, is the beautiful city of Albuquerque, N.M. The sunny climate and endless landscape have long drawn writers, poets, and artists to this spot, which includes an unconventional mix of American Indian, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures. But it's not just freethinkers who drift to this Southwestern city of 511,000. Kirtland Air Force Base, Sandia National Laboratories, and Intel Corp. have helped develop the area into a manufacturing and research hub. They provide a stable anchor for the local economy. Albuquerque's clear skies, calm winds, and abundant sunshine present plenty of opportunities to explore its natural splendor. Each October, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta fills the sky with more than 700 colorful hot-air balloons. Fourteen area golf courses are open year-round and allow duffers to tee off against spectacular backdrops of volcanoes and mountain peaks. Meanwhile, Albuquerque's foothills and network of trails make the area a wonderful destination for biking. Still, "it's kind of undiscovered at the same time," says Will McConnell of the Albuquerque Bicycle Center. Auburn, Alabama For Southern charm with collegiate vigor, consider Auburn, Ala. This diamond on the eastern Alabama plains has a population of just under 50,000 and is home to Auburn University. On football Saturdays, when die-hard fans arrive in droves to cheer their beloved Tigers, Auburn swells to the state's fifth-most-populous city. And as Auburn's largest employer, the university also plays a starring role in the local economy. With mild winters and hot summers, the city offers no shortage of outdoor recreation opportunities. Find a nice hiking trail in the 696-acre Chewacla State Park before cooling off with an afternoon swim. Take a stroll through the Donald E. Davis Arboretum, located on the Auburn University campus. Golfers can head to nearby Grand National golf course and wend their way through the state along the beautiful Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. "Once you have been there, you just want to come back," says John Cannon, president of SunBelt Golf Corp., which manages the trail. Austin, Texas If you're a free spirit, music junkie, or barbecue lover--or if you simply have what it takes to "keep Austin weird"--Texas's state capital is for you. Considered ground zero for live music, this city of 716,000 residents is home to legions of musicians and nearly 200 performance venues. In addition, Austin hosts the always popular South by Southwest festival. Since its inception in 1987, the event has mushroomed from a local gathering to a 1,800-band, 80-stage extravaganza of music, filmmaking, and interactive activities featuring performers from all over the world. Austin is also a high-tech hub, with companies like Dell and IBM, which employ thousands of residents. The city's warm climate offers plenty of sunshine, while the open green spaces don't provide any excuse for staying indoors. Head over to Lions Municipal Golf Course for an inexpensive round. Wander through the 351-acre Zilker Metropolitan Park until you find Barton Springs Pool, a 3-acre water source fed by underground springs that keep its temperature around 68 degrees all year long. To escape the city, head for the nearby Hill Country. "It's rolling hills cut with lots of little creeks and streams," says Tom Beach, a sales clerk at Austin Canoe & Kayak. "It makes for a nice road trip." Boise, Idaho Although often overlooked, Boise, Idaho, is a terrific destination for those looking to escape out West. With a high-desert climate of sunshine, clear skies, and four distinct seasons, this city of 200,000 makes a perfect base camp for exploring southwest Idaho's dramatic panorama. Choose from the many nearby parks, which total some 2,700 acres, cast a fishing line into the Boise River, or head over to Boise State University for a Broncos football game. High-tech companies Micron Technology and Hewlett-Packard are among the area's leading private employers. To hit the thriving local arts scene, cruise downtown. Boise's free "Alive After Five" concert series brings musicians and other entertainers to the Grove Plaza each Wednesday during the summer. "It's harder to find a parking space after 5 than it is before 5," says Paul Hiller, the executive director of the Boise Valley Economic Partnership. "It's one of the most vibrant downtown areas you've ever seen." Durham, North Carolina Once a tobacco town, Durham, N.C., has evolved into a world-class center of all things advanced. This city of 206,000, located halfway between the Atlantic coast and the Great Smoky Mountains, is called the "City of Medicine" because of its expansive healthcare industry. And although widely known as the home of prestigious Duke University, it's also a thriving technology hub. At the same time, Durham's mild climate allows residents to get out and explore the region's abundant outdoor attractions. Consider hiking one of the many distinct trails and greenways or heading over to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park for an afternoon baseball game. La Crosse, Wisconsin With a population of about 50,000, La Crosse, Wis., is a great staging ground for exploring the natural wonders of the upper Mississippi River area. Although winters can be bitterly cold, friendly Midwesterners and the nearby ski slopes will keep your spirits high. The spring opens an active outdoor culture of camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing that brings more than a million visitors to the area each year. Explore the mighty Mississippi on a riverboat tour, or try your luck with the northern pike in Lake Onalaska. "Great people, fun town," says Dave Lueck, a 36-year-old graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. "It's not too big, not too small." And with a 2008 median home sale price of $113,000, it's also an affordable destination. Loveland, Colorado Located just outside the breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park, Loveland, Colo., is considered the "Gateway to the Rockies." But while it has 27 public parks and nearly 16 miles of recreation trails, it's Loveland's affection for man-made beauty that sets this community of 56,000 residents apart. Thanks to its Art in Public Places program, more than 300 pieces of sculpture and two-dimensional works are on display throughout the community. And with a 2008 median home sale price of $186,000, the area's real estate market is relatively affordable. Loveland has also achieved acclaim for its Valentine remailing program, in which 200,000 cards are sent to the city to receive a special cachet stamp. "We've got a waiting list of over 50 people that are waiting to be stampers," says Kathryn Roth of the Loveland Chamber of Commerce. San Luis Obispo, California Tucked into California's sweeping Central Coast region is lovely San Luis Obispo, Calif. Its warm, gentle climate, with temperatures rarely surpassing 90 degrees, is perfect for hitting nearby beaches or touring local vineyards. In addition, California Polytechnic State University, which is located in town, infuses the community with intellectual energy. Although area home prices have fallen by as much as 35 percent over the past two years, the national housing bust may have also created another reason to make San Luis Obispo your home, says John Day, a local real estate broker. "There are just plain good deals" in the current market, he says. St. Augustine, Florida As the nation's longest continually inhabited European-founded city, St. Augustine, Fla., considers itself the oldest city in the United States. Founded in 1565 by Spanish Adm. Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, this community of 13,000 residents on Florida's northeastern coast has managed to maintain its colonial charm. Take the Castillo de San Marcos, for example. This remarkable stone-and-mortar fort is located right in the heart of St. Augustine's cobblestoned historic district. And even though 300 years of violent storms and enemy firepower couldn't penetrate its walls, visitors can enter the 20.5-acre monument site today for just $6. But St. Augustine's appeal extends beyond the history books. With a highly educated workforce, world-class golfing nearby--the immaculate TPC Sawgrass course is located just up the road--and that refreshing Atlantic breeze, this "ancient city" offers enough activities to satisfy even the most fanatical outdoor sports enthusiast. "Fishing, kayaking, boating--we have just about everything," says Donald Edwards, a clerk at the Avid Angler fishing shop. "I wouldn't live anywhere else." Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania For a quiet residential option, consider Upper St. Clair, Pa. This quaint town of fewer than 20,000 residents is located in the hilly woodlands outside Pittsburgh, where the Whiskey Rebellion of the late 1700s was centered. The median home price of this family-oriented community was $240,000 in 2008. And its school system is superb: Ninety-eight percent of its high school graduates go on to college, and the Upper St. Clair school district currently boasts 10 federal government blue-ribbon "Excellence in Education" awards. After the spring thaw, residents head outside to enjoy the region's abundant greenery. "Pennsylvania is a fairly robust and rich place in terms of resources, if you just look a little bit," says Ed Di Gangi, the president of the Upper St. Clair Fly Fishing Club. In addition to fishing, popular outdoor activities include hiking, cycling, golf, and bocce. And with Pittsburgh about 10 miles away, residents of this small town are never too far removed from big-city comforts. "From here to a Pirates [baseball] game or here to a Penguins [hockey] game, it's 30 minutes or less," Di Gangi says. Here's our list of the 10 best places to live: 1. Albuquerque, N.M. 2. Auburn, Ala. 3. Austin, Texas 4. Boise, Idaho 5. Durham, N.C. 6. La Crosse, Wis. 7. Loveland, Colo. 8. San Luis Obispo, Calif. 9. St. Augustine, Fla. 10. Upper St. Clair, Pa. Consider this list a springboard to get you thinking about the qualities you're looking for in a Best Places to Live list of your own.
Posted by: gardnergroup in General on
Mar 18, 2008
Welcome to The Gardner Group's new site. Please take a look around and contact us at (512) 327-9790 if you need anything. You can learn more about The Gardner Group here on the site and view agent profiles in the Our Agents section. If you are house-hunting click on Search Austin Homes, and let us know if we can help you with your search. Just browsing or doing research on Austin? Check out the Information Center or contact one of our agents for more information on schools and tax rates in the area. Our Concierge Section has a list of many professionals in and around Austin, including trusted mortgage professionals to help you figure out how much home you can afford. Check out the Media page for more information about buying, selling and how The Gardner Group can help you with your personal real estate needs.
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