It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Twin Creeks Historic Park gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Cedar Park, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best Care was there for me when I needed them. I was providing”
“I am so happy with Mr. Steven Coleman services. He has been very professional and”
“We had an excellent experience with Always Best Care Senior Services in Austin. They provided”
“Highly recommend using Always Best Care for all your senior service needs! Super helpful and”
“Kyle and his team are great.”
“I am a past client of this provider My siblings and I engaged Always Best Care”
“Always best care is ALWAYS the BEST care. No pun intended. Means a lot to”
“Kyle and his team rock ,really good communicators. I would refer them to people who”
“Always Best Care provided the perfect service we needed for our mom. Their caregivers”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my”
“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support”
“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff”
“Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother”
“Owners Lori and Kyle are genuine, salt-of-the-earth folks who are super-dedicated to their clients. ”
“Lori & Kyle were very attentive and responded very quickly to our needs. They visited”
“Always Best came to the rescue when my mother needed immediate caregiver services while in”
“I’ve known Lori for years and have high confidence in her ability to provide care.”
“I had the pleasure of working with Lori Schrayer in a professional setting where she”
“I am a current client of this provider Lori and staff - What a sanity saver”
“Always Best Care of Austin, TX is the only place I trust to care for”
“Always Best Care was there for me when I needed them. I was providing hospice care for my mother in my home. I could not have done it without them. The caregivers are kind and dependable. The company was supportive in every aspect of my mother's care. I cannot thank them enough for their support during this difficult time.”
“I am so happy with Mr. Steven Coleman services. He has been very professional and helpful.”
“We had an excellent experience with Always Best Care Senior Services in Austin. They provided in home care when my mom got out of the hospital and, in parallel, helped us find an assisted living facility. I was calling them from the hospital and we didn't know when my mom would be discharged or what kind of care she would need and Always Best Care was responsive, flexible and provided guidance when we needed it most. This was a stressful time and they gave us peace of mind while providing the best care for my mom. The caregivers were on time, thoughtful and kind. I'd recommend Always Best Care to anyone trying to navigate the complexities of eldercare.”
“Highly recommend using Always Best Care for all your senior service needs! Super helpful and really takes care of patients to make them feel comfortable and safe!”
“Kyle and his team are great.”
“I am a past client of this provider My siblings and I engaged Always Best Care to help care for our mother, initially when she was still able to do a significant amount on her own. Over time she declined and needed different levels of care. At each stage, Lori, Kyle, and each member of the ABC team listened to our needs, and was warm, caring, attentive, patient, punctual, and flexible in accommodating Mom‘s abilities, needs, and wants. Caregivers often went above and beyond, and the teams’ communication with my siblings and me was terrific – – especially helpful since none of us lived in the area. I feel fortunate to have been connected with Lori and Kyle, and I highly recommend the ABC team.”
“Always best care is ALWAYS the BEST care. No pun intended. Means a lot to know my loved ones are in good hands ????”
“Kyle and his team rock ,really good communicators. I would refer them to people who would need this service”
“Always Best Care provided the perfect service we needed for our mom. Their caregivers were on time, professional, and did what mom/we asked of them and more. The owners, Lori & Kyle, listened to our needs and went above and beyond in their help and care. A few times when we had to take mom to the ER, Lori and/ or Kyle came to the house to be sure all of mom's needs were met. At the end of mom's life, their caregivers could not have been more attentive, kind, caring and professional. I would highly recommend ABC Care for your loved one.”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my husband up with very competent companions who were kind and dependable.”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my husband up with very competent companions who were kind and dependable.”
“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support for our clients, their family members and our caring team of staff .”
“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff was so caring to my mother and so nice to my family I highly recommend them to take care of your loved ones. I think there ought to be more than just five stars to give them”
“Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother with care and a very short notice. Their staff was some of the most caring people that I've ever met. Not only were they wonderful to my mother but also to my family. I would highly recommend using them.”
“Owners Lori and Kyle are genuine, salt-of-the-earth folks who are super-dedicated to their clients. I know I can trust them to make sure our Mom gets the care and help she needs. And caregiver Leah is so very kind -- she's the best!”
“Lori & Kyle were very attentive and responded very quickly to our needs. They visited us in person to introduce the new aide, to make sure instructions were done smoothy. ABC came thru in a very critical time for us. Forever grateful for their compassion & thoughtfulness to our health needs.”
“Always Best came to the rescue when my mother needed immediate caregiver services while in a skilled nursing facility and it continues to provide steady, reliable and helpful care now that she is at home. The owners are very kind and authentic and seem to really care about the people they are helping! My mother adores her caregiver. Would highly recommend.”
“I’ve known Lori for years and have high confidence in her ability to provide care. She’s caring, intelligent, dependable and friendly. She would be an excellent service provider!”
“I had the pleasure of working with Lori Schrayer in a professional setting where she was in a leadership role. I worked with her and her team on multiple projects as a liaison to the County Manager or head of the municipal organization. Lori is consistent in her treatment of peers, communication style, and commitment to her staff. I would be fortunate to work with Lori in the future and would provide her business if given the opportunity as I know they’d be in great hands.”
“I am a current client of this provider Lori and staff - What a sanity saver and great team. From day one we have felt that Mom’s well being is their first priority. We were extremely hesitant to turn over care to someone else. But those concerns vanished immediately— thanks to the team’s communication and compassion. It’s a great comfort knowing the entire staff are there for us and responsive to our need and requests.”
“Always Best Care of Austin, TX is the only place I trust to care for my elder loved ones. It's locally owned by a the kindest couple who treat every patient and employee like part of their family. Their caregivers are compassionate and give me a sense of comfort knowing my loved ones are in good hands when I cannot be with them.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Brushy Creek Lake Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Soto or visit WilsonLeonard Brushy Creek Burial Site, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Cedar Park, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Cedar Park, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Cedar Park, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Cedar Park has been certified as a "Friendly Texas" community by the office of the governor.Cedar Park is the third city in Texas to receive the four certifications needed to be declared a “Friendly Texas” community, Gov. Greg Abbott announced in a news release. The governor’s office evaluated the city's position in the film, music, digital media and tourism industries when making the designation.The local impactRecognition for being a tourism-friendly city highlights Cedar Pa...
Cedar Park has been certified as a "Friendly Texas" community by the office of the governor.
Cedar Park is the third city in Texas to receive the four certifications needed to be declared a “Friendly Texas” community, Gov. Greg Abbott announced in a news release. The governor’s office evaluated the city's position in the film, music, digital media and tourism industries when making the designation.
The local impact
Recognition for being a tourism-friendly city highlights Cedar Park’s development and growth as a destination for international and domestic travelers, according to the news release, with the goal of boosting local revenue and creating more jobs in the community.
“This designation reflects our ongoing efforts to create a welcoming environment for visitors while supporting local businesses and enhancing the quality of life for our residents,” City Manager Brenda Eivens stated in the release.
Quote of note
“Earning the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation strengthens our ability to attract visitors, stimulate local business growth, and promote Cedar Park as a destination that celebrates both its natural beauty and dynamic community spirit,” Cedar Park Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin stated in the news release.
The approach
According to the news release, the four certification programs give communities training and tools to aid in individual development for each industry: film, music, digital media and tourism. Other Texas cities that received recognition in all four industries include Little Elm and Lubbock, making Cedar Park the first Central Texas city to be designated as a “Friendly Texas” community.
“I invite all Texas communities, large and small, to fully leverage the opportunities provided by our ‘Friendly Texas’ certified community programs,” Abbott stated in the news release.
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Weidner Apartment Homes purchased The Alden at Cedar Park, a 349-unit asset in Cedar Park, Texas. Starlight Investments sold the property. The community was 95 percent occupied. Cedar Park is NW of Austin.Multihousing News reports that Berkeley Point Capital, a subsidiary of Newmark, issued a $47.3 million Fannie Mae acquisition loan. Newmark brokered the deal on behalf of the seller and arranged the loan for the buyer.Starlight acquired the building in 2020, when Slate Real Estate Partners brought it online.The Alden at...
Weidner Apartment Homes purchased The Alden at Cedar Park, a 349-unit asset in Cedar Park, Texas. Starlight Investments sold the property. The community was 95 percent occupied. Cedar Park is NW of Austin.
Multihousing News reports that Berkeley Point Capital, a subsidiary of Newmark, issued a $47.3 million Fannie Mae acquisition loan. Newmark brokered the deal on behalf of the seller and arranged the loan for the buyer.
Starlight acquired the building in 2020, when Slate Real Estate Partners brought it online.
The Alden at Cedar Park is four stories high. The floor plans range between one- and two-bedroom layouts, averaging 899 square feet. Experience elevated living at the Alden at Cedar Park Apartments. Located in North Austin near Cross Creek Market, 1890 Ranch, and the popular Domain retail district. The Alden at Cedar Park is a pet-friendly apartment community with thoughtfully designed interiors and easy access to the CapMetro Lakeline Rail Station and US-183, making commuting and exploring around your new home a breeze!
Community amenities include a swimming pool with shaded cabanas, a clubhouse featuring a resident lounge and bar, and a gym and outdoor areas comprising grilling stations.
A major suburb of Austin, Cedar Park gets you right into the area without having to live in the big city. If you like peace and quiet but don’t want to live all the way out in the woods, then Cedar Park is the place to be. It’s nice living so close to one of the biggest music cities in America, but you don’t even need to leave Cedar Park to take in a great concert. If you want entertainment, check out the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. The center plays host to everything from monster truck shows to country and hip hop concerts. Cedar Park is only about 16 miles from Downtown Austin, making this an ideal location for commuters. Cedar Park is considered one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.
Newmark’s Patton Jones and Andrew Dickson spearheaded negotiations on behalf of Starlight Investments. Mitch Clarfield and Alec Newman arranged the debt placement on behalf of Weidner.
Some retail stores can double as destinations, places to take the entire family that offer attractions and food beyond just shopping. The upcoming CedarView development is hoping to become a hub for destination retail.Two of those destinations are NFM, formerly Nebraska Furniture Mart, and Scheels, a sporting goods outlet. Both NFM and Scheels will be situated within the 117-acre CedarView development, which currently has additional retail space. Jennifer Petrovich, the real estate broker for the development, said an announcement rega...
Some retail stores can double as destinations, places to take the entire family that offer attractions and food beyond just shopping. The upcoming CedarView development is hoping to become a hub for destination retail.
Two of those destinations are NFM, formerly Nebraska Furniture Mart, and Scheels, a sporting goods outlet. Both NFM and Scheels will be situated within the 117-acre CedarView development, which currently has additional retail space. Jennifer Petrovich, the real estate broker for the development, said an announcement regarding several new tenants should be coming soon.
The surrounding retail district will feature a mix of local and regional shops, restaurants and possibly entertainment venues.
The big picture
With major retailers putting down roots and a convention center in the works near the H-E-B Center, Cedar Park is shaping up to become a regional destination, said Tony Moline, the president and CEO of the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce.
“[NFM] is going to be one of those regional game changers,” Moline said, referencing the massive home furnishings retailer, which offers furniture, appliances, electronics and flooring. “This is going to have a massive economic impact. NFM draws a ton of visitors annually at its other locations. And so what that means is also a lot of foot traffic for other businesses.”
Under the city’s economic development agreement with NFM, the retailer is expected to bring in an additional $344 million in tax revenue over the next 25 years as well as hundreds of new jobs. Scheels is expected to open in 2026, and NFM is slated for a 2027 opening.
“This isn’t just about new development. It’s about delivering on a promise to our community. We’re putting Cedar Park on the map as a premier destination for meetings, events and hospitality,” said Cedar Park Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin.
A closer look
When completed, the Cedar Park NFM will be one of the largest retail spaces in Texas, encompassing around 1.3 million square feet, second only to The Colony location in DFW.
The development also features a city-owned convention center with meeting space and a ballroom. Additional highlights include a 297-room full-service hotel—the first in Cedar Park.
A full-service hotel typically caters to business and upscale travelers by offering a wide range of amenities, such as on-site dining, concierge, room service, laundry service and wellness facilities.
The 357,000-square-foot Scheels will include its signature 65-foot ferris wheel, a 16,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, wildlife mountain, arcade, Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory and a cafe.
The details
Jeff Lind, the company’s former chief strategy and development officer, previously told Community Impact NFM considered several cities across the country for a new store before choosing Cedar Park.
“One of our biggest considerations is the quality of life for staff that live in the area,” Lind said. “This was just an automatic home run.”
NFM announced this year that it has become a founding partner of the Parks and Trails Foundation of Cedar Park. The project is expected to feature more than 800 shade trees. Developers are planning on announcing new tenants over the coming weeks.
“We’re in the business of improving people’s lifestyles,” said Andy Shefsky, NFM public relations manager, in an emailed statement. “We were looking for a city that provides a high quality of life and has mutually aligned values with NFM. We believe Cedar Park provides both.”
Similarly, Scheels pointed to the strength of the local community as a key reason for choosing Cedar Park.
Digging Deeper
Capturing a retailer like NFM and Scheels was not happenstance. According to Dan Sousa, a spokesperson for Cedar Park, the city has been following a long-term strategy for destination-focused economic development.
He said the city proactively negotiated and offered $45 million in performance-based incentives and $4.5 million in infrastructure reimbursements, supporting property acquisition and coordinating with landowners and tenants.
The incentives are tied to specific deliverables, including a $400 million minimum local investment, 725 jobs created and $450 million in sales. Once these milestones are met, the city will disperse public incentive funds.
The CedarView mixed-use development is intended to diversify the local economy and increase tourism, Sousa said. It advances the city’s intent to create a destination-oriented commercial corridor and fulfills the longstanding goal of having a full-service hotel and convention center.
The city’s economic development team has already hosted more than 30 potential businesses this year—surpassing its annual goal—and has partnered with Marriott for the full-service hotel and conference center, according to city documents.
Looking ahead
Amid concerns about increased traffic in the area, the city has included plans for mobility improvements, sidewalks, shared-use paths and pedestrian crosswalks along New Hope Drive and on-site driveways.
New Hope Drive will be widened from four to six lanes between Block House Creek Drive and 183A Toll Road, including the construction of a high-capacity intersection at New Hope Drive and 183A, added traffic signals, improved utility services, and added pedestrian safety features.
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CEDAR PARK, Texas (KWTX) - Governor Greg Abbot congratulated the City of Cedar Park on being the third Texas community to earn the grand slam of “Friendly Texas” certifications.The city has been designated a Film Friendly Texas, Music Friendly Texas, Digital Media Friendly Texas, and now Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community.“Congratulations to the City of Cedar Park on earning all four ‘Friendly Texas’ certified community designations for film, music, digital media, and now tourism,” sa...
CEDAR PARK, Texas (KWTX) - Governor Greg Abbot congratulated the City of Cedar Park on being the third Texas community to earn the grand slam of “Friendly Texas” certifications.
The city has been designated a Film Friendly Texas, Music Friendly Texas, Digital Media Friendly Texas, and now Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community.
“Congratulations to the City of Cedar Park on earning all four ‘Friendly Texas’ certified community designations for film, music, digital media, and now tourism,” said Governor Abbott. “These growing industries in our great state are essential to Texas’ booming economy. Texas partners with our communities and provides the tools and resources they need to attract new business investments, create good-paying jobs for Texans, draw visitors to every region of the state, and attract and retain a skilled workforce. I invite all Texas communities, large and small, to fully leverage the opportunities provided by our ‘Friendly Texas’ certified community programs.”
The Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community certification showcases the City of Cedar Park’s commitment to further develop tourism as an economic growth strategy, boost local job creation, and draw more visitors to their community.
“I am thrilled to congratulate the City of Cedar Park on being named a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community,” said Senator Pete Flores. “This designation is a testament to Cedar Park’s commitment to welcoming visitors, supporting local businesses, and showcasing the vibrant spirit that makes our city so special. With its beautiful parks, lively music and sports scenes, and thriving local culture, Cedar Park is a shining example of how tourism can drive economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen community bonds. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this recognition will bring — not just for Cedar Park, but for the entire region as we continue to share the very best of Texas with travelers from across the country and beyond.”
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Eric Rauschuber, director of public works and utilities for Cedar Park, Texas, had a problem: His water workforce was aging and there wasn’t a pipeline of workers to take over their jobs. He already had unfilled positions because of service demands from his rapidly growing community, an Austin suburb.This situation is common among local governments, responsible for the vast majority of drinking and wastewater systems. One in three water utility workers will be eligible to retire over the next decade, according to the U.S. Enviro...
Eric Rauschuber, director of public works and utilities for Cedar Park, Texas, had a problem: His water workforce was aging and there wasn’t a pipeline of workers to take over their jobs. He already had unfilled positions because of service demands from his rapidly growing community, an Austin suburb.
This situation is common among local governments, responsible for the vast majority of drinking and wastewater systems. One in three water utility workers will be eligible to retire over the next decade, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Taking expansion into account, utilities are expected to need new workers for the majority of their 300,000 jobs over this period.
The outlook for Cedar Park began to change two years ago when Carrie Coble joined the city’s Human Resources Department, bringing decades of tech sector HR experience to her new job. As she began to assess the city’s needs, her attention was drawn to double-digit openings across its Public Works Department. Filling licensed operator positions was a particular challenge. Her first question was where the city went to recruit for these jobs.
“They had agencies that they worked with, and I thought, ‘Why aren’t we looking at high schools?’,” Coble says.
There would be some students who didn’t plan to go to college. If they could earn a provisional license before they graduated, they’d be on the path to a career with the city.
Building such a pipeline depended on a partnership with a local school, and Coble found a local educator whose enthusiasm for the project matched her own.
The city had reached out to the school district years ago for help getting young people interested in opportunities at water utilities, Rauschuber says, but the idea never gained traction.
It was a different story in 2023 when Coble connected with Sarah Spradling, a work-based learning specialist at the Leander Independent School District. Schools in Leander, about 10 miles from Cedar Park, serve young people from several Greater Austin communities, Cedar Park among them.
Spradling had recently come to the district as associate director of career and technical education. In her first week on the job, a meeting with city officials opened her eyes to the potential to build curriculum around water utility jobs. She took this up with Coble, who had reached out to her.
“We had students who were going to be seniors, who were looking for work opportunities to extend their learning and get high school credit for it at the same time,” says Spradling. “That's where this was a really perfect marriage.”
From the beginning, the intention was to offer students a paid apprenticeship, following a model used by both industry and federally funded programs. The end product would be both work experience and a provisional certification in water plant operations that would qualify apprentices for a job offer from the water utility.
Coble and Spradling developed curriculum that was accredited by the Leander Independent School District and and the Texas Education Agency. The water utility agreed to provide funding for an initial group of three apprentices. Applicants would be selected through the same application and interview process used to hire full-time employees.
Coble and Spradling got to work developing marketing and branding materials that would attract applicants.
There were some basic requirements. Students needed to be entering their senior year, commit to a minimum of 30 hours a week to their apprenticeship and be 18 by the time they completed it. Interviews took place in May and June 2024, each preceded by a tour of the utility. The three students who were selected began their apprenticeships in August.
The utility field crews were excited to have young people around them that they could teach and train, Rauschuber says. “The kids just absorb everything,” he says. “Even if they want to learn a piece of equipment that may not be in their normal job duties, we will train them.”
Public Works staff supervised on-the-job training as well as students’ study periods devoted to certification curriculum. The program ran through May of this year. All three apprentices were offered jobs at the utility, and all accepted.
The students who participated told Spradling that the experience helped them better understand the role of city government, and public works in particular. “They felt there was so much value in giving back to their community, that without that department the city could not function,” she says.
Next year, the program will be expanded to six apprentices, and Coble is already seeing “double digit” preregistration for interviews due to word of mouth.
City jobs were not on her radar before this partnership, Spradling says. As Coble walked her through all the types of professionals that the city employs, it became clear that the district could partner with the city for virtually all its career and technical education programs. “It was hugely eye-opening,” she says.
A recently enacted Texas bill allows high school students to spend two days of their junior and senior years doing job shadowing. Spradling launched a program to send them to shadow Cedar Park workers. Leander city leaders took notice and asked to be included in this.
Cedar Park has also offered a summer externship to Leander educators to help them gain a better understanding of job opportunities at the city and the skills its HR department is looking for in applicants. This training encompasses the city’s onboarding and interview process, so teachers can help students be better prepared to apply.
There have been some hiccups, Spradling says, but the close collaboration with the city and Coble’s perseverance overcame them. It took time to work out the right way to market the program to students. This starts with getting district educators on board, they found, including tours of the Public Works Department so they had firsthand exposure to its operations and the work students would do.
Spradling remains struck by the satisfaction the first apprentices expressed in having jobs with purpose, something that is important to Gen Z. “That makes me feel good about directing students to this type of work,” she says.
Rauschuber notes that the jobs he and his colleagues are working to fill offer something else that is valuable at this time: stability.
Some of the apprentices asked for a month off before they began their jobs.
“We said, ‘That’s fine.’ We’ve been here since 1973,” he says. “We’re not leaving.”
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