You'll find this beautiful city just 20 miles south of Austin and 50 miles north of San Antonio. Founded in 1881 near a railroad route, Kyle is a great commuter location for its big-city neighbors but also holds its own with a robust economy and plenty of available land to attract new businesses. There's an amazing community spirit here with annual events that include the Polar Bear Splash (January 1), an Independence Day Fireworks Show, and Movies at the Lake (May through August). You can enjoy the great outdoors in any one of the city's developed parks, including Mary Kyle Hartson Park (formerly City Square Park) where a lot of community events are held, and the 31-acre Steeplechase Park which includes a portion of Plum Creek and offers playscapes, ball fields, sports courts and a championship disc golf course. There's even room for Fido to roam at Steeplechase Dog Park. Here's one more additional highlight of local interest:

• The Kyle Railroad Depot & Heritage Center. Relive the city's early railroad days at this 1917 depot turned museum with exhibits, period furnishings and a documentary on view.

Final fact: The city has branded itself the Pie Capital of Texas and exploring the merits of this claim could prove to be a whole lot of fun.