Continuing the strong sales pace that has made each community the fastest-growing offering in its area, developer SouthStar Communities saw two of its communities in the top 10 best-selling communities in the San Antonio MSA for the third quarter, according to Metrostudy’s San Antonio 3Q18 Housing Report. Vintage Oaks, a 3,900-acre masterplanned community in New Braunfels, was No. 3 on the list and Mission del Lago in South San Antonio was No. 10.
“Of course we’re pleased to see two SouthStar communities among the top 10 sales performers in the greater San Antonio MSA during the last quarter,” said company President Thad Rutherford. “Most importantly as it confirms that our passion for delivering great communities is being recognized by buyers across the San Antonio area.”
Austin-based SouthStar Communities develops residential master-planned communities across Texas and the Southern United States.
“What is most gratifying”, continues Rutherford, “is that these two communities are so different. Vintage Oaks is a higher-end acreage community in the Texas Hill Country, whereas Mission del Lago is a first home and move-up community catering to families in San Antonio’s Southside. But both reflect our mission to deliver unique, thoughtful communities that enrich the lives of our residents.”
Vintage Oaks the No. 3 best-selling community in the San Antonio MSA
Vintage Oaks has held a spot in the top ten fastest selling communities for the past 5 years, according to Metrostudy. Featuring 1-14 acre homesites sold to end users and custom home builders, Vintage Oaks has also been recognized as the fastest-selling homesite community in the San Antonio MSA for the past two years. Its appeal also includes the accolade of the top selling community New Braunfels.
The 3,900-acre community attracts young families and retirees from across the country for its open space, expansive amenities including a Lazy River, three pools, 5 miles of trails and the newly opened Fitness Club and extensive array of activities for all ages. Owner referrals are one of the largest contributors to sales success in Vintage Oaks, reflective of owners satisfaction with the community.
As Vintage Oaks nears sell-out in the coming 24 months, the pace of sale is anticipated to remain high for this coveted location, vistas and array of amenities.
Mission del Lago the No. 10 best-selling community in the San Antonio MSA
Located in San Antonio’s historic Southside, Mission del Lago was the No. 10 best-selling community in the San Antonio MSA for the third quarter of 2018, according to the study. The community has consistently been in the top 15, but growth across SouthSide has spurred even more activity at this family-focused community. Buyers are drawn to accessible home pricing from the $150s by builders Lennar and Express by DR Horton, and an array of amenities including a community pool and clubhouse, 18 hole Alamo Trail golf course, trailhead to the Medina River Trail, tennis courts, and 3 playgrounds and parks. Mission del Lago is the fastest-growing community in its price range and one of the fastest-growing communities regardless of price range in all of San Antonio.
San Antonio MSA continues to have National Appeal for homebuyers
New Braunfels and San Antonio are two of Texas’ standout cities—in a state that is repeatedly noted for its economic might; most recently, Texas was named CNBC's Top State for Business in America for 2018, becoming the first four-time winner in the history of their annual study. Texas is also the owner of the second-largest state economy in the U.S., behind California.
SouthStar is actively developing seven communities across Texas, 5 in the greater San Antonio MSA, and one recognized as the largest and fastest growing community in the Frisco/North Dallas area. As buyers continue to folk to Texas from across the country, seeking space and lower taxes and cost of living, SouthStar president Thad Rutherford confirms the company’s commitment to Central Texas.
“Central Texas is our sweetspot,” explains Rutherford. “We love the energy of the people and the beauty of the land. We moved our headquarters here from Dallas a few years ago, and our employees love the lifestyle here. We’ve been doing business in Texas for nearly two decades now, but really are focused on new opportunities in Central Texas.
New Braunfels has been repeatedly praised for its family friendliness and great schools, and is also a growing retirement spot favored by those who want to live in an ideal setting. TIME: Money named New Braunfels the best city “For Encore Workers” on their list of the 7 Best Places to Retire Right Now, noting Moody’s Analytics prediction of 15.5 percent job growth through 2021. New Braunfels’ military-friendly setting also earned the city a No. 3 rating for veteran-friendly small cities on Military Times’ most recent list
Vintage Oaks caters to each of these buyer groups with Hill Country land ranging from 1–14 acres in both gated and non-gated neighborhoods and custom, semi-custom, and Quick Move homes for sale. Acclaimed resort amenities include multiple pools; a lazy river; a children’s playground; ball fields and sport courts; miles of walking trails that wind through the masterplan; a brand-new Fitness Club; and the Tuscan Clubhouse, home of numerous events and activities that bring residents together. The community is located in a serene and scenic yet easily accessible area right on the Texas Wine Trail that boasts breathtaking Hill Country views.
San Antonio is the fastest-growing city in the nation according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, increasing its population by more than 24,000 people in the last study period. “Although culture, cuisine, and affordability are some of San Antonio’s key attractors, the emerging technology sector is key to the city’s growth,” said WP Engine. “Local incubators like Geekdom are home to many young entrepreneurs and fast-moving IT startups. San Antonio is now a beacon for software engineering, cybersecurity, and tech support.”
San Antonio was also named the No. 14 best place to live in the nation by U.S. News & World Report based on factors including its job market, cost of living, quality of life, and overall desirability. In addition, the city has been named one of the best places for first-time buyers in the country by financial website SmartAsset thanks to its “stable housing markets with affordable housing and low market volatility.”
The Metrostudy report showed job growth in the San Antonio area of 3.3 percent—the largest since 2014—and an unemployment rate of 3.3 percent that is lower than Texas’ overall rate as well as those of Dallas, Ft. Worth, and the national average of 3.6 percent. Home starts in the city were 2,881 in the third quarter, “a +1.6% increase over 3Q17 (2,835).” The rate of closings during the quarter was also up 13.8 percent year over year and three percent over the previous quarter.
Mission del Lago is located on the buzzworthy Southside, home to dynamic development growth spurred by the World Heritage designation from UNESCO for the San Antonio Missions. Everyone from first-time homebuyers and growing families, to military and veterans, to employees at the nearby San Antonio Toyota Plant, Brooks City Base, and Port of San Antonio, to students at the new University of the Incarnate Word’s School of Osteopathic Medicine and Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s new campus are attracted to this prime location.
Mission del Lago makes homeownership affordable in the area. This 800-acre masterplan features homes from leading national homebuilders Lennar and DR Horton plus rich on-site amenities including the 18-hole Mission del Lago Golf Course, the Gallardo Elementary School, two parks, a sparkling pool and pavilion, and an ideal setting minutes from downtown and bordering the Mitchell Lake Wildlife Refuge and Audubon Center.
For more information about the Texas economy or buying a home or land in Texas, visit https://www.southstarcommunities.com/.
