Recently in Living Category

The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas recently reported good news for the Texas economy. In its "Texas Economic Indicators" published on September 7, 2011, The Dallas Fed reported that Texas gained 33,000 jobs in June, and another 25,900 jobs in July, bringing the Texas unemployment rate to 8.4%, well below the national average of 9.1%.

The overall economy in Texas continued to grow at a moderate pace, with Texas exports, crude oil prices, and Texas manufacturing all showing gains.

Only one state (North Dakota) has grown faster than Texas since 2009.

Texas existing-home sales were up 1.5% in July vs. June, and are up 22% over last July.

While looking over the other winners of the Fort Worth Star Telegram's Readers Choice Awards, I noticed that Southlake Town Square won for "Retailer that Offers the Best Shopping Experience Overall."  I couldn't agree more and I know that when I take out of town buyers through Town Square they are blown away.  We are very fortunate to have such great space!

We've just uploaded an easy-to-read version of the TEA's Accountability Ratings published earlier this month.  You can download it here.

Initial construction of the long awaited DFW Connector Project is slated to begin the week of February 15th.  Crews will start installing signage on Monday, January 25th.  There will also be some lane closures next week and reductions in the speed limit.  You might want to bookmark this website for use in the future: 

http://www.dfwconnector.com 

There isn't a lot of information there yet, but more should be added soon.

Also, there is going to be an information Open House on Wednesday, February 17th from 4-8 p.m. with a formal presentation at 6:30 p.m.  It will be held at the Grapevine Convention Center at 1209 S. Main Street.  I'm planning on going.

The 2009 school ratings have just been released.  I have prepared a report showing district and campus results for the districts in the area.  You can download the pdf report at cindyruppert.com/Accountability2009.pdf.

The only major change in the area was the Keller ISD dropping from Recognized to Academically Acceptable.  The district is challenging this rating, which was caused by just barely missing the required completion rate for economically disadvantaged students.  The district claims that two students were misclassified as drop-outs.  If the TEA changes the status of either of those students, the district will be Recognized.

For those new to the area, Southlake is mostly in the Carroll ISD,  Flower Mound is in the Lewisville ISD, and Trophy Club is in the Northwest ISD.  A big piece of far north Fort Worth is in the Keller ISD.

Call if you have any questions!

Keller is #7 on Money's 2009 list of best places to live!  Affordable homes, low crime, great schools were important factors.  This is a well earned distinction, Keller is indeed a great place to live!

Here's a link to the Money Magazine article.

On Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 7:30pm the band Fingerprints will be playing at Southlake Town Square's Rustin Park (in front of City Hall.)

Sounds like fun!