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River Oaks Townhomes is trying to position themselves as a “premier student community” amongst the other luxury student condos out there.  Granted, there is room for some new contenders.  I frequently tell my student parents that there are positives and negatives for each community, but I look forward to the day when I can tell them “here is the perfect student investment.  Let’s look at what River Oaks literature tells us.

It will be a gated  community (like Waterwood and Fox Run) and will offer 2,3 & 4 bedroom units.  Amenities include granite kitchen counters (Waterwood and Gateway Villas have some granite countertops) and individual thermostats for each bedroom.  The clubhouse will offer a coffee bar, Wi-Fi hotspot, pool and two hot tubs. 

They will be in an excellent location only 1 mile from campus and on shuttle.  One of the best selling points to me is the excellent Wolf Pen Park within walking distance.  For those that haven’t seen it, it is truly one impressive park!  Summertime brings a series of concerts to the ampitheatre in the park and the mall is just up the road.

The bedroom sizes are good, the literature states that they have the largest bedrooms anywhere, though the bedroom sizes they are showing on floorplans are comparable, in many cases, with Fox Run with some bedrooms being slightly larger.   Fox Run’s three bedroom units have reported bedroom sizes of 16′3″ X 10′ll”, 11′4″ X 14′3″ and 17.1′ X 14′2″.  River Oaks has reported sizes in their 3 bedroom units of 15′6″ X 12′11″, and two bedroom at 17′3″ X 11′4″.

My thoughts?  Looks to be a great layout, though of course it’s too early to tell and a superb location.  Unfortunately the prices are a bit higher than my experience dictates that parents are willing to spend.  The 3 bedroom (3.5 bath…smart!) is showing an estimated purchase price of 177,990.  Compare this to the current listings in Waterwood (147,900-149,900) and the current listings in Fox Run (158-162,900) and it seems a bit too steep.  Now, if we compare to The Woodlands the prices seem quaintly low.  Word to the wise though…we have had other complexes come in and the initial prices bemuch higher than resale for the next few years with most people losing money on their investment.  That’s why I tend to prefer the complexes that have a history. 

For more information on great College Station Condos go to my other web site www.ChrisTesch.com or call me to schedule a personal consultation.  I do work most weekends with notice.  Please call early in advance as weekends tend to get booked up quickly.

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A much needed change is in the air in Bryan and College Station.   Finally both are considering resources to draw retirees to the Brazos Valley.  Aggieland has long been an area that retirees are interested in.  The university here provides city amenities with small town convenience and we have St. Josephs Hospital, well ranked as far as heart concerns, one of the leading issues with seniors.  Many are well acquainted with the area, they either were students themselves or sent their kids here (many did both) and are anxious to come back to our beautiful area.  Another major draw is the proximity to the major Texas cities of Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio.

Despite the draws many are hesitating in moving here.  I, myself, have counseled seniors many times.  They come in wanting to know what the area offers.  Other areas offer senior citizen centers, lifestyle consultants and retirement friendly communities.  When they hear our current senior programs they fail to be impressed.

College Station is proposing a Senior Center (voted on in the November 2007 bond election) that would be an excellent draw to the area.  The proposed center offers a pool, excercize rooms, banquet room, class rooms and a library.  A full time staff as well as volunteers will be available.

Both cities are looking for developments for over 55 residences.  The current Briar Meadows has gone to Phase Two development and is filling up fast.  This has made many developers and builders take notice. 

Bryan already, in addition to Briar Meadows, has a plan for Gartenheim Ranch, an age-restricted community close to Miramont Golf Course.  This two hundred acre area is aiming for a community where walking and other healthy activities are the norm, and will be looking towards building a privately owned and optional senior center within the community.   

It’s a great time for development in Bryan and College Station. 

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