Friday, December 18, 2009

Vacationing in the Natural Beauty of the Texas Hill Country

By Stephen Daniels

The rolling hills, peaceful valleys and small towns of the Texas hill country, along with the cities of Austin and San Antonio, offer incomparable vacation, sightseeing, real estate and retirement opportunities. This picturesque, livable section of Texas is very different from the flatlands that stretch for interminable miles to the East, or the humid stretches along the Gulf of Mexico. Long time residents as well as first time visitors are awe-struck by the stunning natural beauty of the land.

Unlike the larger cities of Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth, the Texas hill towns of San Antonio and Austin retain a friendly, small town feel. Both cities are large enough to provide all the 'bells and whistles' larger cities provide without the annoyances of bumper to bumper traffic and endless lines for simply taking in a movie. Austin and San Antonio focus on people, quality of life and families.

Near the southernmost border of Texas hill country, historic San Antonio has a population of slightly over one million. Home of the Alamo, the city flaunts its Spanish roots and proudly honors its 189 citizen volunteers who stood off the Mexican Army for a grueling 13 days.

Austin, the alluring Texas state capitol, is billed as the live music capital of the world. Named "the Southwest's hippest metropolis" by the New York Times, this laid-back city of 1.4 million has more clubs and fine restaurants per capita than any other city in the United States. Featuring excellent medical facilities, numerous clean energy employers and a moderate cost of living, Austin attracts retirees and families alike.

Scattered all over the Texas hill country are smaller towns like Bandera and Wimberly. These towns are an equestrian's dream come true, with exceptional horse facilities, dude ranches, rodeos and horse races. Outstanding hunting, fishing and camping opportunities are readily available as well, satisfying the most ardent outdoor lover. Besides the many golf courses in San Antonio and Austin, small towns like Bandera often feature one or more courses.

As a New York Times top pick for summer vacations last year, Texas hill country is an increasingly popular tourist destination. These serene lands were once a rolling ocean floor. Today it is a region of trees and lakes, cattle, horses, and deer. Texas hill country entices the visitor and life-long resident alike to enjoy its resplendent scenery and endless variety of attractions. It is a paradise for vacationers.

People who come to Texas hill country to visit are often so charmed by it that they decide to make this lovely region their permanent home. Not yet 'discovered' by hungry real estate moguls and ruthless developers, property in this area is surprisingly affordable. Ready built mini-ranches for those wanting only a few acres as well as large ranches suitable for pasturing cattle or horses are available in nearly every area. A stable job market, good schools and the relatively low cost of real estate attracts professionals, outdoor lovers, families and retirees to this area of Texas.

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