Living in Sierra Vista confers many benefits. One we like addresses the needs of our college-bound residents — the Manvel High School dual degree program.
Sierra Vista is zoned to the highly regarded Alvin Independent School District and Manvel High School. The school is considered one of the top 50 standout high schools in the Houston area by Niche. While the school offers an assortment of AP and honors courses, it also offers students the opportunity to enroll in college classes at Alvin Community College. Students can even earn an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies.
Students enrolled in the program receive high school and college credit. Most of the classes are taught at Manvel High so there is no need for students to drive to the college. Students are also able to attend classes on the ACC campus.
There are opportunities for students not bound for college to earn dual credit, as well. A technical enrollment program offers highly specialized classes for students ready to enter the workforce. These classes won’t always transfer to state universities but can be applied toward an Associate of Applied Science degree.
Why sign up for dual enrollment? Dual enrollment classes save time, fulfill requirements for the Texas High School Distinguished Achievement Plan, transfer to most Texas public universities with a grade C or higher and they save money. In general, students that take dual enrollment courses can save up to 75 percent off the cost of their tuition.
Before enrolling in the program, parents and teens should consider if it is right for them. Taking dual enrollment classes requires students to be highly motivated, goal-oriented and detail-oriented. They also must understand that a college-level course may require more work and that these courses do become part of their permanent transcripts.
We are proud of all Sierra Vista students who are enrolled in the program and happy that living here can offer them opportunities to easily meet their education goals.
Sierra Vista has something for everyone — including a dog park for your furry Fido. Dog parks are great places to let your pup roam free and make friends. You might make a few, too. To get the most out of any dog park and to keep you from making a “faux-paw,” here are some tips.
There is an Etiquette
You wouldn’t work out in the gym without learning the rules, would you? Dog parks have written and unwritten rules. Written rules are usually posted on the gate or the park’s website. Unwritten rules include exercising your dog before going to the dog park to burn off excess energy, not bringing a sick or unvaccinated dog, not bringing human food and not giving treats to other dogs without their owners’ permission.
Bring Everything You Need
A park is just that, a park. It may have play equipment for your dog and even a watering station, but you will still need to bring a few things. Pack a bag and include a water dish, water in case you don’t want your dog sharing the water station, treats, toys and a towel if it rained the night before.
Pick a Side
Most dog park are divided into two sides — one for small dogs and one for medium and large dogs. Never unleash your dog on the wrong side, even if there are no dogs playing there. The potential for an accident or an altercation that could result in a smaller dog getting injured isn’t worth it.
Two Can Be a Crowd
If you have more than one dog, be aware that they may be protective of one another. This may not be a problem if your dogs are well socialized. It can be a problem if one of your dogs thinks the other is in danger. If that is the case, take your dogs to the park individually.
Yes, You Can Bring Toys
Bring balls and frisbees but not your dog’s favorite toys. He or she might not want to share. Bring extras so other dogs can join in the fun.
Don’t Worry if Fido Won’t Play
Some days your pup may not want to socialize. If it is your first time at the park your pup may be wary of the other dogs. That’s okay. Let them sniff the grass away from the others, chase butterflies or just have fun running off leash. If your dog suddenly stops playing, they may be saying they want to go home.
Supervise Your Pup
It’s tempting to just let your dog play while you do other things. Don’t. Make sure your dog is playing appropriately and is safe. If your pup poops, clean it up.
Dog Parks Should Be Fun
If your dogs enjoy the park, plan to take them at least once a week. It’s good for them and for you. Keep in mind that not all dogs enjoy it, so find another way to play if your pup prefers your backyard.
With an astonishing 52 percent increase in sales, Sierra Vista rose nine spots on the Robert Charles Lesser & Co. (RCLCO) mid-year list of the 50 best-selling master-planned communities in the nation.
Sierra Vista debuted on the highly regarded report last year, ranking at No. 29. This year, our community earned the No. 20 spot with 397 home sales. And not to boast or anything but we are now the No. 4 best-selling community in Houston!
Rankings are based on total net home sales. Only true master-planned communities that have been developed from a comprehensive master plan and feature a variety of housing types, sizes, prices and amenities are included, according to RCLCO.
Historically low interest rates were a huge factor in an increase in homes sales across the country. Sales so far this year have exceeded expectations and are on track to increase by 12 percent by the end of the year, according to RCLCO. Of the top 50 communities on the list, 30 percent are located in Texas.
Other factors leading to increased sales were the desire for larger homes with studies, a location near friends and family and millennials starting families.
Sierra Vista is a very family-friendly community offering amenities to suit everyone. Residents have access to a junior Olympic pool, Splash Pad Texas Water Park, a fitness center, dog park and more.
Two of our sister communities also made the cut. Balmoral in Humble was ranked at No. 12 with 458 homes sales, up 12 percent over the previous year. Lago Mar in Texas City placed at No. 36 with 297 sales, an increase of 34 percent.
If you want to live in a top-selling master-planned community, come visit us and your our model homes today.
If you are looking for budget-friendly summer adventures, we have a suggestion — spend the day in Houston. The nation’s fourth largest city is a bustling place with theatrical performances, museums and nature centers — many of them free and an easy drive from Sierra Vista. Here are some of their favorite free activities.
Up your picnic game with a trip to Hermann Park. Located in the heart of Houston, the 445-acre park boasts plenty of places to spread a blanket. Lake Overlook and Molly Ann Smith Plaza offers shaded seating and water features for the kids. The new Lake Picnic area sports BBQ grills, picnic tables, swings and trails.
Catch a Show at Miller Outdoor Theatre
Concerts, films, showstopping musical theater performances and more can be accessed for free in Hermann Park. In July, come out for The Miller Summer Mixtape series, a three-day, independent music showcase featuring Houston’s top musical artists. The annual Shakespeare Night at the Movies begins in August. Check here for even more performances.
Visit the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Spend a few hours wandering the trails of this shady 155-acre sanctuary near Memorial Park.
The Waugh Drive Bridge near Buffalo Bayou is home to a year-round colony of Mexican free-tailed bats. They take flight every evening, and you can keep an eye out for them from an observation deck in Buffalo Bayou Park.
Enjoy International Art at The Menil Collection
The Menil Collection is a great place to view contemporary art, but it also houses art from Africa, the Pacific Islands and the American Pacific Northwest. Byzantine and Medieval art, Paleolithic artifacts and antiquities from Egypt and the Near East are also on display.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Rothko Chapel is a non-denominational place of worship providing a safe space for dialogue, prayer and worship reflecting Houston’s religious diversity.
Go Vroom at the Art Car Museum
Also known as the “Garage Mahal” this private museum showcases contemporary art from around the world emphasizing the automobile including art cars, low riders and other motor-driven contraptions as well as paintings and photography.
Make a Splash in Discovery Green
Cool down by making a splash in the Gateway Fountain at Discovery Green. The 14-foot-high arcing jets are beloved by children. Once the family is cooled down you can visit the playground, take in a free movie under the stars, unleash Fido on the dog runs, view art and more.
There are a lot of ways to personalize your new home, but one of the most fun can be designing your kitchen backsplash. Backsplashes can take your kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary depending on the material, colors and textures used. You will make decisions about your backsplash at your Sierra Vista builder’s design center. Need inspiration? Here are some tips.
Choose Your Materials
A backsplash is just kitchen wall material, but it does serve a purpose. Cooking splatter can end up on walls. Walls are hard to clean, a good backsplash is not. Choose materials that can be wiped down easily. Tile, marble, stone and stainless steel are all good choices.
How High Can You Go?
The average backsplash starts just above your counters and rises to just underneath your cabinets. Backsplashes can be extended to cover as much of the wall as you want, however. Many people extend them to the ceiling. Some even decorate their vent hoods and kitchen islands with it. If you choose to extend your backsplash, make sure the material and style you pick integrate fully with your cabinets.
Tile Tips
Tile is the most commonly used material for backsplashes. They come in a multitude of colors and can be arranged in all sorts of fun ways. White subway tile gives your kitchen a clean look. Pairing it with dark grout works wonderfully in a farmhouse-inspired home. For a more elegant look, consider a herringbone pattern. Terracotta tiles look beautiful, but they can be more fragile. Don’t be afraid to use color. Chosen properly, colors can beautify your kitchen without looking dated.
Mirrors, Glass and Marble
Want to brighten up your kitchen? Choose mirrored tile. Mirrors reflect sunlight, automatically amping up the light in the space. Mirrored tile can also make a small kitchen appear larger. A glass backsplash is unique and easy to clean. Marble gives your walls a smooth texture and you can match it with your counters.
Unusual Materials
You don’t have to stick to the classics. The sky is the limit. If you love the look of exposed brick, you can incorporate that into your backsplash. Wallpaper is also a possibility because many companies coat their paper with easy-to-clean Teflon. If you have kids, consider using chalk paint.
