If you think moving is stressful for you, think how much more stressful it can be for your pets. You know what’s going on. They don’t and until we learn to speak dog or cat, it isn’t easy to tell them. Many Sierra Vista residents have moved with their animals. Here are a few of their tips:

Visit Your Vet

Before you pack those moving boxes, schedule a check-up to ensure your pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. If you are changing vets due to the move, obtain copies of medical records, a health certificate and any required medications. Discuss ways to manage your pet’s anxiety during the move. If you have not found a new vet, ask your current vet to recommend one.

Packing Up

Your pets will likely be sniffing (or in the case of cats) playing in your moving boxes. Let them sniff to their hearts’ content, but watch for signs of anxiety. Prepare a quiet, secure area in your current home where your pet can stay during packing and moving day. Include familiar items like toys, bedding and food. Try to keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible leading up to the move to reduce stress.

Moving Day

Pack a bag with your pet’s essentials, including food, water, bowls, medications, toys, litter and any comfort items. Keep this bag easily accessible during the move. Arrange to have your pet stay with a pet sitter, friends or kennel to keep them out of the way during the move. If that isn’t possible, keep your pet in a secure and quiet room during the moving process to prevent them from getting stressed or escaping. Place a sign on the door to remind movers and family members to keep the door closed.

Get Settled

Once you’ve moved, set up a designated area in your new home with your pet’s familiar items. Cats should be gradually introduced to the rest of the house. Dogs should be walked around the block and taken to a dog park so they can get used to their surroundings and spend time with their favorite human. Stick to your pet’s regular feeding, walking and playtime schedule to provide a sense of normalcy.

Keep an Eye On Them

Most pets are happy as long as they are with their humans, but some can become depressed and miss their old home or neighborhood. Keep an eye on your pet’s behavior and appetite. Some stress and anxiety are normal, but consult a vet if you notice any concerning changes. Be sure to update your pet’s microchip and ID tags with your new address and contact information in case they try to return to their old home. Gradually introduce them to the new neighborhood and surroundings under supervision.

Make the Move to Sierra Vista

If you and your pets are ready for a change of scenery, visit us and learn how you can make your home in our neighborhood.

Last October’s opening of H-E-B at Manvel Town Center was just the beginning of what’s in store for the 273-acre retail development.

And that’s good news for residents of Sierra Vista, which is located just about five miles away.

The 106,000-square-foot H-E-B broke sales records in its first five days of opening last year, offering not just groceries, but also fuel pumps and a pharmacy. Plus, it’s the first store south of Houston to offer True Texas BBQ. In addition to H-E-B, a McDonald’s opened in Manvel Town Center last year and a Whataburger is underway. Coming this fall is Milano Nail Spa, a 6,000-square-foot salon with 50 spa chairs and 25 nail stations.

And there’s much more on the way, according to the Weitzman Group, developer of Manvel Town Center. Their website shows a number of businesses have signed contracts, and even more have expressed interest. In addition to those already mentioned, businesses who have executed contracts include:

Great Clips
Marble Slab
Chipotle
Eye Trends
Jersey Mike’s
Aki Steak & Sushi
MH Go Health
Verizon
Memorial Hermann
Smoothie King
Heartland Dental

Potential tenants include Ross, Lowe’s, Target, Petco, Three Brothers Bakery and others. We’ll keep you updated when the next round of tenants is confirmed!

Two years in the making, a renovation for Houston’s Hermann Park opened in April to rave reviews. That’s good news for Sierra Vista residents who can easily make the short drive for a day of fun.

Bordered by the Houston Zoo, Hermann Park Commons is located on the park’s west side near Fannin and Cambridge. The upgrades include a children’s play garden, nature areas and a newly renovated pavilion.

By far the coolest upgrade to the 26-acre space is the 2-acre Buddy Carruth Playground for All Children. The centerpiece of Hermann Commons was designed to be accessible to all children regardless of their mobility level. The playground is divided into distinct playground groves.

Swing Hill offers an old-school playground experience with state-of-the-art swings. Colorful equipment shaped like snakes and alligators in Cypress Grove celebrates Houston’s native flora and fauna. A friendly, larger-than-life gorilla welcomes children to Gorilla Forest. Splash Cove is a water play area with slim towers projecting cyclones of water in the air. The Bayou is a dynamic water play area that doubles as an interactive educational experience. Children up to age 5 will have their own play area, The Thicket. The Space Adventure area is a blast with a 45-foot-tall rocket ship slide, and a space capsule for climbing and imaginary play. There is also a carousel that kids can ride for $5.

Other upgrades include a new central lawn where children can run and adults can relax. Those seeking shade will enjoy lounging on Live Oak Terrace, a decked area designed around the park’s iconic oaks. The Historic Fannin Pavilion now features natural light, food stations and a food truck court, and custom wooden tables and benches. Other areas not to be missed areas include a wetland garden and stone cove.

The Commons is open at the same hours as the rest of Hermann Park, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. However, the Play Gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the Lott Family Carousel runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

If you want to live a relaxed lifestyle near one of the coolest parks in Houston, visit Sierra Vista today.

Sierra Vista homes have plenty of curb appeal, but if you really want to make your home your own, pay attention to your porch. Decorating your front porch is a wonderful way to enhance the curb appeal of your home and create a welcoming entrance for guests. Here are some tips:

Variations on a Theme

Decide on a theme or style that reflects your personal taste and complements the architecture and surroundings of your home. Whether you prefer a rustic farmhouse look, a coastal vibe or a classic traditional style, having a cohesive theme will guide your decor choices.

Clear the Clutter

Before adding any decorations, ensure your front porch is clean and clutter-free. Sweep away debris, wash any surfaces that need cleaning and consider giving your porch floor a fresh coat of paint or stain if necessary. The great thing about a new Sierra Vista home is that you can skip this step.

Where to Sit

If your porch area has enough room, create a cozy seating area where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Choose comfortable chairs, a bench or a porch swing, and consider adding cushions or pillows for extra comfort and style.

Go Green

Add life and color to your front porch with potted plants, flowers and greenery. Choose plants that thrive in your climate and consider using a mix of different heights, textures and colors to create visual interest. Hanging baskets, window boxes and planters can all be used to add greenery to your porch.

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize

Enhance your front porch decor with decorative elements such as outdoor rugs, lanterns, candles and seasonal decorations. Consider adding a welcome mat, a door wreath or a seasonal garland to greet visitors and add a personal touch to your entrance.

Light It Up

Incorporate lighting into your front porch decor to create ambiance and add safety and security to your home. Consider installing wall sconces, pendant lights, string lights or lanterns to illuminate your porch and enhance its atmosphere in the evening hours.

Personalize with Artwork and Signs

Add personality to your front porch with artwork, signs or other decorative accents that reflect your interests and style. Hang a piece of outdoor-friendly artwork, display a personalized welcome sign or incorporate DIY projects to make your porch uniquely yours.

Be Practical

Finally, make sure your front porch decor is functional and practical for everyday use. Ensure there is enough space for foot traffic, keep pathways clear and consider adding storage solutions such as outdoor benches or decorative baskets to keep items organized.

See Our Front Porches

Need more inspiration? Why not take a drive through Sierra Vista? You can see how our residents have decorated their porches. As long as you’re here, why not stop by our gorgeous model homes? You might discover a porch you love.

Will your child be at home sitting in front of a screen or out having fun and making friends this summer? If you want them out of the house and enjoying themselves, sign them up for summer camp. There are many great camps near Sierra Vista; here are some of our favorites:

Manvel
SMART Core Labs
9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, beginning May 27
Ages 5-16
$300

From Roblox to cooking and fashion design, kids will learn life and programming skills. Topics include programming, chemistry, space exploration, physics, biology and geology.

Pearland
A B Sea Preschool
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 3-July 26
Ages 2-8
$225

Toddlers and preschoolers will have a blast learning about bugs, fairytales and superheroes while engaging with songs, books and crafts.

Alpha Omega Gymnastics and Dance
9 a.m.-noon and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 3-July 29
Ages 3-13
$144-$267

Kids can follow the road to gold at themed camps designed to engage the body and mind. Topics include culture, crafts, science, fine arts, gymnastics, dance, water day and an in-house field trip. 

Grappling Zone
6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 3-Aug. 16
Ages 4-12
$200

Kids will learn team-building skills, dance, practice a foreign language, learn martial arts, play games and more!

iCode
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, May 27-Aug.19
Ages 5-18
$429

Technology-minded kids will enjoy learning about their favorite subjects, including coding, 3D printing, robotics and even making Shark Tank-style pitches.

Pearland Parks & Recreation Camps
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 3-Aug.5-10
Ages 6-10 and 11-14
$140-$210

Camps KIA and Mahalo will help kids build life skills. Kids will play sports, go on field trips, participate in craft activities and more.

School of Rock
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 3-July 15
Ages 5-18
$299-$425

Your child can take their music skills to the next level while having fun and playing in a band. Camps are available for beginners and advanced students.