City Tavern: Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas’ Main Street District, City Tavern serves fresh food seven days a week and features live music Wednesday through Saturday. There is a free weekly Thursday night show, and an occasional Tuesday or Sunday performance. Consider City Tavern for a night out or your next private party.

Crossroad’s Saloon & Steakhouse: Crossroads is a great place to eat, relax, and listen to live music in Fredericksburg. They serve lunch, fresh seafood, grilled steaks, and homemade desserts. Sip one of their many fine wines or a cold beer while you enjoy live music. They’re open late on Fridays and Saturdays, and you can dance to the music on the wooden dance floor.

Billy Bob’s: This Fort Worth establishment bills itself as the World’s Largest Honky Tonk, and there is nothing you won’t find inside. Listen to live music, take dance lessons, browse the gift shop, watch live bull riding, and dine at Billy Bob’s Roadhouse Café, all under one roof!

Stubb’s BBQ: When it comes to superb dining and live music, there is no place that fuses the two quite as beautifully as Stubb’s. This Downtown Austin staple has hosted Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash, and musicians hoping for a big break still flock to Stubb’s. Sip cold beer and sample their famous BBQ sauces while listening to rising stars.

The Cove: This restaurant, beer garden, and live music venue in San Antonio is a must visit. They serve beef, bison, lamb, and chicken that are all grass fed—no hormones or antibiotics. Their greens are organic and their oils are non-hydrogenated. Enjoy their wholesome food and live music indoors or outdoors.

Texans know how to celebrate the good things in life. If Texas appeals to you, now is a great time to buy land in Texas. Let Texas Homesites show you available options, from home sites in master planned communities to golfing communities in Texas. You’ll love the amenities of a master planned community, and the convenience of big city living just a short drive away. For more information on Texas real estate, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

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.

Whether you buy an existing home or plan to custom build, a new home is exciting. Many buyers find a house they love and fail to research the neighborhood. While granite countertops and high ceilings are tempting, don’t buy, or build, a home in a neighborhood not suited to your needs, or one that shows signs that your investment may not be a wise one. Here is a checklist of things to consider when selecting a neighborhood.

Location: This may seem obvious, but above all else, don’t buy a house in an inconvenient location. Check out the area and see where the nearest grocery store, dry cleaners, and restaurants are. Drive your morning commute and decide if it’s a drive you can make (twice) five days a week. You define what a good location is for you and your family, so be sure to move to an area that fits your definition.

Future indicators: Check with the local planning office and see what, if any, plans have been made that will impact the neighborhood you’re considering. You don’t want to move and have a road expansion envelope half your front yard or have a land developer cut down most of the trees in the neighborhood.

Sights, sounds and smells: Your home should be a delight to the senses. You need to visit the neighborhood at various times during the day to see if there are any sights, sounds, or smells that are deal breakers for you. Drive through on a Saturday and during a weekday to observe traffic patterns, children playing, and also note any unleashed animals, if that’s a concern for you. You may not see any train tracks, but if you’re in the neighborhood every morning you’ll soon realize a loud train whistle is part of the daily routine. Bothersome noises may never go away, and even if you get used to them, they will hurt your resale value. Walk the neighborhood and check for any hints of sewage issues that you may be able to see or smell.

If you’re searching for a neighborhood that meets your criteria, let Texas Homesites show you Texas communities that will exceed your expectations. There is land for sale in master planned communities and golfing communities in Texas. For more information on Texas real estate, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter.

You may have seen it in a movie, but do people really swap houses? Indeed, they do. House swapping can be a fascinating way to vacation, and here is a basic guide on the ins and outs of how to make it happen.

Join the club: There are many organizations that set up home exchanges, and most charge a small fee. They can provide you with valuable information about where homes are available. Some organizations will explain to you how to contact an owner and set up an exchange, while others will make the arrangements for you.

Be flexible: Plan the time you want to exchange homes as far in advance as possible, and try and be flexible about the dates. You should write a standard letter of invitation, which invites other exchangers to stay in your home while you occupy theirs. In the letter, describe your home, any amenities available, your neighborhood, and what, if any, transportation will be available (many home exchanges include the use of a car as well). Also include any information about your community that you think is useful, such as amenities and attractions potential swappers might want to check out. Your home will not be the only option for those looking to exchange, so make it as attractive as possible.

Common concerns: Obviously many homeowners are reticent to allow strangers to occupy their home. Problems with home exchanges are quite rare, especially when it’s a direct exchange, as you are expected to care for the property of your trading partner while they care for yours. Both parties should be adequately insured before agreeing on an exchange, and it’s a good idea to sign an informal, written agreement so that everyone’s expectations are clear. When the exchange is complete, make sure to leave your trading partner’s home in the condition you found it.

A home exchange is the perfect way to experience an area you’re considering moving to permanently. If a move is in your future, consider the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Texas Homesites will show you land for sale in master planned communities with luxurious amenities. Begin custom building on a home site nestled in the rolling Texas hills. For more information on Texas real estate, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

The Texas Hill Country is the perfect setting for a bed-and-breakfast, which is why there are so many you’ll have trouble deciding which to visit. Here are a few suggestions, sorted by city, of where to go to relax and unwind.

New Braunfels: Lamb’s Rest Inn is a romantic getaway situated on the scenic Guadalupe River. Guests are served a full gourmet breakfast daily. The inn is less than a mile from the historic village of Gruene, Texas.

Another option in New Braunfels is Gruene Apple B&B. Snuggle up in the media room and enjoy a film on the 12 -foot wide screen, or take in the views of the Guadalupe River from your private balcony.

Wimberley: A little farther north, you will find Creekhaven Inn. On the banks of Cypress Creek, this bed-and-breakfast is within walking distance of Wimberley Square, but you may not want to leave the Inn. You’ll love this secluded paradise’s unique décor and hospitable staff.

Also located in Wimberley is Blair House. Blair House is overly attentive to the comfort of their guests, providing warm, friendly service, delicious food, and luxurious amenities.

Fredericksburg: Leave Austin and head west to Fredericksburg for a relaxing time at one of the many bed-and-breakfasts in this Hill Country town. A Place in Time B&B is a historic, traditional-bed-breakfast located blocks from Main Street. You’ll love the gardens on the premises and the wraparound porch that surrounds the building.

A second option to consider in Fredericksburg is the Cottages at Limestone on Main. Close to the historic shopping and restaurant district, this B&B is ideally located. Guests enjoy private cottages with a full kitchen, front porch, and a gourmet breakfast delivered every morning.

If you’ve fallen in love with the Texas Hill Country and a weekend getaway isn’t enough, let Texas Homesites show you land for sale in Texas. Beautiful home sites are available in master planned communities that have all the amenities you want. Begin custom building a home in the Hill Country and reap the benefits of affordable Texas living at a time when the national economy is unstable. For more information, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

Home ownership is the American dream, and now is an ideal time to purchase a home. If you’ve been considering turning in the key to your rental, here are five benefits of home ownership to help you make your decision.

Bottom dollar: In almost every U.S. city, it is cheaper to own a home than to rent. Mortgage rates remain low, making it a great time to buy a home, or buy land and begin custom building a home. Finance a home now, and enjoy the low interest rate for years to come when the rates inevitably rise.

Tax break: You can deduct the interest on the mortgage from your taxes, which is a nice additional perk of home ownership.

Control: If you’re a renter, you know renting a property from someone else owns comes with a set of rules. Depending on your landlord, you may not be able to paint your walls, mount your flat screen television, or do various other things that permanently alter the dwelling. When you own your home, you can do whatever you want, whether it’s paint the bedroom red or put in a pool in the backyard.

Quality: People take care of things they own, but they typically don’t treat rental property with the same consideration. You likely won’t find a rental that is cared for the way you would care for your own home.

Equity: If you think you’re throwing money away every time you write your rent check, it’s probably time you start looking at land or homes for sale. Equity is the buzzword homeowners love and renters envy. When you own your own home, your mortgage payments can help establish your future financial stability.

If you’re considering buying land and building a home, now is a good time to take advantage of affordable Texas living. The Texas economy is faring well, especially compared to the national economy, and new land buyers are looking to the beautiful Texas Hill Country for land for sale. Texas Homesites will show you available land in master planned communities and golfing communities in Texas. For more information on the Texas real estate market, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

Canyon Lake, Texas is conveniently located 40 miles north of San Antonio and 25 miles west of New Braunfels and San Marcos. A Texas Hill Country treasure, this small town is known for the lake that shares its name. The lake boasts a surface area of 8,230 acres and 80 miles of shoreline. Here are some of the many activities available at Canyon Lake.

Stay at The Lodge at Turkey Cove: This waterfront lodge has amazing views of Canyon Lake and 2.5 acres of water frontage with direct access to the lake. From May through September, the Lodge offers excursion packages that include wine tasting, river tubing, canoeing and kayaking on the lake, fishing, sight-seeing, and a cowboy bonfire! It’s perfect for group events or a relaxing weekend getaway.

See the Gorge: Take a tour of the Canyon Lake Gorge and witness the power of water. See dramatic vistas, lagoons, waterfalls, dinosaur tracks estimated to be 110 million years old, and the hydraulic dynamics of Glen Rose Limestone. For safety purposes, the Gorge is only open to guided tours.

Go boating: Launch your own or rent a boat and explore Canyon Lake’s 80 miles of shoreline and thousands of acres of crystal-clear water. If you’re hungry, dock near Lucky Sailor Oyster Bar. This lakeside restaurant sits near a 400-slip marina and will deliver food dockside.

Hike or bike: If you want to see the beauty of Canyon Lake up close, grab a stick (or a bike) and discover the trails around Canyon Lake. Some trails cross Canyon Dam, some wind along the path of Guadalupe River, and some line the lake’s shoreline.

If you’re considering the Texas Hill Country for more than a vacation, let Texas Homesites show you land for sale in Texas. Land prices might surprise you, and the scenic home sites available in master-planned communities throughout the Hill Country will exceed your expectations. Begin reaping the rewards of owning land today. For more information on Texas real estate, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter.

A small town with an intriguing name, here’s what you need to know about Boerne, Texas.

By the numbers: Boerne sits 30 miles northwest of San Antonio and has a population of around 10,000. The city covers a total of 6.1 square miles. Statistically, Boerne is grouped with the San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan area.

Namesake: The town’s name honors Ludwig Boerne, a German author and publicist. He inspired many young men to leave Germany for America during the 1840s. Ludwig Boerne was part of the German Freethinker movement, which had no religion, and thus churches were not permitted in the city for many years. In 1860, a man named George Kendall wanted to build a Catholic church to honor his wife. He was forced to build south of town, outside the city limits. St. Peter’s Church now stands on Main Street, within Boerne’s present-day city limits.

Attractions: For a small town, Boerne packs a big punch when it comes to things to do and see. A short list includes the Agricultural Heritage Museum, Cascade Caverns, Cave without a Name, Cibolo Nature Center, Enchanted Springs Ranch, and Joshua Creek Ranch.

Legal notes: Interestingly, Boerne was named in a legal case that was decided by the U.S. Supreme Court: City of Boerne v. Flores. The then-Catholic Archbishop of San Antonio, Patrick Flores, applied for a building permit to enlarge his church in Boerne. The 1923 mission-style church was located in a historic district, and his permit was denied. In his suit, Flores argued that under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, he had the right to enlarge his church building. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately sided with the city of Boerne, striking down the 1993 act Flores had cited as cause to expand the church building as unconstitutional.

Boerne is one of many Texas Hill Country towns to consider if you’re looking to buy land in Texas. Texas Homesites can show you land for sale in Texas in pristine, master-planned communities. Custom build a home in the serenity of the Hill Country, and enjoy big city amenities just a short drive away. For more information on Texas real estate, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter.

Here are some places to visit and things to see in the Texas Hill Country town of Kerrville.

Visit Riverside Nature Center: Don’t miss this former farm, which has been transformed into a sanctuary for wildlife and native plants. The arboretum on the premises has over 140 species of trees, as well as cacti, wildflowers, grasses, birds, insects, and other animals. Take a stroll on walking trails that lead you to the banks of the Guadalupe River.

Tour the Museum of Western Art: This museum is dedicated to the appreciation, promotion, and preservation of Western American heritage, especially artistic expressions and artifacts. In addition to art and artifacts, the museum houses a 3,000-volume Western art and history research library. Located on Bandera Highway, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, and group tours can be arranged. It’s approximately 100 miles from Austin and 60 miles from San Antonio.

Explore Kerrville-Schreiner Park: This 500-acre recreation and camping park is located on Bandera Highway. The park has over 100 campsites, in addition to cabins, a recreation hall with central air and heat, and a dining hall. It even has an amphitheater. Another unique feature is a ranch house available to rent. It includes a full kitchen, washer/dryer, living room with fireplace, and it sleeps eight people.

Kerrville is home to many unique attractions, and visitors often find it difficult to leave the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Close to big city amenities but secluded and peaceful, the Hill Country is a great place to buy land in Texas. Let Texas Homesites show you land for sale in Texas, including wonderful properties in master-planned communities. For more information on Texas real estate, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

Comfort, Texas is a tiny town with a rich history and a downtown you don’t want to miss. Here’s what you need to know about Comfort.

Finding Comfort: Comfort is a small town in the Texas Hill Country. It’s conveniently located 45 miles northwest of San Antonio and 70 miles west of Austin. You’ll find Comfort where I-10 meets Highway 87. If you continue heading north on Highway 87, you’ll bump into another fantastic Hill Country town: Fredericksburg.

Historical Matters: German immigrants established the town of Comfort in 1854. Most of them were Freidenkers (“Freethinkers”) who advocated reason and democracy over religious or political authoritarianism. Many of Comfort’s founders had taken part in the 1848 German Revolution and sought freedom in America. In addition to Comfort, German Freethinkers helped to establish Luckenbach, Boerne, Cypress Mill, and Sisterdale. The Freethinkers were abolitionists who did not support the secession of Texas during the American Civil War.

Comfort’s downtown is one of the most well-preserved historic business districts in Texas. It has over 100 structures dating back to the 1800s, and nearly the entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Comfort today: The Happy H Ranch is a Comfort favorite that hosts many private parties, weddings, and corporate events. If you’re seeking Comfort food, 814 A Texas Bistro is conveniently located in the historic downtown in a building that was formerly the Comfort Post Office. The ‘814’ refers to the building’s original street address. Be sure to drop by Comfort Cellars Winery on Front Street and sample some Hill Country wine.

Comfort is one of many Hill Country towns new land buyers are considering. If the beauty of theTexas Hill Country appeals to you, let Texas Homesites show you land for sale in Texas. Enjoy luxurious, peaceful living in a master-planned community, as well as the amenities of big cities like San Antonio and Austin. The Hill Country is tucked away from city noise but an easy drive to the amenities you want. For more information on Texas real estate, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.