Once a year, the leasing office at Hunters Crossing Apartments undergoes a complete transformation.
Tables replace desks. Name cards line place settings. Office staff spend the morning carrying in homemade casseroles, desserts and side dishes before sitting down alongside residents to share a Thanksgiving meal.
That sense of connection shapes everyday life at Hunters Crossing.
Since opening in 2019, the community has continually expanded both its amenities and resident programming by listening closely to resident feedback. This approach helped Hunters Crossing earn Best of Apartments in the 2022 Best of Bastrop awards, a milestone the team celebrated with the residents who helped make it possible.
"We genuinely love serving our residents, being here to support people and meeting them where they're at," property manager Courtney Haney said. "It really is such a wonderful opportunity for all of us, and we're very grateful for the opportunity to serve our community."
Building community, one event at a time
Hunters Crossing hosts resident events every month, ranging from casual coffee mornings to larger seasonal celebrations. Several have become highly anticipated annual traditions.
In addition to Friendsgiving, residents look forward to the yearly summer pool party, where the team partners with local restaurants to introduce new dining options coming to Bastrop.
Last year, residents sampled Smokey Mo's BBQ before its local location opened. This summer featured treats from Berry Cool Snow Cones.
"We really try to hone in on things that make our residents feel appreciated," Haney said. "They feel special, and they feel like they're getting something that they wouldn't get somewhere else."
Back-to-school season brings another favorite tradition: Breakfast at the Gate. Residents heading to work or school can grab coffee, breakfast and drinks without leaving their cars, and families can stop for first-day-of-school photos in front of a themed backdrop.
The community also welcomes resident suggestions when planning future events. It adjusts schedules and activities based on feedback to make gatherings accessible for as many people as possible.
Where neighbors become friends
These events often lead to lasting friendships. Residents who may have only exchanged smiles while walking their dogs find themselves chatting over lunch or standing in line for snow cones.
"It's the sweetest thing," Haney said. "Sometimes people see each other in passing, but the opportunity to talk might not be there, or they might not feel comfortable enough to approach each other."
Later, those same neighbors walk their dogs together, meet at the pool or arrange playdates for their pets and children.
"It really is so special to watch," Haney said.
The events also help strengthen relationships between the onsite team and residents.
"When we get to do these events, it takes down that fourth wall," Haney said. "It shows that we're humans, ... and we get to just be present and enjoy the community that we've built."
Amenities designed around everyday living
Beyond its event calendar, Hunters Crossing offers amenities intended to encourage residents to spend time outside their apartments.
The community's centrally located dog park has become one of its busiest gathering spaces. Complete with agility equipment, a dog wash station and shaded seating, it's a place where many residents know one another by their pets before they know each other's names.
The resort-style pool serves as another social hub throughout the warmer months, with spacious seating areas and ongoing maintenance that keeps the space inviting year-round.
Additionally, fitness enthusiasts have access to a recently remodeled fitness center that features:
- Upgraded cardio equipment
- A rowing machine
- Free weights
- A leg press
- Battle ropes
- A Peloton-style bike that supports Peloton accounts or built-in workout programs
One unexpected favorite is the punching bag.
"I had a resident come to me and say, 'I canceled my gym membership because you guys have a punching bag,'" Haney said.
The renovation was driven by resident feedback, reflecting Hunters Crossing's philosophy of continually adapting the community to meet residents' needs.
"I love when residents give us feedback when there's something that isn't being utilized to its full potential because I can share that with ownership and management. It's an opportunity to grow and continue to develop our community," Haney said.
Looking ahead
As Hunters Crossing continues to grow alongside Bastrop, the team remains focused on enhancing both the property and the resident experience.
Future plans include refreshing landscaping, updating community spaces and adding more shaded outdoor gathering areas, all while continuing the traditions residents have come to expect.
"If we're constantly looking for ways to improve, we'll have a better outcome in the long run," Haney said.
For Haney, the community's greatest success isn't measured by new amenities or awards; it's seeing neighbors become friends, watching residents feel at home and creating a place where people genuinely enjoy living.
Those interested can click here to learn more about Hunters Crossing, or to schedule a tour today.
The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
