Feb
13
2009
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Texas Cost Of Living

Texas Cost Of Living

Texas a.k.a the lone star state leads the nation in total productivity of beef, cotton and to no surprise oil. With more farmland than any other state in the union Texas is still one of the top in agriculture. Texas also being a leader in high technology and manufacturing makes it one of the most economically diverse places in the nation and one best places to seek work and boosts a second place ranking in the over all cost of living in the United States. It is obvious that Texas has a very huge and equally diverse job market but how does Texas stack up mortgage wise?I would say when comparing wage vs mortgage payment, Texas stacks up very well depending on where you choose to set up shop.

Whether you are looking for real estate in Austin, Houston, Dallas or San Antonio, the first thing to consider is this: Due to the excess of variable interest loans and the fact the many Americans are using their homes as credit cards the foreclosure rate nation wide will rise dramatically. The window is opening as we speak. Over the course of the next 2 to 3 years regular people like you and me will be able to purchase a home for 10% under market value. Imagine going out and buy a home and making 20 to 30 thousand dollars the day you step foot in your new home.Of course the hard part is where to look. Foreclosure listing are hard to find but not by any means impossible. Check Texas real estate listings online and talk with any financial institution. Declining home prices – Due to the macro sub-prime lending issues in the United States, Texas Real Estate prices are on the decline. This give you a wonderful opportunity to save even more. Sooner or later the market will bounce back earning you a hefty profit. So if you are looking for Texas land for sale there is plenty and the prices are looking to go down and stay there at least for now. Due to the macro sub-prime lending issues in the U.S. Texas real estate prices are on the decline. Whether you are looking in Houson, Dallas or Austin you will find more house for your money in Texas.

Texas ranks in the top 5 for most affordable real estate. Being able to find an affordable mortgage is one thing finding work to pay is another but not in Texas. The lone star state leads the nation in total productivity of beef, cotton and to no surprise oil. With more farmland than any other state in the union Texas is still one of the top in agriculture. Texas also being a leader in high technology and manufacturing makes it one of the most economically diverse places in the nation and one best places to seek work and boosts a second place ranking in the over all cost of living in the United States. Read more about Texas Cost Of Living

By: Joe Black-12284

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Joe black is an author and economist current researching the Cost Of Living In Texas View my Cost Of Living Index By State

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Written by admin in: San Antonio Land | Tags: , ,
Feb
06
2009
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Johnson City, Texas North of San Antonio

Johnson City, Texas

Johnson City is a Texas Hill Country town 48 miles west of Austin and 60 miles north of San Antonio. Johnson City is 25 miles south of the Highland Lakes community of Marble Falls and 30 miles east of Fredericksburg, so Johnson City is very centrally located and easily accessible from two large metropolitan areas, as well as numerous Hill Country resort destinations.

Johnson City was established on the site of the Johnson Ranch on Town Creek, and in 1879, three sites were considered for settling a community on the shores of the Pedernales River, one being the site of the Johnson Ranch. The site submitted by James Polk Johnson, a 320 acre plot of land owned by the Johnson Family, was chosen at the gathering and accepted by a vote of the first settlers during a celebration and meal held alongside the creek. James Polk Johnson was a nephew of Sam Ealy Johnson and Tom Johnson, both of whom had originally been cattlemen who drove herds on the Chisholm Trail until it became unprofitable, and Sam Ealy Johnson was Lyndon Baines Johnson’s grandfather as well.

James Polk Johnson was a natural organizer, and after changing from a ranching career to a career in business, his organizational talents served him and the community well. James Polk Johnson died prematurely at the age of forty in 1885, but prior to his death, he built a gristmill on the creek as well as a hotel, named the Pearl Hotel, and another project was under construction at the time of his demise which later became the Johnson City Bank.

There were a substantial number of farmers in the early days of Johnson City, most of which raised corn and cotton, and the mill continued operation until the 1970s, producing cotton after being bought by George Croft after James Polk Johnson’s death.

The population of Johnson City during the census of 2000 was just over 1990, and the city is the county seat of Blanco County. There are many schools, libraries, museums, and other attractions in Johnson City today, including the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and the Benini Foundation Galleries and Sculpture Ranch. In addition, there is a newly remodeled historical museum called the Captain Perry Texas Ranger Museum which was just reopened after extensive renovations. There is also an exotic animal zoo and refuge a few miles north of Johnson City on Highway 281, and the establishment on 137 wooded acres of land which include educational facilities, replete with lakes, hiking trails, and creeks, offers various school programs, petting zoos, guided tours, and luxury safari-style accommodations for visitors.

Pedernales Falls State Park with its 5,212 acres of woodlands, waterfalls, campsites, shorelines and water sports opportunities is also very accessible, and is just a few miles east of the city, as well as Reimer’s Ranch, a pristine nature preserve on the shores of the Pedernales, which offers 2,427 acres of recreational facilities and parklands, and is one of the largest nature preserves in Texas.

Some of the accommodations for visitors to the town include Chantilly Lace Bed and Breakfast and Country Cabins Bed and Breakfast, and a few notable restaurants and bars include the Friendly Bar Bistro and the Armadillo Icehouse, as well as the El Rancho Mexican Restaurant, among others.

Johnson City is centrally located and offers so many scenic recreational as well as historic attractions that it is a must-see for visitors to central Texas and the Hill Country, and considering its proximity to Austin, it is well worth the drive, so be sure to visit this jewel of central Texas when planning a day trip to the Hill Country!

By: Dane Smith

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Escapeso Realty is a group of central Texas realtors. Their site has a search for Austin homes along with general statistics on the Austin real estate market. Their site also provides information on current mortgage rates.

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Written by admin in: Texas Hill Country | Tags: , ,
Feb
05
2009
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Wimberley in Texas Hill Country

Central Texas Profiles : Wimberley, Texas

Just north of San Marcos, on R.M. 12 sits the beautiful picturesque little village of Wimberley, Texas. With a population just over 5,000 this little village is the perfect spot to retire or visit.

Wimberley is an old town, established in the 1800’s and has lots of interesting history. Wimberley is also known as a resort village, with many bed and breakfast cottages over looking the beautiful hill country.

One of the most popular spots to visit in Wimberley is Pioneer Town. A century ago this little town was booming with business. It was truly a wild west little town, complete with gun fights, saloons. The only way out of town back then was either on horseback or the railroad.

Not much has changed since the 1800’s; visitors can still visit the little town and experience how the old cowboys lived way back then. The streets are lined with old buildings, complete with hitching posts. Visitors can experience the old west. The General Store Museum is a popular spot; visitors can see items used by the old settlers.

Pioneer Town also has an old print shop where visitors can stop in and have a wanted poster printed with their name on it. It is truly a unique town, and worth visiting.

Pioneer Town also has what is known as a "Bottle House." It was designed after buildings that were known to exist in the old west. These buildings were made out of old beer and champagne bottles from the local saloons. Pioneer Town’s version uses old soft drink bottles instead; almost 10,000! Most of the bottles are a beautiful emerald color, and is a spectacular site to see when it is all lit up at night! This awesome building is also the only "bottle house" in the nation!

Pioneer Town is only open on the weekends until the summer months, when it really gets booming! The best way to see this beautiful little town is by the Pioneer and Pacific Railroad. This narrow railway winds along one mile of the Wimberley Valley. For the "real" cowboys, you can arrange a trail ride and hop onto a horse and experience it like they did over a century ago.

If Pioneer Town sounds like a place you would like to visit, you can contact the Pioneer Town 7A Resort at 512-847-2517.

Another place to visit in Wimberley is the Wimberley Lavender Farm.
Located between Wimberley and Blanco on FM 2325 on a hilltop, this farm is something you don’t want to pass up.

The lavender blooms between May and August, and you can visit and cut your own lavender. They are only open during the blooming season, beginning in May; however, they take orders for soap, candles and lotion. You can even buy your own 4 inch lavender plant to take home for planting on April 1st.

The Lavender Farm is a beautiful place to plan weddings and other special occasions. Make sure you add Wimberley to your "To Do" list!

By: Dane Smith

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Ki works, and lives, in Austin, Texas. He maintains a website to search Austin Texas real estate. The site offers free and exhaustive information on Austin homes along with information about Wimberley real estate.

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Written by admin in: Texas Hill Country | Tags: , , ,
Feb
04
2009
0

Information on Living in San Marcos, Texas

Central Texas Profiles : San Marcos, Texas

San Marcos is known as the "gateway to the hill country." It is a beautiful community that has a lot to offer its visitors as well as its residents. Located on Interstate 35 just about an hour south of Austin, San Marcos is easily accessed.

San Marcos is the home of Texas State University, which was formally know as Southwest Texas State University. The university has grown from 303 students in 1903 to a whopping 29,105 students in 2008.

Higher education is not the only thing San Marcos has to offer. The city is also known for the outlet mall. Shoppers can visit Prime Outlets. A shopping destination that has been named the 3rd most visited tourist attraction in Texas and the outlets also ranked as the 3rd best place to shop in the world, and it is all right here, in San Marcos, Texas! If you would like to visit the Prime Outlets, they are located at 3939 IH-35 South # 900. You can call them at 512-396-2200 for more information.

Just down the road at 4015 IH-35 South, is another hot spot for shopping. Tanger Outlets Center is another hot spot for shoppers. They have a variety of outlets stores available for shoppers as well. For more information give them a call at 512-396-7446.

San Marcos isn’t just about shopping; they also have Aquarena Springs, home of the famous glass bottom boats! You can take a ride on the glass bottom boats and see the second largest spring system in Texas. They have tours available for individuals as well as groups. If you need more information on the Aquarena center, you can call them at 512-245-7540.

San Marcos has much more to offer, such as the San Marcos River! It is not just any river, this one is meant for recreation and at a constant 72 degrees, the river is appealing any time of the year! The most popular thing to do is tubing. It is a safe and friendly environment with beautiful surroundings. For information on tubing the San Marcos River, call them at 512-396-5466.

San Marcos is not only a great place to visit, but is a wonderful place to live, with a population just over 50,000, the city has many amenities for its residents. Nestled half way between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos is the county seat for Hays County, and has a strong economy. For residents who travel, San Marcos has San Marcos Municipal Airport. Austin- Bergstrom International Airport is only 30 miles north and San Antonio National Airport is 45 miles south, giving residents and visitors easy access for busy schedules.

Next time you are heading towards San Marcos, take the time to visit some of the natural wonders of the city, or visit the outlet malls. San Marcos is a very inviting city with lots to offer. Be sure to take the time to visit the historical district as well.

For more information on San Marcos, contact the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce at 512-393-5900.

By: Dane Smith

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Ki works in Central Austin. His website distributes free information on Austin real estate to potential buyers. It also has a search of the Austin MLS along with statistics on San Marcos real estate.

Realtor board makes ’shocking’ announcement : Newstreamz San Marcos

Texas REALTORS® have launched a public awareness campaign to share facts like these.

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Written by admin in: Texas Hill Country | Tags: , ,
Land for Sale in San Antonio Texas (TX)