When we moved from Oklahoma City to Naples Florida, we were so at home there and we loved living in Naples. There were a lot of restrictions and city ordinances relative to both residential and businesses. As a matter of fact, until after hurricane Wilma blew through we didn't know what half the shopping centers had in them because they were so well hidden by the palm trees and natural landscape. The signage was very limited and everything was kept immaculate and beautified.
Now, living in Lakeway, I hear people complain from time to time about how strict the city is and how long it takes to get permits for certain things, but I have to tell you... I am glad that they are so particular. Lakeway is perfect for people like us who want to live in a beautiful city that takes great care of it's streets, parks, sidewalks, landscaping, buildings, natural resources, and people. One of the first things I fell in love with about Lakeway is all the sidewalks, walking trails, golf courses and greenbelts.
When I first took a walk through Smith greenbelt near Lakeway police station and City Hall (see photo below), I felt like I was in my own private natural sactuary. The creek, trees, rocks, natural trail, and the deer that ran across my path reminded me of my childhood hikes on my grandpa Clinton's farm in Oklahoma. Recently, I took advantage of a beautiful 70 degree day and took a hike on the trails that run along the canyon rim near the Lakeway swimming pool . On that day, I took Digger, our border collie and she loved it too. Had it not been getting dark, I could have stayed and enjoyed nature for a couple more hours.
Of course my favorite thing about Naples was the beach and the water... the same is true for Lakeway and Lake Travis. Lake Travis is a beautiful lake and even with the water level down like it is right now, it is still a peaceful and welcoming place to visit. Our boat is at Rough Hollow Yacht Club and Marina just a short drive from our house and of all the marinas we visited, Rough Hollow is by far the nicest and aesthetically most reflective of the Lakeway lifestyle. The people that work there are so cool and we love being there.
Speaking of people... that is one distinction I must make between living in Naples and here in Lakeway. Naples was a melting pot with people from many different places and not much of a sense of community. With it being highly seasonal in Naples, many were there for more of a vacation lifestyle vs. that of a close knit community. In Lakeway, people are "at home" here and so the sense of family is very prevalent. People in the service industry go out of their way to make your experience positive and I have never been to a store or restaraunt where I left without feeling served at a high level. It is easy to strike up a conversation with someone I have never even met and walk away having made a new friend.
I recently joined The Lakeway Church right on Lakeway Blvd. after having attended a few times and going to a Sunday school class on Women of the Bible. My experience was so overwhelming as Alice took me by the hand and introduced me to so many nice people. After only a few Sundays it feels like home already.
Oh... I forgot to mention my daughter's school orientation experience. Last summer when she and I attended the Lake Travis High School's new agent orientation, they broke us up into student groups and parent groups so I didn't have the same program she had. Afterward when we met back up I asked her what she thought (this was her 3rd high school after moving from Oklahoma) and she said, "Mom, they like new kids here!" The smile on her face was enough for me to feel great about our decision to move to Lakeway. No regrets!!
So, if anyone is thinking about moving to the Austin area... definitely check out all that Lakeway has to offer. It is really a unique place!
For a free CD about Austin and information about Lakeway, email me at nikki@SellingALifestyle.com and I will be happy to provide it.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment