Dallas’ economy is led by real estate

Dallas has the second-best economy in the nation. Dallas ranked No. 2 on the most recent “On Numbers” report released this week, according to the Austin Business Journal. Austin led the rankings, and Houston was No. 5.

Each of these thriving Texas cities is home to a SouthStar Communities neighborhood, showcasing the developer’s depth of understanding of economic drivers, long-term real estate cycles, and ongoing migration patterns.

The “On Numbers” report takes into account 18 economic factors and can’t deny the banner year Dallas has had as the city continues to reap the benefits of hot real estate and energy sectors. Lake Ridge at Joe Pool Lake, located halfway between downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth, has also benefitted from the hot Dallas market as buyers in search of prime Texas lake property discover all the advantages of living in a lake community without giving up a convenient DFW location.

With continued migration to Texas, “The Texas housing market is reacting to the massive influx of new residents coming to the Lone Star state for jobs,” according to Redfin’s latest report.

“As more residents move to Texas from other states with a higher median home prices, the housing markets in Dallas, Houston and Austin have been bolstered by rising home prices of double-digit year-over-year growth. About 2.5 million people relocated to Texas between 2008 and 2012 in search of jobs from more costly regions of the nation,” the report stated.

Two homesites have been sold at Lake Ridge‘s The Summit neighborhood over the past few weeks, taking advantage of closeout pricing on the final homesites in this gated, hilltop neighborhood and continuing the sales trend at Lake Ridge this year. The exclusive neighborhood of The Summit offers 30-mile views, towering trees, and the highly rated Midlothian School District.

Special offers currently available on prime Texas lake property at Lake Ridge also include newly released lake-view sites from $39,900 and one-half to one-acre properties in The Sanctuary, a gated neighborhood offering some of the most desirable lake real estate in North Texas.

For more information on moving to Texas or buying land and building a custom home at Lake Ridge, visit Lake Ridge.

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Dealey Plaza will be the site of a day’s worth of events commemorating the 50th anniversary of JFK’s assassination.

The eyes of the world are on Dallas even more than usual this week as the city gets ready to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination on today, Friday, Nov. 22, 1963.

An international news story that is bringing people and journalists from all over the world to Dallas (Dallas News reported that there have been “more than 900 media credential requests, from France to Germany to Serbia”), the assassination of JFK is one of the seminal events to ever occur in the city of Dallas, and it is one we have never forgotten.

Events to mark the 50^th anniversary of the assassination will be held today in Dealey Plaza, a National Historic Landmark District and site of the Sixth Floor Museum, which chronicles the assassination and legacy of JFK. “About 5,000 tickets were issued for the free ceremony,” said ABC News, which is planned to include:

• A speech by the mayor
• Tolling of the church bells
• Readings from Kennedy’s speeches by author David McCullough
• A performance by the U.S. Naval Academy Men’s Glee Club
• An Air Force flyover

A moment of silence will be observed at 12:30 p.m. to mark the moment the shots rang out.

There will also be a “ceremony at Parkland Memorial Hospital, where Kennedy was declared dead, to lower the U.S. flag to half-staff. In Fort Worth, the city’s Chamber of Commerce will host a breakfast at the hotel where Kennedy gave his last speech and spent the last night of his life.”

On this solemn occasion, Lake Ridge at Joe Pool Lake and SouthStar Communities would like to pay our respects to the entire Kennedy family and to everyone around the world who continues to mourn the passing of President Kennedy passing five decades ago.

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DFW’s haunted houses are sure to give you a scare

It’s that time of year, when you can’t wait to sip apple cider, snuggle up in front of the fireplace, take a brisk walk at dusk…and be scared half to death by a terrifying mummified creature jumping out from behind a spider-webbed door.

Yes, it’s time for supreme spookiness, crazy creepiness, and grand goriness. It’s Halloween in DFW, and we have the cream of the crop of DFW’s best Halloween haunts from Dallas News’ 23 Dallas-Fort Worth Haunted Houses Where You Can Have A Spooky Time.

Once you’re done screaming your head off, let Lake Ridge at Joe Pool Lake, DFW’s premier lake community, put that smile back on your face, with limited closeout deals from just $49,900 on the final 12 homesites in The Summit. These special deals on stunning lots in this elevated view neighborhood are sure to make you forget all about being chased by axe-wielding monsters.

The community’s central location puts nearly all of Forth Worth and Dallas within easy reach, so you can easily hit the whole spooky list of DFW’s best halloween haunted houses from Lake Ridge.

A few of our favorites:

• Just 5 miles from Lake Ridge, TAYMAN GRAVEYARD HAUNTED THEME PARK in Midlothian gives a good scare, with: Tayman Mining Co., Uncle Reggie’s Haunted Hay Ride, Tayman Funeral Home, Fappy the Clown’s Theatre of Wonders and Gravedigger’s Hollow.
• A mere 13 miles from Lake Ridge, THE TERRORPLEX in Mansfield presents Circus of the Dead, Midnight Manor and a freaky outdoor maze called limbo.
• The ultimate fright night is found just 15 miles from Lake Ridge at SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS’ FRIGHT FEST. Haunted houses, special spooky shows and rides that have been renamed for Halloween are sure to give you a real good scare.

For more information about lake property at Lake Ridge or closeout deals from just $49,900 on the final 12 homesites in The Summit, visit Lake Ridge.

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Lake Ridge, one of the Dallas-area master-planned communities being rediscovered by eager Texas land buyers

By all accounts, Texas home prices are on fire. This is particularly true in the Dallas area, where home prices rose 10.2 percent in May from 2012 levels, according to a new report from CoreLogic Inc. The hot Dallas real estate market is on everyone’s lips, and everyone’s list of places to buy right now (just ask Real Estate Economy Watch or the Dallas Morning News).

Builder Online reports that “demand for new homes is outpacing supply.” In fact, one of the most important measures of market strength, “sold-but-not-yet-built houses,” has risen from 26 percent a year ago to 36 percent today, which is “way up from the low of 14% in…September 2008.

This means new-home builders are speeding up production on communities that may have delayed during the market downturn. It also means the land rush is on, both for new-home builders looking for the next place to build a community, and for individuals and families who may have put off their search for the perfect place to buy Texas land, and who now know the time is right.

Indeed, this historical relationship between home sales and Texas land sales has led to a rush of newly minted interest in master-planned communities in strong markets that have shown great strength throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Communities such as Lake Ridge on Joe Pool Lake that offer large Texas land for sale and waterfront and water-view homesites, are particularly popular with buyers looking to buy in an ideal location. Here, they can find the perfect piece of Texas land and build the ideal custom home that is unique to their style and lifestyle. Five new homes are getting ready to be build in The Sanctuary at Lake Ridge, where Texas land buyers quickly fall in love with the spacious, gated, lakeside and lake-view properties offered in the final neighborhood development at Lake Ridge community.

The real estate market is expected to continue its upward progress, according to Dr. Mark Fleming, chief economist of CoreLogic. “It’s been more than seven years since the housing market last experienced the increases that we saw in May, with indications that the summer months will continue to see significant gains.”

For more information about Texas land for sale and Dallas master-planed communities, visit Lake Ridge.

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Beautiful views from The Sanctuary at Lake Ridge

Dreaming about living near the water? Who isn’t, really.

But if you are actually looking to make that dream a reality and are in the market for the perfect water-close home or homesite, there are a few things you should know.

Beyond the wonderful, relaxing lifestyle, the great amenities, and the stunning views you can find in a water-close community, there are these 5 Great Advantages to Living Near Water.

1. Fun and Relaxing Activities

Living near the water means being able to get out and play whenever the mood strikes. Other families may need to pile in the car and spend hours on the road on a busy weekend. Living at a community like The Sanctuary at Lake Ridge, the newest neighborhood in the Lake Ridge development on the shores of Joe Pool Lake, can mean just stepping outside your door or taking a scenic drive down the rolling hills that are unique to this area of Texas.

The 7,500-acre freshwater playground of Joe Pool Lake offers fishing, boating, boat rentals, wakeboarding, its own marina, and a restaurant and bar. Plus, nearby there are 15 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails and six city parks, one of which includes a 3,000-square-foot amphitheater that hosts concerts and events year round. Here you can sail, swim, waterski, hike, take in a show, and catch a bite (on the water or in the restaurant!). And you’ll never have to fight weekender traffic to do it.

2. Breathtaking Views

The ability to wake up to gorgeous coastal scenery every day is a driving force behind many an individual’s move to a water-close environment. And some communities, like The Sanctuary at Lake Ridge, offer views of rolling hills and towering trees as well.

The final neighborhood development in Lake Ridge, on the shores of Joe Pool Lake, The Sanctuary offers properties ranging from one-half to 1 acre, comprising some of the most desirable lake real estate in North Texas. This gated environment with panoramic lake and skyline vistas, private pond-front sites and coveted shoreline-close properties also features the acclaimed, 18-hole Tangle Ridge Golf Club.

3. Resale Value

Homes near the water, especially those that feature water views, have historically held their value and increased in value more quickly than homes around them because they are a limited commodity. Even homes that offer a location that is “relatively” close to water, offering quick and easy access to recreational amenities, tend to be worth more than homes that are landlocked.

When it comes to protecting your investment, or providing a great opportunity to grow your equity, homes near the water are the clear winners.

4. Health

Living near the water promotes a healthy lifestyle because of the array of activities and watersports available. At The Sanctuary, property owners and homeowners enjoy boating, swimming, and wakeboarding, among many other outdoor activities, on Joe Pool Lake. An additional health benefit to living near water is the effect it can have on your health and mental state. Being near water has been proven to lower both anxiety and blood pressure.

5. Location

Living near water can often mean a remote location far from culture, entertainment, and work centers. People are often forced to make a choice of water or convenience. At The Sanctuary, they can have both.

With a location that is just 20 miles south of Downtown Dallas and 28 miles from Downtown Ft. Worth, Lake Ridge is right in the center of these two thriving areas. The community presents a relaxed country atmosphere that feels like a world away yet is still close enough for work and play.

For more information on living at The Sanctuary at Lake Ridge, and for current homesite specials, contact The Sanctuary at Lake Ridge today!

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Wallpaper

Marcey White-Pillow, an East Coast transplant with more than 20 years of experience, is the go-to woman for wall covering ideas at Texas Paint and Wallpaper, a Dallas institution since 1947. Wallpaper is a great investment for Metroplex homeowners, she says, but with a modern twist. Home buyers aren’t going for the look that their grandmas had. “People aren’t necessarily doing the whole room,” she said. “They pick a great pattern and create an accent wall.”

Go Bold The accent wall gives homeowners the ability to go bold with their design, especially those who are rocking a mid-century interior style. “The show ‘Mad Men’ has had a huge influence,” White-Pillow said. “People love that ’60s set design.” Popular wallpaper choices include chevrons, paisleys, and links with bright pops of color such as tangerine and lime. Those citrus colors also are adding a modern twist to early 20th century wallpaper designs that Dallas homeowners with traditional style appreciate. “Floral damask wallpaper never goes away,” she said. “People like the tone on tone. It’s easy to look at for a long time. The modern take is the bright colors on a white background or a more graphic looks with straight lines.”

Texture

Modern rustic, the style that some Metroplex home buyers choose for a Texas-themed home, calls for great wallpaper as well, White-Pillow said. “People love grass cloth or anything with a coarse weave.” Some wallpaper styles look just like fabric. Other popular choices include cork with just a hint of silver sparkle or the look of rustic barn board.

Paint

When she’s not answering the question, “Is wallpaper in style?” White-Pillow is advising homeowners on the best ways to freshen up the interior of their home with paint. Here, “greige” reigns supreme, she said. A great gray-beige color gives homeowners lots of flexibility to change their furnishings without having to paint an entire room.

Accent Walls

Accent wall colors that are popular in Dallas homes, according to White-Pillow, are the citrus colors of lime, lemon, tangerine, coral, and more. On the other end of spectrum, homeowners are choosing accent walls with dark colors like charcoal gray. No matter whether homeowners update with wallpaper or paint, one of the best places for an accent wall is behind the bed in the master bedroom, she said. Other areas include entryways or one wall in a living area. You can accomplish a lot with wallpaper: create an accent wall, add texture, go modern, or be somewhat traditional. It’s definitely one of your most useful decorating tools in today’s Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Lake Ridge at Joe Pool Lake provides a rolling Hill Country terrain like nothing else in Dallas-Fort Worth. This breathtaking, custom home community lies on the shores of the 7,500-acre Joe Pool Lake, providing panoramic lake views from 800’ above sea level or the ability to walk to the lake from your back porch. Spanning over 3,000 acres, Lake Ridge offers a vast property selection for your custom dream home with everything from hilltop, lake view, wooded and pondfront properties available. Lake Ridge homeowners enjoy the luxury of a stunning Hill Country landscape while being within five minutes of major retail and commercial establishments. Design your Lake Ridge home with the new trend in interior design – wallpaper!

Source: CandyDirt.com 

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These homesites have lake view, wooded and creek-front properties in both gated and non-gated neighborhoods. There are community parks and walking trails, Tangle Ridge golf course and a 154-acre sports park. The $2,000 bonus offer ends June 30, so contact us today at 800-603-1750 or [email protected].

Here is why Lake Ridge makes the perfect community: With more than 3,000 acres of unmatched beauty in Cedar Hill, Lake Ridge is a community all its own. Residents come home to the peace and serenity of a natural landscape, leaving city stress at the community entrance.

Living at Lake Ridge means more space for your family. Large half to 1+ acre homesites provide breathing room and privacy from your neighbors. It also means options. You can choose the homesite that is right for you then use any custom builder you like – designing the home of your dreams with the view you’ve always wanted. Plus, there is no timeframe to build, so once you have secured your homesite, you can take time designing your custom home with your builder of choice.

Location is everything and Lake Ridge has it. Centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Lake Ridge residents can be anywhere in half an hour. Lake Ridge lies just 5 minutes from Hwys. 67 and 360, allowing residents easy access to I-20 and I-35 for commuting to both Metroplex downtowns and Arlington. Address: 100 Lake Ridge Parkway, Cedar Hill, Texas 75104

To learn more about Lake Ridge community, visit our buying land in Texas blog.

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Mother’s Day (May 12) has come again. It’s that time of the year. Are you considering a nice restaurant and a cozy brunch or dinner with your mom? We have the same idea!

Here is a great list from D Side Dish to help you plan a special Mother’s Day celebration this weekend.

BRUNCH A LA CARTE

Arcodoro Pomodoro

Bread Winners

Blue Goose Cantina

Central 214

Cook Hall

Dallas Fish Market

Dragonfly

The Gin Mill

Grand Luxe Cafe

The Grape

Komali

La Calle Doce

Lanny’s Alta Cocina Mexicana

Lavendou

Lazaranda

Max’s Wine Dive

Nasher Cafe

Nora

Nosh

Ocean Prime

Pho is for Lovers

The Pyramid

Spoon

Urban Taco

BRUNCH COURSES

Belly & Trumpet

Chamberlain’s Fish Market

Chamberlain’s Steak & Chop House

CRU

Dish

Fearing’s

Ferre

Five Sixty

Fleming’s

The Mercury

Next Woodfired Bistro

Oak

Princi Italia

Ser Steakhouse

Sevy’s Grill

Stampede 66

Stephan Pyles

Victory Tavern

Village Marquee

BRUNCH BUFFETS

Asador

Blue Mesa Grill

Del Frisco

Eden

The Grotto

Hotel St. Germain

InterContinental Dallas

Landmark Restaurant

Nick & Sam’s

Salerno’s

DINNER

Canary by Gorji

Steel

Read more from the source: SideDish

To stay updated with the best restaurants and Texas living news around DFW area, keep checking back on our lakeside living blog.

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Backyard beer drinkers, rejoice: Katy Trail Ice House in Uptown Dallas will open a second location north of Dallas. We’ll keep you posted on the address when it’s announced soon.

The official name will be Katy Trail Ice House Outpost. The location is still TBA.

The Uptown location is packed to the gills on sunny Saturdays and Sundays, beckoning daydrinkers to its Austin-style, dog-friendly patio right on the side of the Katy Trail.

The second Katy Trail in the ‘burbs will mirror the Uptown location, and will serve a full bar (including those popular beeritas), plus a similar food menu and barbecue, said co-owner Buddy Cramer. The original Katy Trail began barbecuing in 2011, but they got serious about it in February 2013, Cramer said, using a new smoker that cooks brisket low and slow for 18 hours over oak.

Barbecue was always part of the vision of Katy Trail Ice House, but a second location wasn’t part of Cramer’s and business partner Joe Tillotson’s master plan until they saw the success of the first one.

Read more from the source: Pegasus News

For more information on Lake Ridge at Joe Pool Lake and Dallas Fort Worth living, visit our Texas land blog.

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There are a number of things that stood out about the new George W. Bush Presidential Center, which will be formally dedicated tomorrow morning: a replica of the President’s Oval Office, W’s baseball collection, Laura Bush’s ball gowns, and Decision Points, an interactive theater that lets visitors second-guess significant Bush decisions.

Read more from the source: dmagazine.com

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