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 Lions Foundation Park in Liberty Hill, TX 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 Liberty Hill, 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.
“Awesome team ! All the staff I have worked with have been helpful, caring and”
“TRACY, SHANNON,CLYDIE, AND PASTOR ALBERT r all such wonderful souls..They r so caring and giving..u”
“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”
“Awesome team ! All the staff I have worked with have been helpful, caring and always there when you need them ! Thank you Tracy, Brittany, Robbye and Page ! Appreciate yall !”
“TRACY, SHANNON,CLYDIE, AND PASTOR ALBERT r all such wonderful souls..They r so caring and giving..u can tell all of them take their job very seriously. They always make u feel like ur the most special patient..my sister Janie is always bragging to me (, im her sister, )about all of them..I have met them 2 and my sister is always so happy and up beat when they r there..I'm so grateful for all of their care..They r definitely a blessing...thank u for really really caring with all ur special gifts to make my sister's life a lot brighter!!”
“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.”
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 River Ranch County Park in Liberty Hill, TX 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 Margarita's or visit HighPointe Estate, 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 Liberty Hill, 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 Liberty Hill, 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 Liberty Hill, 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.
Johnson Development has acquired 764 acres in Liberty Hill for a future master-planned community that is expected to include more than 1,900 homes, according to an announcement from the Houston-based developer.The land, located at 680 E. CR 202 near the U.S. Highway 183A toll road extension, was purchased jointly by Johnson Development and the Texas General Land Office (GLO) from local landowners Bill Chapman, his partners, and Heath Chapman.Tommy Tucker, Johnson Development’s vice president of business development for Ce...
Johnson Development has acquired 764 acres in Liberty Hill for a future master-planned community that is expected to include more than 1,900 homes, according to an announcement from the Houston-based developer.
The land, located at 680 E. CR 202 near the U.S. Highway 183A toll road extension, was purchased jointly by Johnson Development and the Texas General Land Office (GLO) from local landowners Bill Chapman, his partners, and Heath Chapman.
Tommy Tucker, Johnson Development’s vice president of business development for Central and North Texas, said the property — commonly known as Chapman Ranch — offers natural features and regional access that make it attractive for development.
“It’s a beautiful ranch with 1.5 miles of frontage along the north fork of the San Gabriel River,” Tucker said.
He noted its proximity to major Austin-area employers and the opportunity for future residents to attend Liberty Hill ISD schools.
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham said the GLO’s involvement aligns with its mission to generate revenue from state lands that support public education. She described the project as a development that would create “convenient, connected living environments” while adding housing options within Liberty Hill ISD.
The community’s official name has not yet been announced. Early plans call for a mix of homesites ranging from 45 to 70 feet wide, along with five acres set aside for commercial use, 15 acres for a future on-site school, and about 70 acres dedicated to open space. A five-acre amenity center, trail system, pocket parks and greenways are also included in the initial master plan.
Homebuilders and price ranges will be released at a later date, the company said. Johnson Development anticipates beginning home sales in fall 2027.
The purchase marks another major investment by the developer in Williamson County. Johnson Development previously completed Bryson, a master-planned community, in Leander.
“We are bullish on Liberty Hill and the Williamson County market,” Tucker said, citing the region’s rapid population growth and its appeal to people seeking proximity to Austin while maintaining a Hill Country setting.
Johnson Development currently operates communities across Texas and in the Atlanta area. More information can be found at www.johnsondevelopment.com.
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One of Central Texas' most booming communities is on track to welcome plenty of new developments to the mix — including the possibility of the world's largest Target.The Austin suburb of Liberty Hill is on track to welcome a nearly 149,000-square-foot mega Target, with project plans registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration last December outlining a $22 million construction cost for the storefront. Construction was slated to begin in July and is expected to wrap in June 2026, with the future store being ...
One of Central Texas' most booming communities is on track to welcome plenty of new developments to the mix — including the possibility of the world's largest Target.
The Austin suburb of Liberty Hill is on track to welcome a nearly 149,000-square-foot mega Target, with project plans registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration last December outlining a $22 million construction cost for the storefront. Construction was slated to begin in July and is expected to wrap in June 2026, with the future store being developed at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 183 and State Highway 29 in Liberty Hill.
On TikTok, Fort Hood-area realtor @jennifer.huggins.realtor posted a video last week highlighting the allegedly record-breaking store coming to Central Texas.
"We already know everything's bigger in Texas and now the Target will be," she said in the video that has since amassed nearly 9,000 likes and almost 146,000 views as of Tuesday, November 11.
MySA reached out to Target representatives for clarification on these claims and will update this story if we receive a response.
The massive upcoming Liberty Hill store — which, y'all, would be able to fit nearly two of the largest Buc-ee's inside it — is part of an ongoing company strategy to upsize its stores. Target officials confirmed in a November 2022 release its store strategy included upscaling its current stores and future Target projects, with project documents noting the revamped storefront layout with add up to nearly 150,000 square feet of shopping space, a marked increase of more than 20,000 square feet compared to the chain's average store sizes.
"Our new store layout is bigger than our previous stores, and that extra space and optimized layout ensures our team can offer the very best of Target to our guests, whether they’re shopping online or in our stores," John Conlin Target's senior vice president of properties, said at the time.
Houston-based developers Johnson Development recently closed on the purchase of 764 acres, which will be used to construct a new community in Liberty Hill.The detailsThe new development, located at the former Chapman Ranch at 680 E. CR 202, will be converted into a master-planned community with more than 1,900 homes. The new development has yet to be officially named, but the company aims to begin selling homes in fall 2027, according to a news release.Plans for the community include homesites ranging fr...
Houston-based developers Johnson Development recently closed on the purchase of 764 acres, which will be used to construct a new community in Liberty Hill.
The details
The new development, located at the former Chapman Ranch at 680 E. CR 202, will be converted into a master-planned community with more than 1,900 homes. The new development has yet to be officially named, but the company aims to begin selling homes in fall 2027, according to a news release.
Plans for the community include homesites ranging from 45 to 70 feet wide, according to the release. The developers plan to have 5 acres for commercial use, 15 acres for an on-site school, 70 acres of open space and 5 acres for an amenity center. The developers also plan to incorporate extensive trails and parks into the overall community design.
What else?
Johnson Development recently completed work on the Bryson master-planned community in Leander.
Quote of note
“We are bullish on Liberty Hill and Williamson County market,” said Tommy Tucker, Johnson Development’s vice president of business development for Central and North Texas, in the release. “[It’s] close enough to enjoy Austin but far enough away to have an authentic Hill Country vibe. There’s a reason why Williamson County is the state’s eighth fastest-growing county.”
Steve is the editor of the Cedar Park-Far Northwest Austin and Leander-Liberty Hill editions of Community Impact. Steve earned his journalism degree from Western Washington University, and moved to Austin in 2022. In his free time, Steve is an actor, writer, and podcast host, and lives in Austin with his fiancé and their three pets.
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If you happened to step outside on Tuesday night between 8:00 and midnight, you might have caught a glimpse of something truly rare in the Lone Star State: a soft red, green and pink glow lighting up the sky. To everyone’s surprise, the aurora borealis, or northern lights, made a stunning appearance in the southern tier of the United States as a powerful geomagnetic storm swept across the atmosphere. With longer exposure photos it is possible to view the Aurora Borealis this evening this far south. Here are photos fr...
If you happened to step outside on Tuesday night between 8:00 and midnight, you might have caught a glimpse of something truly rare in the Lone Star State: a soft red, green and pink glow lighting up the sky. To everyone’s surprise, the aurora borealis, or northern lights, made a stunning appearance in the southern tier of the United States as a powerful geomagnetic storm swept across the atmosphere.
With longer exposure photos it is possible to view the Aurora Borealis this evening this far south. Here are photos from our office in New Braunfels, looking north. For more on this geomagnetic storm and its impacts visit our colleagues @NWSSWPC pic.twitter.com/LDltOTN6n1
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) November 12, 2025
Luckily, we’re not done yet with the potential for stunning celestial views in Texas. In fact, this current geomagnetic storm is the result of a series of intense coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that have occurred since Sunday.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, we’ve already experienced two out of three CMEs, with the final one expected to reach Earth on Wednesday. This will set the stage for another night of gorgeous hues in the sky, possibly even stronger and more vibrant, according to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.
Set the timer on your phone to remind you to step outside and look up Wednesday night in Austin. The best time to view the northern lights will be from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., but keep an eye out any time after sunset at 5:36 p.m.
• Be sure to step away from streetlights, give your eyes a few minutes to adjust to the darkness and look toward the north. • At times, you may be able to see the aurora with the naked eye, but if not, try using your phone’s camera in long-exposure mode, it can often capture colors and movement that aren’t immediately visible. • Be patient because the auroras can dance and suddenly spike, so stay alert.
Luckily, the forecast will cooperate with clear skies expected throughout the evening and until after midnight. Then clouds will develop around 2 a.m. and become widespread along the I-35 corridor by sunrise. Temperatures will be mild but dip into the 60s around 8 p.m. and then the low 60s from midnight through sunrise on Thursday.
CMEs are blasts of solar material consisting of charged particles with strong, localized magnetic fields, and they extend into space from the Sun. The current series of CMEs originated from sunspot AR4274, and they are the strongest recorded since October 2024.
“This batch of CME’s that have already come in were profoundly stronger than anticipated,” Shawn Dahl, service coordinator at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, in a video posted on X.
He explained that Tuesday’s geomagnetic storm was initially ranked at a G2 to G3 (moderate to strong) level, but during the event, it briefly reached G4, which is considered severe on a scale of 1 to 5. Wednesday’s event is forecast to reach G4 as well, but could potentially climb to G5, with viewing expected as far south as the Texas coast.
“The third CME will be the most energetic activity out there in space, and it’s traveling faster than the other two,” Dahl said. “We believe it’s going to pack an even stronger punch than what we’ve already experienced.”
The aurora does not need to be directly overhead but can be observed from as much as 600 miles away when the aurora is bright and if conditions are right.
The stunning green, pink, and red colors are caused by the interactions between charged particles from the Sun and gases in Earth’s atmosphere.
If you're seeing the Northern Lights tonight, here's an explainer of how the different colors can appear! We are currently seeing a vivid display of pinks and greens here at the office! pic.twitter.com/S0NLzG5HOa
— NWS Northern Indiana (@NWSIWX) October 11, 2024
Mary Wasson is a newsroom meteorologist for the San Antonio Express-News. She can be reached at [email protected]
Mary has been a meteorologist for more than 16 years. Since she and her family were forced to shelter from a tornado, she has been fascinated with how storms develop. Originally from Winchester, Ky., she earned a communications degree from Morehead State University and a Master of Science in Geoscience from Mississippi State University. She has worked in Rapid City, S.D., Lexington, Ky., Austin and Temple.
The Liberty Hill Independent School District is asking voters to weigh in on a proposed tax rate increase on Nov. 4. If passed, the measure, which appears on the ballot as Proposition A, would generate an additional $10.7 million in tax revenue for the 2025-26 school year.That would be a big deal for the fast-growing school district, which has had to cut approximately $10 million from its budget over the past couple of years due to funding constraints and a failed tax ratification election in 2024."The reality is that budg...
The Liberty Hill Independent School District is asking voters to weigh in on a proposed tax rate increase on Nov. 4. If passed, the measure, which appears on the ballot as Proposition A, would generate an additional $10.7 million in tax revenue for the 2025-26 school year.
That would be a big deal for the fast-growing school district, which has had to cut approximately $10 million from its budget over the past couple of years due to funding constraints and a failed tax ratification election in 2024.
"The reality is that budget cuts over the last two years reduced student program opportunities and increased the burden on our teachers and staff," Liberty Hill ISD Interim Superintendent Travis Motal said in a statement. "Prop A is about restoring what was lost — programs, resources, and staffing — so that we can deliver the level of education that meets Liberty Hill ISD’s vision of building champions in academics, character and community."
The additional revenue, school district officials said, would be used to help pay for the district's day-to-day operations, including teacher and staff salaries, student programming, classroom support and safety measures.
It is not a bond election that would fund buildings, major maintenance and land.
The school district is proposing a tax rate of $1.24 per $100 of home valuation. For a median-valued home within the school district's boundaries, that would mean an additional $29 per month, or $348 per year, in school taxes.
The rate is about thirty cents less than it was during the 2018-19 school year, said the district's Chief Financial Officer Rosanna Guerrero.
Guerrero also said some homeowners may not see an increase at all because of Williamson County's "homestead cap." The cap ensures a home's taxable value does not increase by more than 10% each year.
"What we have found is that there's people in Liberty Hill that taxes are actually going down because the value didn't go up the full 10 percent," Guerrero said. "Even with the higher tax rate, their overall taxes are going down."
Some homeowners may also be eligible for a homestead exemption. These exemptions help determine how much of a home's property value can be taxed to pay for public schools.
Still, the proposed increase is too much for Jacque Frame, who is a parent to a third grader in the district. She said she intends to vote "no" on Proposition A.
"I'm worried this will keep pushing Liberty Hill towards becoming a place only the wealthy can afford, instead of the diverse, salt-of-the-earth town it's always been," she said.
Frame said she's also worried about the precedent a tax increase would set.
"Once tax hikes become the default solution, it opens the door for more increases down the road," Frame said. "At some point, we have to stop and ask where the accountability is and how much more our residents can realistically carry."
Approximately $7.2 million of the additional tax revenue would be invested in student programs and staffing. That includes bringing back 70 teaching and paraprofessional positions that were cut last year.
"Our librarians are teaching STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics], so instead of opening the library for checking out books, our librarians at the elementary level are now teaching every day," Guerrero said.
She said librarians are also helping implement the district's gifted and talented curriculum at the elementary level.
"We went from having a GT [Gifted and Talented] teacher on every campus to now having two district wide," she said.
Class sizes increased following staff cuts last year and teachers are feeling the effects, teacher Haika Karr said at a panel discussion about the ballot measure put on by The Liberty Hill Independent newspaper.
"Our class sizes are larger," she said. "More students take more time and we have less time, and I'm gonna say that is high stress environment."
Guerrero said the district would also invest in 25 additional operational and support staff positions, including bus drivers.
She said the goal is to better the district for current students and accommodate for growth.
The district's enrollment has increased by 101.6% over the past five years and has showed no signs slowing down, Guerrero said. Much of that growth is due to the construction of nearby homes and subdivisions.
"You might have heard school districts around us that are actually lowering in enrollment ... not as growing as much," she said. "We are definitely not in that same boat."
Approximately $1.3 million of the additional tax revenue would be invested into safety and security.
Guerrero said the state currently provides Liberty Hill ISD nearly $600,000 a year to pay school resource officers and implement various safety and security measures. The actual cost, however, exceeds $1.9 million. Proposition A would help fill that gap, she said.
Teachers recently received a seven to 10% raise as a result of the passage of House Bill 2 earlier this year. Approximately, $2.2 million of the tax revenue from Proposition A, Guerrero said, would fund an additional 1%raise for all employees and a one-time retention bonus for employees hired before Sept. 30 of this year.
Guerrero said Liberty Hill ISD is also currently conducting an external audit of all of its positions and pay grades.
"We know that we are one of the lowest paid districts in our surrounding area. Teachers can literally go next door to surrounding school districts and get $3,800 to $4,000 more in their salaries," she said. "So we need to remain competitive."
Frame said she shares concerns about teacher retention, but that it "has as much to do with culture, support, and manageable workloads as it does with pay."
If Proposition A fails, Liberty Hill ISD officials said the district will likely have to cut an additional $3 million from its budget this spring.
Possible cuts include not opening Legacy Ranch Middle School or Lariat Trails Elementary in 2026. The district is also looking at reducing transportation routes, increasing class sizes and sharing campus staff such as school resource officers, nurses and counselors.
"That would really be unfortunate, in my view," said Albert Kennedy, a parent of second grader. "If they spend all this bond money and build this beautiful new elementary school, this beautiful new middle school, and then it's set to open and they don't have the maintenance and operations funds to run them."
To bring in additional revenue, the district said it might charge higher facility rental fees and require students to pay to participate in extracurricular activities.
The the district's fund balance, or savings account, has also dropped to $13 million — nearly half of what it should be, Guerrero said.
If Proposition A fails, Guerrero said it's likely the district will have to take out loans and go into debt to continue operating. She said the district just finished paying off operational loan debt from more than 10 years ago.
Kennedy said all of that information makes the choice clear to him; he intends to vote "yes" on Proposition A.
"It's the one thing that local districts can do to provide additional funds to their school districts, and there have been other districts around the Austin metro that have done that, but Liberty Hill ISD has not yet done that," he said. "To ensure that they get the funding they need for great education and to be competitive with the districts that have done that, it's, in my opinion, vital — this VATRE, this year."
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