Austin Texas is truly a green city.  This month marked a change in how the Texas capital uses and consumes energy.  The city of Austin is now 100% environmentally friendly, using clean energy and renewable energy to operate.  Many Austin homes have also opted for renewable energy choices.  While the cost is slightly more, the benefits are far greater when it comes to reducing one’s carbon footprint.

More and more home builders are consumed by the environmental impact that homes create, a trend which is likely to expand with regards to Austin real estate.  Home design trends of the future are expected to be smaller homes with a focus on the environment, using both environmentally friendly materials and utilizing solar energy and wind power to create sustainable living.

Austin Texas has proven to be a leader in so many avenues recently and clearly the local government has chosen the high road for its environmental standards.  Contact us today to learn more about living in Austin.  An Austin REALTOR® can prove to be an invaluable resource for both having access to all Austin real estate that is listed for sale and for getting to know the ins and outs of our unique city.

Click here to read “Austin, Texas, Switches to All Renewable Energy” from Government Technology.

Contact the Fine Austin Living Team today for up to date information about Austin Texas real estate as well as free access to the Austin Texas MLS and all properties currently for sale in the Austin area.

When it comes to green living in Austin Texas many people are interested in saving money while beating the heat.  This is the time of year when air conditioners are working hard in the Austin area and saving money and energy is a priority for many.   As living green becomes a standard for new Austin real estate, owners of older homes can make an effort to reduce their carbon footprints.

Aside from the obvious choices like turning down your air conditioning system when you are not home, simple steps like replacing old standard light bulbs with new Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) can save on electricity bills.  In addition these new bulbs have a much longer life than those of traditional bulbs, often lasting a year or longer.  Ceiling fans are another great option for helping to save on air conditioning costs within your Austin home.  The fans move air, helping aid the air conditioning unit.  It is important not to turn AC units off when not at home but down, as turning off then on creates much more of an energy draw.

As for changes to your Austin real estate, examining your home’s window and door seals and examining its insulation can help you know how you can be more efficient in keeping the heat out and the cold air in.  The heat is on in Austin Texas, a great time to evaluate how your home works its best to keep you cool.

Visit energystar.gov to learn more about saving money by taking advantage of tax refunds that are linked to energy efficient improvements to the home.

Contact the Fine Austin Living Team today for up to date information about Austin Texas real estate as well as free access to the Austin Texas MLS and all properties currently for sale in the Austin area.

According to the Austin Business Journal, Austin Texas was  listed among the country’s healthiest cities on two rankings released last week and Monday.

The Texas capital city fell one spot to No. 10 fittest city on the American College of Sports Medicine‘s American Fitness Index. The ranking, which analyzes statistics from the U.S.’s 50 most populous cities, said Washington D.C. was again the most healthy, taking 73.5 points out of a possible 100. Boston, Mass. took the No. 2 spot, followed by St. Paul, Minn.; Seattle, Wash.; Portland, Ore.; Denver, Colo.; Sacramento, Calif.; San Francisco, Calif.; and Hartford, Conn.

The report factors in preventive health behaviors, chronic disease levels, access to health care and community resources and policies that support physical activity. The D.C. area was cited for having a relatively low smoking rate, higher-than-average population eating recommended daily serving of fruits and vegetables and lower-than-average rates of obesity, asthma, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

The report said education levels were a large factor in top health-rated cities. Areas with high ratios of high school or higher education graduates were more likely to be physically active and have access to care through health insurance.

Texas’ other large metros were all ranked among the worst 10 largest metros for health. Dallas fell five spots to No. 40, taking 39.5 points out of 100. Houston was No. 42 with 37.6 points and San Antonio was No. 43 with 36.9 points.

Austin was also ranked the 10th fittest last week by Shape Magazine. The publication attributed the ranking to the city’s large number of parks, 220, and its young, highly active community. Low chronic disease rates were also considered along with famous health advocates, such as champion cyclist and Austin resident Lance Armstrong and Whole Foods Markets Inc. headquartered in Austin.

Austin Texas named best city in the USA for the next decade

The May 25th edition of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine named Austin THE BEST city for the next decade, due to its forward-thinking culture, entrepreneurial climate, can-do spirit and lively arts and entertainment scene creating a vibrant, energized community.

According to the editors, “Austin is arguably the the country’s best crucible for small business, offering a dozen community programs that form a neural network of business brainpower to help entrepreneurs. Now overlay that net with a dozen venture-capital funds and 20 or so business associations, plus incubators, educational opportunities and networking events. Mix all these elements in what many call a classless society, where hippie communalism coexists with no-nonsense capitalism, and you’ve got a breeding ground for start-ups.

Don’t discount the fun factor: In the self-proclaimed live-music capital of the world, music and business creativity riff off one another. The city’s famous South by Southwest festival, where concerts, independent film screenings and emerging technology overlap, is a prime example.”

Placing first on the magazine’s list of the Top Ten cities, Austin beat out such venerable favorites as Seattle, Washington DC, Boulder, and Salt Lake City, which rounded out the top five.

BartonPlace features 270 units in six buildings adjacent to Town Lake and just minutes from downtown Austin, Texas. Choose from 12 different floorplans for one, two and three-bedroom residences.

These luxury units enjoy large windows,soaring ceilings, large private terraces, energy-efficient windows, Wi-Fi connectivity and state-of-the-art gourmet kitchens.

The BartonPlace community offers a lot of amenities to its residents.
Enjoy a lovely swimming pool with lounge and grilling area, four beautiful rooftop terraces with breathtaking views of the city scape.  There is also a fitness center, a private dining room,
additional staorage units, controlled community access, community garden, on-site HOA management office, professionally landscaped courtyards and direct access to Town Lake Hike and Bike Trails.

Come and discover the meticulously designed and energy efficient home of this three-star green building certified condominium development in Austin, Texas.

Use the Fine Austin Living Featured Property Search to find more Austin condos.

2020 Congress Condos is conveniently located in the hip Soco district and offers tons of nightlife and fanatic restaurants and dining options.  This cool residential development perfectly combines contemporary design and classic Austin architecture.

The community of 2020 Congress offers a long list of amenities.  Sit and relax in the shaded courtyard, enjoy the gazebo, lie back in the hammock, enjoy a BBQ on the outdoor grill and enjoy a swim in the swimming pool.  There is also a wonderful fitness center with cardio machines, and free weights.

This unique residential development is comprised of 103 units in 9 separate buildings.  Units start around $90,000. and enjoy quality interior finishes such as:
Cherry Wood Floors
Custom Cabinets
Stainless Steel Appliances
Courtyard Views
Walk-In Closets
Ceiling Fans
Granite Counters
Terraces
Covered Parking/Parking garage

Come and discover 2020 Congress Condos located less than 2 miles south of downtown Austin on famous south Congress Street.

Use the Fine Austin Living Featured Property Search to find other condominiums in SOCO in downtown Austin, Texas.

Reminiscent of South Beach,Avenue Lofts is a hip sophisticated place to call home that is situated the Warehouse District, the hottest area in downtown Austin Texas.  Close to nightclubs, restaurants, cafes, music venues, this condominium complex offers the best in urban living.

Perfect for first time buyers, single professionals, young couples, new families and retired couples.  Avenue Lofts offers a heated swimming pool to its residents for a relaxing escape year round. Or enjoy the hike and bike trails that meander through the complex and beyond.

This is a small, upscale complex with 38 units and was converted in 1999 to the stunning loft-style residences that you see today.  Each unit enjoys concrete floors, exposed ceilings, tall ceilings, big windows, private balconies, reserved parking spots and a gated secured parking lot.

Use the Fine Austin Living Featured Property Search to find more condominiums and lofts in downtown Austin, Texas

Located at 1400 South Congress, this modern mixed-use development offers something to everyone. With residences, retailers, restaurants, offices all combined together offer the perfect place to live, work and play in downtown Austin, Texas.

The luxury loft units enjoy lots of amenities including high ceilings made of wood, terra cotta walls, polished concrete floors, custom cabinets, glass and ceramic tile, individual balconies,large windows, spacious floor plan with lots of natural light, high0-quality appliances, designer lighting and much much more.

The building itself also offers a lot to the community.  Enjoy a sophisticated rooftop with sweeping views of the city skyline.  Relax in the tranquil garden courtyard, professional landscaping, secure entrances, resident controlled access, private, reserved, covered parking, elevators and covered walkways to each unit.

Come and enjoy the urban lifestyle that 04 Lofts on South Congress offers.

Use the Todd Smith Fine Austin living Featured Property Search to find more downtown real estate in Austin, Texas.

Austin Business Journal has named Spring Condominium as the top multi-family, commercial real estate project for 2009.  This incredible Austin condominium high-rise building boasts stunning views, spacious floorplans and a central location that makes getting anywhere in the city an easy commute.

The 42-story tower overlooks beautiful Lady Bird Lake and offers lots of amenities to its residents. There are seven levels of secured parking, a stunning rooftop pool, guest suites, resident’s lounge, fitness room and an outdoor kitchen.

Austin Energy has given Spring Condominium a Green Building rating because Spring Condominiums is committed to better health, lower energy bills, lasting value and conserving natural resources.

Come and experience the hottest property in downtown Austin, Texas.

Use the Todd Smith Fine Austin Living Featured Property Search to find more luxury condos in Austin, Texas.

The moon Unit Condos are located at 2906 S. 1st Street.  These amazingly unique lofts of Moon Unit combine the feeling of an artist’s lofts with  the contemporary feel of a residential home.  These lofts offer live/work spaces that are conveniently close to the university of Texas and the energetic downtown Austin area.

Moon Unit Condominiums boasts clean, modern lines, urban design and eco-friendly building materials and is the perfect place to call home. Designed by renowned architect MJ Neal these 12 units embrace an open floor-plan, luxury finishes and professionally landscaped backyards and community areas.

Each unit enjoys a long list of extraordinary features and amenities.  Residents of Moon Unit Condos  have hardwood flooring, travertine flooring, granite counters, energy-efficient appliances, efficient HVAC system and double pane windows.

Moon Unit Condos are just a short walk from the neighborhood grocery store, delicious restaurants, a movie theater, schools, fitness centers, shopping and lots of entertainment and recreation opportunities.

Use the Todd Smith Fine Austin Living Featured Property Search to find more lofts and condos in downtown Austin, Texas.