Highland Horizon community on 620???????? (Austin, Round Rock: home builders, buyer, bankrupt)

[NorthAustinMom]

Originally Posted by ScoPro

Have you tried knocking on their doors to introduce yourselves and maybe organizing a block party on a Saturday?

Ha! Yep - only one home was super SUPER weird and awkward. Like, worst conversation I remember having with an adult. Luckily, the just sold their house in 3 days. Adios, weirdos! Looks like we're no longer the new kids on the block. Can't wait to meet the newbies! A block party is too much to take on, but thanks for the suggestion.

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by NorthAustinMom

Ha! Yep - only one home was super SUPER weird and awkward. Like, worst conversation I remember having with an adult. Luckily, the just sold their house in 3 days. Adios, weirdos! Looks like we're no longer the new kids on the block. Can't wait to meet the newbies! A block party is too much to take on, but thanks for the suggestion.

I made initial contact with our previous neighbors just by walking our super-cute Scottie-girl around. She isn't just a chick magnet, she's a neighbor magnet!

[hey-there]

I've watched homes go for sale and then within a few days they have "pending" located on the for sale sign. I think it's the location, schools, etc. there are many cultures represented in this neighborhood. That could be a reason you feel people are less friendly. Give it time and as you mentioned, once your son starts kinder that will open many doors to meet people! :-)

[austinizer]

Hi fellow HH residents and others who are interested in HH! I posted in this thread some time ago (2 years?) and just now checked in and read all the posts since then.

Interesting discussion about Austin vs. Round Rock -- as was already discussed (I think), HH has the Austin address because it is within the 78717 ZIP code, but it is also within Round Rock ETJ. In the general vicinity, homes and businesses south of Great Oaks have an Austin address (78717) and north of Great Oaks a Round Rock address (78681). This makes me wonder whether HH Ph III will have Austin or Round Rock addresses; the land as it is currently platted there (does not show the PH III plat yet on WCAD) appears to have an Austin address (perhaps it makes sense for the whole HH subdivision to have the same ZIP?).

What it "feel like" (Austin or Round Rock) is very subjective, but I would say it feels a little like Austin and Round Rock combined. Looking south, the commute to Austin is easy (especially on SH45) but looking north, it is even easier to reach Round Rock. On weekdays I probably feel like we are part of Austin, and on the weekend (when we hang out in the 'burbs) it would be Round Rock. Of course, the reality is that we are in unincorporated Williamson county!

Regarding the O'Connor and SH45 interchange, the contractor seems to be making good progress. The original contractor for the project had filed for bankruptcy, so the construction had stopped for about a half year before it resumed with a new contractor. They are done paving most of the interchange (maybe need another top layer of asphalt?) and have started adding street signs and traffic signals. I've seen a construction report that projects it will open in early July.

NorthAustinMom, it seems that I spend the most time talking to neighbors in the Spring/Summer/Fall months while doing yard work in the front yard; and we meet the most new neighbors while out trick-or-treating with our son on Halloween.

[hey-there]

That's a great way to put it! The best of both worlds....

[10scoachrick]

I wonder how many folks will be buzzing through/past HH on Great Oaks on the way to the new cut-through. I think a lot of folks will be trying both O'Connor and Great Oaks for a long time to come.

[NorthAustinMom]

it'll be interesting to see the traffic on Great Oaks. Since the exit is labeled O'Connor, it may take people a while to realize they can cut through Great Oaks to get to 620. Also, O'Connor is a long, smooth ride back behind Highland Horizon, Great Oaks is definitely residential with a few stop signs, so there's that. From what I see at the entrance to the Toll Road off 620, it isn't crazy-busy, even during rush hour.

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by NorthAustinMom

it'll be interesting to see the traffic on Great Oaks. Since the exit is labeled O'Connor, it may take people a while to realize they can cut through Great Oaks to get to 620. Also, O'Connor is a long, smooth ride back behind Highland Horizon, Great Oaks is definitely residential with a few stop signs, so there's that. From what I see at the entrance to the Toll Road off 620, it isn't crazy-busy, even during rush hour.

If you're at O'Connor and Great Oaks, the decision becomes...which multiple-stop-sign-route do I want to take? Gotta deal with school traffic on Great Oaks; but some people may feel it's a short cut. I think it will be very interesting once the O'Connor extension opens. It's another reason we don't mind being just west (JUST) of Parmer&AR Blvd. I believe the traffic from Parmer to 620 and beyond will only get heavier. Ah...progress

[riaelise]

I've been around HH and I can say without a doubt there isn't much of an Austin feel to it at all. It is the "burbs". Just like North Austin is no different than Cedar Park. City/county lines are blurred. Though legally I guess HH is in an ETJ/MUD and has an Austin post office address, HH and that surrounding area along 620 is thought of as being in Round Rock. The commute time is no different/easier than the folks living in RR proper, save for a few stoplights.

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by riaelise

I've been around HH and I can say without a doubt there isn't much of an Austin feel to it at all. It is the "burbs". Just like North Austin is no different than Cedar Park. City/county lines are blurred. Though legally I guess HH is in an ETJ/MUD and has an Austin post office address, HH and that surrounding area along 620 is thought of as being in Round Rock. The commute time is no different/easier than the folks living in RR proper, save for a few stoplights.

It's a bit like the developments along Ronald Reagan...a little disconnected but on a main-ish highway; so getting somewhere is fairly smooth sailing at first.