Get to Know Your Neighbors in These 5 Austin Communities
Among the hip, urban regions of other cities, Austin now holds a prime hall-of-fame spot for its independent spirit. And while Central Texas locals appreciate the rejuvenated pride in the capital city, many native Texans want to live in an environment that fosters pleasant neighborly interactions and a strong sense of community. If you count yourself among that number, a master-planned community (also known as an MPC) might be the right move for you. These housing developments feature plenty of amenities designed to bring residents closer together. To help you with your search, we’ve found five MPCs in the Austin area combining urban convenience with small-town camaraderie and desirable amenities.
Steiner Ranch
Like many other MPCs nationwide, Steiner Ranch ultimately grew large enough to incorporate as its own town. Unlike many other MPCs, Steiner Ranch can be found within official Austin city limits, at the northwest corner of town. Steiner Ranch’s property spans about 4,600 acres, and the space is deliberately arranged to encourage communication and relationship-building between neighbors. Residents can participate in a wide range of activities supported by the MPC, like the neighborhood association, multi-level swim and bike teams, and summer camps for young members of the community.
Belterra
Wedged between Austin proper and the Texas Hill Country, Belterra seeks to merge urban life with a strong commitment to the outdoors. To help promote this goal, this MPC employs a dedicated lifestyle director whose job entails planning unifying activities and making Belterra as enjoyable as possible for all residents. From book clubs and intramural sports leagues to yoga groups and outdoor film screenings, Belterra is full of activities and recreation. The compound’s significant square footage includes swimming pools, parks, hiking trails, a rec center, and a lawn specially designed for outdoor events.
Travisso
Travisso, an MPC located within the Hill Country town of Leander, takes enormous pride in its amenities, especially its Palazzo Clubhouse, which earned the Texas Association of Builders’ 2017 Best Community Clubhouse award. Travisso residents can use this space for both indoor and outdoor activities like fitness classes, swimming at the adjacent pool area, splashing with the kids in the water play area, playing sports at the attached athletic fields, or lounging and picnicking on the green parkland. Like Belterra, Travisso has a full-time lifestyle director, ensuring that residents have opportunities to meet their neighbors.
Rough Hollow
Right next door to Steiner Ranch in the Hill Country town of Lakeway, Rough Hollow really facilitates the active lifestyle of its residents. Because the MPC is positioned directly on the shores of Lake Travis, the community touts many aquatic activities planned by Rough Hollow’s lifestyle director, like kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating at the Yacht Club and Marina. The lake serves as a centerpoint for the bulk of Rough Hollow’s events, and residents are encouraged to take complimentary fitness classes, sign their kids up for Rough Hollow-operated summer camps, try a tasting flight at the Wine Club, or participate in special events like luaus and holiday parties.
ShadowGlen
ShadowGlen,an MPC about 15 minutes northeast of Austin, calls the town of Manor its home. It seeks to attract high-tech industry figures, who comprise a large portion of Manor’s workforce. With polished and energy-efficient homes, a convivial small-town environment, and plenty of community-inspiring amenities, ShadowGlen harbors a thriving group of residents. Like the programs available at Belterra and Travisso, ShadowGlen’s amenities largely relate to physical fitness and recreational sports. The MPC also has a golf course onsite, a large rec center with classes, a water park for the kids, and a network of trails perfect for organized group hikes.