The weather’s getting colder! Although Austin is renowned for its outdoor activities, there are still plenty to ways to stay warm while out on the town. For instance, Austin is home to a number of museums with collections of national and local historical significance. Below, we’ve showcased a handful of the fun and unique museums in Austin.

Austin Children’s Museum
The Austin Children’s Museum has several play areas designed for fun and learning, such as the Funstruction Zone and the Tinkerer’s Workshop. Several different group visits can be arranged, from student field trips to birthday parties and sleepovers. The Austin Children’s Museum also offers volunteer and community outreach programs.

The Blanton Museum of Art
Located at the University of Texas at Austin (UT), the Blanton Museum of Art has over 17,000 art pieces from the last 600 years. The collection is composed of art from Western Europe and Latin America, as well as some local works. As a part of UT, the museum prides itself as an educational resource for students of all ages.

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Feast your eyes and ears on some Lone Star knowledge at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. The museum features three floors of exhibits, each dedicated to a specific portion of Texas history. Alternatively, you could watch a movie in Austin’s sole IMAX Theatre or take part in a Texas-themed educational program.

Texas Memorial Museum
If science is more of your thing, the Texas Memorial Museum is sure to please. Visitors can view exhibits of geology, paleontology and wildlife found in Texas, as well as an exhibit on evolution. The museum is a development of the Texas Natural Science Center, which serves as a hub for UT students to conduct research on both vertebrate and non-vertebrate paleontology.

These are merely a handful of the many museums found in the Austin. To find more museums in Austin, visit visit AustinMuseums.org.

The praise keeps pouring in! Over the past few months, Austin has continued to appear in local and national publications, topping "Best Of" lists in a variety of categories. Below we've outlined some of the latest accolades Austin has received.

• American City Business Journals ranked Austin the number one city for young adults to start a career, citing its young population, high job growth and low unemployment rate of recent graduates.


• Forbes ranked Austin as the city with the most potential for growth during the next decade. Also called a "boom town," Austin was expected to add 6,000 residents to its population during the summer of 2011.


• According to CNNMoney, Austin is one of the top cities for business in the world, due to its smart labor, solid infrastructure and potential customer base. The biggest and fastest growing industry in the city is computer technology, as it is home to such companies as Dell, Intel and Cisco.


• The Austin American-Statesman mentioned that Austin has the best economy in the nation. The article cited Austin's strong housing market as one of the biggest factors in keeping the Texas Capital in good economic condition.


• The Brookings Institution cited Austin as a green job generator. Green jobs include developers of solar panels, wind turbines and mass transit. As of July 2011, Austin had 14,554 green jobs with a median pay of $40,441.

You can expect Austin to receive more awards and praise as the year continues. To keep up with the latest Austin accolades, visit the Austin/Central Texas news section here at AustinHomeSearch.com.

Drawing national attention, Central Texas continues to battle a relentless outbreak of wildfires, including the Bastrop County fire, which has already consumed more homes than any single fire in Texas history. Residents living in Bastrop, Leander, the Steiner Ranch community and many other areas across Central Texas have been affected, with at least 34,000 acres of land lost to the fires and more than 4,000 residents being forced to evacuate their homes.

Residents facing evacuation
As fires continue to burn throughout Central Texas, containment efforts continue. If your neighborhood is ordered to evacuate due to the wildfires, be prepared to bring food, fresh water, extra clothes, phone chargers and other important items with you as you follow the evacuation route set by authorities.

Home buyers and sellers
This morning, Judith Bundschuh, Chairman of the Austin Board of REALTORS®, spoke with KVUE News about the wildfire outbreak. Bundschuh recommended that homeowners and potential buyers contact their lender and insurance provider to get a sense of how the disaster affects their situation. Bundschuh also mentioned that those in the home search process may face limited access to some neighborhoods.

Those looking to help
Your Central Texas REALTORS® have been lending a helping hand since the onset of this disaster, collecting donations to help those who have been displaced by the wildfires. For more information on donations and drop-off locations in the Austin area, visit the Disaster Relief page here at AustinHomeSearch.com.

Well, the secret's out. And it's been out for a while, we suppose. Local and national headlines that have included so many Austin accolades over the past months and years have only confirmed what Central Texans have known for quite some time: Austin is a great place to live! Below, we've outlined some of the latest recognition Austin has received.

• Forbes recently ranked the Austin metropolitan area as the No. 1 big city for jobs in the United States. On the same note, AOL.com listed Austin as the second best city to find a job on 2011, due in part to its low cost of living, thriving educational community and diverse talent pool.


• The Austin Business Journal placed Austin as the nation's leader for small business vitality, comparing population, employment and small-business growth to 100 other large metro areas.


• The Washington Post recently published and article highlighting Austin's unique culture. The author recounts his story of a weekend spent in Austin, reaffirming his belief that the Keep Austin Weird slogan still rings true today.


• The research firm Sperling's BestPlaces placed Austin as the No. 5 city "poised on the edge of greatness." The study highlights a city's accomplishments in fields such as sports, art, culture, music and population growth.


• The Business Journals reported that Austin had the fifth highest average salary in the southern region of the U.S., with employees earning an average of $45,180 according to data from 2009.


• In a survey published by RealAge, Austin was ranked as the third youngest city in America. This survey was based on "how old your body thinks you are," highlighting Austin's health-conscious culture and young-at-heart attitude.

You can expect to see even more praise for the Texas state capital as 2011 moves forward. To keep up with the latest Austin accolades, visit the Austin/Central Texas news section of AustinHomeSearch.com.

In June 2009, the Austin City Council approved the Energy Conservation Audit Disclosure (ECAD) Ordinance. The aim of this ordinance was to make Austin homes more energy efficient, and it required some homeowners serviced by Austin Energy to have an energy audit performed on their home prior to selling. To date, more than 4,000 energy audits have been conducted on homes in Austin.

Recently, changes have been made to the ECAD Ordinance (effective May 2, 2011). Below is a rundown of the recent changes that affect residential properties.

• Austin homeowners affected by the ECAD Ordinance must disclose energy audit results to a potential buyer no later than three days prior to the end of the option period defined in the sales contract. In the event that an option period is not available, the results must be disclosed before the sales contract is executed.


• Condominiums are now subject to the ECAD Ordinance.


• Multifamily properties whose energy usage is above 150 percent of the average usage for similar communities are required to reduce their energy consumption by 20 percent. In addition, it must be disclosed to potential tenants that the property uses a higher amount of energy than comparable properties.

Want to know whether you qualify for an energy audit? Visit Austin Energy's ECAD Audit Self Check page and fill out the form provided. For more information about the ECAD Ordinance and how it may affect you, talk to your Central Texas REALTOR®.

The temperature in Austin is rising, which means that many Austinites will be spending more time outside soaking up the sun. If you're looking for some fun outdoor activities for you and your family, below are a few Austin hotspots to enjoy during the spring and summer months ahead.

Hamilton Pool - One of the oldest and most popular swimming holes in Texas, Hamilton Pool is about 30 miles southwest of Austin. Roughly 75,000 visitors come to Hamilton Pool each year for its hiking trails and 50 foot waterfall, which fills the swimming hole below. Weather and safety conditions permitting, Hamilton Pool is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.

Canoe/Kayak Rental - What better way to spend a sunny day than taking a peaceful boat ride across Lady Bird Lake or Lake Austin? Companies such as Austin Kayak, Rowing Dock and Zilker Park Boat Rental offer a variety of canoes and kayaks to rent at a daily rate. It's a great way to soak up some sun while enjoying Austin's natural beauty.

Mount Bonnell/Covert Park - Mount Bonnell has been a popular site for hiking fans in Austin since the 1850's. The trail is about 0.3 miles long and ends with a breathtaking view of Lake Austin at the peak of the mountain. The peak also features a man-made pavilion, perfect for afternoon picnics or resting after ascending the "100-step staircase." Like most parks in Austin, Mount Bonnell is open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.

Austin Segway Tours - If you're more of an urban explorer, perhaps a Segway tour will quench your thirst for adventure. Participants will discover many of Austin's defining locations while riding the two-wheeled, electric-powered vehicle. Visit the Texas State Capitol, Lady Bird Lake, the Congress Avenue "Bat Bridge" and other notable sites around downtown Austin. Companies that offer Segway tours in Austin include Segway Nation, SegCity and GlidingRevolution.

These are just some of the fun things you can do outdoors in the Austin area. For more great information, visit TexasOutside.com.

If it's March in Austin, then residents know that nearly 30,000 people from Austin and all over the world will be flocking downtown for the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) conferences and festivals. This year's SXSW will run from March 11 - 20, with events scheduled from the early morning until well into the night throughout the festival's ten-day run. Below is a rundown of the festival's three components.

MUSIC
Now in its 25th year, the SXSW music festival continues to serve as a springboard for independent artists to share their creative works with music lovers and record labels alike.

SXSW's music festival does more than just showcase local talent - the event draws bands from all across the globe. Canja Rave, a rock group from Porto Alegre, Brazil, was met with an enthusiastic crowd during their performance at SXSW in 2010. The band felt that the best part of SXSW is "the cultural diversity and the interest of the public in meeting new artists, no matter how big they are."

Aside from concerts, SXSW also has musically themed exhibitions, such as the Texas Guitar Show. Free to the public, this event features thousands of guitar enthusiasts looking to buy, sell, trade or have their guitars appraised.

FILM
The film component of SXSW allows independent filmmakers to screen their art to an audience consisting of movie-buffs, industry bigwigs and other independent filmmakers. It also includes a film conference that allows filmmakers to sit in on discussion groups about the latest trends in the movie industry and network with fellow professionals.

Many critically acclaimed movies have premiered at the SXSW film festival. For example, Kathryn Bigelow's film The Hurt Locker captivated audiences at the 2009 SXSW film festival. Since then, the film went on to win six Academy Awards and earned Bigelow the distinct honor of being the first woman to receive the Best Director award.

INTERACTIVE
SXSW also features an interactive component that showcases the latest technology innovations, such as mobile phone developments and new video games.

This component is a hub for presentations, discussion groups and workshops covering a variety of topics, from environmental issues to business applications. Many famous individuals have spoken at SXSW Interactive, including Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, and Al Franken, a famous writer, radio personality and currently a United States Senator.

One of the most popular events of SXSW Interactive is the ScreenBurn Arcade, where visitors can try out the latest video game demos and mingle with some of the industry's top developers and publishers. Best of all, it's completely free!

Registration badges are required to attend most of SXSW's events, which can be purchased at SXSW's website. However, there are several free events to choose from as well, from film screenings to music concerts and much more.

As many Austinites will point out, some of the best food in the Texas' capital city is not found in a restaurant; it is found out in the street. Food trailers are stationed throughout Austin, where both visitors and residents line up to get big flavor from a small kitchen.

More than just your typical hot dog or ice cream stands, the items served in Austin's food trailers range from Indian cuisine to cupcakes to vegan dishes and more. Austin's food trailer culture has made an impact nationwide, capturing the attention of The New York Times, as well as Southern Living Magazine. Below are just six of the popular food trailers found in Austin.

Sushi-A-Go-Go
Over a year ago, chefs Kayo and Také Asazu brought the concept of a "sushi-bar-on-wheels" to life with the creation of Sushi-A-Go-Go. This trailer presents a variety of sushi rolls, including the Krab salad roll, with krab salad and avocado, and the Fat Samurai roll, which features five different types of fish and is a favorite of the Austin American-Statesman. Sushi-A-Go-Go also offers catering service, call-in orders and even cooking classes, where the two chefs teach basic fish-cutting and rice-making techniques in the comfort of their client's homes.

Conscious Cravings
Recently mentioned in Austin Monthly, Conscious Cravings specializes in vegetarian hot wraps and salads. If pan-seared tofu, grilled portabella mushrooms and spicy chickpeas sound like heaven, then welcome to paradise! For a healthy drink on the go, Conscious Cravings offers organic blueberry lemonade, organic teas and fresh fruit smoothies with a serving of flax seeds. And to top it all off, Conscious Cravings is happy to make deliveries, bringing healthy vegetarian meals right to your doorstep.

Kebabalicious
Near the intersection of East Seventh Street and Trinity is Kebabalicious, which serves European-Turkish street food. Kebabalicious has received critical acclaim from such local publications as the Austin American-Statesman and the Austin Chronicle. Vegetarians and meat lovers alike can find something to enjoy, from their Turk salad or hummus pita to their chicken, beef and lamb kebabs, all freshly prepared and moderately priced.

Cazamance
One of the newest trailers in Austin, Cazamance has many hearty dishes with Senegalese, Moroccan and French influences, all designed to bring West-African flavor to the streets of Austin. Patrons can choose from Yassa chicken, lamb sausage, hummus or roasted vegetables served in a wrap, a bed of rice or a bunny chow (a square bread pocket deriving from African cusine). After enjoying any of these wonderful combinations, Austin Monthly recommends trying the fresh young coconut to put a sweet finish on a healthy meal.

Torchy's Tacos
A distinct entry in the Austin TexMex scene, Torchy's Tacos serves up experimental taco dishes that have taken the city by storm. What started as a food trailer has since expanded to include several dine-in locations found throughout Austin, earning Torchy's consistent praise from the Austin Chronicle several years in a row. Favorites of the Austin Chronicle include the Baja Shrimp taco (with the main ingredients being fried shrimp and cooked cabbage slaw) and The Ranch Hand (where scrambled eggs meets grilled skirt steak).

The Peached Tortilla
Aiming to break free from the norm, The Peached Tortilla cooks what can best be described as a fusion of Japanese cuisine and Southern recipes. On the menu, you will find barbeque brisket sliders (with jalapeño slaw and peach barbeque sauce) sitting alongside banh mi pork tacos (featuring Vietnamese braised pork belly, pickled daikon and carrot salad), the latter of which is a favorite of Austin Monthly. The Peach Tortilla's Belgian fries are not to be missed either, especially when they are dipped in one of their delicious sauces, such as peach mint, bacon ranch or truffle mayo, just to name a few.

Of course, this is just a handful of the scrumptious street food that can be found in Austin. To learn more about Austin's many food trailers, visit AustinFoodCarts.com or FoodTrailersAustin.com.

There's no better time than the holiday season to remind ourselves of why we should be grateful. For Austinites, gratitude is easy to come by, as there are hundreds of reasons to love the Texas state capital. Below, we've narrowed down our list and chosen five reasons we're lucky to live in Austin, Texas.

Originality
This summer, Kiplinger ranked Austin No. 1 as the "Best City for the Next Decade." It's "best of" list sought to emphasize cities which "specialize in out-of-the-box thinking," having traits that encourage innovation in business, culture and technology. Kiplinger described Austin as "the country's best crucible for small business."

Economic Stability
Texas has fared much better than most states during these tough economic times. Newsweek noted that the "Texaplex"—Austin, Dallas, San Antonio and Houston—is "the No 1. destination for job-seeking Americans." In addition, The Austin American-Statesman recently reported that the job market in the Austin area has remained strong throughout the past year, having added more than 18,000 jobs since November 2009. Austin also has a lower unemployment rate when compared to many other cities in and out of Texas.

Real Estate Strength
Historically, Austin's housing market has maintained its value quite well. For example, the average home purchased in December 2002 and sold six years later in December 2008 appreciated 20 percent. With some Austin mortgage payments requiring less than $800 a month, Austin was also voted No. 1 for affordable housing by U.S. News in 2010, and was named the second healthiest real estate market by Hanley Wood Market Intelligence in 2009.

Excellent Education
Austin is home to the University of Texas and seven other public and private universities, as well as 29 public school districts, 17 charter schools and 69 private schools. In September 2010, The American Institute for Economic Research placed Austin at No. 2 for best mid-sized college town in the country. The article highlighted a wide array of statistical data pertaining to Austin, including high degree attainment, student diversity and varied commuting options, as well as Austin's "ample arts, strong creative class and beating entrepreneurial heart."

Never-ending Fun
Last but not least, it's hard not to mention how much fun you can have in Austin! Portfolio.com named Austin the No. 1 best city for young adults, citing the annual South by Southwest festival and its high population of 18–34 year olds (about 28 percent of the total population) as examples. However, the young–at–heart can find pleasure in Texas state capitol as well. TopRetirements.com ranked Austin as the 5th best place to retire, out–ranking 95 other cities.

Austin regularly receives praise from research groups and publications across the country, whether it be for our diverse music scene, our booming small business trade or our quirky culture and vibe. For more reasons to be thankful that we live in Austin, Texas, check out our Austin/Central Texas News section here at AustinHomeSearch.com.

We wish you and your family a happy, healthy and safe holiday season!

Need more reasons to love being an Austinite? Recently, Travel + Leisure magazine published their semi–annual America's Favorite Cities survey and the self–proclaimed "Live Music Capital of the World" received very high marks.

Musical Merit
Not surprisingly, Travel + Leisure ranked Austin at No. 2 for having the best live music in the country. The city tied with Nashville, Tennessee and beat other musically–oriented cities such as New Orleans and Chicago.

Austin is known for having live music just about every night of the week, and there is a wide variety of options to choose from. If it's your first time in the city, Saxon Pub is a great place to start. Saxon has been voted the No. 1 Best Venue in Austin for two straight years by Austin 360. The venue proudly offers live music nightly, with acts ranging from legends like Willie Nelson to local favorites like Bob Schneider. If you love Rock n' Roll, Country or Blues, this bar should be at the top of your list.

No live music venue list would be complete without mentioning Stubb’s Bar–B–Q. A favorite among Austinites, Stubb’s serves excellent food and has been home to some of Texas’ best musical acts. The venue has expanded to accommodate all sorts of musical tastes, from newer rock outfits like G Love & Special Sauce, electronic acts like Chromeo and hip–hop groups like Little Brother. And, of course, there are always some Austin–born bands waiting to get their feet wet onstage. Whether you like big names or are eager to hear some new tunes, Stubb’s will definitely satisfy both your ears and your stomach.

Noteworthy Nightlife
Austin was also ranked number 2 for having the best bars in the U.S., falling just under New Orleans and right above Las Vegas.

For beer lovers, you can't go wrong with Austin's Draught House Pub & Brewery. The Draught House has served the Austin community for 42 years with more than 60 beers on tap, including familiar favorites and unique imports, as well as a variety of in–house brewed beers to try. Combine this with a patio that is dog–friendly and allows patrons to B.Y.O.C. (bring your own chair), plus the authentic Euro pub atmosphere, and you have one of the best drinking spots in the city.

If you're looking for a downtown venue with a retro–chic atmosphere, check out The Belmont, located on Austin's West Sixth Street. Recognized for its "Vegas–meets–Palm Springs" vibe, The Belmont has been rated one of the best clubs in Austin by Austin Chronicle critics and readers alike. Whether you enjoy cocktails in an indoor lounge area or catch some fresh air and live music on the Bamboo Court or Palm Terrace, you're sure to understand why this place is known for its ambience.

Beautiful Barbeque
Texas is known for having delicious barbeque, and many Texas cities appeared on the survey. Among the Texas towns ranked, Austin came out the highest, taking the No. 3 spot for best barbeque in the nation.

Aside from the aforementioned Stubbs Bar–B–Q, another great Central Texas barbeque joint is The Salt Lick, located a mere 30 minutes southwest of Austin in Driftwood, Texas. Founded in 1967, The Salt Lick features a hand–built barbeque pit that serves well over 2,000 customers every week. Widely considered as one of the best barbeque restaurants in the country, The Salt Lick has received critical acclaim from such publications as The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. Even celebrities such as Sandra Bullock, David Letterman and Lance Armstrong have showered praise upon this little slice of heaven. And if your mouth isn't already watering, just watch this clip from The Travel Channel's Man vs. Food episode giving you an inside look at The Salt Lick–that should do the trick.

If you'd prefer something deep in the heart of Austin, Iron Works BBQ is a wonderful choice. The building itself is a little piece of Texas history. It was constructed in 1935 by the Weigl family who migrated to America from Bavaria, Germany. The Weigl's were ironworkers (hence the name of the restaurant) and operated out of this building for almost 40 years. Upon the passing of Weigl Sr., and the subsequent retirement of his two sons, the building was left vacant. However, in 1978, the lot was purchased and turned into what is now known as Iron Works BBQ. Since the restaurant opened, the building has been registered as a historical site by the State Historical Commission. Iron Works BBQ remains popular, having received praise from Time Magazine, Southern Living and other publications. It is also a regular stop for Jay Leno, Leonardo DiCaprio and George W. Bush when they're in town.

Keep in mind that we're barely scratching the surface of Austin hot–spots. One of the great things about Austin is that there are hundreds of options to explore for live music, great food and trendy bars–too many to ever squeeze into just one post. For more great recommendations on the fun to be had in Texas' capital city, visit Celebrate–Austin.com.

The City of Austin is seeking your input! Recently, the City announced the start of the next phase of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, where public participation remains a strong focus.

City officials are asking for specific input about how Austin can grow most sustainably during the next 30 years in a series of community forums held throughout the City. The forums, which are being held September 20 through October 6, 2010, give participants an opportunity to voice concerns and preferences on a variety of future scenarios. At these workshops Austinites can see displays explaining the scenarios and maps, compare indicators for a sustainable future and talk with planners, City staff and community task force members.

Based on community feedback, a scenario will be developed to guide comprehensive plan developments. These forums are the last opportunity for broad public input in 2010. The next round of community forums will occur in the fall of 2011, when the public will have an opportunity to review sections of a draft plan. Austin City Council is expected to adopt a final plan in 2012.

For more information on how you can provide input, get involved and stay up-to-date on Imagine Austin, visit www.imagineaustin.net.

Mark your calendars and get ready to join your fellow Texans in celebrating National Night Out from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 5!

National Night Out is an annual event during which a block party or social gathering is held in participating neighborhoods across the country with the goal of promoting neighborhood safety. Local police and fire departments are often invited to these gatherings to show support for their community.

National Night Out is not limited to one location; home owner associations and residents are encouraged to host a National Night Out event in their own neighborhoods on October 5. You can register your event with the Austin Police Department (APD) to receive National Night Out promotional materials and invite emergency personnel to attend. Although APD asks to receive applications by September 15, those who register their event after this date could potentially receive National Night Out materials and a visit from APD if supplies and scheduling allow.

Of course you can always organize your own event without officially registering it. The Austin Board of REALTORS® is providing event planning guides and promotional materials that you can customize for your event---included are flyer templates, suggestions for themes and activities and more.

If you're unable to host or attend a National Night Out event in your neighborhood, bring your family and friends to the National Night Out Kick Off event, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 5, at The Grove at South Park Meadows, located at 9300-9900 IH 35 South. AustinHomeSearch.com will have a booth set up at this location, so please stop by and say hello!

National Night Out is also a great opportunity talk to your neighbors about forming a Neighborhood Watch Program. Neighborhood watch groups help prevent residential crime and allow neighbors to quickly spread word during emergency situations. If you would like to learn more about starting your own neighborhood watch group, visit USAonWatch.org.

However you choose to celebrate National Night Out, we hope you'll join the State of Texas in sending a message to criminals, letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. We look forward to seeing you on October 5!

It may be "back to school" for some residents of Austin, but that doesn't mean the summer fun has come to an end. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

20th Annual Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival (August 29) – "Eat the heat" at one of the largest annual contests in the world. Non–perishable food or cash donations to the Capital Area Food Bank will grant you admission to this popular event, which features music, raffle prizes and more than 350 hot sauce entries.

Austin Street Magic Festival (September 2) – Head to downtown Austin for food, drinks, crafts, a hula hoop contest and performances by magicians, musicians, jugglers, clowns, ventriloquists, puppeteers and balloon twisters. Admission is free.

Austin Museum Day (September 19) – With more than 30 museums offering free exhibitions and activities, the only dilemma you'll be faced with is determining how to squeeze so much fun into one day.

Fantastic Fest (September 23 – 30) – Named "the most important film festival in North America" by Texas Monthly, Fantastic Fest features horror, fantasy, sci–fi, action and various movies from around the world at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on South Lamar and the Paramount Theater.

Of course, these events are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the fun Austin has to offer. Whatever your interest, Austin's got an upcoming event just for you!

The Fourth of July is upon us, and in the Austin area there are plenty of celebratory events to choose from. Below are just a few hot spots Austinites can visit for Independence Day fun.

The H–E–B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks: Pack a picnic and head out to Auditorium Shores at The Long Center for the biggest Fourth of July celebration in Austin. Free to the public, festivities include patriotic music by the Austin Symphony Orchestra at 8:30 p.m. and an extravagant fireworks show over Lady Bird Lake at 9:30 p.m. Early arrival is recommended for prime seating.

Willie Nelson's Fourth of July Picnic: Make your way to The Backyard for Willie Nelson's renowned Fourth of July Picnic, which has been taking place for more than 30 years. Doors to the picnic open at 10:00 a.m., with the opening ceremony beginning at 11:00 a.m. The celebration features live performances by several musicians, including Willie himself. Purchase your tickets as soon as possible to secure your place at this famous Austin-area tradition.

4th of July Celebration at Seaholm Power Plant: The Electric Company is hosting their Independence Day celebration downtown at the Seaholm Power Plant. This free, family-friendly event starts at 4:00 p.m. with food, drinks and live performances by multiple musicians. The festivities will close with a spectacular fireworks display at sunset.

Whether you celebrate at or away from your home, it is important to remember that it's illegal for citizens to use or sell fireworks within the City of Austin, as they pose several safety hazards. That said, sparklers, smoke bombs, glow worms and various noisemakers are not classified as common fireworks and are legal to use.

Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

Now that Memorial Day weekend has come and gone and the temperature continues to climb, it feels as if summer is officially upon us. But don't be intimidated by the heat — there are plenty of fun activities to do outdoors. Below are several Austin classics:

Blues on the Green - Don't miss out on this free summer music series, held from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. every other Wednesday night June through August. Bring a blanket or chair, put your dog on a leash and head over to Zilker Park's Rock Island (north side of Barton Springs Road) to hear from musical guests such as Alejandro Escovedo and Amy Cook. Feel free to bring a picnic dinner or support the local vendors selling food and drink. Blues on the Green 2010 kicks off on June 9.

First Thursday - Even if you don't live in South Austin, it's worth taking a trip to South Congress Avenue the first Thursday of every month to enjoy the laid-back, block-party feel of this event. During First Thursday, shops between Barton Springs Road and Elizabeth Street keep their doors open until at least 10 p.m., with some offering special discounts and free drinks. Take the whole family to enjoy live music, shopping, tasty treats and Austin's warm summer nights.

Barton Springs Pool --- You haven't had a real Austin summer until you've made it to Barton Springs Pool, located within Zilker Park. Though open year-round, the spring-feed pool water-which hovers around 70 °F-feels especially refreshing during the hot summer months. Make a splash anytime between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Friday through Wednesday.

Zilker Summer Musical - Located across from Barton Springs Pool is the "longest-running outdoor musical production with pay-what-you-wish admission in the United States today" - the Zilker Summer Musical. This event is held at dusk Thursday through Sunday during July and August, featuring family-friendly performances such as "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and "Beauty and the Beast." The tradition continues in 2010 with performances of "Annie" beginning July 9.

March is upon us, and that means there are plenty of fun events to keep you busy in Austin, Texas.

Zilker Park Kite Festival (March 7, 2010) - The first Sunday in March brings one of the most anticipated outdoor family events in Austin: the Zilker Park Kite Festival. Whether you bring a kite to fly or a blanket to sit and watch the action, this event is free and open to the public.

South By Southwest (March 12 - 21, 2010) - Thousands of people flock to Austin every March for this series of music, film and interactive conferences and festivals, networking events and after parties that keep attendee's creative juices flowing well beyond the last official event. SXSW is a must-attend for those looking to discover emerging musical artists, film-making trends and/or social media tools that are shaping the future.

Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo (March 12 - 27, 2010) - Whether you're a homegrown cowboy or someone who's just along for the ride, Rodeo Austin has something for you to enjoy. Between the competitive events, fairgrounds and nightly concerts, you'll find yourself saying "Yee haw!" before you know it.

Great Urban Race Austin (March 27, 2010) - If you're looking for an outdoor adventure, this event is for you. Teams of two will discover Austin in a fresh new way while racing to solve twelve clues. Costumes are encouraged.

The list doesn't stop here. Check out the events calendar compiled by the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau for a deeper look into the action-packed month ahead.

You’ve probably heard the term "green" used to describe everything from grocery bags and cars to buildings and cities. But what does "green" mean for Austin, and what does it mean for you?

While "green" can refer to practices that promote healthy living and aid in resource conservation, it’s often used in reference to practices that reduce one’s carbon footprint, boost sustainability and increase energy efficiency.

Austin consistently ranks high on lists of America's greenest cities, largely in part to its Climate Protection Program, which puts Austin on track to become carbon neutral by 2020. Austin is also among cities leading the nation in the number of Energy Star qualified homes available to homebuyers. These homes meet strict energy efficient standards in regard to insulations systems, windows, construction and appliances.

Because Austin takes seriously its mission to "go green," Central Texans are buying more energy efficient homes, saving money through reduced energy costs and living in a city on track to become "the most livable city in the country."

So, what does "green" mean for Austin homeowners? In short: lower energy costs, a more sustainable standard of living and, of course, bragging rights.

To learn more about Austin’s Climate Protection program and how it affects Austin homeowners, read our post on "Understanding’s Austin’s energy efficiency ordinance."

If you’re in the market to buy or sell Austin real estate, you may have heard of Austin’s energy efficiency ordinance, officially known as the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) Ordinance.

Under the ECAD Ordinance, some Austin homeowners are required to have an energy audit performed on their home prior to selling it and share that audit report with potential buyers. In most cases, an audit is required for homes lying within the Austin city limits that are older than 10 years and serviced by Austin Energy. (Exceptions apply, so talk to your REALTOR® about whether the ordinance will affect you.)

Though the ECAD ordinance took effect June 1, 2009, the city’s effort to “go green” and stop manufacturing excess carbon dioxide (CO2) dates back much further.

In 2007, 70% of the city’s electricity was being used by homes and commercial buildings, with the average home generating twice the greenhouse-gas emissions as the average car (roughly 11,450 pounds of CO2 yearly, according to the Environmental Protection Agency).

With this in mind, the Austin City Council established the Austin Climate Protection Plan (ACPP) with the goal of making Austin “the most livable city in the country” and a carbon-neutral city by 2020.

As the ACPP consists of five components, each with their own specific initiatives, the ECAD Ordinance was created to address but a single part of the puzzle: how to pursue energy efficient upgrades for existing buildings. The ECAD Ordinance seeks to educate homeowners on potential for energy savings within their home in hopes that they will voluntarily opt for cost-effective upgrades.

Energy audits are good for 10 years, so consider having an audit performed on your home now to prevent a last-minute scramble and begin benefiting from the audit findings today. For more information on the ECAD Ordinance, talk to your Central Texas REALTOR®.

Thinking of buying or selling real estate in Austin, Texas? That’s fantastic!

As history has proven, Texas survives. That’s why we are ranked as the top state for business and jobs in the current economy, the second largest cyber state and fourth best tax free haven.

And located in the heart of the Lone Star State, Austin has been recognized among the top 10 best cities to live.

So what does this mean for Austin’s housing market?

Undeniably, effects of the national economic crisis have trickled into nearly every city in the nation. However, because of its location, diverse economy, and business opportunities Austin has been named the city best poised for recession recovery by Forbes, with its economy projected to grow by $5 billion by 2010.

Though Austin has taken its lumps by way of decreased sales volume along with everyone else, “the bloom is back in Austin’s yellow rose” according to Boyce Thompson of Builder, which ranked Austin the second healthiest housing market for 2009 based on its location, pricing and population trends, number of building permits and local job growth.

Austin real estate has proven a strong investment. Those who purchased a home at Austin’s median price six years ago would find that it has increased in value by 20 percent. The city continues to “hold the line” on home value because Central Texas real estate prices have not experienced periods of rapid inflation or deflation.

AustinHomeSearch.com is one of the most trusted and comprehensive online resources available to find a REALTOR®, browse properties and learn more about Austin real estate. Why not begin your Austin home search today?

Whether you’ve just moved to Austin or have lived here your entire life, there’s always something new to learn about the capital of Texas, a city constantly buzzing with music, business, technology, outdoor adventure and family fun.

U.S. News & World Report ranks Austin as the third best place to live, based on its economy, affordability and fun things to do—and that comes as no surprise to native Austinites or the thousands of people who find jobs, buy real estate and first experience the social scene in Austin every year.

Officially recognized as the "Live Music Capital of the World" since 1991, Austin is stage to a wide variety of popular and up-and-coming artists. Well-known music festivals including Austin City Limits and SXSW (South by Southwest) attract music lovers from around the world, and live music can be heard in Austin every day of the week.

Relocating to Austin? Good choice. Austin has been named the best city for a "fresh start" and the region best poised for recession recovery. In addition, Austin maintains its status as a fit city, boasting low levels of chronic health conditions and offering a wide variety of outdoor and indoor fitness activities.

With so many entertainment, business and real estate opportunities in Austin, it can be hard to know where to begin. AustinHomeSearch.com is your source for community and Austin real estate information. Visit the "Find a Property" and "Find a REALTOR®" sections to begin your Austin real estate search today!