People who live in Crystal Falls, a beautiful 5,000 acre master-planned golf community of new homes in Leander, TX count themselves lucky, and well they should. They own a dream home in the master planned community voted #1 Best Master Planned Community 2012 according to both the Austin Business Journal and the Home Builder Association. Taylor Morrison offers three communities within Crystal Falls: Crystal Cove, Mesa Oaks and The Fairways. Innovative floor plans, ranging from 1,483 sq. ft. to 4,200 sq. ft., sit on generously size sites of up to 80 ft., many which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hill country.

Beyond the lure of these great new homes in Leander, TX, its biggest draw is its location. Crystal Falls sits within the Leander Independent School District with an on-site elementary school and a high school that offers the International Baccalaureate Program. Popular Lake Travis is just five minutes away while downtown Austin is a short 20-minute drive—and, well, who wouldn’t love to live so close to the Live Music Capital of the World?

1. Austin, the third-fastest-growing city in the U.S., is ranked by Forbes as No. 1 among best big cities for jobs while Fiscal Times listed it No. 2 among the top 10 cities people moved to in 2012. In fact, laid-back Austin nudged San Francisco aside to become No. 13 among the largest U.S. cities in 2010.
2. According to Lucky magazine, Austin is among the 25 best cities for shopping. TripAdvisor calls shopping in the city “a mixed bag of fun” with unique shops and great deals.
3. Major employers make the Austin area home. We’re talking big hitters like Dell, IBM, 3M, Apple, Google, University of Texas, ACC, Cisco Systems and Seton.
4. Austin holds the unusual honor of being lauded by both vegetarians and meat-eaters. GrubHub Inc. ranks the city No. 6 on its 10 most veggie-friendly cities in America. On the carnivore side of the menu, Austin is noted for its standing as barbeque extraordinaire by U.S. News (No. 5) and among the best burger cities by Travel + Leisure (No. 13).
5. Despite a reputation for good eating, Austin is still healthy. The city ranks No. 6 on the list of the fittest large cities in America by MapMy Fitness Inc. Women’s Health magazine names Austin the 4^th healthiest city for women, while BBC.com Travel names Austin as one of the healthiest cities in America.
6. The entire spectrum of a career life is well represented in the city. Rent.com sites a low cost of living and the growing tech industry as a couple of the reasons Austin is the 10^th best city for college graduates. In fact, tech is hot in Austin, listed by Payscale.com as an impressive No. 2 in the U.S. for technology startups. And CBS Moneywatch names Austin a great place to retire.
7. Austin is green. The EPA dubs Austin No. 8 for green power. The city is also tied with Dallas, Fort Worth, Nashville, Tucson and Washington, D.C. as No. 17 on a list of America’s greenest cities.
8. And then there’s the cool factor. Forbes ranks Austin among America’s Coolest Cities to Live and names East Austin No. 7 of America’s Best Hipster Neighborhoods.
9. If you’re single, this is where you want to be. Austin ranked among the top five U.S. cities to find a date in 2012, and small wonder: over half of the men and women are unmarried.
10. Want to be in the movies? Austin’s your city. MovieMaker Magazine lists Austin No. 1 of the Ten Best Cities in the U.S. to Live, Work, and Make Movies and No. 2 on its list of Top Cities to be an Independent Moviemaker.
11. Last, as they say, but not the least? The Austin City Limits Music Festival. The incredibly popular music extravaganza has officially been expanded to two weekends so fans have a chance to snag tickets, which go faster than fast.

As Austin’s perks thrive and move ever closer, Leander residents enjoy closer proximity to the fun side of city life. And Crystal Falls is awesome Leander real estate unto itself, with two amenity centers and swimming pools, playgrounds, disc golf course, a catch-and-release lake and much more. But with Austin practically in its backyard, it truly is the buy of a lifetime.

Did you know that we women account for 85% of all consumer purchases and are a major influence in 91% of all new homes purchased? Or that single women now account for 20% of all homes purchased (single men are only 10%) according to the National Association of REALTORS®? You best believe new home builders are paying attention to those kinds of stats. A recent article by Marilyn Lewis at MSNRealEstate.com was all about what women want in a new home. I thought you might enjoy seeing how you stack up against other women who are shopping for a new home. If you agree, disagree or have a totally different must-have item that isn’t listed below, let’s hear about it.

Must-Haves

Big closets really matter and not just because we need space to store our stuff. Having spacious walk-in closets like this one from DesignerMag.org help busy women stay organized. Think of them as tidy islands of sanity in a crazy life. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that you can always just close the closet door.

 Some rights reserved by Rubbermaid Products

Security or lack of it can be a deal-breaker for female home buyers, especially if they’re single. Our Taylor Morrison Interactive Home™ is a big hit because it offers peace-of-mind features such as front door video monitoring and remote security system monitoring and controls.

Open floor plan at The Fairways at Steiner Ranch in Austin.

Women want space for socializing with family and friends. Ideally, it’s inviting indoors and revolves around food. Many of our new homes feature an open plan with great room or family room blending into a casual eating area and a big kitchen, often with an island  and counter like our model home at The Fairways at Steiner Ranch in Austin.  By the way, a smart layout was also on the must-have list. Women want homes that allow life to flow smoothly and are designed for the way people really live.  And, no surprise here, everybody wants a great kitchen with space for dining, entertaining, doing homework and just hanging out. 

 Some rights reserved by Rubbermaid Products

Laundry happens. Over and over again. Having a dedicated space like this one from Shelterness.com in which to do this endless chore is important to women. Even more important is where it’s located. No working woman wants to drive into the garage and see a pile of dirty clothes at the end of the work day. Popular spots are a separate area near the kitchen or upstairs in a two-story home.

Nice to Have

While the following weren’t necessarily deal breakers, their present in a new home could be the frosting that makes the cake. Women tend to care more about location than size, for instance. Low maintenance is attractive, too. We already have enough to do. 

A separate shower and tub, preferably a jetted one, are also on the Nice to Have list. I love the dual showers and vanity shown here in Lazio plan at Esplanade Golf and Country Club at Lakewood Ranch in Sarasota.

Rounding out the list was the two-car garage. Even single women want them, even if they only have one car. Why? Storage!

Looking for new homes in Sarasota? Want something designed with families in mind? Then join the interest list for Arbor Lakes on Palmer Ranch, our newest gated enclave coming soon to one of Sarasota’s most popular master-planned communities. Being on the list is the best way to learn about floor plan and price releases, model openings and other timely information. But here’s what we can tell you now about this exciting new community.

We’ll be building approximately 267 single-family homes on 213 acres within the well-established Palmer Ranch master plan. This is a thriving community prized for its top-ranked schools and excellent access to I-75. It is just south of downtown Sarasota near Clark Road and Honore Avenue. Myakka River State Park, 57 square miles of wetlands, prairies and woodlands, is a short drive and a popular local spot for hiking, fishing, camping and wildlife observation. Airports, shopping, entertainment, restaurants, parks and Florida’s famous Gulf Coast beaches are close by, too. And if you have school age children,

Ashton Elementary, Sarasota Middle and Riverview High, are all within a mile of the community.

When it’s completed, Arbor Lakes will serve the needs of families who want to move up to a home that’s a bit larger or a bit more upscale. But, with the resort-style amenities and great West Florida location, it’s also perfect if your kids have grown up and moved on or if you’re looking for an idyllic place to enjoy your retirement. Although plans haven’t been finalized, we expect the new Palmer Ranch homes will include spacious open plans with in-demand luxury features such as gourmet, chef-inspired kitchens and spa-style master baths and exteriors that will complement Palmer Ranch’s beautiful landscaping and distinct architectural designs.

Palmer Ranch is the second master-planned community Taylor Morrison is part of in the Sarasota/Manatee area. We’re also building new homes at Country Club East and Esplanade Golf and Country Club at Lakewood Ranch. We should be breaking ground soon and we’re already getting plenty of inquiries from interested homebuyers. So be sure to join the interest list to stay informed about our new homes in Sarasota at Arbor Lakes.

If you’d like more information about Arbor Lakes at Palmer Ranch and other new homes in Sarasota by Taylor Morrison, contact Internet Home Consultant MaryAnn Givens at 866-495-6006 or send her an email request.

I’m cautiously optimistic that warm weather is really here. Hopefully the late spring snow and thunder storms are behind us. Good thing because May is National Bike Month and riding is a lot more fun in the sunshine. So get your 10-speed or your beach cruiser out of the garage, pump up your tires and hit the road. That’s easy to do if you live in one of the many Taylor Morrison communities where the amenities include miles of pathways, often through some spectacular landscaping and natural scenery. I’ve included a list of some of the best below.

But first, a couple of safety issues from the Department of Transportation, who reminds us to be a good “roll model” by practicing safe bicycling habits like always wearing a helmet, sharing the road respectfully with motorists, pedestrians and other bicyclists and, really important, following the rules of road just like drivers of other vehicles. Okay. Let’s roll!

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The Lakes of Cross Creek Ranch in Houston, TX

The Lakes of Cross Creek Ranch in Fulshear will be hosting the community’s first Kid’s Triathlon on Sunday, May 19.Kids can compete in three age groups (6-8, 9-11 and 12-14) with staggered course lengths for each group. Register your child for this USAT-sanctioned event by Tuesday, May 15. The event will be held entirely within the community. The race kicks off at 8 a.m. Even if you don’t have a child competing, you’re invited to cheer the participants on. Plan to join us for a great day in a beautiful setting. Learn more about the event here.  Event location:  6450 Cross Creek Bend in Fulshear, TX. 

The Iron Ridge Expedition Collection in Peoria, AZ

Bike the Discovery Trail as it winds its way through the Vistancia master-planned community in Peoria. The paved trail is a linear park with numerous points of interest between trailheads including the Foothills Aquatic Center, Vistancia Marketplace, Westland Park, Constellation Walk, Sunset Park and the Mountain Vista Club, Vistancia’s recreation center. It’s an outdoor fitness experience filled with discoveries in a stunning Sonora desert setting. While you’re here, visit our Iron Ridge Expedition collection. Get driving directions to Iron Ridge here.

Bike the Discovery Trail at Vistancia in Peoria, AZ

North River in Oceanside, CA

Live at North River, a private gated community in the hills above Oceanside and you can enjoy one of southern California’s most spectacular bike trails. The San Luis Rey River Trail is 7.2 miles long, mostly flat and follows the river from the trail head in the hills all the way to the ocean. Learn more about the trail here.  Get driving directions to North River here.

 Some rights reserved by Guy Incogneato -  Great Blue Heron along the San Luis Rey River

Sweetwater in Austin, TX

See Hill Country up close on one of the many natural biking trails that wind through the master –planned community of Sweetwater’s 700 acres of preserved canyons and ridges. Save time to explore our Sweetwater homes and nearby Lake Travis. Get driving directions to Sweetwater here.

  Some rights reserved by ArturoYee - Lake Travis

Calabria in Newcastle, CA

Northern California’s wine and gold country offers bicyclists miles of awe-inspiring scenery. Some of the best is near our new Calabria community, which is located just minutes from Folsom Lake. The 2-mile Stagecoach Trail follows the historic stagecoach road along the north fork of the American River. It’s a wide, fairly smooth route with a steady grade and rewarding views of the American River Canyon along the way. Get driving directions of Calabria here.

Sandoval in Cape Coral, FL

Visit Sandoval, our 524-acre gated community in Cape Coral, and you’ll likely see residents taking full advantage of the one-of-a-kind amenities. One of the most popular is Esplanade, a linear, tree-lined park that connects the neighborhoods to the community center. It’s the perfect for a leisurely bike ride or an easy stroll.

Esplanade linear park connects the Sandoval neighborhoods in Cape Coral, FL

Other Fun Things to Do in May

 Just not up for a bike ride? According to HolidayInsights.com, May is also Date Your Mate Month, National Recommitment Month (those two kind of go hand-in-hand), National BBQ and Hamburger Month or, if you’re a vegetarian, National Salad Month. Something for everybody. Celebrate!

Don’t panic, but Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12. These days, in addition to your own mother, that can mean buying gifts for your mother-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandma and favorite niece who just gave birth. Yes, you can take the procrastinator’s easy way out and send an email gift certificate. But with just a tiny bit of effort, you can think outside the chocolate box and give creative, personal and memorable gift to every mom on your list. Use these ideas to get your gift giving creative juices flowing.

 Some rights reserved by Laura Thykeson

As the estimate goes, whopping 73 million dogs and 90 million cats live in American homes. If you’re a pet owner you’re probably conflicted: love Spot and Whiskers, hate the messes they can make of a home. The not-so-pleasant signs that a pet lives in the home are downright smelly, or hairy, or frayed, or dirty—or all of the above. 

The good news is, there are ways to help your home accommodate your pets so they’re happy, you’re happy, and so are the people who come to visit. Here are 8 ideas for making a home pet-friendly.

1.  Stick with pet-appropriate flooring. That means as many non-carpeted rooms as possible. Where carpet collects dirt and odors, tile, wood or linoleum surfaces offer low-maintenance and smell-repellant options. Find more ideas at MSN.com.  

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2.  Even hard floors need to be cleaned, but be sure to avoid bleach when it’s time to mop. Remember: your pet’s paws absorb whatever you wash the floors with. For more ways to make your home pet-friendly see Better Homes & Gardens.  

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3.  Upholster with fabric that is easy to clean, like leather or vinyl. Another option is to use removable and washable fabric or throws on the couch or any other piece of furniture your pets like to hang out on. Or, simply buy your pet a personal bed and keep him off the human furniture—if you can.  See decorating ideas by Better Homes & Gardens.

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4.  Pets will eat the darnedest things so poison-proof your house. Plants are the biggest culprits for upset pet tummies. Check out the ASPCA’s partial list of plants to avoid, including aloe and American holly.  

5.  As every cat owner knows, the litter box can be your home’s greatest offender. Today, there are some great eco-friendly solutions that control odors and even clean up easier. Unfortunately, the popular clumping clay litter should be avoided because the dust can coat your cat’s lungs. For some product ideas, visit TLC.  

 Some rights reserved by eviltomthai

6.  If you have a cat that likes to claw screens, or a pooch that is hard on screens, there are some pet-proof screens out there. Try PetScreen. These sturdy screens are great with sliding glass doors and are also good for making sure pets in an upstairs room don’t fall out an open window. MSN has more information about using pet screens. 

 Some rights reserved by Michael Horan

7.  If you need to install a pet door, take heart—there are some attractive options available these days. Your pets will be happy with their freedom and your home will still look beautiful. This pet door can be seen on Better Homes & Gardens.  

 Some rights reserved by Aidras

8.  Organize all those household pet toys with flair. There are lots of creative solutions, and Mini Manor blog says it’s all about cute baskets. 

 Some rights reserved by OakleyOriginals

Sanford real estate is attracting a lot of interest from homebuyers, and no wonder. It’s an area that’s known for its great schools and low-crime rate. The area has much to offer and Taylor Morrison’s new gated community, The Estates at Pearl Lake, is located across from the Heathrow Country Club. When completed, The Estates at Pearl Lake will be a small community with fewer than 70 home sites, so opportunities to own new will be limited. If you’re looking for new homes in Sanford, join the email Interest List as soon as possible so we can keep you in the loop about floor plans, pricing and events.

The Perfect Place for You

Building the kinds of homes you want in the places you want to live is what we do best. The Estates at Pearl Lake lives up to our goal. Here are a few of the advantage you’ll enjoy:

• A quick commute – The Estates at Pearl Lake is within two miles of the Lake Mary business corridor. International Parkway, home to Mitsubishi, AT&T, Chase and many other major companies, is less than a mile away.

• Easy access– You’re less than two miles from I-4 and SR 417, and only about 20 minutes from downtown Orlando. Daytona and Smyrna Beach are only 40 minutes away by car, and Orlando International Airport, Sea World , Disney World and Universal Theme Parks are within 45 minutes. Plan on being a popular destination for your out-of-state friends and relatives.
• Services – The Colonial Town Park, a popular shopping and dining venue, is within walking distance.
• Top-rated Seminole County public schools – You’ll have your choice of five elementary schools, four of which are A rated.  Middle school-aged children attend Markham Woods, ranked ninth o of the district’s 64 middle schools. Seminole High has a been mentioned in Newsweek  as one of America’s top high schools and offers the county’s International Baccalaureate and Health Academy Magnet programs. 

Spacious Homes, Great Value

Our Sanford homes for sale at The Estates at Pearl Lake will feature the Grand Series, a favorite with large and extended families. Ranging from about 2,700 to nearly 5,100 square feet with four to seven bedrooms, homes at The Estates at Pearl Lake will have plenty of flexible living space. Depending on plan, you’ll have your choice of features such as dens, lofts, game room and media room, plus three-car garages. That’s lots of storage space and elbow room. And with prices anticipated to start in the low $400s, these homes are a great value compared to other new Sanford real estate in the Heathrow area.

To learn more, contact Internet Home Consultant Amy Steiger at 877-249-6168 or send Amy an email request. And don’t forget to join the VIP interest list to receive email updates about The Estates at Pearl Lake. 

If you’re looking for the quintessential Florida lifestyle, Naples just might fit the bill! Located on Florida’s  Paradise Coast on the Gulf of Mexico, Naples attracts beach-goers, power shoppers, foodies, sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Most folks just come for a visit, but you can live that dream year-round at Taylor Morrison’s new Esplanade Golf and Country Club of Naples. This gated community is prime Naples, Florida real estate and the first place you should look for new Naples homes for sale. Construction has begun and the best way to make sure you don’t miss any news about floor plan releases, pricing, model opens and other events is to join the email VIP Interest List.

A Lifestyle You’ll Love

Drive three miles east of I-75 to Immokalee Road and you’ll find this new community taking shape in a spectacular setting. Of the community’s 1,798 acres, 1,000 are expected to be natural preserves and wetlands. The proposed 18-hole championship golf course will be carefully integrated into all this natural beauty. And did I mention the expected 107 acres of lakes?

In addition to the golf course, planned amenities will include lighted HarTru clay tennis courts (one with stadium seating), a fully-equipped pro shop for golf and tennis, clubhouses, a swim center with lap and resort-style pools, wellness center and spa, an events lawn, pathways and nature trails. Sounds like plenty of opportunities to keep residents entertained and fit.

Major supermarkets, top-rated health care facilities and other essential services to meet your daily needs are close at hand as well.

 Some rights reserved by Tomcio77

A Gateway Location

There are many adventures awaiting you beyond your Esplanade Golf and Country Club of Naples home. Stroll around downtown Naples and you’ll find an array of boutiques and art galleries vying for your attention on Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South. There’s fun for families, too, including the Golisano Children’s Museum, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens and Sun-n-Fun Lagoon waterpark. Hungry? The restaurant scene in Naples is thriving with a growing list of indie eateries featuring local ingredients joining the national chains and luxury hotel dining.

You’re also a short hop from world-famous beaches and parks, the Everglades, Marco Island and countless opportunities to boat, kayak or hike in natural habitats.

We’d love to welcome you to this exciting new community and hear what you think about it. If you’d like more information about Esplanade Golf and Country Club or other Naples homes for sale by Taylor Morrison, give Internet Home Consultant MaryAnn Givens a call at 866-495-6006 or send her an email request. And be sure to join the interest list.

Call one of the Bay Area’s most sought-after communities your own – beautiful Marquis in Lafayette, CA! This 23 townhome-style residence community in downtown Lafayette reflects the natural beauty of the surrounding area, including the nearby Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail and Lafayette Reservoir, while providing the modern conveniences of a brand new home.

Marquis features an all-new collection of space efficient home designs ranging in size from 1,967 to 2,074 square feet. The homes boast stylish craftsman exteriors with modern interior appointments that include a gourmet kitchen with center-island or peninsula and designer-selected granite countertops, master suite complete with walk-in closet and dual vanity, a spacious laundry room with tons of storage, a ground-floor bedroom with private bath perfect for guests or an in-home office, generous closet spaces and more. Plus, residents will appreciate a low-maintenance yard and private outdoor deck that’s great for entertaining or a cozy retreat perfect for two. Each home includes four bedrooms, three-and one-half bathrooms and a two-car, side-by-side garage. See floorplans here.

Every new Marquis home is elegantly appointed with modern fixtures and designer-selected colors.

Located within Lafayette’s highly acclaimed and top-rated school districts, Marquis offers the perfect Bay Area retreat for families, couples and singles alike complete with mild climate and tree-studded hills. Situated within easy walking distance of downtown’s restaurants and boutique shops, it won’t take long to experience the hidden and not so hidden gems that Lafayette and the surrounding Lamorinda area have to offer. Make your way to the Lafayette BART station for an easy commute or a day trip to San Francisco…or enjoy the new Lafayette Farmers’ Market on Sunday’s in the South BART parking lot. Need to do a little shopping for the perfect gift for yourself or a friend but don’t want to go to San Francisco? A mere three miles east you’ll find Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek.

 Some rights reserved by John-Morgan - Lafayette Reservoir

For the outdoor enthusiast, take in the nearby Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail. Further down Mt. Diablo Blvd. is the Lafayette Reservoir with its wide-open spaces and hiking trails.

Sound like the home of your dreams? Make it a reality and call Sales Agent Chrissie Curnutt (DRE# 01786104) at (925) 357-4241 to schedule your own private tour of this exciting new community today, and start enjoying the downtown Lafayette lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of!

Yorba Linda consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in America and one of Southern California’s safest cities. With its small town charm – just around 70,000 people live here – and easy access to the rest of Southern California, it’s a wonderful place to live. If you’re looking for new homes in Yorba Linda, pay Palisades at Vista Del Verde a visit. After you’ve checked out our Yorba Linda real estate and seen our available homes for sale in Yorba Linda, leave time to explore the city’s many community attractions. Along with friendly people, excellent schools and outstanding value, you’ll find Yorba Linda also offers plenty of things to see and do. Here are some of the locals’ favorites:

The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum honors our 37^th president, was his birthplace and is also his final resting place. The nine acres campus is located at 18001 Yorba Linda Boulevard and includes Nixon’s presidential papers, memorabilia and rotating exhibits.

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ShangriLlama is a live animal adventure that’s all about these gentle South American pack animals. Highlights include a guided three-hour Llama Walk with shaggy beasts along a shady country trail, llama lessons at a park and book store.  

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Susanna Bixby Bryant Museum and Botanical Gardens

Operated by the Yorba Linda Heritage Museum and Historical Society, the museum features 2,500 square feet of vintage room furnishings from the late 1800s to the 1930s plus five rooms covering area history.

Golfers will find challenging play at Black Gold Golf Club. Rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest and cited by Southland Golf Magazine as one of SoCal’s top two best municipal courses.

Knock down some pins at the Yorba Linda Bowl. It’s a family-oriented place with glow bowling, bumper bowling, party facilities and a snack bar. 

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Jessamyn West Park in the heart of Yorba Linda is a perfect place to let toddlers play. It is beautifully landscaped with a central garden, volleyball court, play structures, ample grassy areas and winding sidewalks. 

Just a few miles west of Yorba Linda you’ll find Chino Hills State Park, a premier natural open space in the hills of Santa Ana Canyon. With miles of oak, sycamore and grassy hills, it’s a great place to enjoy nature, hike, horseback ride or bike over trails and fire roads or enjoy a picnic. 

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The Yorba Linda Certified Farmers Market is held every Saturday at Imperial and Main in Old Towne from 9 to 1. In addition to locally grown produce, there are crafters, food vendors and street artists.

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Visit on a Sunday in July or August and you can take in a free concert in the park. Bring your own picnic dinner to Hurless Barton Park at 4601 Casa Loma Avenue around 5:30 p.m. Seating is available in the amphitheater or on the lawn.

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When you live in Yorba Linda, you’re less than 10 miles from Anaheim! That means Disneyland, the Anaheim Angels, the Anaheim Ducks and world-class SoCal shopping.

Do you have a favorite thing to do, or a favorite restaurant in the Yorba Linda area? Let’s hear about it!