Home Care In Liberty Hill, TX

The once sleepy town has seen its population nearly triple since 2020, according to census numbers.

LIBERTY HILL, Texas — About 35 miles northwest of Austin on the western edge of Williamson County lies the once sleepy town of Liberty Hill.

But that's quickly changing, as the fast-growing city went from 3,646 people in 2020 to more than 10,700 in 2023, according to census numbers.

Butler Farms is building nearly 300 new homes, along with about a dozen other new subdivisions built in the last several years.

“There is no indication it is going to slow down,” said Liberty Hill City Manager Paul Brandenburg.

It’s a city Brit Butz, a mother of two, has called home for three years.

“Just love the people here and how kind they are," Butz said. "Definitely feel you can find more of that village feeling out here. Definitely more affordable here than Austin."

Butz said it’s the perfect place to raise a family and that she loves the school system.

“They do a good job of making you feel you are getting a good education," Butz said. "They are very hands-on with parents.”

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Brandenburg echoed that saying there are several reasons people are moving to Liberty Hill.

“The school system obviously," Brandenburg said. "It’s a safe community, and people want to find affordability."

City leaders have been working on a comprehensive plan to deal with the growth that includes roads and infrastructure. But they say water supply is the top priority.

Liberty Hill ISD has also seen significant growth.

“I was elected on the school board five years ago. We had about 4,500 students ... Almost pushing 9,000,” said Megan Parsons who serves as Liberty Hill ISD's school board president.

Liberty Hill currently has six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. The district added five elementary schools and a second middle school within the last five years, with more schools planned. Parsons anticipates the district could have an enrollment of 18,000 by 2030.

“There is still a small town feel even though we are growing. We hope to keep a culture that facilitates that,” said Parsons.

A third middle school is being built along County Road 528 set to open next year, with a new high school planned to open next door in a couple of years.

‘We are constantly preparing where are putting future schools and ways to try to stay on top of that so our kids can get the best education possible,” Parsons said.

With all the planning for growth also comes immediate challenges.

At the high school level, some class sizes are in the 30s. Some new high school students will attend class at the new middle school starting next year while the new high school is being built. But overall, Parsons is proud of the district's progress.

“I would say we are not fully staffed,” said Parsons. "We have teachers that are working hard to cover gaps in our district. We are constantly working to be fully staffed. We have great things going on here in Liberty Hill and the future looks good.”

The district has had three bonds totaling about $1 billion passed in the last five years. Parsons said the district will continue to adjust as the growth continues. Butz said she just hopes the community can hang on to its small-town Texas charm.

“I am hoping with the growth that we can keep that, small-town feel, school spirit, family feeling here because that captivated us," Butz said.

"Boomtown is KVUE's series covering the explosive growth in Central Texas. For more Boomtown stories, head to KVUE.com/Boomtown."

Check out these updates on six Liberty Hill businesses that are now open, coming soon or recently relocated to the area, including a yoga studio, coffee house and recreation center.

Now open

Moonshine Yoga

The Cedar Park-based yoga studio has expanded to Liberty Hill. Owned by Smile Owen, the business offers aerial yoga classes and yoga training in areas that include breathing and meditation, posture breakdown, applied anatomy, and all levels of vinyasa.

Foils & Fades

Owned by Krystal Burrows-Deleon and Mary Ledezma, the salon offers a variety of services, including haircuts, fades, balayages, eyebrow tinting, facial hair removal, perms and styling for both men and women.

Club Car Wash

The business offers four levels of car wash options, each of which include towel and vacuum usage. Customers can choose to purchase individual washes or join the business’s unlimited monthly membership program. The brand has more than 130 locations across 10 states.

Punchy Pop Balloons & Event Decor

This mobile-based business offers decorations for all types of events including baby showers, bridal showers, birthday parties, weddings and corporate events. Owned by Presley Turner, Punchy Pop specializes in balloon garlands and arches, and event decor such as champagne walls, marquee letters, LED neon signs and photo backdrops.

Coming soon

Forrest Coffee House

After originally being scheduled to open in September, new local coffee shop Forrest Coffee House is anticipated to open in December due to construction-related setbacks, co-owner Justin McGuire said. Owned by couples Justin and Tina McGuire and Nathan and Rachel Curley, the business will offer coffee, beer, wine and a variety of different teas. Nathan Curley said the coffee shop will also serve pastries, baked goods and appetizer-style shareables. Located in downtown Liberty Hill, the 1-acre property that will house Forrest Coffee House features large oak trees that are roughly 300 years old, Nathan said, which will be preserved and include outdoor seating under them.

Relocations

Freestyle Community Center

Owned and operated by Ayla and Jasper Eden—who played professional basketball and toured the sport in Europe—the business offers basketball skills development programs through group classes, private lessons and camps. Previously located at 300 Brushy Creek Road, Cedar Park, Ayla Eden said the new space is larger—sitting on nearly 2 acres with 4,000 square feet of indoor space. With the bigger space, the business plans to have a permanent food truck park opening in November, host additional community events, and eventually build it out with fields and batting cages. Ayla said the business is her and her husband’s opportunity to serve the community they live in.

Features Reporter

Kameryn joined Community Impact as a features reporter in August 2023 after graduating with a degree in journalism from The University of Texas. While in school, Kameryn was the video editor for the student newspaper, The Daily Texan. She previously covered politics for the Austin American-Statesman and interned for KXAN-TV, CNN Business and the Austin Film Festival. When she’s not writing, she enjoys filmmaking, reading philosophy and spending time with her cats.

By Zacharia Washington

Government Reporter

Zacharia joined Community Impact in January 2022 after a year spent working at the Texas Observer. She is a government reporter covering Cedar Park, Georgetown, Leander and Liberty Hill. Prior to CI, Zacharia graduated from Huston-Tillotson University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in communication; shortly after, she graduated from The University of Texas with a master’s degree in journalism and media. Zacharia has a passion for journalism, service and the community, and she's honored to work at a place with the same values as her own.

By Claire Shoop

Editor

Claire joined Community Impact in September 2019 and is the editor of the Leander/Liberty Hill and Georgetown editions. She previously worked as the reporter for the Sugar Land/Missouri City edition and in December 2021 moved to Austin to become the reporter for the Northwest Austin edition. She graduated from The University of Texas in May 2019, where she studied journalism, government and Arabic. While in school, Claire was a fellow for The Texas Tribune;, worked for the student newspaper, The Daily Texan; and spent a semester in Washington, D.C. She enjoys playing cards with her family and listening to Taylor Swift and the Boss, Bruce Springsteen.

Thank you for reading Community Impact

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AUSTIN (KXAN) — Liberty Hill finished a game above .500 during the regular season, but they’re undefeated when it counts the most in the postseason.

The Panthers (10-4) take on 2022 5A Division II runner-up Port Neches-Groves (13-1) in the state semifinals at 7 p.m. Friday at Cy-Fair FCU Stadium in Cypress, and two dominant rushing offenses are set to clash for a spot in the state title game.

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The teams have combined to rumble for more than 9,000 yards this season, and while Port Neches-Groves mixes in a pass quite a bit more than Liberty Hill does, expect two teams who know how to run go at each other with brute force.

Liberty Hill head coach Kent Walker said the Panthers’ path to the postseason was one of overcoming adversity time and time again.

“We’ve overcome a lot this year and I’ve never doubted them once,” he said. “This team’s toughness and brotherhood, you have to have that at this time of year. The bond they have is their strength.”

Injuries hampered the Panthers throughout the season, but the system and culture Liberty Hill has built was able to carry them through the tough times and put them in position for another run at state.

However, Walker said they’ll have to play their “best game of the year” if they’re to beat PNG and advance to the state title game.

“They’re such a well-coached team, and we just have to keep the ball away from them as much as possible,” he said.

That’s exactly what the slot-T offense the Panthers run is designed to do. Liberty Hill has thrown the ball just 50 times between its three quarterbacks this season, and of the Panthers’ 75 touchdowns this season, only four have come through the air. The thing is, the Panthers break long runs all the time, so in a sense, their opponents have the ball a lot — but are playing catch-up.

Senior quarterback Joe Pitchford said state semifinals are nice, but it’s not where the Panthers want to stop.

“We’re locked in on offense and defense and just trying to perfect what we have going,” he said. “There’s not many teams that could lose four games and be where we are right now.”

Liberty Hill has had a wild season. With two district losses to Kerrville Tivy and San Antonio Pieper, the Panthers avenged the Pieper loss with a victory in the regional title game 28-14 on Dec. 1. Liberty Hill also won a game this season while allowing 80 points, an 82-80 circus tent special against Hutto where backs Noah Long and Ben Carter combined for more than 675 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Throw in some injuries and piece-mealing things together during the season, and the Panthers have pretty much seen it all by now.

“We know how to win games, and we locked back in on practice and didn’t give up on this season,” Pitchford said. “To show the younger kids what they can do for years to come would be huge for the program.”

LIBERTY HILL, Texas - Students at Liberty Hill’s Santa Rita Middle School have a little more on their minds than math homework these days.

"Probably just something that's not too big and flashy, but not something that's barely noticeable," said Sari Green, a student at Santa Rita.

Eighth-graders Sari Green and Sue Gilbert are thinking about choosing a future mascot.

"It's been really fun," said Gilbert. "I like that everyone has a say, not just the eighth graders like seventh and sixth get a say too, and I love that they're listening to our ideas, not just like the adults."

Liberty Hill ISD asked a group of student leaders to work with architects and the upcoming high school principal to narrow down a list of mascots and school color options for the school board.

"For me at the end of the day, the students are the ones who are going to wear the uniform, the students are going to wear the colors," said Liberty Hill Superintendent Steven Snell.

The new mascot and colors are for Legacy Ranch High School, which is set to open in the fall of 2024 for ninth graders.

Snell said the new school will help address a recent population boom.

"I started five years ago," said Snell. "We had 4,000 students. Today, we have just under nine thousand. By the end of the decade, we're going to approach 20,000 students."

Students are picking mascots from three themes: cats, ranching, or alliteration with the school's name, Legacy Ranch.

"I'd probably prefer something that stays in the cat family because anything outside of that I just find weird," said Green.

"The cat family is like really big," said Gilbert. "The other thing I feel like out of the cat family I would like is Longhorns like I'm a UT fan because you also don't see any like Longhorn schools."

Whatever mascot Legacy Ranch lands on, the students know it'll be them who bring meaning to it.

"Our name is legacy, and we really want to build the legacy, like we've really taken that on in Santa Rita to be the legacy," said Gilbert.

LIBERTY HILL, Texas - Liberty Hill has a quaint downtown with a few shops and places to eat, but as the area grows, the city says it pictures bigger plans.

"Liberty Hill is not the sleepy little town it was a few years back," said Mary Poche, the director of economic development for Liberty Hill’s Economic Development Corporation.

About an acre and a half of land could be the grounds for a lively future in Liberty Hill.

"It is a place that people want to come and live, and as I said earlier, you just have to do things for them to do so that the money stays here in Liberty Hill," said Poche.

Right now, people like Victoria and Blake Box often take their money 45 minutes to an hour south.

"We have a few boutiques, but it’s kind of like if you’re looking for something in particular, you kind of go that way because there’s only like small town stuff," said Victoria Box, who lives in a neighboring town.

Liberty Hill's Economic Development Corporation bought the land tucked behind Veteran's Memorial Park with the hope to see more restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options.

The group said it could be closing on a deal with a potential buyer in the next few weeks.

"This was kind of a little gem here for us with a lot of history, and we wanted to be sure to capitalize on that," said Poche.

The developments come as the city booms.

"Even in the 2020 census, our population was about half of what it is now, simply in the city limits," said Poche.

In less than three years, the city said Liberty Hill's population jumped from about 3,000 to 6,800.

"As everything continues to grow, we’ll get more places, more businesses that continue to support our needs as we continue to grow as a community," said Blake Box.

Even with the changes, the city said it doesn’t want to forget its roots.

"We’re a small town with a big heart," said Poche. "We’ll always maintain that culture."

The Economic Development Corporation said if all goes as planned, dirt could start turning as early as next year.

As Liberty Hill continues to grow, the city is attracting both local businesses and chains. Here are updates from 10 business who have decided to set up shop in the area.

Now open1. The Daily Blend

The restaurant, which aims to bring healthy food options to Liberty Hill, serves a menu that includes toast, smoothies, sandwiches, salads and small bits, such as homemade hummus, overnight oats and yogurt parfaits. The spot is owned by Nikki and Jordan Melchor, who also own Texas Taco Kitchen in Liberty Hill.

2. Backyard Burgers

The food truck is owned by Joseph Mendoza and serves a variety of burgers and sliders, including brisket and chicken options. Customers can find the food truck behind daiquiri shop Thirsty Penguin.

3. Invictus: An Acton Academy

The private school moved to a new location along Hwy. 29 for the 2023-24 school year, which started Sept. 11 and follows an 11-month calendar. Invictus is a part of the Austin-based Acton Academy network and serves children ages 4-11, with plans to add middle school education soon, according to co-founder Sarah Max.

4. United Portable Buildings of Liberty Hill

The retailer sells sheds and tiny homes, said Scott Hersenberger, who oversees the Liberty Hill location. United Portable Buildings has about three dozen locations in Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana.

Coming soon

5. La Tequila Jalisco

The menu will include breakfast, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and soups. There will also be a bar serving beer, wine and margaritas. The restaurant is owned by Cesar Flores, who has five other locations.

6. Texas Regional Bank

The bank will be located in the Heritage Ridge retail center off Hwy. 29. The company provides personal and business banking, mortgage and trust, and wealth management services.

Relocation7. Lil Nicky’s Wings & Things

The food truck, which serves a menu of wings, fries, hot dogs, tacos and more, has taken up permanent residency at Whitestone Brewery. Owned by Nick Cambria, the food truck first opening March previously traveled between several other businesses and breweries.

In the news8. Wendy’s

The fast food chain serving burgers, chicken, salads, fries and Frosties, is set to open in the Heritage Ridge development. While company representatives had not confirmed details for the project as of press time, a project registration with the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration registration states the 2,155-square-foot building will be completed in December 2024.

9. Sherwin Williams

The retailer sells paint, supplies, stains and concealers for both interior and exterior surfaces. While company representatives have not confirmed details for the project as of press time, a project registration with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation registration states the 4,499-square-foot building will be completed by April.

10. Ronald Reagan Storage

The upcoming storage facility is expected to include climate controlled units, covered canopy vehicle storage and a manager’s office, according to a project registration with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. While company representatives have not confirmed details for the project as of press time, the TDLR registration states the 102,000-square-foot, three-story building will be completed in June.

Features Reporter

Kameryn joined Community Impact as a features reporter in August 2023 after graduating with a degree in journalism from The University of Texas. While in school, Kameryn was the video editor for the student newspaper, The Daily Texan. She previously covered politics for the Austin American-Statesman and interned for KXAN-TV, CNN Business and the Austin Film Festival. When she’s not writing, she enjoys filmmaking, reading philosophy and spending time with her cats.

By Chloe Young

Education Reporter

Chloe is an education reporter covering Leander, Liberty Hill and Lake Travis ISDs. She joined Community Impact as reporter in May 2023 after graduating with a degree in journalism from The University of Texas. Chloe previously served as the Austin metro intern for CI in summer 2022 and has interned for KXAN-TV, KUT and Austin Woman. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time in nature, thrift shopping, reading and listening to live music. Her passion is engaging communities around hyperlocal coverage.

By Claire Shoop

Editor

Claire joined Community Impact in September 2019 and is the editor of the Leander/Liberty Hill and Georgetown editions. She previously worked as the reporter for the Sugar Land/Missouri City edition and in December 2021 moved to Austin to become the reporter for the Northwest Austin edition. She graduated from The University of Texas in May 2019, where she studied journalism, government and Arabic. While in school, Claire was a fellow for The Texas Tribune;, worked for the student newspaper, The Daily Texan; and spent a semester in Washington, D.C. She enjoys playing cards with her family and listening to Taylor Swift and the Boss, Bruce Springsteen.

Thank you for reading Community Impact

Want more from CI? Becoming a CI Patron grants you access to an exclusive weekend newsletter and CI Swag. Your one-time or monthly donation catapults our mission to hire high-quality journalists and provide trusted news in Texas communities.

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Community Impact featured news ranging from new developments to transportation projects to county and school district bond elections on the cover of our monthly print editions over the course of 2023. As the year comes to a close, take time to revisit these stories.

January: 8 large projects underway as Cedar Park, Leander prioritize commercial development

Leaders in Cedar Park and Leander are shifting their focus to recruit commercial development as several large, destination-style mixed-use projects are in the works.

This move comes as both cities attempt to balance residential and commercial development.

February: Lower prices, more stock: Housing market cools in Leander, Cedar Park

After an overactive market and buying frenzy last year, home prices in Cedar Park and Leander—which have been on a steady rise since early 2021—dipped toward the tail end of 2022.

Local experts attribute the rapid change to the housing market stabilizing—interest and mortgage rates have risen, causing lower prices and increased inventory.

March: 2 systems, 1 problem: Williamson County corrections, juvenile justice systems navigate shortages

Williamson County is facing a shortage of adult corrections officers and juvenile supervision officers, forcing staff to work overtime, preventing youth from receiving individualized care and leaving officials searching for solutions.

April: A bond on the ballot: Leander ISD community to vote on $763M proposal funding facilities, technology

Registered voters within Leander ISD will vote on a $762.82 million bond package May 6 as the district hopes to acquire funding for new facilities, technology and infrastructure, and renovations to two performing arts centers.

April: Future RM 620 expansion in Cedar Park, Austin to relieve congestion, displace businesses

Plush Fabric Home Interiors could be facing its second relocation, this time around due to the Texas Department of Transportation’s upcoming RM 620 expansion project, and owner Sydney McCann is hoping small businesses are treated fairly.

Over the next several years, TxDOT is proposing to expand the RM 620 corridor, stretching from US 183 to the Colorado River Bridge near the Mansfield Dam, potentially wiping out several businesses along the way.

May: 183A Toll extension through Leander, Liberty Hill hits halfway mark; aims to offer faster commute

Construction on the 183A Toll extension through northern Leander to Liberty Hill is about 53% completed as of mid-April, and the project’s aim is to provide congestion relief in the area.

Stretching from Hero Way in Leander to Hwy. 29 in Liberty Hill, the 5.3-mile extension will be built within the US 183 median between two existing frontage roads. It will consist of two tolled southbound and northbound lanes as well as a 7-mile, 10-foot shared-use path. Work on the $259 million project began in 2021, and it is on time to reach completion in 2025.

June: Leander readies for first hospital in 2025; Liberty Hill addresses health care scarcity

Like many others in the area, Liberty Hill resident Kim Jackson Sanders receives medical care from Cedar Park Regional Medical Center and St. David’s Georgetown Hospital.

However, as the Leander and Liberty Hill areas continue to grow, commute times have also increased, causing residents to hope for closer hospital and health care options.

July: Developers target Hwy. 29 from Liberty Hill to Georgetown for thousands of homes

From Georgetown to Liberty Hill, thousands of homes now stand on what was once a bare corridor along Hwy. 29.

The stretch of road encompasses three school districts and includes Santa Rita Ranch, one of the largest neighborhoods, which could bring 7,753 homes to the area once fully built out. Other sizable subdivisions are under construction or planned.

August: Leander ISD, Liberty Hill ISD navigate shortages in auxiliary staff

While teachers have been in short supply throughout Texas in recent years, area school districts are facing shortages in bus drivers, custodial staff, maintenance workers and child nutritionists—the behind-the-scenes positions needed to keep campuses afloat.

Both Leander and Liberty Hill ISDs are experiencing auxiliary worker shortages, forcing the districts to adapt and make do with the staff they do have so programs and services are not interrupted.

September: Leander, Liberty Hill work to secure water supply amid drought

Central Texas was hit with a double threat this summer: record-breaking high heat and little rainfall. The region has seen temperatures over 100 degrees nearly every day since July 8, causing increased evaporation of local water reservoirs, dried-out soil and increased wildfire risk.

Lakes Travis and Buchanan collectively dipped to 44% capacity in August, the lowest they’ve been since 2013, according to the Lower Colorado River Authority. Other regional water sources, including the Edwards Aquifer, Lake Georgetown and Stillhouse Hollow Lake, are similarly low.

October: $884M Williamson County bond would fund trails, roads

Braon Moseley described walking the trails at Southwest Williamson County Regional Park as his—and his dog, Bear’s—“happy place.”

The park’s trails could be added to if voters choose to support Williamson County’s Proposition B during the upcoming Nov. 7 election.

That is part of the county’s overall vision to increase connectivity. But the bond doesn’t just propose to increase mobility for walkers, hikers and bikers: Proposition A would fund more than 38 transportation projects, adding new and expanding roads throughout the county to better serve its growing population, officials said.

November: Master plan looks to re-envision Old Town Leander area by investing in businesses; adding parking, infrastructure

Leander officials said they are looking forward to Old Town blossoming into a lively, walkable downtown district over the next several years under the recently approved Old Town Master Plan.

December: Liberty Hill Public Library seeks larger space

Amber Lundell and her children regularly visit the Liberty Hill Public Library to check out books and attend events. It’s the librarians’ kindness and the children’s activities that keep them coming back once a week, she said. However, the library has been unable to meet all of its patrons’ needs due to a lack of space, Library Director Angela Palmer said.

Editor

Claire joined Community Impact in September 2019 and is the editor of the Leander/Liberty Hill and Georgetown editions. She previously worked as the reporter for the Sugar Land/Missouri City edition and in December 2021 moved to Austin to become the reporter for the Northwest Austin edition. She graduated from The University of Texas in May 2019, where she studied journalism, government and Arabic. While in school, Claire was a fellow for The Texas Tribune;, worked for the student newspaper, The Daily Texan; and spent a semester in Washington, D.C. She enjoys playing cards with her family and listening to Taylor Swift and the Boss, Bruce Springsteen.

Thank you for reading Community Impact

Want more from CI? Becoming a CI Patron grants you access to an exclusive weekend newsletter and CI Swag. Your one-time or monthly donation catapults our mission to hire high-quality journalists and provide trusted news in Texas communities.

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LIBERTY HILL, Texas - Walking into the fifth-grade hall at Bar W Elementary, students are greeted by Mrs. Amanda Rachuig. But some days, she may surprise her students with a new look she’s trying out.

"Several years ago, I've always had a big sense of humor, and I love to laugh at myself. And ever since I've been teaching, I've always dressed up for any occasion," Rachuig said.

Whether it’s spirit day, Halloween, or picture day, Rachuig has a trick up her sleeve.

"So, I decided a few years ago that I would start dressing up for yearbook photos and just to poke fun at myself and to bring a smile to people's face," said Rachuig. "You know, education can be stressful. And if we can bring some lightheartedness to it and make it fun, then it's easier, you know? And I love to make people laugh, and I love to make fun of stuff."

Rachuig says she wants to make learning engaging and what better way to get your attention by wearing a costume.

"They love to come to class. And I feel like I have more buy in when they see that I'm having fun," said Rachuig.

Rachuig doesn’t just teach her students the basics of literature, but also how to be yourself.

"I've always told my kids is that you know. Don't be afraid to be yourself. And I'm goofy and crazy. I have a sense of humor. And I've never been afraid to be myself. I've never been afraid to be colorful," said Rachuig.

It's a message she wants to send to her students.

"I want my students to know that they can take risks. They can be who they want to be, and they can be as colorful as they want to be. And it's okay. And I want them to know that you don't have to take yourself too seriously. Life's too short to do that," said Rachuig.

Rachuig is looking to expand her costume closet, so she created an Amazon Wishlist. If you would like to help contribute, click here.