master planned communities? (Austin, Spring, Post: hair salon, real estate, lease)

[abby1703]

I searched back a few pages and didn't find this question asked, but feel free to direct me to an older thread if this question has recently been answered!

We're selling our current home in Austin and are wanting to lease in a master planned community. We know about Steiner Ranch and Circle C. Are there others we are forgetting about? We want great amenities (pool, parks, greenbelts), good schools, and to be west of Mopac. My husband works far north so we would like to be north but south is fine as long as it's southwest.

Thanks so much for any input!

[oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots]

Use the search feature in the blue bar using Circle C or whatever else you're looking for and I think you'll have some luck. It's between New Posts and Quick Links. From my experience this search engine does work.

[CATXTransplant]

Belterra is also a MPC, it's near the Y on 71. Avery Ranch is also a good option up North. I believe Teravista is also considered a Master planned Commiunity, however, I feel that Steiner Ranch, Avery Ranch, and Circle C have the most to offer - more things within the neighborhood - restaurants, retail, schools, etc..

[iceshots]

You also have HighPointe in Dripping Springs. Just past Belterra.

[TexasHorseLady]

Either Belterra or HighPointe would be quite the commute to far north. Avery Ranch is a good suggestion. Ranch at Cypress Creek would be another possibility for someone working north. Park, pool, shopping very close.

What's your price range? What kind of house are you looking for? Size, number of bedrooms, style?

[mimimomx3]

Jester is really beautiful (2222 and 360), as is River Place (2222 and 620). Those are north and very pretty.

[CATXTransplant]

I don't really consider Jester or River Place to be Master Planned Communities, but then again, I see a lot of neighborhoods bill themselves as a "Master Planned Community" when I don't see them as anything more than a neighborhood. Is there an official set of criteria? I have seen signs in Steiner and Avery Ranch billing them as "The Best MPC of 2008...etc.." so if someone is judging them, there must be. To me, it would need to have retail, amenities, and a school to be a master planned community. Anyone else have any input on this? What I love about Steiner is that you don't have to leave the neighborhood for much. We have several restaurants (bistro, thai, pizza, deli, steakhouse), 2 nail salons, 2 dentists, a primary care doctor, 2 preschools, an orthodontist, a market, 2 martial arts studios, a music lesson place, 2 dry cleaners, 2 nail salons, a hair salon, a wine bar, a liquor store, a Pak Mail, 2 day spas, a gas station, an Edward Jones, and an awesome neighborhood coffe/ice cream shop, and more all within the neighbohood. We also have 2 (soon to be 3) elementary schools and a middle school on site. It feels like a small town.

And, for the OP, we have 20 miles of hike and bike trails, lake access, 3 community centers with 7 pools, tennis courts, fantastic views, neighborhood sports IN the neighborhood for kids and adults, a swim team, and lots of neighborhood events and activities. For examples of the activities (like free yoga, seminars, Holiday events), check out the HOA website and www.SteinerRanchHOA.org.

I know I may seem a little biased because I live here, but as a Realtor, I have seen every neighborhood out there and still love it! It's not for everyone, but we are so thankful to have found it!

[mimimomx3]

Originally Posted by CATXTransplant

I don't really consider Jester or River Place to be Master Planned Communities, but then again, I see a lot of neighborhoods bill themselves as a "Master Planned Community" when I don't see them as anything more than a neighborhood. Is there an official set of criteria? I have seen signs in Steiner and Avery Ranch billing them as "The Best MPC of 2008...etc.." so if someone is judging them, there must be. To me, it would need to have retail, amenities, and a school to be a master planned community. Anyone else have any input on this? What I love about Steiner is that you don't have to leave the neighborhood for much. We have several restaurants (bistro, thai, pizza, deli, steakhouse), 2 nail salons, 2 dentists, a primary care doctor, 2 preschools, an orthodontist, a market, 2 martial arts studios, a music lesson place, 2 dry cleaners, 2 nail salons, a hair salon, a wine bar, a liquor store, a Pak Mail, 2 day spas, a gas station, an Edward Jones, and an awesome neighborhood coffe/ice cream shop, and more all within the neighbohood. We also have 2 (soon to be 3) elementary schools and a middle school on site. It feels like a small town.

And, for the OP, we have 20 miles of hike and bike trails, lake access, 3 community centers with 7 pools, tennis courts, fantastic views, neighborhood sports IN the neighborhood for kids and adults, a swim team, and lots of neighborhood events and activities. For examples of the activities (like free yoga, seminars, Holiday events), check out the HOA website and www.SteinerRanchHOA.org.

I know I may seem a little biased because I live here, but as a Realtor, I have seen every neighborhood out there and still love it! It's not for everyone, but we are so thankful to have found it!

Well, I don't live in anything close to a 'master planned community' (for a reason!) but what that means to me is that the neighborhood is planned for certain boundaries, has a HOA that enforces the 'look' of the neighborhood, has a community pool or gathering area, and has a name. I don't see any difference between River Place, Jester and Steiner...they all have little strip shops that serve the communities, are set aside, have an HOA, pools (nice ones at that!). Is it a snobbish thing??

[10scoachrick]

To quote the "Texas Real Estate Guide":
[SIZE=2]Master Planned Communities are large new home communities that typically feature community entries, parks, recreational areas, schools and community shopping. Within a planned community there are smaller communities offering a variety of home styles and price levels to choose from.

Pretty loose definition but gets the idea across. Not a legal term, I gather.

Y'all come on out to Avery Ranch and save on the commute
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[CATXTransplant]

Minimom - What you are describing is almost any neighborhood in town. River Place and Jester do not have retail within the neighborhood - just nearby. Why would you call someone a snob just because they love where they live? To each his own, I say.