2011 is the last school year where schools will be rated on their TAKS scores. See how your neighborhood schools rank.

It’s hot outside, really hot, the hottest summer we’ve had in decades! Still, it doesn’t stop Austinites from taking part in outdoor events. Check out what’s going on in Austin this month.

In Austin, when it comes to renting vs buying a home, financially it makes more sense to buy if you are in the position to do so. You’ve heard that owning a home makes for a sound investment, but did you know that there are tax benefits as well? Here are a few of them:

The tax benefits of buying a home include:

Home mortgage interest deduction: The interest paid on a mortgage or mortgages... Full Story

Austin is one of the most bike friendly cities in the U.S. with new routes to help you maneuver around town created every year. Whether you’re looking for riding events to join, practice routes to ride or a bicycle repair shop to go to, this link will help you out.

Click here for helpful info on road cycling.

Can you believe Austin will be adding 6,000 new residents this month?!? In the latest list put out by Forbes, Austin once again comes in first. Factors taken into consideration are our two year employment & population growth.

Read the rest of the article here

I always love when Kiplinger puts together slideshows of different properties for sale around the world. The latest is one of the more affordable variety “Homes for $300,000 around the world”.

Enjoy:)

$300k gets you what?

Did you know this week is National Farmers’ Market Week?

Austin and its surrounding areas have tons of farmer’s markets to choose from. My favorite is the one downtown and Old Republic Park. Not only are there organic fruits and vegetables, but farmers also sell dairy products, lavender products and delicious wines all grown from our outlying areas.

Click here for a list... Full Story

Did you know this week is National Farmers’ Market Week?

Austin and its surrounding areas have tons of farmer’s markets to choose from. My favorite is the one downtown at Triangle Park. Not only are there organic fruits and vegetables, but farmers also sell dairy products, lavender products and delicious wines all grown from our outlying areas.

Click here for a list or... Full Story

With temps well over the 100 degree mark all weekend, I’m sure you all are looking for ways to stay cool. I have two great ones for you!

Austin’s 5th Annual Ice Cream Festival takes place tomorrow at Waterloo Park. What better way to spend a Saturday than sampling the many flavors of some of Austin’s finest including Amy’s Ice Cream, Austin Scoops and Cool Haus. There will also be music to enjoy and shopping... Full Story

If you’re currently renting, chances are your rent has increased substantially in the last year. A lot of it has to do with the sheer amount of people moving to Austin every day. In August alone, the Chamber of Commerce is expecting 6000 new Austinites! The rate at which apartment complexes are being built is way below the demand for them making Austin the hottest rental market in the U.S.

Read... Full Story

With it being the first day of school for many in the Austin area, I felt today would be a good day to post a list of Austin’s top 25 private schools. As an Austin High School alum, public school was a great experience for me but I can appreciate private schools and what they have to offer.

Click here to see the list

Whether you currently have your house on the market, just recently sold it or are planning to do so in the near future, read up on these 10 tips and keep them in mind come closing time:

IRS top ten tax tips