Elena R.

First-time buyers in Austin need to see this thread.

Interesting perspective. I see it differently from the Fort Worth side.

Primo's margaritas are strong for $5. Two of those and a plate of enchiladas and you're having a great Tuesday night for $25 including tip.

Sharing this with my neighbors. They need to see this.

Empty nesters who want to stay in Rowlett but downsize on complexity, not space — this is your move. Sell the Waterview home, buy up here on a big lot, build a shop, live your life.

Rowlett Counseling Center on Dalrock has been great for my teenager. Finding someone who takes teens AND insurance was almost impossible until we found them.

Been thinking about this all week. Good timing on the post.

This is exactly the kind of conversation I come here for. Real local takes.

Following this thread. Want to hear more takes.

The Dallas-Fort Worth market is wild right now. Good topic.

The school district split is the thing that confuses everyone. I tell people I live in Rowlett and they ask if my kids go to Rowlett High. I have to explain there's no "Rowlett school district" — it's either GISD or RISD depending on which side of the line you're on.

Been thinking about this all week. Good timing on the post.

Got pulled over there two months ago doing 32 in a 20. $275 ticket after court costs. I deserved it. I was not paying attention and that is on me. Lesson learned.

Does anyone know if there's an update on this? Asking for my neighborhood.

Been thinking about this all week. Good timing on the post.

Every time I drive past and see more construction activity I get a little more optimistic. Rowlett has been waiting for something like this for 20 years. Even a partial delivery would be transformative for the lakefront.

Real fans know the deal. Let's hear the takes.

This hits different if you've been in DFW for 10+ years.

The fact that Sapphire Bay is NOT funded by city bonds is an important point. I've heard people claim "our tax dollars are paying for Sapphire Bay" and that's not accurate. The TIF district recaptures INCREMENT in tax revenue — meaning new revenue that wouldn't exist without the development.

Bayside is back on as of 6:15 PM. Took about two hours total. The transformer on Chiesa must have been the main issue.

The CTE programs at Lakeview are underrated. My son went through the automotive technology pathway and got ASE certifications before graduating. He walked into a $22/hour job at 18.

Intrinsic Brewing in Garland is a hidden gem. Great IPAs, live music on Saturday afternoons, and it's family-friendly until about 7pm. Then it becomes a proper brewery hangout.

The "further from everything" point is valid but also kind of the appeal. I don't need to live next to restaurants. I can drive 10 minutes for that. What I can't buy in Waterview is a half-acre lot and silence.

I park in the DART lot every day. Started backing into the spots near the station entrance after the first break-in was reported. More visibility, faster exit, easier for cameras to catch plates.

The HOA is no joke. I got a letter within the first month because my trash can was visible from the street on a non-collection day. Annoying? Yes. But the neighborhood looks great because of it. Pick your battles.

This is why I check this community. Real conversations about what's happening in Houston.