My Favorite Things - Part One

Often when I meet clients who are new to Austin we spend at least part of the day driving around to get a feel for the city. They ask me for a "tour" and want to know my favorite places, things to do, etc.

The tour is easy, my favorite things are a challenge, there are so many! Do they want to know my favorite places to eat? shop? my favorite art venues? sports teams? What about parks? hiking? biking? So to bring an end to a decade and welcome in the next I have decided to tackle a few of my favorite things each month and paint a picture of my favorite city, Austin. Here goes...

As anyone who is familiar with life in Texas knows, football is like a religion. We eat, drink and breathe the game at all levels. Football begins in school in the seventh grade, (flag & pop warner are earlier). But it really takes hold in high school. Fridays in the fall consist of pep rallys, tailgating and games. Stadiums are packed throughout the State and Austin is no exception. Many of the teams in Central Texas go to State playoffs and my "home" team is no exception.

I live in the Eanes school district---home of the Westlake Chaparrals. The Chaps are a 5A school and consistently compete for a State Title. Once the regular season has ended "Going to State" means playing football every weekend (hopefully) until just before Christmas. This year the Chaps made it all the way to the final game, playing December 19th at the Alamo Bowl. They have played there so often it's like a second home field. Unfortunately they lost, in OT to Euless, a team outside of Dallas.

One of the things that makes Friday nights so much fun is the community involvement. Everyone gets behind the team (and the band, and the hyline, and the cheerleaders, and the technical crew....) Red & blue bows are tied on trees, antennas and even the stop signs. The local businesses post messages on the signs outside their doors and local nursery, Pots and Plants, lets the parents paint its trademark flamingos Chaparral blue and red.

And then there is college football, and the University of Texas, down the road a few short miles. Friday night colors change to burnt orange on Saturday mornings as the locals cheer their Longhorns to victory (and the National Championship game at the Rose Bowl on January 7th).

Living in Eanes is like living in a small town with all the amenities of the big city. Neighbors know each other, local businesses remember your name and the schools bring the community together. It's a wonderful place to raise children. I have a son and a daughter who went through Eanes Elementary, Hill Country Middle School and graduated from Westlake High School. They left the state for college, but still enjoy coming home and seeing their friends, many whom they have known their entire life.

There are many different neighborhoods in Eanes, something for everyone. Small homes, large homes, condos, old or new they all have their own hill country personality. And there are many similar communities in the Austin area. All with their own neighborhood identities. So if you or someone you know is looking to make a move, please think of me first, I would like to be your agent.