24 August . 2017
Austin is 2nd Most Adventurous U.S. city, new study finds
With nearly 21,000 acres of open green space and 227 miles of trails, Austin ranks as the second most adventurous city in the U.S., according to a new study from Men’s Health magazine.
With 700 acres of green space, 10 miles of trails, and close proximity to the Hill Country’s natural treasures, we’d argue that Sweetwater is the most adventurous community in the Austin area. But first things first.
To generate its rankings of the nation’s most adventurous cities, Men’s Health looked at the percentage of people participating in sports, the frequency in which people engaged in vigorous activities, and the ratio of parkland acreage to overall size for the 100 most populous U.S. cities.
The magazine also analyzed the number of recreational businesses and the percentage of income that people spend on recreation, using data from the Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. Census Bureau and other sources.
Along with parks and trails, Austin’s chain of seven Highland Lakes helped it rank so high on the list.
“It’s not all music festivals and craft breweries. Austin scored very high in outdoor activity participation and overall activity level. You can partially credit the town’s tendency to ‘aqua-socialize,’” wrote Men’s Health, noting popular lake activities like boating and paddleboard yoga.
Austin’s favorite water spots include Lady Bird Lake, which runs through downtown with a scenic trail that’s used by more than 1.5 million people annually. Lake Travis, Lake Austin, Inks Lake and other lakes are popular destinations for boating, swimming, jet skiing and sunbathing. For land lovers, these lakes are surrounded by even more parks and trails.
Austin ranks far above every other city in the Lone Star State. The next highest-ranked city in Texas is Fort Worth, at No. 20.
Home to nearly a million acres of parkland, Anchorage, Alaska ranks No. 1 in the U.S., but that’s OK. It’s beautiful up there, but they can keep the winters.
At Sweetwater, we love being part of the most adventurous city in Texas, and we have plenty of opportunities for adventures right inside the community.
Sweetwater devotes roughly half of its overall acreage, or about 700 out of 1,400 acres, to parks, trails and natural open spaces, amid beautiful Hill Country terrain characterized by deep canyons, rugged rock outcroppings, and seasonal streams and waterfalls.
Sweetwater’s trail system allows residents to exercise and explore many of the community’s most scenic areas, with trails rated from easy to difficult.
Highlights include Limestone Falls Trail, which leads to a natural waterfall and pond with a limestone bottom and crystal-clear water. Picnic Rock is a popular spot to rest and enjoy a snack.
Sunset Trail treats residents to diverse scenery, including three waterfalls and a wildflower meadow. It also passes by the dog park.
Maiden Hair Trail meanders past a scenic waterfall and grotto, a centuries-old Texas Madrone tree, a wildflower meadow, and an old windmill and water tank from the land’s ranch heritage. It also has one of the community’s highest lookout points.
The 10-acre Sweetwater Club offers many different kinds of adventures, including socializing with neighbors at events throughout the year. The Club has a resort-style swim complex that’s actually three pools in one, along with a fun splash pad for the kids. There’s also an outdoor pavilion, a spacious clubhouse, a playground, sports fields, an amphitheatre and a dog park.
The Club’s newest addition, a freestanding fitness center, will offer state-of-the-art equipment for weight and cardio training. With inspiring Hill Country views, the spacious porch will offer a great place for yoga, zumba and other fitness activities.
Sweetwater activities such as Stargazing & S’mores, the annual Wildflower Festival, and year-round events held in partnership with Families in Nature provide more opportunities for residents of all ages to connect with the wonders of nature.
Sweetwater’s ideal location in the highly rated Lake Travis Independent School District provides a convenient Austin address, only 5 miles from Bee Cave and 22 miles from Downtown Austin.
We’re also close to Hill Country adventures, including ziplining at Cypress Valley Canopy Tours, and wine tasting at Stone House Vineyard. Both are in nearby Spicewood, approximately 15 miles from Sweetwater.
More adventures include refreshing Hill Country swimming holes, such as nearby Hamilton Pool, featuring a 45-foot waterfall and a year-round 50-degree water temperature.
Whether your idea of adventure includes fine dining, hiking or exploring a cave, you can enjoy a world of nearly unlimited adventure, all just a short drive from Sweetwater.
If you’re ready for a new adventure in living, Sweetwater offers a diverse range of new homes priced from the $200,000s to over $1 million. Use our convenient Homefinder tool to find your new Austin home in Sweetwater.