When people describe Leander, Texas, they say things like “It’s a quiet, safe town,” “People are friendly,” and “It’s great to be so close to Austin.” Leander is a small town with a heart as big as Texas itself, the 4th fastest growing city in the state. Quality of life is one of the biggest pulls, and why Taylor Morrison has established communities in Leander. It’s an idyllic place for those who desire a new home in Texas Hill Country.
10. Be Active and Lend a Hand
There’s a lot of satisfaction that comes with volunteering in your community. Check out some of these volunteer opportunities in Leander.
- Volunteer Fire Academy – Become a volunteer firefighter and, depending on the certification you get, you can help out personnel, engage in firefighting and more.
- Citizens Police Academy – The Citizens Police Academy (CPA) trains volunteers through lectures, demonstrations and hands-on exercises, like training for police recruits.
- Junior Police Academy – Geared towards kids 11 to 13 years old, the Junior Police Academy (JPA) is a free week-long summer camp modeled after recruits at the police academy.
- Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory – Check out the Leander Chamber’s directory of organizations. Addresses, phone numbers and website addresses are listed, perfect for learning about volunteer opportunities.
- Youth Athletic Coach – Interested in volunteering for the Leander Little League? You’ll find a Volunteer Packet and application here.
9. Parks & Recreation for All Ages
There’s always something happening with Leander Parks and Recreation for youth and adults alike to enjoy.
- Leander Parks – With ten parks, from Crystal Falls Golf Course and Brenbrook Ranch Park & Disco Golf Course to Robin Bledsoe Park and Pool, there are plenty of ways to get outside.
- Active Adult Programs – Get to know Central Texas and make new friends on the Parks & Recreation-sponsored fieldtrips for anyone 50+.
- Youth Athletics – Learn about the Leander Youth Soccer and Little League Baseball programs facilitated by Parks & Recreation.
- Fitness Classes – Check out the calendar of Zumba and other fun fitness classes, offered five days a week.
- Special Events – From Movies in the Park and Leander Bluegrass Festival to Liberty Fest and Spring Egg-Stravaganza, special events for the whole family are offered throughout the year.
8. Go Wild! Wildlife and State Parks
When you hear the call of the wild, no need to resist! Consider these options and make a day or weekend of it.
- Balcones Canyon Lands National Wildlife Refuge – Hike the trails here and you’re likely to spy a variety of wildlife including the highly endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler, which nests exclusively in Texas Hill Country. The refuge offers special events and activities such as environmental education.
- Pedernales Falls State Park – Camp overnight, hike, mountain bike, bird watch and ride horses in this popular State Park. When it’s calm, the Pedernales River is a great place to swim, tube, canoe or kayak.
- Longhorn Cavern State Park – The awe-inspiring cavern has a geological tale to tell and you can go on a tour to learn about it. The park also has trails to hike, picnic spots and a gift shop.
- McKinney Falls State Park – This state park lies within the Austin city limits. You can hike trails through Hill Country woods, camp, mountain and road bike, geocache, picnic and go bouldering. You can also fish and swim in Onion Creek.
7. Places to Go, Shopping to Do!
Small town, yes, but never boring, as our Area Map of attractions shows.
The Parke | 5001, 183A Frontage Rd, Cedar Park, TX 78613
- This new lifestyle shopping center in Cedar Park is brand new and has lots of stores and boutiques, eateries and restaurants, and entertainment options including 365 by Whole Foods, Field & Stream and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Old Town Leander | 100 N. Brushy, Leander, TX 78641
- Historic Leander, with its shops, breweries, wineries and restaurants, is a frequent destination for folks in Central Texas. Special events abound including Old Town Street Festival, Old Town Summer Nights, and the Old Town Christmas Festival with the Old Town Rudolph Run 5K, Leander in Lights Parade, an ice skating rink, and more.
Mel’s Lone Star Lanes | 1010 N. Austin Ave., Georgetown, TX 98626
- More than just a bowling alley, Mel’s Lone Star has 40 bowling lanes, arcade games, party rooms and a sports bar and grill. It’s just a quick drive to get there, perfect for a night out with friends or for some family fun
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures | 1429 Pocohontas Trail, Leander, TX 78641
- Hike or bike around the lake or take a ride above the treetops on the longest zipline in Texas! You’ll enjoy spectacular views and some thrills along the way. While you’re there, check out all the other things Lake Travis has to offer.
6. Easy Access to Austin and Beyond
Whether you want to go to the “Keep Austin Weird” city or travel elsewhere, you’re positioned well in Leander.
- Austin City Center – Jump in the car, head for downtown Austin and you should get there in just 30 minutes.
- Capital Metro Train – An alternative way to get to downtown is the Metro. Leander is the northernmost stop in the MetroRail route. Just hop on, relax and get off on 4th Street.
- You Name It – Whatever you’re up for, the Live Music Capital of the World has it. See a ballet, stroll through a museum, do some indoor sky diving, savor the food and wine festival, take in the nightlife, and so much more.
- 183-A Toll – Avoid the traffic and drive the toll way instead. Conveniently, the 183A Toll runs right through Leander all the way to RM 620 in north Austin.
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) – Just fly away! The ABIA is about 45 minutes south-southeast of Leander and Georgetown Airport is 10 minutes due east.
5. Time to Tee Up
Live in Leander and you’ll be close to the “gem of the Hill Country,” Crystal Falls Golf Club. This beautifully manicured 18-hole, 6,654-yard, par 72 course challenges no matter what your skill level. Facilities include a driving range, pro shop, snack bar and covered patio.
4. Cheer for Your Team at A Pro Sports Game
Like everything else in the Lone Star State, sports are big! When you live in Leander you have plenty of opportunities to go to professional games.
- Texas Stars Hockey Club – Join with the fans from all over Central Texas to see the top minor league affiliate of the Dallas Stars. Average attendance is well over 5,000 and the Texas Stars are putting Leander on the map as a destination for sports fans in the region.
- Austin Spurs Basketball – This affiliate team of the San Antonio Spurs plays home games at the Cedar Park Center, just down the road from Leander.
- Round Rock Express Baseball Club – You’re just a short drive away from Round Rock and the Dell Diamond, where excited fans can watch this AAA affiliate of the Texas Rangers
3. Best Place to Raise a Family
There are a lot of reasons Leander is rated the number-one place to raise a family in Texas.
- Education – Leander gets high marks for great education opportunities.
- Public Safety – The Leander Police Department offers tours for kids and adults and safety talks for adults. Police officers visit off-site events, too, for education and some Q&A.
- Birthday Parties at the Fire Station – What kid wouldn’t love to celebrate a birthday with Fire Department pros? Two Saturdays a month the Fire Station is open to childrens’ birthday parties.
2. The Lesson Learned? Great Schools
Schools are a number one priority for parents when moving to a new community, and Leander shines.
- Crystal Cove Schools – Our Leander communities are convenient to high-rated elementary, middle schools and high schools.
- Travisso Schools – Some of our communities have on-site schools, like the elementary school site planned at Travisso.
- Austin Community College, Cypress Creek Campus – Thinking of continuing your education, for fun or career? The Cypress Creek campus for Austin Community College is close by in Cedar Park.
1. Find Your Amenity-Rich Home Base
Taking note of up-and-coming Leander, Taylor Morrison has brought two communities to town. If you’re hankering for a new home in Austin, consider these.
- Crystal Falls – It’s true. There are a myriad of reasons to love it here, and we’ve outlined 41 Reasons to Live in Crystal Falls for you. Choose from three neighborhoods within the planned community: Crystal Cove, Canyon Bend & The Overlook 70s, The Plateau, and Canyon Bend 80s.
- Travisso – Travisso means “the good life” in Italian, and the community lives up to its name with style. Beautiful homes and an award-winning amenity center, The Palazzo, are the hallmarks of this planned community. There are several neighborhoods to choose from: Capri, Siena, Naples, and Florence.
Conclusion
It’s hard to beat the gorgeous views and many other enchanting attributes of Leander and the Austin hill country. If you want to learn more about just how wonderful it is to live here, just speak with Internet Home Consultant Heather Fox. Call 512-845-7350 or send an email request.
