Home ownership is arguably the most important decision an individual or family can make. Whether this involves buying an existing home or building a new one, the long-term impact of this investment is huge. Why? Owning a home can serve as the foundation for building long-term financial security, not to mention its contribution to the health and happiness of everyone who may benefit.
While economic fluctuations such as mortgage interest rates, amount of housing inventory in a particular area (causing buyers to “compete” for properties), along with other factors have made this process of buying a home somewhat more challenging in recent times, the fundamental value of owning a home remains strong. However, along with the challenges have come opportunities.
For potential homebuyers in North Texas, the master-planned community of Creekshaw, located just north of Dallas in Royse City,offers a vast array of great options for a new home. There is even an inventory of brand-new homes available immediately!
Location, Location, Location
Anyone who is considering the purchase of a new home, has heard about the “three most important words in residential real estate” – location, location, location. As with most cliches, this one is based on cold, hard facts. This factor is consistently on the top of every homebuyer’s wish list.
According to Forbes, prospective buyers should “Identify the area or neighborhood you believe will fit your lifestyle and be a good place to call home. Things to consider include traffic, proximity to shopping and medical facilities as well as other nearby amenities that are important to you.”
The location of master-planned communities such as Creekshaw, has been meticulously chosen as a perfect location for families.
These questions about location should also be pursued on a deeper level. Designer Lauren Sullivan, whose company Well by Design specializes in “home wellness” notes, “I’ve known many people who overlooked critical aspects of their lot location and history before building a new home—only to run into significant issues down the road. Before you fall in love with a lot due to the proximity to family, schools, parks, and other amenities, take some time to research the history and details of the space.
Cost Considerations
Since buying a home is a big investment, costs, and a buyer’s ability to pay them, matter. Experts note, “Not far behind location is the price range in which you are comfortable per the budget you are working with and willing to spend. There is a lot involved in analyzing this part of the process. Do you have to sell your existing home to buy? What size home would best fit your needs? Where will you be most comfortable? What are home values like in the immediate area you are considering? Most of this can be determined on your own with a loan officer to outline your options or limitations.”
A Lot Going On
“Your lot size and layout are essential details to consider when building a new house,” notes Sullivan. “Don’t just think about your home and yard today but assess your plans in the future.
“If you have young children, a small yard and garden may seem like plenty for now, but maybe your family will grow into a swing set, a basketball standard, a hot tub, or even a pool. Consider your scalability in the future and plan with plenty of room in mind—not only for your dream home but for your dream yard and activities.”
Choosing a Builder
The “state of the art” for home building has dramatically improved. With new engineering technology, energy-saving architectural design, and many other factors, choosing the right builder has never been more important. In Creekshaw, this decision has been made easier. The builders in this master-planned communityhave been vetted by the developers and they are recognized as some of the most innovative in the country.
As Forbes notes, “This decision (on a builder) should be based on reputation, track record, financial stability, reviews, follow-up warranty and what features are included in standard pricing.”
Let There Be (Natural) Light!
For more than a century, psychologists have extolled the benefits of sunlight on our sense of well-being. Creekshaw, located in Royse City, Texas is in the heart of the Sunbelt and glorious sunlight abounds most of the year. A new home should take advantage of this healthful benefit.
According to home wellness expert, Lauren Sullivan, “As you work with your building team, consider light and the ways to maximize daylight and sunshine! Depending on the way you position your windows and place your house on the lot, you may be able to get more morning sun in the kitchen or your studio, while making the most of afternoon light in your home office. Light is an essential consideration when building a new home.”
Creekshaw Checks All the Boxes
Since Creekshaw meets all the criteria noted above and the community even has available inventory, now is a great time to make the short drive to Royse City and see what everyone is talking about. Just click here and we’ll show you around.
For the residents of Creekshaw, a master-planned community located in historic and charming Royse City, Texas, any time is the right time for entertaining friends, family members, book club members ,or an entire wedding reception! Located near Interstate 30/U.S. 67, a thoroughfare that runs through the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Creekshaw’s vibe is as cool as the other side of the pillow.
During the spring, early summer, and early fall, taking the shindig outside only multiplies the fun. However, before stringing up those lights, or firing up that big honkin’ grill, a few planning tips are in order for an event in the great outdoors.
Five Tips for Your Next Outdoor Party
Several professional party planners, featured in a very insightful and laugh-out-loud funny article waxed eloquent on the little things a host or hostess can do to make their next outdoor party the talk of the town.
It Starts with the Invitation
You have 25 people invited to your backyard, where backyards are almost always found – OUTSIDE. What could possibly go wrong? The weather, for one thing. The invitation should be clever, but specific. Is the party happening, rain or shine? Will the guests be served a 7- course meal or nibbles with drinks? Inquiring minds want to know.
Take the Elements into Consideration
Depending on the time of year, the guests (like the steaks) at an outdoor soiree can be medium or well-done. If the backyard blast is happening on a summer afternoon, experts suggest borrowing umbrellas from everyone in the zip code to block the sun! If it’s a beautiful fall evening event (and there’s nothing better than Royse City in the fall), it might turn a little chilly. Some light afghan wraps or scarves should be placed on the chairs to keep the party warm and toasty.
Creative Party Decor Is a Must
This is a tricky area, but the party planning experts in this article have a tip or two. “Interior designer Mark Eckstrom of Maison MxM, in Omaha, Neb., ticked off the elements of the most routine outside-entertaining aesthetic—all to be avoided: “Mason-jar glasses, mini-chalkboard menus with exaggerated calligraphy, galvanized steel buckets as wine chillers and baskets of ‘Rosé All Day’ paper napkins.” Not sure we need to listen to everything Mark says, but we say, have fun with it and deliver a setting your that will make your guests feel comfortable. One cool idea for decorations could be employing a theme – for example, the elements of famous paintings – for the look of the decor.
Let There Be Light
Nothing creates a great party ambiance like light. Just be sure it’s not a floodlight! According to the experts, “Aim for warm lighting that emanates from multiple levels. ‘Make a space even cozier with a perimeter of large lanterns,’ said designer Dakota Willimon of Charleston, S.C., who also likes to tuck small flameless—and windproof—tea lights among low tabletop floral arrangements. Portable table lamps, which can be set on the ground, also work wonders for creating an ambient glow.”
Seating Sets the Tone
These experts who party for a living, know how the seating layout can encourage conversation, or stifle it. They suggest that you “think beyond dining tables. Denver interior designer Julie Brayton sets small benches or lounge chairs in unexpected corners so guests can move about. If you’re lucky, you can exploit your hardscaping. A broad set of steps or a low wall with outdoor pillows will allow for smaller conversation groups.”
New Friends Are Waiting
One of the best parts of living in an amenity-rich environmentlike Creekshaw is the people you run into on the walking paths or at the swimming pool (which is opening very soon!). These folks are just like you and your family. They’re friendly, have great stories, and make wonderful party guests. Maybe it’s time for you to check out where all the fun is happening. Click here to schedule a visit, and let’s get this party started!
Look at the roster of any professional sports team and it becomes evident that these elite players come from widely diverse backgrounds – economically, culturally, academically, and even in the size of their hometowns. This is especially true of Major League Baseball players.
Because of the smaller number of kids, the odds of a small town producing a professional ball player are not great. However, history has shown that many of the elite pitchers who took the mound in an MLB game came from smaller communities: Dizzy Dean (Spaulding, OK), Nolan Ryan (Alvin, TX), and Justin Verlander (Goochland, VA – population 679).
Having pitcher Taylor Hearn (Royse City, TX)as the 2022 opening day starter for the Texas Rangers is nothing short of a ringing endorsement for growing up in a small town! For the kids who live in Royse City and the master-planned community of Creekshaw Taylor Hearn is a VERY big deal. His story is a baseball parable, of sorts. It shows how growing up in a small community can be very much an advantage in a competitive world like baseball.
An All-American City
The city where Hearn grew up has grown some since he blew fastballs past opposing high school hitters. However, the city’s small-town charm (https://creekshaw.com/main-street-is-something-special-in-royse-city-texas/) and neighborly attitude have remained, and this is one of the reasons the developers of Creekshawchose this city to build one of the most beautiful,amenity-rich communities in the Dallas Metroplex.
The kids in Royse City attend exemplary schools and have plenty of support from caring teachers and administrators. They enjoy a less-stressful “world” than more urban environments because this community is the epitome of “family friendly.” This gives them a firm foundation for success as an adult.
Speaking of success, Taylor Hearn is having a great life. However, it has not always been an “easy street” for this young man.
Dealing With the Ups and Downs of Professional Sports
The Texas Rangers pitcher could have followed the footsteps of his father, grandfather, and three uncles and become a professional cowboy, working the rodeo circuit. As a youngster, he participated in this rough-and-tumble sport, and folks who followed rodeos thought he might be a natural. Of course, this was before he learned to throw a baseball 90 miles an hour! That changed everything.
According to this article, after a brilliant high school career at Royse City, he was drafted after his senior year by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 22nd round of the 2012 MLB Draft. Rather than sign, he chose to attend San Jacinto College and hone his pitching skills. For the next two years, he was drafted each year by other MLB teams, but he chose to transfer to Oklahoma Baptist University and continued playing college ball. After one year at Oklahoma Baptist, he was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the fifth round of the 2015 MLB draft and signed.
After spending time in the Washington and Pittsburgh organizations, Hearn was traded to his “hometown” team, The Texas Rangers, 2018. After time in the Rangers minor leagues system, he was called up to the big show in April 2019.
Everything looked sweet until his major league debut against Seattle. It lasted less than one inning. He allowed five runs, injured his left shoulder, and then later fractured his elbow during rehabilitation from this injury. This is when having a supporting family and small-town tenacity saved the career of Taylor Hearn.
Hearn fought his way back to the “big leagues.” In 2020, he went 0–0 with a 3.63 ERA and 23 strikeouts over 17 ⅓ innings for Texas, and with the Rangers in 2021, Hearn went 6–6 with a 4.66 ERA and 92 strikeouts over 114⅓ innings. In 2022, he was deemed the ace and got the opening day assignment.
Before his opening day outing, Fox 4 TV in Dallas interviewed Hearn and gave him a tip of the cap. “No matter how perfect or imperfect Taylor winds up pitching against the Colorado Rockies (opening day), Monday will be a victory for the family that’s stuck out those highs and lows – that’s been on the other end of Taylor’s 2 A.M. phone calls.”
“He says, ‘Mom, I don’t want to do this anymore,’” says Debra Hearn, Taylor’s mom. “I said, ‘Taylor, I’m not going to let you quit.
“In those moments, Taylor’s dad Robby tells him, ‘Taylor you’ve got to push through.’
“His sister, Robyn – born exactly four years to the day after Taylor – has seen her older brother learn to thrive in those tough times. That’s when I feel like Taylor prevails the best,” says Robyn. ‘When he’s in those low moments.’”
Your Kids Deserve to Grow Up Here
Not every child who grows up in the small town of Royse City is going to become a star athlete, scientist, or teacher who changes the lives of their students. However, having the confidence, support, and tenacity that is often found in a tight-knit community can be a foundation for success as an adult.
If you want to see what life in Royse City is like, come take a look at Creekshaw. The neighborhoods are full of kids, enjoying a quiet lifestyle and having fun. Who knows what kind of great things can come from this?
There are no better memories for kids and their families than those from summer. In the master-planned community of Creekshawin Royse City, the livin’ is indeed easy.
The amenities of this great new community are spectacular, making a “stay-cation” something that families can put at the top of their Fun-To-Do list. Whether you enjoy the aerobic workout of swimming laps, the skill of diving, lazy floating, or the irresistible silliness of splashing your kids, the massive pool at the Creekshaw Amenity Center is the perfect place to indulge in all these activities.
The walking and biking trails are also perfect for a leisurely stroll or ride. These scenic trails were designed for the gently rolling terrain of northeast Texas and they are extremely popular with all residents in Creekshaw. One of those trails passes by the community fishing pond where making that perfect cast can be a blast!
Other Great Summer Fun Near Creekshaw
The area around Royse City is a paradise for summer activities for kids. With a little planning, kids can join in the fun among a wide range of day camps that help them learn new skills, exercise, get some much-needed chill time, and meet many new friends.
There’s nothing like the quality of life in a small community. And for residents of Creekshaw, the diversity of activities is nothing short of amazing. Come see why more and more families have decided to build a forever home in one of the hottest communities in the country. Click here and set up your visit to Creekshaw.
There is no more exciting sound on planet Earth than that of the high-pitch “whirling” of a nicely-made cast and then the “Ker Plunk” of a lure or bobber hitting the water. It is iconic. This is true for both seasoned anglers and small fry who are just getting started with the lifetime sport of fishing.
In the master-planned community of Creekshaw, located in the quiet, historic town of Royse City, the fishing hole is just a few steps from the backdoors of residents. One of the truly fun amenities of this beautiful spot in North Texas is the community fishing pond. Surrounded by lush landscaping, this is the perfect spot for mothers, fathers, or grandparents to show kids just how cool fishing is.
Getting a child excited about fishing is all about parents and grandparents having patience. It also entails getting some simple and inexpensive gear that is designed for young arms and strength and almost no experience with “wetting a line.”
How To Teach a Kid to Fish
Teaching a kid to fish involves the art of storytelling and hands-on experience. As with any learning experience, success in fishing for kids will typically lead to lots of laughter, excitement, and even more success. For those kids who are lucky enough to live or visit Creekshaw, the weather is almost perfect – save for a couple of months in winter – for year-round fishing.
Sweet!
According to Fatherly, a wonderful website for teaching kids the “essential” skills for having fun outdoors, “the best time to start a kid fishing is always the autumn. It’s the season with the most comfortable weather, and the fish are on the feed, which provides a more exciting outing for screen-dependent youths.
“The best fishing poles for kids facilitate casting, are reciprocal to the child’s own miniature dimensions, and often include a few hooks to spare, affording for the inevitable snags and break-offs. But there’s more to the best kids fishing poles than just numbers and features; the tackle represents a portal to outdoor adventures, as well as the quality time between you and your child and a lifetime of lessons.”
The editors of the site tracked down fishing expert Hernan Santiesteban. “When introducing kids to fishing, focus on making the experience as positive as possible — and be patient with the initial interest level. If you can incorporate other activities like swimming or boating, great because the progress on the fishing side might be slow at first. Second, don’t get too intimidated by all the jargon and gear out there — you can have an amazing day on the water (and still catch a lot of fish) with a basic setup. Start with finding a good kid’s fishing pole.
“When choosing a kid’s fishing rod, pay attention to length. It should be just long enough for your little angler to handle it with ease, so about 3-4 feet in length. And because kids break stuff, get them rods made of graphite, fiberglass, and composite blends, so you won’t need to replace them every month.
“For toddlers, consider a “no-tangle” kids fishing rod with a line that runs inside the shaft rather than along the exterior via stubborn metal eyelets. For kids in the four to six range, think about a rod with a closed-face, push-button “spin-cast” design — this will teach your child a modified but effective casting technique. For coordinated seven-year-olds and above, the sky’s the limit as long as they’re willing to put up with the occasional few minutes of frustration. But hey, that’s fishing.”
The great thing about getting fishing equipment suitable for boys and girls is the price. Well-made, kid-friendly rods, reels, and all of the hooks, bobbers, and other “stuff” that kids LOVE, can range from $15 to $40.
Kid Casters Orange Edition Complete Fishing Kit This telescoping spin-cast package from Kid Casters. Besides a few basic lures and a tackle box, the kit also includes a variety of training aids, including a casting plug, a plastic safety hook, and three sponge lures.
Price: $30 from Dick’s Sporting Goods
Shakespeare’s Catch a Monster Spincast Kids Combo, With playful graphics and a big button for easy casting, spin-cast combos like this one are perfect for real fishing. The finger guard keeps little digits out of harm’s way, and it comes with a plastic minnow so your kid can practice launching man-sized casts into the middle of the lake.
Price: $14.99 from Bass Pro Shops
A Paradise for Kids
Family activities such as fishing is just one of the many outdoor “attractions” of Creekshaw. This place is a paradise for kids! Plus, the exemplary Royse City schools take care of the non-fishing side of your small fry’s brain.
Win/Win.
Don’t let this big one get away! Creekshaw is just one of those places where childhood memories are made. Click here and come see why they’re always biting at this family-friendly community.
