Months of staying home, coupled with current low interest rates, have firmed up your decision to buy a new home. But where? The bigger question might be whether you’re content with simply buying a house, or whether you want to invest in a home in a master-planned community where you and your family can thrive.
A master-planned community isn’t just a series of streets and houses. Rather, it’s a meticulously thought-out collection of homes built by carefully selected homebuilders; amenities that encourage leisure activity; and convenient retail, schools, places of worship and so much more. In short, a master-planned community functions as a hometown — your hometown. Here are four reasons to consider purchasing your new home in one of the master-planned communities Empire builds in here in Texas.
Outdoor Recreation
These days, many people are turning to the great outdoors for relaxation and entertainment, and the family Fido has never been happier as long walks have become part of a daily routine. Trails and often lakes stocked with fish can be found in master-planned communities. What’s more is that many boast amenities granted by Mother Nature, such as frontage along the Blanco River in Blanco Vista, located in San Marcos. Lakeside at Lake Georgetown, located in Georgetown, has a series of hiking trails that will connect you to the lake when complete. Boating and fishing are just outside your door.
Planned Amenities
Another bonus of master-planned community-living is their array of planned amenities. Clubhouses worthy of an upscale country club, fitness centers that will make you want to your gym membership, playgrounds to keep the kids happy and resort-like pools to escape Texas summer heat are all hallmarks of some of the best master-planned communities in the state.
And pools don’t get much better than in Balmoral in Humble, home to Texas’ first Crystal Lagoons amenity. The two-acre lagoon is filled with shimmering blue water and surrounded by white-sand beaches. It’s your escape to paradise without boarding a plane. And perhaps the only pool that could top Balmoral’s lagoon is the 12-acre crystal clear lagoon in sister community Lago Mar, located in Texas City.
Connection with Others
Having access to world-class amenities spells fun for families, but many master-planned communities make it possible for you to meet neighbors and form lasting friendships. How? Lifestyle directors. Santa Rita Ranch in Liberty Hill and Woodforest in Montgomery are two communities that place a priority on helping neighbors connect with one another. Their “Directors of Fun” plan a variety of engaging events, facilitate community clubs for like-minded residents and are a point-of-contact for homeowners. In a typical year, these Directors of Fun plan 75+ events; even during the pandemic, residents have enjoyed a host of virtual and socially distanced events from the comfort of their community.
Location
Master-planned communities are surprisingly well-located. Although typically found away from city centers, most are located minutes from major thoroughfares allowing you to enjoy the advantages of living in a city like Houston, Austin or San Antonio while having a peaceful oasis to return home to. Some master-planned communities — such as Cibolo Canyons in San Antonio — are near popular shopping and entertainment destinations. And the growing number of rooftops often found in master-planned communities bring a wealth of nearby conveniences such as grocery stores, dry cleaners, medical offices and more.
So, what’s in your future? A house or a home and hometown?