KnowYard Community

December 26, 2015 is our generation's defining event in Rowlett. Every family has a story. Where they were, what they lost, how they rebuilt. It's part of who we are now.

After heavy rain, stay out of the lake for at least 48 hours. Storm runoff carries everything from lawns, roads, and parking lots into the tributaries and then the lake. Bacteria levels spike.

Pro tip: the free resident launch is for CITY OF ROWLETT residents. You need a current utility bill or property tax statement as proof. I've seen people turned away without documentation.

This is old Rowlett. My grandparents lived in Princeton Park. It's got character that the master-planned communities will never have. The diversity, the history, the little quirks of each house being different. I love it.

Bought in Princeton Park in 2020 for $215K. Put $50K into renovations — new kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, paint. Zillow says $365K now. Best investment I've ever made. This area is undervalued.

I moved from Liberty Grove to Bayside for the lake views and honestly miss the mature trees and the neighborhood feel. Bayside is beautiful but sterile. Liberty Grove has soul.

The tree situation is real. Our backyard gets full sun all day because the trees are only 3 years old. We installed a pergola with shade sails and it helps. Budget for shade solutions if you're buying here.

We moved to Bayside in 2021 specifically because of Sapphire Bay. Yes, we're betting on the future. But even without Sapphire Bay, the lake views, the trails, and the newer construction make this neighborhood excellent. Sapphire Bay is the bonus.

The Rowlett-Lakeview football game this year was the best high school football game I've attended in 10 years. The 4th quarter was unreal. Both student sections were going crazy. This is what high school sports should be.

Pro tip nobody tells you: if you live within 2 miles of the school, GISD does NOT provide bus service. Check the distance before assuming your kid gets a bus. We found out the hard way.

My biggest advice: get everything in writing. If the teacher tells you something in a conference, follow up with an email summarizing what was said. "Per our conversation today, you agreed to provide X service." Create a paper trail.

The downtown vs PGBT corridor tension is real. All the commercial energy went to Dalrock/Lakeview/66 and Main Street got left behind. The Downtown Master Plan is trying to fix that but it's an uphill battle.

I moved to Rowlett specifically because of PGBT. I work in Richardson and the commute via the turnpike is 20 minutes door to door. Without it, Rowlett would've been off my list.

The Main Street streetscape improvement made a noticeable difference. It actually feels like a place you'd want to walk now, at least on that stretch between Rowlett Rd and Chiesa.

Can you hold the dining table for me? I am working Saturday morning but can come by at noon. Will pay full asking price.

The city NEEDS to add lighting between the station and Main Street. Walking to my car at 7 PM in winter when it is dark is sketchy. It is only a few hundred yards but it is poorly lit.

I moved to Rowlett specifically because of the DART station. My office is near West End station. 35-minute ride, I read a book, I arrive at work relaxed instead of angry from traffic. The $96 monthly pass pays for itself in sanity alone.

Bus routes in Rowlett are long if you live near the lake and your kid goes to a school inland. My son's bus ride to Coyle is 35 minutes because of the lakefront geography. Something to consider if you are buying.

For anyone getting a catalytic converter shield, the CatClamp and MillerCAT brands both work well. Installed one on my Tacoma after the thefts started. $250 for peace of mind.

I am one of the Liberty Grove victims. My Toyota Tundra was hit in February. $1,800 to replace the converter. I am glad this guy is caught but I am not getting that money back.

Population growth from 57K to 68K with better infrastructure and better housing stock. That is the definition of smart growth. Rowlett got lucky that the rebuild forced modernization.

Park in the garage if you have one. If you don't, park in the most well-lit area possible. Motion sensor light aimed at where you park helps too.

Solar panels with battery backup. Not cheap but after 2 summers of anxiety I made the investment. When ERCOT asks me to conserve, I just switch to battery. Independence from this grid is priceless.

I watched someone walk out of a store with a full cart last week. Employees didn't even react. They're told not to intervene. I don't blame them — not worth getting hurt over merchandise.

I will say this: Texas drivers are aggressive but they commit. It's the hesitant drivers from other states merging at 40mph who cause the real accidents.