Texas Realty Blog

Waller Creek Tunnel Project Brings 'Riverwalk', Tackles Big Problems in Downtown Austin

By DeeinAustin™

Austin City Council Member Sheryl Cole is a local hero for cleaning up the Waller Creek Tunnel in Downtown Austin. The project will bring a new vibe to downtown and is likened to the Riverwalk in San Antonio.

Waller Creek is often called Austin's lost stepchild. Located in the heart of Downtown Austin, Waller Creek is known for dangerous flooding, an "aggressive" homeless population, and pollution.

Some say Waller Creek puts a black eye on Austin's reputation for being clean, green and safe. Many city leaders have tried to tackle the issue, but it Cole,  along with Mayor Pro Tem Betty Dunkerley, were finally victorious.

WHAT  WILL THE WALLER CREEK PROJECT DO?

The $127 million Waller Creek Project is basically a tunnel that will help control flooding, erosion, and pollution at the site, which is located around 12th Street and Red River. The project is mostly paid for by tax-increment financing. You may wonder...

"What are the benefits of a really expensive tunnel in this area of Downtown Austin?"

Boomerang Buyers Dominate Central Austin Home Trends

By DeeinAustin™

Spring is the time of year that real estate really heats up and 2008 is no exception for Austin real estate.  What's different this year? A phenomena that I call "Boomerang" Home Buyers. Boomerang Buyers have a big effect on new construction and resale homes in Central Austin.

IS YOUR FRIEND MOVING BACK TO AUSTIN?  THEY MAY BE A BOOMERANG

• Boomerangs are 30-somethings who left Austin to pursue a career, Ivy-league or out-of-state university, or other endeavor.
• They now have a small family or career change and want to come back.
• They usually have 20-40% CASH to put down.
• They like the Austin climate, friendly nature, unique atmosphere, family values, and lower cost of living.
• They'd settled in Seattle, Chicago, Michigan, Iowa, Los Angeles, New York, and other international cities, so often have eclectic taste.

Simply put, Boomerang Buyers want to be closer to the friends, family, and city they now miss.

BOOMERANG BUYERS WILL DOMINATE CENTRAL AUSTIN HOME TRENDS IN 2008