Central allandale By Jackie Potts

Forest Creek

When Chris Couture, the current president of the Forest Creek Homeowner's Association, decided to move with his family to Forest Creek in 1997, he recalls that one of the things that attracted him to the neighborhood was its relative isolation. "There was only one Dell building at the time. The Wal-Mart had just been built," says Couture. "You used to be able to exit the freeway and go all the way to Forest Creek in seven minutes - only three stop signs, no lights."

These days, Forest Creek isn't quite as remote as it used to be. Situated in Round Rock, west of County Road 122 and a few miles east of Interstate 35, Forest Creek is bounded by Gattis School Road to the south. U.S. 79 is north of the community by only a few minutes. The upscale community is close enough to Round Rock to be convenient, yet far enough away to maintain its own identity.

A large part of Forest Creek's identity can be found in the Forest Creek Golf Club. The par 72, 7,147-yard golf course is the centerpiece of the community. Debbie Kelsey, a Realtor with Re/Max Round Rock, notes that the course has been "nationally recognized as one of the finest public golf courses in Texas." For the avid golfer, there are a total of three public courses within seven miles of the community.

Another feature that helps define the community is the on-site school, Forest Creek Elementary, which maintains an exemplary rating. Along with the golf course, Couture believes that the elementary school is a big draw for newcomers. The school undoubtedly plays a major role in the abundance of families with young children. As a parent, Couture recalls that Forest Creek Elementary, and the favorable reputation of the Round Rock school district, were considerable factors in his decision. Ridgeview Middle School and Stoney Point High School are the other nearby schools that serve Forest Creek.

As a growing community, Forest Creek is home to new construction as well as resale homes with a variety of price points. A number of builders are active in Forest Creek, including Toll Brothers, Clark Wilson and Ryland Homes. According to Kelsey, prices of closed sales in 2003 ranged from $143,500 to $575,000. Homes sold ranged from a two-bedroom townhouse measuring 1,265 square feet to a sprawling six-bedroom, single-family home measuring 5,000 square feet. The tax rate for the area is 2.7233 percent.

As Round Rock has grown, it has brought a wealth of recreation and shopping options to the residents of Forest Creek. Kelsey calls the area surrounding Forest Creek a "shopper's paradise." The La Frontera shopping center is within shouting distance and offers numerous places to have a meal, spend a few dollars or spend some time. In addition to shopping and dining, Round Rock is home to the minor-league baseball team, the Round Rock Express, at the nearby Dell Diamond. Dell Computer and a host of high-tech employers are close by.

As an established resident, Couture laments the traffic snarls that the rapid growth has caused, but he realizes that Forest Creek's location is a big part of its allure. "The fact that the neighborhood is away from the city center gives it a unique sense of togetherness," says Couture. "We are our own community."

With its mature trees, numerous amenities and idyllic setting, Forest Creek makes a great place to call home. "Forest Creek is a great community to raise your family," says Kelsey. "It's quiet, friendly and, most of all, inviting."

Schools Round Rock Independent School District Forest Creek Elementary Ridgeview Middle School Stony Point High School

Amenities Forest Creek Golf Course Round Rock Express

Resources Search articles mentioning Forest Creek in the Austin American-Statesman's archives. Find area restaurants on Austin360

Zone: North

Zip Code 78664

Forest Creek Golf Course is a par 72, 7,147 yard golf course which has been nationally recognized as one of the finest public golf courses in Central Texas. Other amenities include a snack bar/cafe, a three-tiered practice range, putting green, and a short game area.