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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

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.

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Home Care In Liberty Hill, TX

Home Care Liberty Hill, TX

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.

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.

 In-Home Care Liberty Hill, TX

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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.

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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Donna B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am so happy with Mr. Steven Coleman services. He has been very professional and helpful.”

Evelyn L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Stacey Z.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Sarah B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Kyle and his team are great.”

Mallorca H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Dana C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care is ALWAYS the BEST care. No pun intended. Means a lot to know my loved ones are in good hands ????”

Elvis F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Kyle and his team rock ,really good communicators. I would refer them to people who would need this service”

Bill E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Ilene G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Jerry M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Linda M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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 .”

Antoinette G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Mark A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Mark A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

David W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Bonnie B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Mary A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Chris S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Jaime T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Jeremy N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Sarah E.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Liberty Hill, TX?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Liberty Hill, TX

Types of Elderly Care in Liberty Hill, TX

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Liberty Hill, TX
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Liberty Hill, TX
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Liberty Hill, TX
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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. 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.

 In-Home Care Liberty Hill, TX

Benefits of Home Care in Liberty Hill, TX

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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.

 Elderly Care Liberty Hill, TX

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your TX's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Liberty Hill, TX

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Liberty Hill, TX

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Liberty Hill, TX

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.

Home Care Liberty Hill, TX

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.

 In-Home Care Liberty Hill, TX

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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.

 Elderly Care Liberty Hill, TX

Latest News in Liberty Hill, TX

Three quick-service restaurants coming to Liberty Hill area: Chick-fil-A, Einstein Bros Bagels, Bojangles

A handful of new quick-service restaurants are heading to the Liberty Hill area in 2025 and 2026, including Chick-fil-A, Einstein Bros Bagels and Bojangles.According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), the Chick-fil-A restaurant will be located at the Bar W Marketplace, where H-E-B is located, at 450 Kauffman Loop. It will be a 5,030-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru upon completion. The project is estimated to begin in December 2025 and be completed by May 2026.Einstein Bros Bagels will be locate...

A handful of new quick-service restaurants are heading to the Liberty Hill area in 2025 and 2026, including Chick-fil-A, Einstein Bros Bagels and Bojangles.

According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), the Chick-fil-A restaurant will be located at the Bar W Marketplace, where H-E-B is located, at 450 Kauffman Loop. It will be a 5,030-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru upon completion. The project is estimated to begin in December 2025 and be completed by May 2026.

Einstein Bros Bagels will be located across Ronald Reagan Boulevard from Bar W Marketplace at the new Gateway 29 development, with a street address of 19405 Ronald Reagan Blvd. The project is set to begin in June 2025 and be completed by September 2025. The restaurant will include drive-thru service and walk-up customer indoor dining, according to TDLR. Learn more about the Gateway 29 project here.

Bojangles, which was first announced by The Independent in 2022, has finally received both site and building permits for its project at 13003 State Hwy. 29, in the Heritage Ridge development adjacent to Starbucks.

No movement occurred on the project until February 2024, when a project was filed with the TDLR for a 3,100-square-foot building, with construction estimated to be completed by the end of 2024. The project once again saw no movement until March 18, when both site and building permits were approved.

Other businesses also planned for Heritage Ridge include Popeye’s, Texas Regional Bank, Panda Express and Whataburger.

#IndependentTogether

6 trending Central Texas stories: Leander and Liberty Hill development updates, new 55-plus community coming to New Braunfels

Here are some trending stories you may have missed from Community Impact’s Austin and San Antonio coverage areas from March 10-14.4 pieces of development news out of Leander and Liberty Hill from FebruaryLeander adds voting space to senior center, selects furniture vendorLean...

Here are some trending stories you may have missed from Community Impact’s Austin and San Antonio coverage areas from March 10-14.

4 pieces of development news out of Leander and Liberty Hill from February

Leander adds voting space to senior center, selects furniture vendor

Leander’s Senior Activity Center is expected to open in Summer 2025, and as of City Council’s Feb. 20 meeting, it’s set to include a voting center.

Liberty Hill needs to up water supply to avoid shortages

Liberty Hill’s 2025 Water Master Plan showed the city could see water shortages if it does not bolster infrastructure.

Read the full roundup by Reporter Sam Schaffer.

New WilCo subdivision rules affect traffic impacts, water infrastructure

Williamson County commissioners approved amendments to the county's subdivision regulations at a March 4 meeting.

Changes went into effect immediately and include updates to turn lanes, traffic impact analyses, and water and wastewater infrastructure requirements for developments.

Read the full story by Reporter Anna Maness.

Hutto entertainment venue rebranded to Hooky

A family entertainment center in Hutto, formerly being built as EVO Entertainment, will now be executed as Hooky, Es Vedra Cinema’s new brand.

The movie and bowling venue is still on track to open in May, said Chris Cline, head of development at Es Vedra Cinemas, in a presentation to the Hutto Economic Development Corporation on March 10.

Read the full story by Reporter Gracie Warhurst.

Fitness, ice cream and barbecue: 14 Cedar Park business and dining updates

Now open

1. D1 Training

The athletic training facility provides sports-specific and strength and conditioning training for athletes between the ages of 7-75.

2. Don’t Tell Mama Tattoo

The veteran-owned tattoo business is the first tattoo shop in Cedar Park.

Read the full roundup.

New Braunfels looks to make changes to resident river parking passes

New Braunfels City Council approved an amendment to an ordinance that would reduce the term of residents' river parking passes from three years to one year on March 10.

The amendment was approved on first reading and will come back for final approval at a future meeting.

Read the full story by Editor Amira Van Leeuwen.

New 55-plus active adult community coming to New Braunfels

A new 55-plus community named Del Webb at Veramendi is bringing more homes to New Braunfels.

The project will be located at 642 Roark Drive in New Braunfels.

Learn more about it from Editor Amira Van Leeuwen.

Editor

Sierra is an editor for the San Marcos/Buda/Kyle and Bastrop editions of Community Impact. She graduated from Texas State University with a degree in journalism and media studies in 2020. When she joined Community Impact in July 2022, she covered education, local government, transportation, business and real estate development in the New Braunfels community. Prior to CI, Sierra served as the managing editor of San Marcos Corridor News and spent time as a senior reporter for the University Star. When she is not writing, she enjoys reading and traveling.

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Liberty Hill opposes bill that would limit city's capacity for advocacy with state lawmakers

Liberty Hill City Council authorized the city manager to send a letter in opposition to Texas Senate Bill 19, which the city manager said would limit the city’s ability to function and advocate for itself.What’s going on?SB 19 would prohibit cities from spending public funds on professional advocacy, according to a draft of the letter written by City Manager Paul Brandenburg. Additionally, the draft stated the bill would stop cities from joining nonprofit state associations or organizations that wor...

Liberty Hill City Council authorized the city manager to send a letter in opposition to Texas Senate Bill 19, which the city manager said would limit the city’s ability to function and advocate for itself.

What’s going on?

SB 19 would prohibit cities from spending public funds on professional advocacy, according to a draft of the letter written by City Manager Paul Brandenburg. Additionally, the draft stated the bill would stop cities from joining nonprofit state associations or organizations that work with professional advocates.

“In our view, this will prevent local officials from being able to effectively advocate for our residents on important issues that impact their daily lives,” the draft continued.

The latest version of the bill was sent to the Texas House of Representatives from the Senate on March 20, according to the state. It reads, “A political subdivision may not spend public funds to” work with a person who must register as a lobbyist or to pay a nonprofit that “primarily represents political subdivisions,” or that works with people required to register as lobbyists.

Dig deeper

At its March 12 meeting, City Council heard a presentation from Brandenburg on sending the letter opposing SB 19 to the Texas Legislature.

He explained the city pays to be a member of the Texas Municipal League, which provides various services to the city, including help with training city staff and analyzing the thousands of bills that are filed each legislative session.

Brandenburg noted the TML has paid lobbyists.

“If SB 19 as written goes through, we would not be able to participate in TML any longer,” he said.

SB 19 was introduced by Texas Senator Mayes Middleton, according to a draft of Brandenburg’s letter of opposition.

Daily news about your community is free, and your support is invaluable.

Give $10 now towards CI's journalistic mission across Texas.

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Business Feature Friday - Liberty Hill Jewelry: A cut above the rest

When Jordan Detweiler opened Liberty Hill Jewelry, it marked the third location in a growing family of jewelry stores. Originally from Washington State, Detweiler has called Texas home for the past 21 years, spending the last 12 years in Williamson County. His journey in the jewelry industry began with family influence – his uncle introduced him to the craft, leading to the establishment of Summit Jewelers in Leander, File & Hammer in Lindale, and now Liberty Hill Jewelry."I love the Liberty Hill and Leander area,"...

When Jordan Detweiler opened Liberty Hill Jewelry, it marked the third location in a growing family of jewelry stores. Originally from Washington State, Detweiler has called Texas home for the past 21 years, spending the last 12 years in Williamson County. His journey in the jewelry industry began with family influence – his uncle introduced him to the craft, leading to the establishment of Summit Jewelers in Leander, File & Hammer in Lindale, and now Liberty Hill Jewelry.

"I love the Liberty Hill and Leander area," Detweiler shares. "The vibes and the community have been so good to us. There’s currently no jewelry store here, and I wanted to get in before anyone else did."

Unlike many jewelers who focus solely on sales, Detweiler is a true craftsman.

"I can craft, design, stone set, repair, and appraise jewelry," he explains. "I do five different jobs myself, and no one else in the area can say that."

His expertise has led to high demand for his custom work, attracting attention from major names like Blue Nile and Diamonds Direct. The need for quality craftsmanship has even prompted Detweiler to bring on two additional jewelers specializing in custom design and repair.

One of his most memorable projects was designing his mother’s engagement and wedding set. "She wears it every day, and that is such an honor," he said.

Detweiler splits his time between Summit Jewelers in Leander and Liberty Hill Jewelry.

"Even though they aren’t far apart, the demographic and customers are like night and day," he observes.

After acquiring another jewelry store years ago, Detweiler had been preparing for this expansion. "We officially opened on Feb. 4, and the move was fairly easy with all the help from friends and family."

To celebrate the new location, Liberty Hill Jewelry is hosting a Grand Opening sale through the end of February, offering discounts ranging from 10 to 50 percent off select pieces.

Like many businesses, Detweiler has had to navigate economic fluctuations.

"Jewelry isn’t a necessity – it’s a want,” he said. “It’s one of the first things people cut out when trying to save money,"

Detweiler’s philosophy is simple but powerful.

"Do right by people, be straightforward and honest,” he said. “My reputation means more to me than anything. I want to build relationships, not just make money."

Detweiler's commitment to high-quality products at competitive prices has helped him earn the trust of his customers.

While Liberty Hill Jewelry is the newest addition, Detweiler isn’t stopping there.

"I’d love to expand into other business ventures within the Liberty Hill area in the future," he said.

Detweiler believes mentorship and humility are key to success.

"Find a good mentor, put your ego away, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are no stupid questions," he advises. "You’ll never feel 100 percent confident making big decisions – you’ll always be scared to death – but you just have to take the leap."

You can visit Liberty Hill Jewelry at 1201 TX-332 Loop Suite 300, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 or their website libertyhilljewelry.com.

Firefly Aerospace, the leader in end-to-end responsive space services, announced March 17 it met 100 percent of its mission objectives for Blue Ghost Mission 1.

This was achieved after performing the first fully successful commercial Moon landing on March 2, completing more than 14 days of surface operations (346 hours of daylight), and operating just over 5 hours into the lunar night with the final data received around 6:15 pm CDT on March 16. This achievement marks the longest commercial operations on the Moon to date.

“After a flawless Moon landing, the Firefly team immediately moved into surface operations to ensure all 10 NASA payloads could capture as much science as possible during the lunar day,” said Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace. “We’re incredibly proud of the demonstrations Blue Ghost enabled from tracking GPS signals on the Moon for the first time to robotically drilling and collecting science deeper into the lunar surface than ever before. We want to extend a huge thank you to the NASA CLPS initiative and the White House administration for serving as the bedrock for this Firefly mission. It has been an honor to enable science and technology experiments that support future missions to the Moons, Mars, and beyond.”

Throughout the mission, Blue Ghost transmitted more than 119 GB of data back to Earth, including 51 GB of science and technology data, significantly surpassing Firefly’s mission requirements. Key payload milestones completed on the surface include the following:

During surface operations, Firefly’s Blue Ghost lander captured high-definition imagery of a total solar eclipse on March 14. This marks the first time in history a commercial company was actively operating on the Moon and able to observe a solar eclipse where the Earth blocks the sun and casts a shadow on the lunar surface. Blue Ghost operated the LMS, RAC, and SCALPSS payloads during this unique phenomenon to measure changes in the lunar dust and radiation environment.

“This team continues to make near-impossible achievements look easy, but there is no such thing as an easy Moon landing, especially on your first attempt,” said Will Coogan, Blue Ghost Chief Engineer at Firefly Aerospace. “We battle tested every system on the lander and simulated every mission scenario we could think of to get to this point. But what really sets this team apart is the passion and commitment to each other. Our team may look younger and less experienced than those of many nations and companies that attempted Moon landings before us, but the support we have for one another is what fuels the hard work and dedication to finding every solution that made this mission a success.”

Firefly also captured imagery of the lunar sunset on March 16, providing NASA with data on whether lunar dust levitates due to solar influences and creates a lunar horizon glow that was hypothesized and observed by Eugene Cernan on Apollo 17. Following the sunset, Blue Ghost operated for 5 hours into the lunar night and continued to capture imagery that measures how dust behavior changes after sunset.

Looking ahead, Firefly is ramping up for annual missions to the Moon. The team has begun qualifying and assembling flight hardware for Blue Ghost Mission 2, which will utilize Firefly’s Blue Ghost lander stacked on an Elytra Dark orbital vehicle for operations in lunar orbit and on the far side of the Moon.

New US 183A toll extension opens in Central Texas

The 5-mile section of the road will create a new way for drivers to travel from Liberty Hill to northwest Austin.LEANDER, Texas — Drivers in Leander now have a faster way to travel from Liberty Hill to northwest Austin.On Wednesday, a 5-mile stretch of the U.S. 183A toll road extension officially opened between Hero Way and State Highway 29, as part of a continued effort to manage traffic growth by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA).Now, nearly 16 miles of the roadway are open, allowing drivers t...

The 5-mile section of the road will create a new way for drivers to travel from Liberty Hill to northwest Austin.

LEANDER, Texas — Drivers in Leander now have a faster way to travel from Liberty Hill to northwest Austin.

On Wednesday, a 5-mile stretch of the U.S. 183A toll road extension officially opened between Hero Way and State Highway 29, as part of a continued effort to manage traffic growth by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA).

Now, nearly 16 miles of the roadway are open, allowing drivers to avoid stop lights along San Gabriel Parkway, Hero Way, Bryson Ridge Trail and Whitewing Drive.

Anyone with electric toll tags will be charged $2.38 to take the new extension. The CTRMA includes payments with accounts like TollTag, EZ Tag, BancPass/Plus Pass, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's Pikepass and several others.

Alternatively, drivers who do not wish to travel on the toll road will still have access to the general 183 lanes, where an additional fee is not required.

CTRMA Executive Director James Bass said the toll extension "will serve as a reliable, time-saving option for many commuters; but whether you chose to travel the toll road or not, all folks will experience a safer, easier commute along the corridor."

Some construction will still be noticeable on the roadway throughout the next few weeks as crews continue work on the 183A Phase III Project. This includes the end of the toll main lanes, along with updates to areas north of State Highway 29, the Shared Use Path and more.

During construction, the CTRMA said drivers should expect delays in travel, lane shifts, detours and other temporary setbacks.

The 183A toll road extension was originally set to open in late March but was pushed back after the CTRMA reported delays with contractor Lane Construction.

"This project is not where it should be, and for [Lane Construction] to ghost us is unacceptable," CTRMA's board treasurer said at the time.

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