When asked what continues to attract buyers to the master-planned community of Circle C Ranch after nearly 20 years of existence, Keller Williams Realtor Kevin Scanlan narrows it down to three things: location, affordability and community.
With an idyllic southwest Austin location, between the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center and the Circle C Golf Course, Circle C Ranch offers its residents Hill Country beauty and commuter convenience.
"It's about 20 minutes from downtown," says Scanlan. "It's fairly convenient for folks who work there."
Circle C also counts Davis Lane to the north and FM 1826 to the west among its boundaries.
Prices in Circle C, which Scanlan says range from the $180s to the low $500s, entice a diverse group of buyers to this established community and encourage them to stay. Many buyers have moved up and moved down in home style as their needs have changed.
"Because of the wide price range, you see everything from first-time home buyers to larger families," Scanlan says, noting that Circle C is home to many empty nesters, retirees and single buyers, as well.
The median price for homes in Circle C hovers in the $250s, with a price-per-square-foot range of about $75 to $145 feet, Scanlan adds. Homes measure anywhere from 1,500 to 4,500 square feet and four bedrooms with 2.5 baths is the norm. In addition, new homes are being built by a number of builders, including Newmark, D.R. Horton, Streetman and more.
In addition to the wildflower center and the golf course, Circle C fosters a sense of community with its numerous amenities. The Circle C Swim Center is home to the only heated, outdoor, Olympic-sized pool in Central Texas, says Scanlan. With its park-like grounds and well-equipped facilities, the swim center is the site of a number of major swim meets and offers residents a great place to relax. The Veloway, a three-mile track for bicycling and rollerblading, will be extended an additional three miles in the near future. The Circle C Child Care Center and Slaughter Creek Park are additional community amenities that help make Circle C a well-regarded community.
"Circle C has never really been about a country-club atmosphere, but it does have all the same amenities," Scanlan adds.
Children in Circle C attend the on-site elementary school Kiker Elementary, as well as Bailey Middle and Bowie High schools. The tax rate is approximately 2.675 percent.
So what does the future hold for Circle C Ranch? Scanlan believes the community trend is moving toward higher-end homes. He notes that one of the newest neighborhoods, The Hielscher, features home prices that start in the $400s. A new section of golf course homes is scheduled to open in the near future, and Scanlan believes they will be priced in the $600s to $700s.
"You'll really have a nice, wide range of homes in one community," he notes of the addition of homes in the upper-end of the price scale.
Though Circle C has grown in scale and popularity since it was founded in 1988, fortunately for home buyers, some things haven't changed.
"The concept of Circle C has remained a constant: a well-maintained, safe, family-friendly neighborhood," Scanlan says.
Schools Kiker Elementary Bailey Middle School Bowie High School
Amenities Circle C Ranch Lady Bird Wildflower Center Circle C Golf Course Circle C Swim Center Veloway Slaughter Creek Park
Resources Search articles mentioning
Circle C in the Austin
American-Statesman's archives.
Find area restaurants on Austin360
A safe, family-friendly neighborhood, Circle C has many amenities including the Lady Bird Wildflower Center, the Circle C Golf Course and Swim Center and the Veloway. There are also a wide range of homes in this one community and is home to many empty nesters, retirees and single buyers.
Shady Hollow
By Jackie Potts
On a summer afternoon in Shady Hollow you can find children playing basketball in their nicely landscaped front yard or an elderly man taking his dogs for a walk. Debbie Peterson and her family have lived in South Austin since 1981. They decided to move into a neighborhood close to good schools, with large trees and a "small-town feel to it." They found all this in Shady Hollow.
"I love Shady Hollow," said Peterson, treasurer of the long established Shady Hollow Homeowners Association board. "We've got great neighbors, a good swim team and lots of opportunities for people to get involved in activities throughout the year." Residents can stay involved in their neighborhood by reading their monthly issue of the Shady Hollow Highlights. The June 2004 six page newsletter includes short articles of volunteer projects preformed by Boy and Girl Scouts in the neighborhood, services that area residents provide the community, advertisements of nearby businesses, and upcoming events.
Shady Hollow is in Southern Travis County and straddles Brodie Lane. El Dorado Trail marks the southern border, Squirrel Hollow is the northern border and Doe Run marks the eastern border. The west side of the subdivision borders on Lost Oasis Hollow.
Alice Niven with JB Goodwin Realtors said Shady Hollow is an established neighborhood built in the early 1980s that remains popular because of its large front and back yards, huge shady trees and proximity to good schools and Austin's metropolitan area.
"It's a good, family neighborhood," said Niven, who has sold homes in the neighborhood since 1986. "It sells well because of the schools - especially Bowie, which is a Blue Ribbon School." Students in Shady Hollow attend the new Baranoff Elementary School, Bailey Middle School and Bowie High School.
Some of the older homes are on larger lots ranging from 125 feet by 175 feet to 205 feet by 202 feet. The rest of the homes are on lots about 60 feet by 125 feet. Prices on homes in Shady Hollow can range from $170,000 to $370,000.
Most homes have three or four bedrooms, although some have five bedrooms. Most have two or three bathrooms. They mainly have his and hers walk-in closets, skylights and baths with cultured marble. Kitchens have Formica or tile. Most homes have two living areas, although a few have as many as four living areas. Shady Hollow is only expanding with new homes being built in the quiet family neighborhood as well.
Peterson said the community center and pool are the focal point of the neighborhood. Many youngsters are on the neighborhood swim team. The community center is also the gathering point for events such as the 4th of July parade, the Memorial Day celebration, Easter egg hunt, scouting and Fall Fajita Fest.
"Neighbors are great," Peterson said. "They are willing to get involved in events and help you out. It really feels like a community." Peterson, who has children in Bowie and Bailey, said the nearby schools also help foster that sense of community. "When you go to open house at school, you see people you know who are your neighbors," she said.
Peterson said neighbors are also good about attending neighborhood association meetings and learning about issues affecting Shady Hollow. The issues of rodent and vector control in the neighborhood are current issues of concern. Brodie Lane is the only major artery into Shady Hollow. Motorists can get to MoPac Boulevard or Interstate 35 via Slaughter Lane. Or they can drive farther north on Brodie to reach William Cannon Drive or U.S. 290/Texas 71.
Schools Austin Independent School District Baranoff Elementary School Bailey Middle School Bowie High School
Amenities Circle C Metropolitan Park
Resources Search articles mentioning
Shady Hollow in the Austin
American-Statesman's archives.
Find area restaurants on Austin360
Zone: South/Southwest
MLS Area: SW
Zip Code(s): 78749,78739, 78748
Zip Code 78748 (primary)
Demographic Profile
Population:
28,826
Avg HH Size:
2.74
Median HH Income:
$64,911
Median Age
34.2
% Married:
63%
% of HHs with Children:
42%
% with College Degree:
35%
% Owner Occupied Housing
75%
Median Yr Dwelling was Built
1989
Source: Claritas 2006
Demographic profiles for other zip codes:
78749 78739
The community center and pool are the focal point of the neighborhood. Many youngsters are on the neighborhood swim team. The community center is also the gathering point for events such as the 4th of July parade, the Memorial Day celebration, Easter egg hunt, scouting and Fall Fajita Fest.
Wimberley
With its location in the heart of the fabled Texas Hill Country, Wimberley is an obvious choice for those who want to make paradise their home. Designated by Travel Holiday Magazine as one of "America's Ten Best Small Towns," Wimberley's deep roots hearken back to a time when life moved at a slower pace and neighbors knew neighbors - a place where old-fashioned "Texas Friendly" is a lifestyle.
"Wimberley is an oasis," says Jim Henderson of Jim Henderson Real Estate. "We manage to maintain a quaintness that everyone loves."
Located in Hays County just off RM 12, Wimberley is within easy access of San Marcos and is only a short 50-minute commute from downtown Austin. With a population that tops out at more than 4,000, the beauty and peaceful lifestyle here is viewed by all as the area's main attraction. "Here we still have small town living," says Henderson. "People in other places forget what it is to have clean air and clean water. Our sky at night is filled with stars, and some people don't have that anymore in the big cities where they live.
"A lot of people choose Wimberley as their home, and they feel safe here," explains Henderson. "People from all over Texas hear about us, come here, and fall in love. They may decide to purchase a second home or buy a retirement home here."
But while Wimberley is popular with the empty-nester set, don't forget its appeal with families says Henderson's wife, Jean, who has lived in Wimberley since 1971. "We have excellent schools here, and Wimberley is a great place to raise a family. Wimberley ISD is a AAA school district and we have won multiple state championships in football and volleyball competitions."
The Hendersons say that just because life here might be slower, there's no reason to assume the living here is dull. During the summer, residents can take advantage of the many local swimming holes such as Blue Hole. "Wimberley is situated at the confluence of the Blanco River and Cypress Creek, so there's a lot of water to enjoy, and the most valuable property here is waterfront property," says Henderson. "Outdoor enthusiasts find the place lively with native Texas wildlife such as white-tailed deer, songbirds and the more than occasional armadillo."
Wimberley is home to a thriving arts community, from musicians and visual artists to artisans working in pottery, metal arts and more who find Wimberley's beautiful setting the perfect inspiration to fire their creativity. The Wimberley Valley Art League is a collection of nationally and internationally known artists representing a number of artistic genres.
Wimberley hosts several music festivals throughout the year, including the Annual Wimberley Gospel Music Festival in the fall and the Annual Wimberley Winter Jazz Festival every February. And residents know to look forward to the last Saturday of April, when the town's own Cypress Creek Café sponsors its annual Crawfish Festival.
Those who love the performing arts will love the EmilyAnn Theatre, an outdoor venue hosting events year round, and known for its annual summer event, Shakespeare Under the Stars. The EmilyAnn Theatre also hosts the Spring Fling Butterfly Festival which includes butterfly releases, butterfly art, live music and more.
Another fun summer pastime celebrating Wimberley's unique take on life is the Corral Theatre, an "outdoor walk-in" theatre at Rocky River Ranch, where moviegoers can see first-run movies from Memorial Day to Labor Day while sitting in the comfort of lawn chairs under the stars. "It's totally open like the old drive-in theaters," says Henderson, "and it's really a lot of fun. We like to say that you can see the stars under the stars. It's just one of the many things we do here that creates a special, magical atmosphere that you just can't find anywhere else."
he median price for homes in Circle C hovers in the $250s, with a price-per-square-foot range of about $75 to $145 feet, Scanlan adds. Homes measure anywhere from 1,500 to 4,500 square feet and four bedrooms with 2.5 baths is the norm. In addition, new homes are being 
Circle C has never really been about a country-club atmosphere, but it does have all the same amenities," Scanlan adds.
lice Niven with JB Goodwin Realtors said Shady Hollow is an established neighborhood built in the early 1980s that remains popular because of its large front and back yards, huge shady trees and proximity to good schools and Austin's metropolitan area.
ome of the older homes are on larger lots ranging from 125 feet by 175 feet to 205 feet by 202 feet. The rest of the homes are on lots about 60 feet by 125 feet. Prices on homes in Shady Hollow can range from $170,000 to $370,000.
eterson said the community center and pool are the focal point of the neighborhood. Many youngsters are on the neighborhood swim team. The community center is also the gathering point for events such as the 4th 
imberley
he Hendersons say that just because life here might be slower, there's no reason to assume the living here is dull. During the summer, residents can take advantage of the many local swimming holes such as Blue Hole. "Wimberley is situated at the confluence of the Blanco River and Cypress Creek, so there's a lot of water to enjoy, and the most valuable property here is waterfront property," says Henderson. "Outdoor enthusiasts find the place lively with native Texas wildlife such as white-tailed deer, songbirds and the more than occasional armadillo."
hose who love the performing arts will love the EmilyAnn Theatre, an outdoor venue hosting events year round, and known for its annual summer event, Shakespeare Under the Stars. The EmilyAnn Theatre also hosts the Spring Fling Butterfly Festival which includes butterfly releases, butterfly art, live music and more.