Central Austin is buzzing with excitement over the opening of MileStone’s newest boutique townhome community, Koenig Townhomes. These beautiful residences offer 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and over 1,525 square feet of modern living space spread across two floors. Purchasing a Koenig Townhome in Austin, Texas, presents a unique opportunity to own a newly built property at a competitive price, especially compared to the staggering costs of local rentals.

Competitive Pricing vs. Renting

A look at Current rental properties in the area will only demonstrate the financial advantage of homeownership at Koenig Townhomes. For example, a 3-bedroom, 2-bath apartment rents for around $3,600, while a detached 3-bedroom home can reach up to $4,600. In contrast, you can own a spacious 3-bedroom, 3-bath townhome with an attached 2-car garage for approximately $3,800 per month. This not only makes it a smarter financial choice but also an investment in your future, allowing you to enjoy the comforts of homeownership in a desirable Austin neighborhood for generations to come.

Flexible Interior Design

Koenig Townhomes are designed with flexibility in mind. The 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom layout allows for various uses—whether you need an office, guest room, nursery, or gym the possibilities are endless! The first-floor primary suite features a private bathroom, and the second-floor bedroom also includes a private bathroom, providing two primary bedroom options. Additional features include a 2-car garage, ample storage, large windows for natural light, and high wooden fences that create a private front yard, enhancing your living experience.

Prime Location

The most standout feature of Koenig Townhomes is undoubtedly its prime location. Situated at 200 W. 56th Street, Austin, TX 78751, on Koenig Lane, the community offers easy access to major thoroughfares like Lamar and I-35, as well as close proximity to The University of Texas at Austin , nearby hospitals , and various Austin hotspots. This makes Koenig the perfect living destination for professionals and scholars commuting to school or work, and anyone eager to explore the vibrant city of Austin.

Local Attractions and Amenities

Living at Koenig means being just minutes away from some of Austin’s best offerings. Enjoy delicious New York-style pizza at Home Slice Pizza, grab a cold drink at nearby bars like WorkHorse or Double Trouble, or savor a craft coffee at local favorites such as Epoch (24 hr Coffeee shop) and Merrit Coffee Co..If shopping is on your agenda, you’ll find an array of vintage shops, including the Austin Chronicle voted “Best Vintage” shop, Room Service, as well as local gems like Big Bertha’s Paradise and Blue Velvet – which has been providing the Austin community with top notch vintage for 20 years! Music and film enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to Breakaway Records and We Love Video for any video, movie, vinyl, or music needs. 

In addition to the North Loop hot spots, Koenig Townhomes are close to Guadalupe Street, offering easy access to shops and restaurants at The Triangle, such as Mandola’s Italian and Natural Grocers. You can also enjoy high-end vegan sushi at Nori and Austin-famous BBQ at Stiles Switch BBQ, not to mention retail, bar, and entertainment options like Pavement, Leopard Lounge, and Hole in the Wall.

A once-in-a-lifetime limited opportunity, Koenig Townhomes arrive to present an ideal living situation for anyone looking to invest in a modern, flexible multi-generational home in the heart of Austin. With competitive pricing compared to local rentals, thoughtfully designed interiors, and a prime location near an abundance of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, living at Koenig Townhomes allows you to fully embrace the vibrant Austin lifestyle. Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to create a home that meets all your needs in one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods! Give us a call today at  (512) 645-2145, or visit us online to make Koening Townhomes your Ideal Austin home!

Dining

1. Home Slice (2 min drive) 
2. Double Trouble (approx. 3 min drive) 
3. Arpegio Grill (approx. 5 min drive) 
4. Titayas Thai Cuisine (approx. 6 min drive) 
5. Tacos Yo Soy (approx. 6 min drive) 
6. Mandola’s Italian Kitchen (approx. 8 min drive) 

Coffee Shops

1. Epoch (approx. 5 min drive) 
2. Double Trouble (approx. 3 min drive) 
3. Flight Path (approx. 5 min drive) 
4. Kick Butt Coffee (approx. 7 min drive) 
5. Merrit Coffee Co. (Triangle) (approx. 8 min drive) 

Retail

1. Blue Velvet (approx. 5 min drive) 
2. Breakaway Records (approx. 5 min drive) 
3. Room Service (approx. 6 min drive) 
4. Ermine Vintage (approx. 6 min drive)
5. Forbidden Fruit (approx. 8 min drive) 

Shopping

1. Natural Grocers (approx. 7 min drive) 
2. Central Market (approx. 8 min drive) 

Bars

1. Double Trouble (approx. 3 min drive) 
2. Workhorse Bar (approx. 5 min drive) 
3. The Brass Tap (approx. 6 min drive) 
4. The Tigress Pub (approx. 6 min drive ) 
5. Drinkwell (approx. 7 min drive)
6. The Golden Horn (approx. 8 min drive)

Beauty

1. Plume Salon (approx. 5 min drive)
2. Tulip Hair (approx. 6 min drive)
3. Expo Salon (approx. 6 min drive)
4. LaMoni’s Waxing Studio (approx. 6 min drive)
5. Prim and Blow Austin (Triangle) (approx. 8 min drive)
6. European Wax Center (approx. 8 min drive)
7. Triangle Nails Spa (approx. 8 min drive)
8. Barbershop 808 (approx. 8 min drive)

Pets

1. Bravado Dog Grooming (approx. 8 min drive)
2. Austin Canine Central (approx. 8 min drive)
3. Mod Mut Salon (approx. 9 min drive)

Activities

1. Bullock Texas State History Museum (9 min drive)
2. Museum of the Weird (9 min drive)
3. Peace District Park (12 min drive)
4. Blanton Museum of Art (17 min drive)
5. Zilker Metropolitan Park (18 min drive)

The post Koenig Townhomes: W. Koenig Lane & Chesterfield Ave – Where Austin Living Thrives! appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

Select Your Home

When you visit a MileStone Community, one of our friendly Sales Counselors will get to know you and your family’s home buying needs. You’ll be able to ask questions and review community details like school district, HOA fees, community amenities, and features. Your sales counselor will show you floor plans and help you find the right home design that works best for your family. Now it’s time to grab a drink from our fridge and tour some homes (always fun)! Walking the community with your Sales Counselor can help you get a feel for living in the neighborhood.  

Once you have decided on a floor plan, it’s time to select where to build and what the outside of your home will look like! Select your lot location, exterior elevation style (fancy name for the front of the home), and material color combinations. In the span of a couple hours, you can leave our office with a contract for your brand new home! It’s that easy.

Design Your Home

Within two weeks of completing the contract of your new home, you will make an appointment to meet with a designer from Jessica Nixon Interior Design at one of our MileStone Design Centers. At the design center you will be presented with options and upgrades on items including granite counter-tops, tile, backsplash, finishes and more. Your JNID designer will help you select your dream color combinations and materials to make your home your sanctuary. Check out a video from Jessica Nixon highlighting what you can expect from your design center meeting.

Build Your Home

After you’ve made all your selections, it’s time to get building! Your JNID designer, MileStone Sales Counselor and Construction Manager will walk with you through the entire build process providing updates all along the way. Watch as your new home comes to life while you prepare for your big move! MileStone Community Builders has a variety of communities in top neighborhoods around Austin. Whether you’re wanting hill country views or the action of South Austin, we have the locations you want. If you’re interested in learning more about building a home with us, call 512-645-2145 and talk to one of our knowledgeable team members. We are here to answer any questions you have and help you feel confident about your home buying journey.

Looking to move sooner rather than later? Check out a list of our quick move-in homes available in South Austin, Dripping Springs, Kyle, Manor, Round Rock, and Leander.

The post New Opportunities to Build Your Dream Home appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

Cedar Park

One of the fastest-growing cities in the country, with modern attractions, rich history, and highly-rated schools—Cedar Park has it all. Part of Leander ISD, Cedar Park schools offer low student-teacher ratios and educational opportunities. And, with golf courses, shops, wineries, restaurants, and plenty of park space, it’s no wonder Cedar Park is one of Austin’s most popular suburbs for families. If Cedar Park sounds like the right fit for your family, we have just the MileStone community for your next home at Trento. If you’re interested in a brand new community, The Oaks at Park Street is a boutique community located in the heart of Cedar Park.

Average Home Listing Price: $365K

Round Rock

One of the “best places to live in America,” Round Rock is home to Dell computers headquarters, incredible shopping and entertainment, and one of the best school districts (Round Rock ISD) in the region. Austin is an easy drive down I-35, but with great local restaurants, outdoor parks, premium outlets (and an IKEA location), and a charming and historic downtown district, Round Rock is a place your family might never want to leave. For hopeful Round Rock residents, we still have limited homesites available at Sauls Ranch and new homesites coming soon at The Meadows at Quick Ranch.

Average Home Listing Price: $325K

South Austin

As part of Austin proper, this area of the city comes with all the benefits of living in the capital city without the big city living concerns. With city-favorite restaurants and coffee shops, A+ education at AISD schools, a wide selection of pocket parks (not to mention Barton Creek Greenbelt), and choice area shopping centers—South Austin residents enjoy a mixed urban-suburban feel for a range of safe, family-friendly experiences. Our Vistas of Austin community still has upcoming construction phases for future homesites to make yours.

Average Home Listing Price: $424K

Buda

Buda, located on the Austin-San Antonio corridor, gives easy access to downtown destinations with small-town Texas charm. The acclaimed Hays County Independent School District features some of the area’s top schools and, as Hays County has been one of the fastest-growing counties in the US over the last decade—plenty of job opportunities. There’s also plenty to do, with everything from exploring their historic downtown (complete with restored grain mill) to enjoying movie classics at a drive-in theater. Our MileStone community, Cool Springs, isn’t far from everything Buda has to offer.

Average Home Listing Price: $299K

Leander

With plentiful parks, beautiful homes, top schools, and an endless list of places to explore, the Leander area is a Texas Hill Country standout. Just north of Austin off Hwy 183, living in Leander is convenient for any commute, though with a brand-new downtown district in development—including retail, hotels, restaurants, parks, office space, and a convention center—there will be many opportunities right at home. And, with about half the population under the age of 18 and the low student-teacher ratios of Leander ISD, Leander is a growing city perfect for growing families. Our master-planned community, Larkspur, might have the home you have in mind.

Average Home Listing Price: $340K

Kyle

Kyle is a close neighbor of Buda and fellow contributor to Hays County’s economic growth. Living here ensures children receive a great education from Hays CISD schools, outdoor exploration in beautiful greenspaces like Lake Kyle Park, and plenty of local eateries, retail, and town events for the whole family to enjoy. Our community, Cool Springs, is just three miles out of historic downtown Kyle and could be your next place to call home.

Average Home Listing Price: $249K

Georgetown

Georgetown offers everything families could ever want from the place they call home. With beautiful parks, a designated cultural district, high graduation rates from excellent schools, and a low tax rate—it’s easy to see why it’s been a top ten fastest growing city of its size in the U.S. since 2015. Here, your family can enjoy a day in town square, at the recreation center, or nationally-recognized public library, there’s always something to do together.

Average Home Listing Price: $349K

Pflugerville

Pflugerville is a popular place for growing families, recently named one of the best places to live in Texas. Growing housing opportunities with a lower cost of living, top-performing schools, beautiful public parks, and a slower pace of living make it a preferred choice for families wanting to be near Austin (just 15 miles north) while having a small community experience.

Average Home Listing Price: $305K

Lakeway

Lakeway, named for being on the shores of Lake Travis, provides residents a true Texas Hill Country luxury lifestyle a mere 20 miles from downtown Austin. With boundless outdoor recreation—whether on the lake or exploring the 500 acres of greenbelt—four golf courses, the state-recognized schools of Lake Travis ISD, and a safe community environment, Lakeway might be the perfect retreat for your family to call home.

Average Home Listing Price: $627K

Anderson Mill

Though incorporated into the city of Austin in 2008, northwest off Hwy 183 and FM 620, Anderson Mill maintains its small-town feel. Here, residents have the benefit of nearby retail and dining, the award-winning schools of Round Rock ISD, and fun family-friendly activities like visiting local parks, historic sites, or the Austin Aquarium. With a quarter of the population under 18, young families will feel right at home.

Average Home Listing Price: $350K

Wrapping Up

Whatever area of Austin is most appealing for raising your family, whether you want places within walking distance or to live more off the beaten path, this city has the perfect place. Should you have questions about these or other Austin-area communities, we’re always happy to talk about your home buying needs to find the right fit for your family.

The post Top 10 Best Places to Live in Austin, TX with Kids appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

Located at Old Settlers Boulevard and A.W. Grimes, the 139-home community features both one- and two-story plans and benefits from being both ten minutes from lively downtown Round Rock and right next to tranquil Meadow Lake Park. The latter grants trail access and views of its greenway and shimmering reservoir. And, with the approved extension of College Park Drive into Old Settlers, all of Round Rock’s offerings—including restaurants, Dell Diamond, and outlet shopping—will be all the more accessible for future residents.

The approval, recommended by both city staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission, will contribute to the city’s continued growth, only adding to its vibrancy. Sales will begin in Spring 2020—make Round Rock your new home in the new year.

The post MileStone Round Rock Community Officially Underway appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

If you’re thinking about becoming a homeowner, you’ve probably done your fair share of studying the housing market, trying to predict where it will go next, and wondering whether now is the right time to buy or if it would be wiser to wait. It’s impossible to predict the housing market with absolute certainty, but as an Austin home builder, we want to give you the best possible insight so your home buying experience will be positive and successful.

The big picture

The U.S. as a whole has been facing a housing shortage for years, with buyer demand far outpacing the number of homes actually available. That demand has been forcing new home prices to rise at above-average rates for the past two years, and it doesn’t look as though that’s going to change significantly in 2019.

That said, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon for buyers. Although it’s not likely that we’ll see a buyer’s market next year, new home construction is predicted to rise, which means that home prices should level off—or at least rise at a less astronomical rate. The Home Buying Institute recently reported that 279,302 single-family home building permits were issued during the first four months of 2018—an 8.7 percent increase over that period in 2017—and since there’s always lag time between the filing of a construction permit and the completion of the project, 2019 could be the year that a lot more new homes get built.

Even so, it’s likely that homes will continue to be scarce in most markets, and that home prices will continue to rise across most of the country. Of course, rising prices don’t keep people from buying homes. Indeed, real estate research website Gord Collins predicted that the U.S. economy will grow 3 to 5 percent in 2019. This will likely lead to more Americans buying homes, many of them millennials eager to become homeowners for the first time.

A local level

It goes without saying that, while the national housing market is important, it doesn’t tell the whole story. With this in mind, if you’re serious about buying a house, you need to look at the housing market on a local level in the area where you intend to buy. After all, the housing market in, say, Seattle is very different from the market in Detroit, no matter what the national averages may be. And if you’re thinking about buying a home in Austin, Texas, it’s wise to remember that this city tends to play by its own rules.

In Austin, the nationwide trend of demand outpacing supply is even more pronounced. In fact, the Austin Board of Realtors recently reported a 6.8 percent decrease in the number of homes available on the market from 2017 to 2018, and as we move into next year, all signs point to this trend continuing. The upshot is that when new homes in Austin become available—especially quick delivery homes—they tend to sell very quickly. So, don’t keep saying, “Maybe next month.” Stop by today and explore our communities!

Why Austin?

At the heart of Austin’s red-hot housing market is one simple fact: people want to move to Austin. The economy here is booming, with rapid job growth in technology, pharmaceuticals, education, retail and manufacturing. In fact, a recent report from POLICOM found Austin to be America’s strongest metropolitan economy, and the Austin Chamber of Commerce just announced that 35,700 net new jobs had been added during the 12 months ending in June 2018, making Austin the second fastest growing metro area in America. Consider this data, courtesy of Sperling’s Best Places:

• Austin has an unemployment rate of 2.9 percent, compared to the U.S. average of 5.2 percent.
• Austin’s recent job growth is 3.0 percent, compared to the national average of 1.6 percent; its projected future job growth is 43.1 percent, compared to the 38.0 percent national average.
• The median household income in Austin is $55,216 per year, slightly above the national average of $53,482 per year.

Of course, Austin’s appeal isn’t purely economic. The city is a fun and exciting place to call home, filled with friendly people who are genuinely happy to be here, and it boasts one of the best music scenes in the world. The food scene ranges from world-class barbecue restaurants to food trucks slinging vegan tacos—and both of these options are amazing. It’s a city where you can kayak down a river beneath a bridge that houses the world’s largest urban bat colony. It’s weird, and we like it.

The bottom line

In a nutshell, demand for new homes outweighs supply and the competition is likely to increase over the rest of 2018 and into next year. If you’re considering buying a new home in Austin, Texas, it would be better to do it sooner rather than later. But if you need to wait, know that as an Austin home builder, MileStone Community Builders is dedicated to building new homes throughout the city, and we will help you explore your options whenever the time is right for you.

That said, if finances are heavily driving your decision, remember that home prices are expected to continue rising in 2019, so the latter half of 2018 might be your best opportunity to buy. To find the area and home that best fit your wallet and your wish-list, browse our communities and search through floor plans at various price points.

Lastly, keep in mind that fall is often considered the best time of year to buy a house for a wide range of reasons. First and foremost, this time of year considered the off-season in the real estate world, which means that sellers who put homes on the market in fall are often highly motivated to sell. As a buyer, you’ll also face less competition from other buyers and will enjoy a greater share of your real estate agent’s attention. Overall, fall and winter are seasons when the buyer is in the driver’s seat. And in a time and place with a seller’s market, that’s a big advantage.

As your Austin home builder, we pride ourselves on building award-winning homes for every milestone in your life. Our sales team is dedicated to helping you find the dream home that fits your lifestyle as well as your wallet. To learn more about buying a home in Austin, Texas, and to locate quick delivery homes that can be yours before the year is through, contact us today.

The post What to expect from the final months of the 2018 real estate market in Austin, Texas appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

These days, people are moving to Austin from all over the country. That said, we’ve seen a major influx of newly-minted Austinites from Houston lately! Wondering why so many people have been moving from Houston to Austin? We have a few theories:

1. The weather is just right. We can’t say it doesn’t get hot on a summer day in Austin, but we don’t have that  sticky Gulf Coast humidity that makes your hair go crazy and your makeup melt in seconds. We’re also far enough from the coast to avoid the hurricane-related bad weather that Houston experiences.

2. The traffic won’t give you nightmares. For some reason, it seems the street names are always changing in Houston. And why the drivers there are so speedy and aggressive, we’ll never know. In comparison, Austin is simple to navigate. If you make a wrong turn, it’s easy to get back on track.

3. A river runs through it. Situated on the banks of the Colorado River, Austin has Houston beat by a mile when it comes to scenic beauty. Head down to the river to see for yourself—and be sure to say hi to the Congress Ave. Bridge bats afterward! While you’re in town, don’t miss the Hill Country of the suburbs, Mount Bonnell, Zilker Park and so much more. We really could go on for days about the amount of natural beauty here in Austin.

4. It’s one of the most walkable cities in America. From the 6th Street District to South Congress, Austin is infinitely more walkable than Houston. In fact, exploring Austin on foot (or bicycle) is one of the best ways to discover some amazing out-of-the-way spots.

5. The music scene is off the charts. Although you can catch some cool shows in Houston, Austin is just about the best place in America to be a music fan. Between the incredible festivals like SXSW and Austin City Limits and the dozens of local venues hosting bands on any given night, there’s always music playing in Austin.

6. The Hill Country is beautiful. Houston is pretty flat—which is cool, if you’re into that—while Austin has a truly unique landscape. Surrounded by the rolling Texas Hill Country, the scenic and diverse area surrounding Austin looks like no place else in America.

7. There are endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Austin is an impressively outdoor-focused city, which makes it the perfect place for anyone eager to keep up an active lifestyle in the great outdoors. Hit the river on a kayak or stand-up paddle board, head to Lake Travis to do some fishing, or hike, bike or jog your way through the 350-acre Zilker Metropolitan Park.

8. It’s big… but not too big. Houston is a HUGE city, and while Austin isn’t exactly tiny, it has the friendly feel of a small city nonetheless. It’s easy to find your way around, and there are endless unique districts and neighborhoods to explore.

9. The food is really, really, REALLY great. From Tex-Mex and classic Austin BBQ to outstanding cuisine from all over the world, Austin is the unofficial food capital of Texas. We also have an incredible variety of fantastic vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free eateries—more than anyplace else in the state.

10. It’s laid-back, relaxed and friendly. While Houston is fast-moving and can feel like it’s all business, Austin is a place where CEOs wear flip-flops. It’s friendly and low-stress, and Austinites are the kind of people who know exactly how lucky they are.

If you’re considering moving from Houston to Austin, contact us today to learn more about living in Austin, Texas. Not totally convinced that Austin should be the place you plant your roots? Here are so many more facts that may just entice you to relocate to the Texas capital.

The post Moving from Houston to Austin? Here are 10 reasons you made the right choice appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

One thing is guaranteed in Austin, Texas: There’s always something new happening. We’re excited about several upcoming developments in Austin that will bring new parks, markets and arts spaces to the city in the coming year. If you’re thinking of relocating to Austin, you might want to consider grabbing a house near one of these exiting new commercial real estate developments!

St. Elmo Public Market

South Austin

South Austin is about to have a whole lot more food options, courtesy of St. Elmo Public Market. Currently under construction, the public market already has some tenants lined up, including a local produce store from Ben Runkle and Bryan Butler of Salt & Time, and a new bakery/modern diner concept by Michael Fojtasek. As it continues to fill up, the St. Elmo Public Market will offer some of the best options in Austin for fresh, local food.

The market will sit less than 10 minutes from our Searight Village community, where about a dozen 3- and 4-bedroom family homes are available now. Our coming-soon community at 7300 South Congress is even closer.

Shady Lane Creative Studio

East Austin

Artists, take note! East Austin is poised to be the next up-and-coming hot spot in Austin, and Shady Lane Creative Studio—a planned 64,674-square-foot creative space at 1141 Shady Lane—is one of many big things coming to this neighborhood. Shady Lane Creative Studios will offer retail and potential art gallery space, along with artists’ studios, offices and a 1920s-era house that is being converted into a restaurant.

We’re thrilled to offer new homes near this exciting part of Austin. Several home sites are available at the Eastwood at Riverside, a beautiful master-planned community at East Riverside Drive that is located just 10 minutes from Shady Lane Creative Studio.

ACC San Gabriel Campus

Leander

It’s been a long time coming, but Leander’s branch of Austin Community College—to be known as the ACC San Gabriel Campus—is finally set to open soon. It’s yet another big win for Leander, which is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas and is situated just north of Austin. ACC San Gabriel is expected to have an initial enrollment of about 2,000 and will hold its first classes for the Fall 2018 semester.

This new campus sits mere footsteps away from the Enclave at Leander Station, one of our most exciting new communities. With about 20 homes available now and many more under construction, this community offers access to all the amenities in Leander, as well as an easy commute to Downtown Austin.

Waller Creek Park

Downtown Austin

For many Downtown Austin dwellers, Waller Creek Park has been a dream for a long time, and now ground has been broken on the parks complex dubbed “Austin’s Central Park.” Envisioned as a chain of parks that will connect areas all over downtown, Waller Creek Park promises to be the crown jewel of the city, offering endless opportunities for hiking, biking, picnicking and exploring the outdoors in the heart of Austin.

This exciting new parks complex would be within walking distance of Downtown Austin communities like 1306 West, which offers distinctive luxury residences tucked away in the heart of the city.

Contact us at MileStone Community Builders to learn about the local area—including exciting real estate developments—around our communities.

The post Happening around Austin: 4 developments you’ll want to live near appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

There are a lot of things to consider when you’re looking for a new place to live, and property taxes are probably among those you enjoy thinking about the least. But bear with us for just a moment because we have good news: Several of our communities are located in Austin neighborhoods with some of the lowest Austin property tax rates around, so if you want to enjoy the Austin lifestyle without shelling out too much in taxes, these are the areas you want to look at:

Cedar Park 

Lowering tax rates for five straight years has done wonders for Cedar Park, which now boasts its lowest property tax rate in 15 years, according to KXAN-TV. That’s exciting news for Cedar Park residents, but low property taxes are just one of the many reasons our Cedar Park communities like Three Points and The Arbors at Turtle Rock are great places to live. With strong schools, beautiful parks and a short commute to anywhere in Central Texas, Cedar Park enjoys all the benefits of being close to Austin—plus a quiet, family-friendly suburban atmosphere. Other local attractions include the Brushy Creek Trail and Brushy Creek Lake Park, the Alamo Drafthouse Theater and the H-E-B Center, home of the Texas Stars and Austin Spurs.

South Austin

Property tax rates vary widely throughout South Austin, with areas including Manchaca and Shady Hollow boasting low rates ranging from 1.87 percent to 2.13 percent. This up-and-coming region also offers easy access to Interstate 35, with downtown Austin and the University of Texas just 20 miles away. Communities in South Austin include The Hills of Bear Creek (located in Manchaca), Smithfield (located in Shady Hollow) and the new Vistas of Austin, which feature distinctive, modern homes at a competitive price point.

Leander

Much like its neighbor Cedar Park, the city of Leander has been working to steadily lower property taxes for several years. Speaking to Community Impact Newspaper last year, Leander Mayor Chris Fielder noted that Leander is “probably one of the only cities, at least in Central Texas, if not the state, that will lower their tax rate to the effective rate.” Now that the municipal budget has been finalized, it’s clear the lower property taxes are having huge benefits in Leander, which has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the country for the past several years. Our communities in Leander include Larkspur and the brand-new Enclave at Leander Station, both of which offer incredible value in one of the most vibrant areas of Central Texas. Plus, the Leander Station MetroRail makes it easier than ever to commute to Austin.

Contact us today to learn more about living in areas with better Austin property tax rates. And while you’re researching the costs associated with buying a new home, why not check out our financial guide?

The post Your guide to property tax rates in and around Austin appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

Summerrow

Offering a prime location and some of MileStone’s most popular 1- and 2-story floorplans, Summerrow offers easy access to Downtown Austin from its cozy spot on Manchaca Road. An assortment of the city’s premiere shopping, dining and entertainment options are just down the road, from the hopping nightlife at Moontower Saloon to the classic Austin BBQ at Valentina’s.

Summerrow is located within the excellent Austin Independent School District and boasts a low tax rate and an incredibly easy commute. Nearby parks and green spaces like Bauerle Ranch Park are great places to go for a run, have a picnic or take the dog for a walk.

The homes at Summerrow feature contemporary designs with exquisite finishes. Floor plans range from 1,667 to 2,253 square feet, so there’s a perfect fit for families of every size. Plus, with all kinds of unique features and options to customize, you can really create a house that matches your unique style. Whether you’re looking for a home with a downstairs master bedroom, a second-floor game room or a spacious kitchen for entertaining, you’ll find it at Summerrow.

This boutique community with just over 100 home sites is likely to fill up quickly, so don’t delay! Make one of these beautiful Austin homes yours while you still can.

7300 South Congress

South Congress Ave.—mostly called SoCo in these parts—is a vibrant neighborhood south of Lady Bird Lake. It’s just as much a hip hangout for locals as it is a trendy tourist destination, and we couldn’t be happier to introduce our new 7300 South Congress community just a hop, skip and a jump away.

This new community truly offers among the best value in South Austin, with stylish, modern exterior designs; beautiful trees; spacious, open-concept floor plans; and an abundance of high-end amenities in every home. Plus, the location simply couldn’t be better if you want to be where the action is.

To get to Downtown Austin, all you have to do is hop on Interstate 35, which is just a few blocks away from 7300 South Congress. And for some of the best bars, restaurants and music venues in town, just stay on South Congress Ave. and head north. Here you’ll find some of our favorite Austin hangouts, including Torchy’s Tacos, Home Slice Pizza, the Continental Club and Magnolia Cafe.

Homes at 7300 South Congress will be available soon, but with just 50 sites, availability is limited. Be sure to stay tuned for updates, as this is one opportunity you do not want to miss out on!

South Austin homes are always in popular demand. If you’re looking to build your roots here, contact us today to learn more about the options at Summerrow and 7300 South Congress. In the market for something smaller than a home? Check out our luxury condos at 1306 West.

The post Explore these 2 new options if you want to live in South Austin appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

Found your dream home, made your down payment and have your keys in hand? That’s a major accomplishment, and congratulations are in order! Now comes the fun part: It’s time to really make that house a home by getting some furniture. Whether you’re seeking new, vintage, traditional or futuristic, here are some of the best furniture stores in Austin.

Crescent House Furniture 

11065 Pecan Park Blvd., Cedar Park, Texas

Cedar Park-based Crescent House Furniture is arguably the best place around to find new furniture with a rustic yet modern design—in other words, if you want furniture with that Texas Hill Country feel, look no further. And a word to the wise: CHF has a reputation for offering furniture at substantially lower prices than the competition.

Far Out Home Fittings

1500 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin, Texas

There are a lot of quality vintage furniture stores in Austin, but we simply can’t think of anything negative to say about Far Out Home Fittings. The staff at this eclectic furniture boutique is friendly and knowledgeable, and thanks to the ever-changing selection of unique offerings, you never know what you might find the next time you drop by.

Austin’s Furniture Outlet

909 N. Bell Blvd., Cedar Park, Texas

To call Austin’s Furniture Outlet huge is an understatement—sprawled across three buildings, it offers a wide-ranging selection from many of today’s top manufacturers. If you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for and want to see a lot of different options, then this is the place to go to.

Mockingbird Made

107 Ash St., Buda, Texas

Maybe your dream piece of furniture hasn’t been made yet—but the folks at this furniture design studio and workshop in Buda can take care of that for you! Mockingbird Made offers handmade, one-of-a-kind furnishings tailored to fit your needs by a team of talented craftspeople.

Vintage Fresh

12233 N. FM 620 #102, Austin, Texas

Seeking classic furniture with a modern twist? Vintage Fresh lives up to its name. It’s the brainchild of Leslie Blasig, who opened the store after discovering a passion for transforming old, overlooked furniture into something new and unique. If you can’t decide between modern and vintage, head to Vintage Fresh so you don’t have to!

Scott + Cooner

115 W. 8th St, Austin, Texas

This high-end Austin home gallery showcases contemporary and modern furniture, lighting and accessories unlike any you’ve ever seen. One thing’s for sure: The elegant and luxurious European-inspired furniture at Scott + Cooner is always cutting-edge.

Now you know about some of the best furniture stores in Austin, get ready to shop till you drop! If you’re looking for some design inspiration before you scour the stores, why not peruse our Pinterest boards?

The post Making a house a home: 6 local stores to help you furnish your new place appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.