Austin and Sara Hanson are excited.

Their planned October move to a newly built home in Wildtree is in sight after a home-buying journey that began at the start of the year. After spending months watching what they hope will be their forever home take shape, they can’t wait to move into their new home — and their new community.

“We are building from the ground up and got to choose everything,” Austin said. “We chose it, we designed it, and we’ve watched it grow from the ground up. It’s hard not being excited about seeing what we chose come to life.”

Austin and Sara, who are moving with their sons, ages 9 and 18 months, from Conroe, started talking about relocating closer to their jobs. Austin works as an engineer operator for the Magnolia Fire Department and Sara is a teacher, working with children who are deaf and hard of hearing primarily in the Magnolia area. They visited three master-planned developments along FM 1486 and were impressed by the builders and the sense of community they found at Wildtree.

“Wildtree just felt more homey than the other neighborhoods. Seeing the amenities that are going in lean into what community is and should be — places for people to gather,” Austin said.

The Hillside Amenity Village opens this year. “That drew us.”

Shea Homes also made an impression.

“I can’t say enough good things about Shea Homes,” Austin said. “There are enough options that you don’t feel restricted with your choices. Their floor plans are affordable if you want to make it affordable and there are things to spend money on. It’s been easy — no tricks and no silly nonsense.”

Austin said they are moving from what he considers a starter home to a home with about 1,000 more square feet and all on a single level.

“We wanted more space inside the home so the kids could have personal space as they get older,” he said. “We’re getting more of everything — space, backyard, and amenities. It’s everything we wanted.”

Learn more about Wildtree.