Some choices are easy. If you’re looking to relocate soon for job, recreational, or other purposes, here are three reasons to consider making Texas your permanent home.

The economy: Let’s starts with the Texas economy, because if the economic situation is dire, it doesn’t necessarily matter what else a state has to offer. Simply put, the Texas economy is one of the largest and most rapidly growing in the U.S. As of 2011, Texas trails only New York and California in the number of Fortune 500 companies that call the state home. Further bolstering the economic forecast is that the state is the largest exporter of goods in the United States, bringing in around $100 billion. An additional bonus is affordable Texas living. The cost of living in Texas, from utilities to food to taxes you owe, almost always falls below the national average. Economically, you can’t find a better place than Texas to call home.

The amenities: Whatever you want to do, you can do it in Texas. You can shop at the famed San Antonio River Walk, ice skate in one of the many gallerias, listen to live music in Austin, and sample wine at a Hill Country vineyard. Texas has it all. If you’re drawn to big city living, Texas is home to several major metropolitan areas. Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and Houston draw thousands each year seeking job opportunities, a lively nightlife, and a host of big-city amenities. If you’re looking to retire away from the city noise, or move your kids where they have more room to roam, there is ample *land for sale in many smaller, quieter Texas towns that take pride in maintaining their small-town charm.

The land: Texas is a geographic wonder. Within the state, there are rivers, deserts, plains, natural rock formations and caverns, and the famous Texas Hill Country that continues to be a draw. Not only is there a variety of land in Texas, there is simply so much of it. Texas is the second-largest U.S. state, behind only Alaska.

Let Texas Homesites show you land for sale in Texas. Begin custom building a home in one Texas’ most renowned areas, the beautiful Hill Country. Land is available is master planned communities and golfing communities in Texas. For more information on how to claim a piece of Texas for yourself, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

It’s no secret that College Station, Texas is a wonderful place to live. Just ask anyone with a College Station address. Here are a few of the benefits of calling College Station home.

Cost of living: In this poor economy, cost of living is the biggest benefit of a College Station address. The Texas economy is faring well and College Station is no exception. Additionally, College Station residents enjoy a cost of living that’s below the national average, and typically below that for the larger cities in Texas.

Education: Education is a major focus of the College Station community. College Station is home to the nation’s fourth-largest university, Texas A&M, which continually attracts some of the world’s brightest students. Education’s importance is stressed at every turn, and the College Station Independent School District has received state and national recognition. The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is one of the area’s most popular tourist destinations.

College town perks: Living in a college town offers numerous benefits. If you’re a sports fan, you’re never more than a few minutes away from Aggie action. Due to the international influence of Texas A&M, diversity abounds in College Station. People of all races and cultures are proud to call themselves Aggies, and this diversity adds a unique element to College Station.

Location: You can’t discuss College Station without mentioning its perfect location. College Station is only 100 miles from Houston or Austin, and 160 miles from Dallas or San Antonio.

If you’re considering a move to Texas, the Bryan-College Station area should be at the top of your list. Affordable Texas living coupled with the benefits of owning land are just two of the many reasons to live in Texas. Texas Homesites is an excellent resource for information on the Texas real estate market. Let us show you land for sale in master-planned communities today. For more information, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter.

College Station, Texas continually ranks high on lists of the “best places to live.” Here are 10 reasons why this Texas Hill Country town is a wonderful place to call home.

Affordability: The Texas economy is fairing well despite the national downturn. College Station’s cost of living is approximately 5% lower than the national average.

Job opportunities: The unemployment rate in College Station is 5%, while national unemployment continues to hover around 9%. Job growth in College Station is on the upswing.

Population: With a population of around 85,000, residents often describe College Station as “not too big, and not too small.” The city has a nice mix of college students seeking their education at Texas A&M, retirees, and everything in between.

Food: There are so many places to enjoy delicious cuisine in College Station. Whether you’re in the mood for Mexican, BBQ, or sushi, College Station has it. College Station also offers numerous coffee houses if you need an afternoon shot of caffeine or a place to sit and catch up with an old friend.

Shopping: If you’re in the mood for mall walking, visit the Post Oak mall on Harvey Road. College Station is also home to numerous unique specialty shops that sell everything from artwork to antiques to boots.

Entertainment: College Station has everything you’d expect in a college town: movie theaters, bars, live music venues, dancing, and places to relax and play pool.

Culture: College Station is home to the Brazos Valley Chorale, the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, the Theatre Company of Bryan-College Station, and numerous other organizations that celebrate the arts.

Education: Home of the Texas A&M Aggies and the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library, College Station is great place to expand your mind.

Atmosphere: The air in College Station is always full of possibility and during football season, the excitement is tangible. Go Aggies!

Location: College Station is situated in East Central Texas in the heart of the Brazos Valley. It’s located in the most populated region of Texas, near Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.

If you’re ready to move to College Station, let Texas Homesites show you what’s available. College Station is home to King Oaks, a master-planned community with numerous amenities. For more information on King Oaks or other Texas communities, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

Texas is defined by traditions that have shaped both the people and the culture of the great state. Here are a few of the ideals Texans embrace.

Independence: Texas has perhaps the most tumultuous history of any state in the Union, and its journey toward statehood is a long and fascinating one. Six different flags have flown over Texas, including the flag of the Republic of Texas, an independent nation from 1836-1846. Stephen F. Austin, known as the Father of Texas, served as Secretary of State for the Republic until his death. Despite many changes in government, citizens of Texas maintained a fierce sense of what it meant to be a Texan, and the state earned its nickname – the Lone Star State – from the flag that flew over Texas during its years as an independent republic.

Diversity: Beginning with the Native Americans who first inhabited the land, Texas has been influenced by a constant influx of diverse people and cultures. Spain’s influence touched all facets of life in Texas, including architecture, as evidenced by the Spanish missions that still stand. Other prominent cultures, such as the American Southern and Western cultures and Mexican culture, are also evident in the state. Numerous festivals throughout that state celebrate the rich and varied heritage of Texas, a true melting pot.

Education: With over 200 degree-granting institutions in the state, it’s obvious that education is a Texas tradition. The University of Texas in Austin is one of the nation’s largest public universities, and Texas is also home to numerous small, private universities, such as Rice, that offer excellent student-to-faculty ratios.

Nature: Texans can’t help but have a love for land, considering how much there is in Texas, the second largest U.S. state. Texas doesn’t just offer a lot of land – it also offers varied land. Whether it’s the dry, desert-like plains of West Texas or the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country, Texans appreciate and take care of their land.

If the traditions of Texas appeal to you, consider buying a piece of Texas land for yourself. Now is a great time to buy land in Texas, and Texas Homesites can show you available land in pristine master-planned communities, including golfing communities. For more information, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

San Antonio is a great place to live or vacation.  Whether you’re a resident or just staying for a few days, here are five spots you don’t want to miss.

San Antonio River Walk: Located along the banks of the San Antonio River, this shopping haven also offers excellent dining.  If your feet are too tired to shop anymore, enjoy one of the boat tours.  The River Walk is a city park, so there is no charge for admission, although all boat tours and some clubs do charge an admission fee.

San Antonio Zoo: This is no ordinary zoo.  Home to over 3,500 animals, the San Antonio Zoo is one the nation’s largest zoos and is a treat for visitors of all ages.  Walk the grounds or take a ride on the Zoo Train.  The zoo is open every day of the year.

The Alamo: The site of one of the most notorious battles in history and one of Texas’ top tourist destinations, over 2.5 million people visit The Alamo annually.  The Alamo is owned by the State of Texas and operated by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.  Go see where legendary Texas men Davie Crockett, Jim Bowie, and William Barrett Travis died in battle.  The Alamo is open every day of the year except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and admission is free.

Market Square: To experience the rich cultural heritage of San Antonio, don’t miss Market Square.  Family-owned cafes, working artists, and the largest Mexican market north of the Rio Grande draw both visitors and San Antonio natives looking for a unique shopping and dining experience.

Fiesta Texas: This massive theme park is fun for the whole family.  It features the only “floorless” roller coaster in the Southwest, hundreds of rides, live entertainment, and even a water park.  Onsite dining lets you spend the day with the family without worrying about traffic.

If you’re considering a move to San Antonio or the surrounding Texas Hill Country, let Texas Homesites show you available land in Texas.  Now is a great time to buy land in Texas, and Texas Homesites has a variety of home sites in master planned communities as well as golfing communities in Texas.  For more information, find us on Facebook and Twitter today.

If you love spending the night under the stars in Texas, here is a list of places you’ll want to take the time to visit.  Almost all of the land in Texas is privately owned, so state and national parks are usually your best bet for camping.

Enchanted Rock Natural Area: Located north of Fredericksburg in Texas Hill Country, Enchanted Rock features one of the largest natural rock formations in the United States.  Designated as a National Landmark in 1970, Enchanted Rock hosts thousands of visitors annually.  It’s open seven days a week year round except during designated public hunts.  In addition to camping, bird watching, hiking, and rock climbing are popular activities.

Lost Maples State Park: Near Bandera, Texas, the scenery in Lost Maples is perhaps some of the best in the Texas Hill Country, and is especially beautiful in the fall when the foliage begins to change colors.  This park encompasses over 2,000 acres on the Sabinal River and offers year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and mountain climbing, all of which you can enjoy if you decide to take advantage of the park’s various lodging options.  Primitive camping areas are available, as are campsites with water and electricity.

Inks Lake State Park: Located in Burnet, Texas, this park offers 1,200 acres of recreational facilities adjacent to Inks Lake on the Colorado River.  The water level of Inks Lake is usually unaffected by drought, so this is a great place to enjoy water activities year round.  It’s a wonderful place to camp, and the park has recently opened a few cabins if you prefer something sturdier than a tent.  Other features include seven miles of hiking trails, lighted fishing piers, and wireless Internet access in some areas of the park.

An abundance of recreational land is just one of many reasons to live in Texas.  If you’re considering making the beautiful Texas Hill Country your home, let Texas Homesites show you available land in master planned communities that offer the Texas lifestyle and amenities you want.  For additional information on the Texas real estate market, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

House hunting is an exciting experience for potential homebuyers.  There are so many things to consider when making a decision about your next home, and you don’t want to end up with buyer’s remorse.  Don’t let the sparkling granite countertops blind you to some important issues you should consider, including the following.

Location: It’s the first rule of real estate: location, location, location.  You can paint the walls, change the flooring, and redo the kitchen, but you won’t ever be able to change the location of your home.  Don’t make the mistake of buying a home you love in a location that just doesn’t work for you.

Size: You probably have an idea of the square footage you’re looking for in a home.  Don’t forget that number when you walk through an adorable dollhouse that, while appealing, is too small for your growing family.  Likewise, if you’re retired and it’s just the two of you, you don’t really need a home with four bathrooms. Regardless of what you may love about a home, if the size is wrong, you should keep looking.

Floor plan: Assess how well the square footage is utilized.  Three thousand square feet sounds great, but if the kitchen and family room are large and the four bedrooms are tiny, this is an issue you should not overlook.  Think about who will need regular access to what areas of the home, especially young children you may not want climbing stairs.  Also consider your preferences for open versus closed living spaces.

Storage: When you tour a home, open the closet doors and assess available storage space.  Ask to see the attic, basement, and any other storage areas.  If you know you need a lot of storage space, buy a home that has enough space for you to store everything comfortably.  Older homes tend to have small closets and little storage space, so if you love the charm of older homes, you may have to consider a construction project to add the needed space.

If you’re in the market for a new home, consider all available options.  Custom building a home has many benefits, and Texas Homesites can show you affordable Texas land in some of the most desirable Texas communities.  For more information on Texas real estate, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

If you’ve been planning your escape to the suburbs for years, now is the time to make your getaway.  If you’re interested in claiming some affordable Texas land for yourself, here are some of the suburbs to consider.

Bryan/College Station, Texas, is the location of a premier master planned community called King Oaks.  It offers the very essence of a peaceful country lifestyle combined with college town excitement! Like stepping back in time, large 1-4 acre homesites are virtually untouched and extremely affordable... giving your family room to spread out amid a setting of masterfully preserved natural beauty.

Cedar Hill, Texas, is home to the Lake Ridge master planned community.  Located at Joe Pool Lake, Lake Ridge offers a peaceful lakeside retreat with rolling hills and a golf course lifestyle close to the urban sophistication of Dallas. Lake Ridge offers incredible hilltop and lake views from which you can see for miles, unlike ANYTHING you've experienced in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

New Braunfels, Texas, offers the charm of a small community and the conveniences of an urban area. Near New Braunfels lies Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard, a master planned community located between San Antonio and Austin.  Vintage Oaks boasts perhaps the best location in Texas.  Near the Tanger Outlet Center in San Marcos, and adjacent to the Dry Comal Creek Vineyard, you can do as much, or as little, as you like.  Also near New Braunfels is Havenwood at Hunters Crossing. This master planned community provides the perfect setting to plant your family's legacy. Havenwood offers spacious multi-acre wooded homesites surrounded by the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Havenwood offers a prime location with easy access to the excitement of both Austin and San Antonio.

If you can’t resist the allure of the suburbs and affordable Texas living, now is an excellent time to buy land in Texas.  Texas Homesites can help you navigate the Texas real estate market.  For more information on land for sale in Texas or golfing communities in Texas, find us on Facebook and Twitter today.

One of the hidden gems of the state of Texas is its state parks.  If you spent the summer indoors with the air conditioner, take advantage of the cooler fall weather and explore some of the best land in Texas.  Here are some not to be missed state parks in Texas:

Cooper Lake State Park: Located in northeast Texas on over 3,000 acres, the park consists of two units: Doctors’ Creek, located in Delta County, and South Sulphur, in northern Hopkins County.  The rolling hills of the park offer breathtaking views of Cooper Lake.

Guadalupe River State Park: Located in Spring Branch, Texas, this park has four miles of river frontage and recently opened a 5.3-mile equestrian trail that is also open to mountain biking.

Lockhart State Park:  Lockhart features a nine-hole golf course, the only staff-operated course in the Texas State Park System.

Palmetto State Park: Named for the tropical dwarf palmetto plant that is found there, this state park is located in Gonzales County, northwest of Gonzales and southwest of Luling.  Activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, pedal boat and canoe rentals, swimming, tubing, and canoeing.

Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway: Opened in July of 1981, Lake Mineral Wells State Park is located along Rock Creek, a large tributary of the Brazos River.  The area was an early home to several Native American tribes, including the Comanche, and is a wonderful place to camp, hike, ride horses, or sit back and watch for whitetail deer.

Tyler State Park: Located in East Texas, Tyler is a quiet retreat that surrounds a clear lake.  Activities are endless, including 14 miles of trails for hiking and biking, year-round fishing, and camping.

Now is the time to buy land in Texas.  The beautiful land is just one of the many reasons to live in Texas.  Take advantage of affordable Texas living by custom building a home in a master planned community, and begin reaping the benefits of owning land.  For all your Texas real estate needs, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter.

In Texas, autumn is an ideal time to be outdoors and the perfect chance to add color to your landscaping with trees from bright yellows to fiery reds.  Fall planted lawns, shrubs, perennials, and trees enjoy the warm soil and cooler air temperatures.  Here are three tips on fall additions to your landscape.

Add some mums and asters for color and interest.  These perennials can provide instant interest now and establish themselves for future years of enjoyment.  Mums are an excellent choice.  Their blooms last for weeks, not days, and one plant boasts an overabundance of blooms.  In addition to perennials, add some pansies or other annuals that flourish in the cooler weather, like ornamental kale.

Add a tree or flowering shrubs.  Many trees and shrubs are at their best in the fall season for providing color, and they seamlessly blend into the scenery in the Texas Hill Country.  In addition, these trees appreciate a fall planting to establish roots in your landscape and will reward you with years of enjoyment.  Make sure they’re in the ground in time to establish a good root system, which should not be too difficult in Texas.

Finally, adding a light layer of mulch provides some protection for plants for the winter season while adding color and texture to the fall landscape.  In summer, mulch helps retain soil moisture, but it’s just as useful when the temperature drops for protecting shallow-rooted plants.

Land in Texas is perhaps the state’s best natural resource, and affordable Texas living is attracting new land buyers.  If you’re interested in land for sale in Texas, Texas Homesites is an excellent source of information on Texas real estate, including master planned communities in Texas.  Find us on Facebook and Twitter today.