The Rancho Sienna Roundup

In the Meyers Millennial Desirability Index, Austin ranks a very respectable No. 3 among all U.S. cities with the most appeal to Millennials born between 1980 and 2000. Ranked strictly by the “fun index,” Austin outshines all other cities.

As our very first park, Sienna Park & Trail introduced our vision for a nature-focused community with 100+ acres of parks, trails and natural open space. Sienna Park & Trail is still one of our most popular places to jog, fish, swing from a tree, and stop to smell the wildflowers.

“I wish I’d known that before….” is something we often say to ourselves, especially after making a major purchase or decision. If you’re thinking about buying a home, here are 6 things you’ll be glad you knew in advance – from myths about finance to avoiding neighborhood regret.

For the third consecutive year, Austin took the No. 1 spot in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Places to Live in the U.S.” for 2019.

The best principals provide leadership that inspires every student and teacher. That definitely describes the principals who lead the highly regarded Liberty Hill ISD schools serving Rancho Sienna.

Trendmaker has added new plans priced from the $290,000s in Rancho Sienna, with the flexibility and custom design options this leading homebuilder is known for.

With communities like Rancho Sienna offering new homes priced from the low $200,000s, the Austin metro area ranks No. 1 in Texas and No. 14 in the U.S. for first-time homebuyers, according to a report from Bankrate.com.

Rancho Sienna resident created her online store CoralFeather in 2017 to offer quality, everyday products to help people live greener and healthier lives. In this interview, she shares some easy ideas for getting started.

Having a picnic is fun, and it can also offer some important health benefits, such as relieving stress, bonding with family and friends, and building healthy eating habits. There are many great places to enjoy a picnic in Rancho Sienna. Here are our top five.

April is a spectacular month for wildflowers in Austin and Georgetown, and 2019 is shaping up to be one of the best years in recent memory. To help you find the bluebonnets and other beautiful wildflowers, we’ve scouted out these hotspots in Austin and Georgetown.

Located across from Rancho Sienna Elementary School, Overlook Park does double duty as a park and outdoor classroom by day. At night, it’s an ideal place to explore the night sky and the stars above Rancho Sienna.

Meet Barbara and Jeb McNew, who feel warmly welcomed by neighbors who “go out of their way to be friendly.” They enjoy exploring Rancho Sienna’s parks and trails with their two rescue dogs, and they love discovering all the great restaurants that are close to home.

Here are 5 great reasons to begin your visit to Rancho Sienna at Sienna House, our visitor welcome center and flagship recreational amenity.

What does a HOA, or Home Owners Association, do? Why is it a good idea to have one? In this blog, we demystify the role of HOAs and explain how they help create a vibrant lifestyle and protect property values in new and established communities.

From drop zones to laundry loops, many thoughtful features from Rancho Sienna’s homebuilders can help you get organized, get productive and get out the door in the morning.

Rancho Sienna’s great location makes it easy to enjoy the many diverse activities that make Austin such a great place for kids to live. From parks and museums, to bats and wildflowers, here are our Top 10 picks for fun activities that every member of the family will love.

Find the perfect new home in Austin during Rancho Sienna’s Tour of Homes, taking place three weekends starting March 16. Here are 10 ways to get the most out of the Tour of Homes and your visit to Rancho Sienna. 

Empty nesters are a growing force in today's new home market, and builders are taking notice, designing plans that celebrate the opportunities that come at this stage of life. Here are 6 features from Sitterle's San Saba model home in Rancho Sienna that makes it perfect for empty nesters.

Some myths are great, but others need to be debunked, especially if they keep you from achieving an important life goal, like buying your first home. Let our quiz help you learn the facts and get on the road to homeownership.

The excellent, well-rounded athletics program at Liberty Hill ISD has won yet another kudo. Liberty Hill is the No. 1 Best School District for Athletes in the Austin region in Niche’s 2019 rankings.

Rancho Sienna residents grow food and friendship at the Community Garden, one of our newest parks.

Austin tops national lists for its quality of life and tech-driven economy. With its strong appeal to newcomers, Austin offers many communities to choose from. But how do you find the perfect community – the one that feels like “home”? Here are 5 things to consider.

The cost to rent an apartment rose more in Austin than any other major Texas city last year. With Rancho Sienna offering new homes priced from the low $200,000s, 2019 is looking like a great year to stop renting and start owning.

Several leading paint companies have announced their 2019 Colors of the Year, signaling trends we can expect to see in everything from walls to accessories. Several of the colors capture the natural Hill Country beauty in and around Rancho Sienna. 

Dog people are fitter people, and Rancho Sienna is a great community for dogs and their people to de-stress, build healthier hearts and forge stronger bonds, amid 100+ acres of beautiful Hill Country parks, trails and natural open spaces.

If you’re looking for a new home, the Rancho Sienna Tour of Homes from March 16-31 will be a great time to tour more than 40 showcase homes and 7 fully furnished model homes from 8 leading homebuilders. Food and giveaways will make the tour even more exciting.

Two recent studies rank Austin as one of the least stressed and most active cities in Texas and the U.S. Another study confirms the health benefits of living amid green space. That’s great news for residents of Rancho Sienna, who enjoy 100+ acres of parks, trails and natural open space.

Austin’s stature as America’s No. 1 boom town got a huge boost in late 2018, with Apple’s announcement that it will create a new $1 billion campus with space for 15,000 employees. Here’s what we know so far.

Finding a community where you feel a sense of belonging can be a tricky thing, but not at Rancho Sienna. Meet some residents who say they’ve made more new friends here immediately than they did in many years in their old neighborhoods.

Part of approximately five miles of trails at Rancho Sienna, Big View Trail lives up to its name, with stunning Hill Country vistas, and fun along the way as it leads to some of the community’s most popular amenities.

It’s hard to imagine a library making a list of the world’s 100 greatest places, alongside natural wonders and archaeological treasures. But the Austin Central Library, built around a sunny six-story atrium, is a library like no other. And it’s easy to visit from Rancho Sienna.

Rancho Sienna offers a growing variety of new home styles, including garden homes. In this blog, we offer a helpful definition of a garden home, along with some tips for deciding if this style of home is right for you.

Opening in spring 2019, Rancho Sienna’s newest park will focus on food and fun. Open to all residents, it’s located near one of Rancho Sienna’s newest neighborhoods.

Meet C.J. and Emily Rodine, who discovered Rancho Sienna after Emily’s sister moved here in 2017. They love Rancho Sienna’s community events and the camaraderie they’ve quickly developed with their new neighbors.

One of the best things about moving up to a new home is having more space to entertain family and friends. Here are 6 sociable floor plans at Rancho Sienna that can make you the host with the most.

From a refreshing dip at Blue Hole to exploring the “Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas,” here are 5 free family friendly things to enjoy in Georgetown, located near Rancho Sienna.

Meet the Rancho Sienna park that really makes tails wag: the Bark’N Park Dog Park. With fenced play areas, a shade pavilion and a scenic pond, it’s heaven for dogs and their people.

Families that play together stay together, the old saying goes. Rancho Sienna offers many ways for families to enjoy fun and healthy play. Here are the top 5.

Whether you're looking for your first new home, need more space for your growing family, or you're planning to scale down, check out the 6 most popular floor plans in Rancho Sienna. They're a perfect representation of the new-home variety in our Austin and Georgetown area master-planned community.

Georgetown is on a roll, earning major national kudos from magazines like Southern Living. Major new parks and retail developments are making Georgetown’s quality of life even better.

Moving to Rancho Sienna from Southern California, the Pevehouses shopped 16 communities in the Austin and Georgetown area before choosing Rancho Sienna. Find out what they’re very happy with their decision.

At Rancho Sienna, we’d love for you to get on a first-name basis with our parks and trails. In this blog, meet one of our largest parks, Greenleaf Park.

Here’s yet another accolade for Austin: readers of Travel + Leisure magazine have named it as one of the Top 15 cities to visit in the U.S.

Austin and Georgetown are great places to raise kids, and a new study ranks Austin as the No. 1 city in Texas to retire in. That makes Rancho Sienna a great place to live close to the grandkids, so you can spoil them all the time. Here are the top 5 ways.

If you were a Rancho Sienna park or trail, which one would you be? With 100+ acres of parks and trails, we have one to fit every personality, so take our fun quiz and find out.

From secret rooms to four-car garages, learn more about Trendmaker’s unique features in Rancho Sienna with this interview and video tour of their beautiful Plan 602F model home.

Austin is the greenest city in Texas and one of the top 20 greenest cities in the U.S., a recent study found. At Rancho Sienna, we’re proud to be part of Austin’s green wave.

RANCHO SIENNA is proud to be part of Georgetown, ranked No. 1 on the South’s Best Cities to Live In 2018 list from Southern Living magazine.

From young families just starting out, to empty nesters scaling down for the time of their life, RANCHO SIENNA residents are a diverse group. One thing they all have in common: they love life here.

Here are our Top 10 picks for holiday festivities near Rancho Sienna, in Georgetown and other magical places in Austin and the Hill Country.

Meet James and Christina Morgan, who scaled down from a 47-acre ranch to a new home in Rancho Sienna’s low-maintenance neighborhood. Their “lock and leave” lifestyle is perfect for enjoying more time with their kids and grandkids.

Find the perfect gift for everyone, with jewelry, clothing, home goods and more from these creative Rancho Sienna residents.

In the next installment of our Meet Our Parks series, we visit the Outdoor Dining Room, hosting good food, fun times and bocce ball in every season.

This is the time of year when many people love to create homemade entrees and desserts for family and friends. In this blog, several Rancho Sienna residents share their favorite recipes. Some are family traditions, while others are recently discovered. All are delicious.

It’s not often that a model home tour goes inside a warehouse, but this video includes a visit to Pulte’s Life Tested warehouse to show how their design process offers homebuyers more personalized choices in Rancho Sienna.

From connected appliances to whole-house Wi-Fi, builders today are offering an unlimited array of technologies. But it’s important to remember that it’s not so much about the technology, but the way it fits into our lives.

A growing number of Rancho Sienna residents are moving here to be closer to family members including in-laws and grandkids. With a variety of home styles and amenities designed to appeal to family members of all generations, Rancho Sienna makes being together easy.

Young homebuyers can save a 20% down payment for a home faster in Austin than anywhere else in the nation, according to a new study from Zillow.

“Neighborhood regret” is a real thing experienced by more than one-third of recent homebuyers, according to a recent study from Trulia. Here are 4 ways can avoid wishing they had chosen a different neighborhood.

The VA’s Home Loan Program is a tremendous benefit that veterans have earned, offering 100 percent financing, no PMI and other advantages. Getting started is as easy as talking to a Realtor.

As we head into the holiday season, November and December are two very festive months in Rancho Sienna and the surrounding Georgetown area. See what it’s like to live in our active community.

Lennar is now selling low-maintenance homes priced from the mid $200,000s in Rancho Sienna’s newest neighborhood, featuring pocket parks and a scenic pond. Front and back yard care is included, creating a low-maintenance lifestyle.

From getting more square footage for your money, to enrolling the kids in highly rated schools, here are 5 ways that suburban living is better than living in town.

From 8-foot doors and 13-foot ceilings inside, to the covered patio and landscaped backyard outside, tour Perry’s Design 3435S model home in this video, and learn what sets Perry apart from other builders.

Meet Phil and Kendra Traina and their kids, Daphne and Philip. Moving to Rancho Sienna from the Bay Area of California, they’ve found a great new life where everyone in the family has made many new friends.

From Sienna House to Rancho Sienna Elementary School, Rancho Sienna has added many amenities since Newland envisioned its master plan five years ago. Look back – and ahead – with us.

Finally, a study has confirmed what we all suspected: people spend much more time in family rooms and kitchens than in formal areas. See how Rancho Sienna’s homebuilders are designing new homes for the way people live today.

Cheers and buon appetito! Rancho Sienna’s newest park celebrates grapes, olives, and good times with friends and family.

With a bocce ball court offered in Rancho Sienna’s Outdoor Dining Room, here are 10 fun facts about a sport that’s surpassed in global popularity only by soccer and golf.

Whether you want to get away with the kids, the girls, or even by yourself, we’ve rounded some great Hill Country day trip ideas close to Rancho Sienna.

Rancho Sienna’s newest model home showcases stylish living from Perry Homes, in a great location near our newest park. We’re so excited, we’re spotlighting 5 more features we love from all of Rancho Sienna’s model homes.

Rancho Sienna’s 5^th annual Harvest Festival happens this Saturday, Oct. 13. Here are 10 tips to help you get the most out of this annual tradition.

Lock in a great interest rate. Settle in for the new year. Live green and save green. These are just a few of our Top 8 reasons to buy a new Rancho Sienna home that you can start loving right away. See them all in our blog.

The Liberty Hill Independent School District has earned an A accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency, and all of the Liberty Hill ISD schools serving Rancho Sienna earned the highest possible campus ratings.

One of the first steps in determining how much home you can afford is to understand what makes up your monthly mortgage payment. Our new video makes it easy.

Austin ranks high on a list of '5 Cities Millennials are Flocking To,' thanks to relatively affordable home prices and a strong economy. Learn why Rancho Sienna is a popular choice among Millennial homebuyers.

From a backyard for Fido, to saying “goodbye” to rent increases, there are many reasons why it’s better to be a homeowner than a renter. Here are the top 13.

Perry Homes has opened its new Plan 2529 model home in Rancho Sienna to showcase its collection of homes priced from the low $300,000s. Take a video tour of this beautiful new model home, and see Perry homes available for quick move-in.

October is prime time for Monarch watching, and our Native Landscaping Guide has tips for making your yard an inviting habitat for butterflies and other beautiful creatures.

Please save the date and make plans to join us for Rancho Sienna’s 5^th annual Harvest Fest on Saturday, October 13. It’s free and everyone’s invited!

The Texas Hill Country surrounding Rancho Sienna is home to more than 50 wineries, each with a distinct personality, terroir and style of winemaking. They make for an easy day trip, especially during annual events like the Christmas Wine Affair.

Newland Communities, developer of Rancho Sienna, is proud to be a sponsor of the 11^th Annual Children in Nature Awards Dinner. Coming up Sept. 20, it honors recipients who have worked to connect children with nature.

With a record number of Americans living in multigenerational households, Lennar has introduced its Giallo II “home within a home” plan in Rancho Sienna. With a complete and separate living suite, it’s essentially two homes under one roof.

The Liberty Hill ISD schools attended by our students at Rancho Sienna are not only highly regarded; they’re also nearby. See our infographic for a quick lesson.

Nicolle Ramia, Austin marketing director for Newland, the developer of Rancho Sienna, has joined the board of directors of HomeAid Austin.

Rancho Sienna’s beautifully decorated model homes are filled with countless creative and trendy design features. Here are 5 of our favorites.

At Rancho Sienna, it’s an annual tradition to celebrate the end of summer and the start of a new year in our highly regarded Liberty Hill ISD schools with our Back To School Splash Bash. See the fun in photos.

With cooler temps, fall is a great time for gardening in the Texas Hill Country, and Rancho Sienna’s community garden has opened just in time.

Rancho Sienna offers low-maintenance garden homes with yard maintenance provided, so residents can enjoy a long vacation any time of the year. Here are some tips to get your home ready for an extended absence.

Touring Pulte’s Granville model home in Rancho Sienna, you might feel like they read your mind about the features you want most. In a way, they did, with their Life Tested features.

With our Bark’N Park and trails, Rancho Sienna is heaven for dogs and their people. In hot months, however, you’ll want to make sure your best friend stays safe and healthy. Here are some common-sense tips from the ASCPA.

For the second year in a row, Liberty Hill High School has won the Austin American-Statesman’s  Breazeale Cup, which honors the most successful high school athletic programs in Central Texas.

New homes in Rancho Sienna also offer a wide range of green building features. Explore new homes priced from the low $200,000s to $600,000s from all of our leading homebuilders.

Need one more reason to do those closets? Local charities helping to solve hunger, homelessness and joblessness depend on your unwanted items. You get a clean home and a “helper’s high.”

With Trendmaker offering several new homes with secret rooms in Rancho Sienna, we thought it would be a good time to explore the history of hidden rooms, and their timeless benefits for today’s new homes.

Cheers and buon appetito! Now open, Rancho Sienna’s newest park celebrates grapes, olives, and good times with friends and family.

Rancho Sienna residents won’t have to travel far to save. From power centers to unique boutiques, the community is close to all kinds of convenient shopping.

Today’s new homes offer the latest in energy efficiency technology, including guaranteed monthly heating and cooling usage, and home automation features that can control thermostats and other systems even when you’re not home.

Everybody loves eating outside because it combines three of our favorite things – food, friends and nature. With these 5 tips, it’s easy to enjoy summer get-togethers at Rancho Sienna’s Outdoor Dining Room or any al fresco spot, even in the daytime.

One of the final Wes Peoples homes offered in Rancho Sienna has spacious front and back porches – perfect for enjoying views of the wooded, oversized homesite.

If you’re always looking for family-friendly activities in the Austin area, check out “Exploring Austin with Kids.” This book by Austin mom Annette Lucksinger has the scoop on 100 attractions and 25 annual events, so you’ll never run out of ideas for kid-pleasing things to do.

With its sliding barn doors, shiplap paneling and rustic brick walls, Chesmar’s Owen model home in Rancho Sienna exudes the casual, cozy Farmhouse Chic style. Bring a little or a lot of this look into your own home with these tips.

Sure, it’s hot outside, but there are many fun attractions and activities to enjoy in Austin and the surrounding Hill Country. Our Local Flavor guide has the scoop.

Much more than just a beautiful model home, Lennar's new Giallo model in Rancho Sienna showcases whole-home Wi-Fi coverage and integrated home automation.

Building a new home from the ground up isn’t just for buyers of custom homes. Builders in every price range offer the opportunity to select a home plan and homesite, and make personal choices for features and finishes. Here’s what to expect in 10 steps.

Ranked as the No. 1 “Best Place to Live” in the U.S. for two years in a row, Austin continues to attract many newcomers. If you’re new to the area, how do you find the best community in the best city? Our infographic has 5 tips.

In July and August, Rancho Sienna residents will enjoy some classic summer activities, like a pool party and an ice cream social, before they say “farewell” to the season with the annual Back To School Splash Bash.

What advantages do master-planned communities (MPCs) offer over smaller subdivisions? From lifestyle amenities to property values, here are 5 reasons why an MPC might be a better choice for your next home.

Offering an optional upstairs area, this four-bedroom model home showcases new homes priced from the $290,00s by the nation’s largest homebuilder.

Native to the Mediterranean region, lavender has gained a strong foothold in the Texas Hill Country in recent years. That’s great for anyone wanting to enjoy a fun day trip to nearby lavender farms, and to take advantage of lavender’s many benefits.

Most real estate experts and homeowners agree that schools have an effect on property values, but exactly how much value is added by highly rated public schools? Our infographic summarizes research findings from several respected organizations.

Our “Grown in the Hill Country” series explores some of the local crops that give this area its unique flavor. In this blog, we celebrate peach season in the Hill Country, a juicy time from mid-May through mid-August.

While students and parents enjoy summer vacation, Liberty Hill ISD is busy adding new classrooms and teachers at Rancho Sienna Elementary School, which recently completed its first year.

Austin’s own Brett Tutor, the celebrity carpenter on TLC’s “Trading Spaces” reality show, invites you to join him on this video tour of Sienna House, Rancho Sienna’s flagship amenity.

MUDs, or Municipal Utility Districts, aren’t the most fun or glamorous part of buying a new home, but in Texas, it’s important to understand what they do and how they’re paid for. Our infographic has some quick and easy answers.

As the celebrity carpenter on TLC’s “Trading Spaces” reality show, Brett Tutor knows a thing or two about home construction. He also knows how to unwind and enjoy nature, as his video tour of Rancho Sienna’s trail system shows.

In June, Rancho Sienna residents will welcome summer by enjoying ice cream and donuts, along with live music later in the month. See what it’s like to live in our active, neighborly community.

When it opens this summer, Lennar’s new Giallo model home in Rancho Sienna will showcase the world’s first Wi-Fi Certified home, allowing homeowners to control lighting, front door locks, thermostats and much more simply by talking to Amazon Alexa.

Rancho Sienna residents will meet at Sienna House on the morning of Saturday, June 2 to celebrate National Trails Day with self-guided hikes through approximately five miles of trails in the community.

Summer is the perfect season for exploring the Texas Hill Country surrounding Rancho Sienna. To help you focus on the closest options, we’ve rounded up some popular blogs from our “Get Outside” series.

Throughout Rancho Sienna's parks and common areas, beautiful native plants such as Texas Redbuds and Copper Canyon Daisies thrive on native soil and rainfall. That makes for an easy-to-maintain landscape that conserves water and preserves the land's natural character.

With the school year almost over, here are 5 summer camps near Rancho Sienna, to help keep kids engaged in fun and enriching activities.

Kids who walk or ride their bikes to school have higher academic performance and lower stress and obesity levels, research has found. At Rancho Sienna, it's easy for kids to get these benefits, thanks to a trail system that connects all neighborhoods to Rancho Sienna Elementary.

This is a popular time of year for moving, and with these 9 tips from Realtor.com, you can enjoy a stress-free move and start enjoying your new community. We also have a 10^th tip that makes it easy to fit right in at active, sociable communities like Rancho Sienna.

Everybody seems to be busy these days, but the good news is that today's floor plans are designed especially for busy lifestyles. Family-friendly features like drop zones can help everyone find their things and get out the door.

Shiplap walls, brick archways, and fun wall designs such as murals and oversized letters are just a few of our favorite features in Rancho Sienna’s model homes. Here are a few of our favorite features, plus a link where you can see many more.

Research shows where you live can have a great impact on your health, well-being and overall happiness. Welcome to Austin, which tops U.S. News’ “Best Places to Live” list for the second consecutive year.

In May, Rancho Sienna residents will play miniature golf, enjoy some tasty BBQ and much more! See what’s coming up in our active, neighborly community.

Rancho Sienna has added virtual tours for some of our most popular model homes, including Trendmaker Plan 602F model, which celebrates indoor and outdoor living.

Deciding to become a homeowner is a great investment in your financial future. To help you become more familiar with the monthly cost of homeownership, we’ve broken the mortgage payment down into its separate components. After you read our blog, you’ll be an expert on PITI, P&I, PMI and more.

"Family friendly entertainment doesn’t get any better than this.” The motto for Georgetown’s Red Poppy Festival says it all. From live music and a Kids Fun Zone, to a riotously red parade and antique car show, see what’s in store at this free event.

Sharing life with a dog brings many health benefits, such as less stress. All it takes to make your four-legged friend happy is love, and maybe a regular trip to the dog park. See Rancho Sienna’s popular dog destination in our new video.

We’ve added virtual tours for some of our most popular model homes, including Sitterle’s one-story San Saba, highlighted by a covered patio with an outdoor fireplace and kitchen. Enjoy the views!

Rancho Sienna appeals to many different kinds of families, including those busy on-the-go families who appreciate how the community’s amenities and conveniences make life easier – and more enjoyable.

Rancho Sienna residents enjoy festive events and activities all year long, including the Spring Fling. Maybe it’s the Hill Country wildflowers in bloom that make this event a resident favorite.

If you can’t visit our beautifully furnished model homes in person, you can enjoy our new virtual tours from anywhere. Our first tours showcase two spacious model homes from Chesmar.

Tour Pulte’s beautiful Granville model home in Rancho Sienna with “Trading Spaces” star Brett Tutor.

A game-changing tool for homebuyers, SkyNav provides immersive Virtual Reality tours of Rancho Sienna’s parks, trails and neighborhoods.

Join Trading Spaces carpenter and Austin native Brett Tutor for a tour of Rancho Sienna’s popular dog park. Oh, and we can’t forget his four-legged friend, Rowdy.

In April, Rancho Sienna residents will taste some fine wines, get up close and personal with reptiles, and buy and sell treasures at the Community Garage Sale. See what it’s like to live in this active community.

At Rancho Sienna, builders invite homebuyers to personalize their new homes with flex spaces that can be built as extra bedrooms, bathrooms, and even larger garages and outdoor living areas.

"The people are friendly and the views of the Hill Country are beautiful," says Rancho Sienna resident Lauren Devore. Her nest is empty, but she's closer to family and has plans for an exciting new business venture.

The electric car charging station at the Sienna House is a small but meaningful symbol of Rancho Sienna’s commitment to sustainable development. If you just need to charge your phone, you can do that too.

Talk about a “grape” location. Lennar is now selling in a new Rancho Sienna neighborhood next to Vineyard Park, offering grapevines, olive trees and a unique wine barrel sculpture. Lennar’s model home opens in summer, but now’s the perfect time to harvest your favorite homesite.

Home offices are ideal for productivity and convenience, and they’re showcased in model homes in Rancho Sienna. They’re ideal for Austin, the nation’s No. 1 work-from-home city.

Gardening is a great way to inspire kids to disconnect from their screens and dig into a healthier and happier childhood. With Rancho Sienna opening a new community garden soon, now’s a great time to learn more about the benefits of getting kids to grow their own veggies.

Visitors from other parts of Texas and the U.S. gladly travel long distances to enjoy the Hill Country. For those of us who already live here, the area’s treasures are only a day trip away. Here are seven ideas for enjoying the natural and cultural attractions in our own backyard.

A new community garden is growing in Rancho Sienna, along with a new gardening club that’s bringing residents together to enjoy this fun and healthy activity.

No longer small rectangles, kitchen islands have evolved into table-sized magnets for family togetherness. With curvy shapes, multiple levels and beautiful tops, these islands further erase the lines between kitchens and family rooms.

In March, Rancho Sienna residents will enjoy a special St. Patrick’s Day edition of the Third Thursday Thirsty Social, plus the annual Community Garage Sale. See what it’s like to live in this active community.

From a solar charging station and a 10,000-gallon cistern, to architecture and landscaping designed to save water, here are 10 things Rancho Sienna is doing to have a lighter footprint on its beautiful Hill Country environment.

The outdoor living areas in Rancho Sienna’s fully furnished model homes are filled with creative ideas for transforming patios, porches and courtyards into spaces where you’ll want to linger for hours.

The votes have been tallied for the Best of Georgetown, and the winners are…Rancho Sienna residents. That’s because Rancho Sienna is close to so many great restaurants, shops, entertainment spots and services that are truly the “best.” See the list.

With three daughters, the Botkins family wanted to live in the highly regarded Liberty Hill Independent School District. When they visited Rancho Sienna and discovered the community’s parks and trails, it was love at first sight.

When looking for the perfect home, both new homes and used ones have their benefits. But the list of reasons to prefer a new home is overwhelming. Here are the Top 7.

Unplugging from technology and replugging into nature has real mental and physical benefits. With more than 100 acres of parks and trails, Rancho Sienna offers many ways for residents to unplug and connect to nature.

Yard maintenance is included in this scenic Rancho Sienna neighborhood, allowing residents more time to enjoy 100+ acres of parks, trails and natural open space in the community.

Rancho Sienna's commitment to keeping it green includes a new solar-powered charging bench for phones and other electronics.

At Rancho Sienna, residents can enjoy an Outdoor Dining Room with seating for 10. Here are some tips for throwing a fun outdoor dinner party anywhere.

From a wine bar with a majestic pecan tree growing inside, to a center that teaches kids to be code ninjas, many new businesses are opening near Rancho Sienna. Here’s just a partial list.

In a survey, 81% of homebuyers said they wanted extra garage storage space, with 25% calling it “essential.” Good thing Rancho Sienna offers many choices for three-car and even four-car garages.

From parks and trails, to highly regarded Liberty Hill ISD schools, Rancho Sienna residents find many reasons to love about their community. Here are the Top 10.

For John and Cheryl Kelsey, moving to Rancho Sienna put them in the middle of a wonderful new life, between four grandkids in Austin and Waco.

Grapes for the picking will highlight Vineyard Park, opening in Spring 2018.

Trendmaker is offering a limited edition of one- and two-story homes on some of Rancho Sienna’s largest and most scenic homesites.

Founded in 1968, Newland is the nation’s largest private developer of residential and mixed-use communities. Newland’s strength and experience is a big plus for Rancho Sienna residents.

Across from Rancho Sienna Elementary School, the community’s second onsite school, Primrose School, is now under construction.

A gourmet kitchen with a piano-shaped island and a “doggie lounge” highlights this 3,349-square-foot home.

With the prevalence of social media, texting and other modern technologies, it’s never been more important to know where the kids are and what they’re up to. Thankfully, these popular apps help make modern parenting a little easier.

Rancho Sienna residents enjoy fun events and activities throughout the year. See what’s coming up first this year.

Beginning with our 10,000-gallon cistern, Rancho Sienna takes many steps to conserve water and preserve a beautiful Hill Country environment.

CalAtlantic has closeout pricing from the $360,000s on its final four homes in two scenic Rancho Sienna neighborhoods.

The grand opening of Rancho Sienna Elementary School in August was the highlight of 2017 for many residents, and there were many more exciting developments and activities this year. Here’s a quick look back.

Fireplaces are not just for indoors, as a number of model homes in Rancho Sienna prove. Outdoor fireplaces add warmth to outdoor living areas, and a firepit can make the backyard come alive.

The holidays can be a festive and joyous occasion, but for our four-legged friends it can be downright dangerous and stressful. Nothing can spoil a good party like a trip to the animal emergency room. 

The holidays are a very special time in the Texas Hill Country, whether you’ve got kids or grandkids, or it’s just the two of you.  Here’s a sampling of our top picks for holiday fun near Rancho Sienna.

With the opening of Liberty Hill ISD's Rancho Sienna Elementary School coming up in August, a second school has been announced for Rancho Sienna. Primrose School at Rancho Sienna is expected to begin construction of its new campus this year, with an opening planned for spring 2018.

The August 17 grand opening ceremony for Rancho Sienna Elementary School will offer residents and the public their first glimpse of many innovations in this new $29 million Liberty Hill ISD campus.

Interested in a new low-maintenance garden home with beautiful Hill Country views and yard maintenance provided year-round? Check out Sitterle Homes’ brand-new model in Rancho Sienna (opening soon), along with several quick move-in homes ready this summer.

Sweet summertime is here... and there's plenty to keep the whole family busy! Check out these local events happening all around the Austin area.

Children at Risk, a statewide nonprofit children’s advocacy group, has released its annual school rankings for 2017, and the results include high marks for the highly regarded Liberty Hill Independent School District schools serving Rancho Sienna.

Since before it was popular to do so, Newland Communities has always looked for ways to protect and restore the land we develop, preserving or improving areas of natural topography and integrating them within the community plan itself.

Whether it’s working in the garden or observing the annual migration patterns of birds, bats and butterflies, it’s always a good month to enjoy the beautiful natural diversity of the Texas Hill Country. Helpful tips inside.

Only about 26 miles from Rancho Sienna via FM 1431, the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge was created in 1992 to preserve the primary habitat of the endangered...

Three Rancho Sienna homebuilders rank among the top 10 companies on BUILDER magazine’s 2017 BUILDER 100 list, which ranks builders by 2016 closings.

Opened in 1981, Lake Georgetown is located along the North Fork of the San Gabriel River. Several parks line the shores...

Rancho Sienna loves its four-legged residents, who enjoy taking their family members out for a spin on the trails, or to play at the popular dog park. For fun a little further afield, there are a number of dog-loving businesses near Rancho Sienna.

In less than seven years, the Culinary Arts Program at Liberty Hill High School has established itself as a model for the industry, according to a glowing profile of this popular program in the Liberty Hill Independent.

Located in the heart of Cedar Park, at Brushy Creek Road and Parmer Lane, Brushy Creek Park is a 90-acre natural oasis with features including a 38-acre lake, a labyrinth, nature trail and wildlife observation area.

See what fun is just around the bend! Check out these fun local activities for residents of all ages happening all over the local area! From the annual Pecan Street Festival and Austin Fashion Week in Austin to the annual Pioneer Day in Round Rock, there's much to keep you busy.

Rancho Sienna has added another leading homebuilder to its team: Pulte Homes, ranked as the nation’s third-largest homebuilder by Professional Builder magazine. Pulte is now selling new homes priced from the low $200,000s.

When Liberty Hill ISD opens its new Rancho Sienna Elementary School in August, it will showcase some of the newest and most successful ideas in primary education, including collaborative learning, makerspaces and student-enabled technology.

In addition to being an awesome recreational amenity for residents and a friendly welcome center for visitors, The Sienna House also showcases art created by local Austin area artists.

The newest exhibit at The Sienna House features...

With over 100 acres of parks, trails, and wide open spaces in a scenic Hill Country setting, Rancho Sienna has some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets anywhere.

The amazing variety of trees, shrubs and flowers along Via de Sienna, Rancho Sienna’s main thoroughfare, proves that native drought-tolerant landscaping can be beautiful...

You want to sell your existing home fast and at the best price. For success, check out this checklist of 10 easy tips.

New home or used? They both have their advantages, but we think new homes have the edge when it comes to comfort, technology, energy efficiency, warranties and many other priorities.

While there’s no other place quite like the Texas Hill Country, Rancho Sienna does have some beautiful sister communities located from coast-to-coast across the U.S.

Melanie Bowman, the new principal of Rancho Sienna Elementary School, is already a well-known and well-liked educator in the Liberty Hill Independent School District, having served as principal of Liberty Hill Elementary School for the past two years.

Every year since 2000, the Pantone Color Institute has announced its Color of the Year, selecting a color that crystallizes the cultural mood and attitude across the globe.

Check out these fun local activities for residents of all ages happening all over the local area in March & April!

Rancho Sienna is proud to be part of the Liberty Hill Independent School District, which has an overall grade of A- from Niche.com.

Perry Homes 3435S model offers sophisticated space both indoors and out.

Love the Farmhouse Chic look? Don’t miss Chesmar’s cozy Owen model in Rancho Sienna, with eye-catching details such as sliding barn doors and shiplap walls.

With its unobstructed view of the open family room, dining and kitchen area, the centrally located home office in D.R. Horton's Bernhardt model is designed for maximum visibility – and productivity.

With its walk-in pantry and abundant cabinets, Perry Homes’ Design 2529S model has enough storage space to satisfy even the most enthusiastic cook and collector.

The 4-car garage featured in Trendmaker’s Plan 602F model will delight anyone who needs the extra parking space, or covets extra room for a workshop or storage.

There’s something about the Texas Hill Country that makes you want to grab a beer or glass of wine and just relax. 

The master plan for Rancho Sienna envisions 100 acres of parks and trails, and most of these amenities are already completed and enjoyed by residents on a daily basis.

Sometimes, you just need to get away. You don’t need to go far to unwind though, thanks to our ideas for quick Hill Country trips.

Rancho Sienna has partnered with Austin-based Families in Nature (FiN) to develop programs and activities that will help residents spend more time exploring the 100+ acres of parks and trails in the community.

With its "dark skies" policy and a park created especially for stargazing, Rancho Sienna is the perfect place to enjoying National Geographic's "Top 7 Must-See Sky Events for 2017."

There are lots of things to love about Rancho Sienna, and the team of friendly community representatives at the Sienna House is one of the best sources of information on what it’s like to live here. After all, many of them are Rancho Sienna residents themselves, or live in the surrounding area.

Before giving the post-holiday blues any chance to settle in, check out these fun local activities for residents of all ages.

Did you know that Newland, the developer of Rancho Sienna, is the largest private developer of planned residential and urban mixed-use communities in the United States?

With its traditional Hill Country architecture, Rancho Sienna Elementary School might inspire some people to think that it has been around a long time, after it opens next August.

Rancho Sienna is only about a half-hour drive from some of the most beautiful parks in the Texas Hill Country...

Residents of all ages love to grab a good book and curl up in a comfortable chair, and Rancho Sienna offers an easy way to get your reading fix. 

The grand opening of the Rancho Sienna dog park earlier last fall is living on in two ways.

When it opens next August, Rancho Sienna Elementary School will look true to its Hill Country roots, with a rugged limestone exterior, a welcoming canopy, metal siding, and a pitched standing-seam metal roof. 

One of the favorite summer traditions at Rancho Sienna is the Chill Out Grill Out event, featuring good food and good times with friends and neighbors.

The Sienna House is more than a place where neighbors come together and where home shoppers can find community information. It's also a place where you can see original paintings created by Hill Country artists, including an award-winning artist who lives right in the community.

Usually, Rancho Sienna does everything we can to make sure residents never want to leave. But in the case of a family of six Mallard ducklings who recently took up residence in the community, it was decided they would be happier...

The holidays are a very special time in the Texas Hill Country, whether you’ve got kids or grandkids, or it’s just the two of you.  Here’s a sampling of our top picks for holiday fun near Rancho Sienna.

Every year, Rancho Sienna residents fall into autumn at the annual Harvest Festival. It’s also a great time for future residents to discover the neighborly lifestyle and awesome amenities and new-home choices offered here.

Along the banks of the San Gabriel River, where the north and south forks meet in the heart of Georgetown, lies one of the most beautiful public parks in Texas.

The City of Georgetown has begun the design and construction process for 525-acre Garey Park, located in a scenic Hill Country setting on FM 2243 along the San Gabriel River, approximately 5 miles from Rancho Sienna.

When it opens in late November in Rancho Sienna, Chesmar’s new Owen model will showcase the popular farmhouse chic design trend, with eye-catching details like sliding barn doors between the master bedroom and the master bath, and exposed shiplap walls in the dining room.

Located only about 26 miles from Rancho Sienna via FM 1431, the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge was created in 1992 to preserve the primary habitat of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo, and the refuge hosts 245 species of birds overall.

After the Liberty Hill Independent School District officially broke ground for Rancho Sienna Elementary School on Wednesday, September 14, this new $29 million school will soon start going vertical, but one of its most innovative features will be underground.

Right as D.R. Horton opened its brand-new Bernhardt model in Rancho Sienna, the Liberty Hill Independent School District broke ground for the new Rancho Sienna Elementary School right across the street.

Perry Homes has opened its second model home in Rancho Sienna, showcasing new homes priced from the $280,000s in a neighborhood located across the street from Rancho Sienna Elementary School.

Outdoor living is a big thing at Rancho Sienna, and lucky for us there are many local companies to help you deck out your patio with firepits, fountains, art and much more.

One of the fastest-growing small cities in Texas, Cedar Park was called Running Brushy and Bruggerhoff before it got its present name in 1887.Whatever you call it, Cedar Park offers culture, adventure, history and great dining just a few miles from Rancho Sienna. 

Rancho Sienna has won its third major award of 2016 – a Star Award for “Best Overall Community” from the Texas Association of Builders.

Whether you have two legs or four, it's nice to find a shady spot to get out of the hot summer sun. Thanks in part to a $1,400 donation, the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter will build its fourth shade canopy for dogs to rest and play under.

Did you know that the Texas Hill Country is home to approximately 430 bird species, including the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo?

Bird watching is one of the biggest and fastest-growing activities in America...

Summer is halfway over, but there’s still plenty of time to make some memories and check some long-awaited adventures off your Summer Bucket List. 

Perry Homes sales consultant Stacey Rider is so excited about the Hill Country views from the builder’s new Rancho Sienna model home that she loves to...

Located smack in the middle of growing cities such as Cedar Park, Georgetown, Leander, and Round Rock, Rancho Sienna offers residents many nearby destinations for shopping, dining, fun and more. Here are our Top 10 picks for great places that are already open or coming soon.

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Chesmar has new plans and new views in Rancho Sienna, where its homes are priced from the $330,000s to $380,000s and include no-extra-cost features such as covered patios with outdoor fireplaces. 

In a new neighborhood adjacent to Rancho Sienna Elementary School, which begins construction this summer, D.R. Horton is starting construction of 14 available homes that will be ready by early fall.

Construction of the new Rancho Sienna Elementary School is scheduled to begin in late June or early July, following the successful passage of the Liberty Hill Independent School District's $35 million bond package on Saturday.

Yes, there is a “round rock” in Round Rock, and it’s located in Brushy Creek along the historic Chisholm Trail cattle drive route. While proud of its history, today’s Round Rock is about much more than cattle, and there’s plenty to do and see in this fast-growing town.

With Capital Metro's Leander Station located approximately 5 miles from Rancho Sienna, residents can enjoy comfortable, friendly and reliable rail and bus service to Downtown Austin, the University of Texas and Lakeline Station.

Liberty Hill is known for its friendly hometown atmosphere, highly regarded schools and down-home restaurants like Dahlia Café. But did you know that Liberty Hill also has a cultural jewel that would make any big city envious?

Opening in summer 2016, the newest park in Rancho Sienna is designed especially for the community’s four-legged residents – although their two-legged companions will also have a fun time.

When you’re looking for shopping, dining and entertainment near Rancho Sienna, head for the ranches....

The Sienna House is more than just a fun, active amenity for Rancho Sienna residents. It also serves as the official homebuyer information center for the community. While visitors are welcome to...

Fishing is one of the most accessible outdoor sports for people of all ages. There are many reasons why catch-and-release fishing in the 5 fish-stocked ponds at Rancho Sienna is good for you.

Opened in spring 2016, Big View Trail is one of the final legs in a community-wide trail system that extends for approximately six miles throughout Rancho Sienna....

The county seat of Williamson County, Georgetown is home to the oldest university in Texas, Southwestern University, founded in 1840. Just about 10 miles from Rancho Sienna, Georgetown has a charming downtown listed on the National Register of Historic Places—and thus begins our list.

Ever wonder where those delicious homemade baked goods at The Sienna House come from?

For such a small, quaint Hill Country town, Liberty Hill punches above its weight when it comes to things to do – cultural, culinary and otherwise. Here are our Top 5

reasons to love this hometown!

A new trail that lives up to its name, Big View Trail offers big views of some of the most spectacular Hill Country scenery found in Rancho Sienna. Starting from The Sienna House, this trail meanders through ravines, past dramatic rock outcroppings, and through stands of old live oaks.

Moving is exciting, but it’s also work. Here are 5 tips to make your transition to your new home a happy one.

 Rancho Sienna has won the 2016 “Best Design for a Community” award from the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin.

Few towns of any size have as many fun associations with their names as Leander. Founded in 1882, Leander was named in honor of Leander “Catfish” Brown, a railroad official responsible for completing the Austin...

Early voting dates for the Liberty Hill ISD bond election are April 25 through May 3, and The Sienna House at Rancho Sienna will be an early voting location on Monday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

We would all do anything for our furry kids, but they can provide challenges to our way of living from time to time. Here are a few quick and easy ways to achieve harmony with your pets!

Dogs have always been welcome at Rancho Sienna parks and trails, and this summer, they’ll get a place of their own, with the grand opening of the community’s new dog park.

Moving is exciting, but it’s also work. Here are 5 tips from HGTV.com to make your transition a happy one.

Whether they come from across Austin or across the country, a growing number of new residents are moving to Rancho Sienna. Here are 10 incredible reasons why happy homeowners are choosing Rancho Sienna, recently named Austin’s Best Overall Community by the Austin Business Journal.

Join Rancho Sienna on Saturday, April 16, as the community celebrates its annual Spring Into Rancho Sienna weekend. The weekend will kick-off on Saturday, April 16 starting at 9 am with the Rancho Rescue Run benefiting the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter.

One-of-a-kind amenities like an outdoor dining room under the trees, a stargazing park with a glow-in-the-dark sidewalk, and miles of Hill Country trails helped Rancho Sienna win the "Master Planned Community of the Year" award from the Austin Business Journal.

The Rancho Reader is the official resident newsletter of Rancho Sienna.  Published bi-monthly, this publication features various community development news, event information, as well as profiles of residents, titled "Faces of Rancho Sienna".

Why buy new? From personalizing your home to equipping your home with the latest and greatest technology, here are 7 good reasons that buying a new home makes sense.

There’s no place like home, and the benefits of home ownership can go well beyond...

Perry Homes, one of the largest and most respected homebuilders in Texas, has joined the Rancho Sienna team and is offering new homes priced from the $410,000s to $500,000s in two neighborhoods. A pre-opening sales center is now...

Here from some of the top real estate professionals in the Austin area as they share what they love about Newland communities.

Rancho Sienna is going to the dogs in 2016 – and that’s just one of several highlights in store for residents. The year ahead will also bring new trails, new homebuilders, new neighborhoods and more....

Beautiful neighborhoods of Hill County-inspired homes are enhanced by a unique community parks and trails system winding through 100+ acres of open space. Yet Rancho Sienna is just 15 miles from employment centers near Cedar Park, Leander and Georgetown, and 29 miles from downtown Austin.

Nobody does the holidays like we do here in the Hill Country, and there are plenty of events and activities to enjoy near Rancho Sienna. Here are a few of our top picks in...

Year-round, there's always a chance to enjoy hiking, camping and other outdoor activities at scenic Hill Country parks near Rancho Sienna.

It seems like only yesterday, but it’s been over a year since Rancho Sienna celebrated its grand opening, with a big Harvest Festival showcasing the community’s brand-new Model Home Village and new amenities including The Sienna House and Sienna Trail Park.

Watch a Recap of the Harvest Festival & Market Day 2015 & Hear Why Residents Love Rancho Sienna

Now open, Overlook Park is the perfect place to look up at the stars glowing in the Hill Country sky over Rancho Sienna. This new park won't be hard to find: just look for the glowing sidewalk along Via de Sienna Boulevard.

Fall is festival time in the Texas Hill Country, and no event promises more free fun than the Harvest Festival at Rancho Sienna, on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 2-5 p.m.

Benefiting two of Austin's worthiest children's charities, the 2015 Benefit Home in Rancho Sienna is not only filled with love. It's also filled with great design features like a rustic limestone kitchen island, granite countertops.

Nestled next to beautiful Greenleaf Park – part of more than 100 acres of parks and trails at Rancho Sienna – The Retreat offers an exclusive setting for custom homes priced from the...

The Liberty Hill Independent School District has entered into an agreement to acquire a 12-acre site in the Rancho Sienna community from its developer, Newland, with the goal of opening a new elementary school on the site as early as 2017.

Homebuilders in Rancho Sienna have more than 50 new homes ready for move-in from now through early fall, at prices from the $270,000s to over $500,000.

Of all the great homes now available in Rancho Sienna, one is pretty special. It’s the 2015 Benefit Home for the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin, and the majority of its sale proceeds will benefit...

Rancho Sienna has a new homebuilder, CastleRock Communities, a Texas company known for its attention to detail and customer service. Prices range from the $220,000s to $270,000s. Sales are now underway, with an opening planned for July.