Take 5 with Tracie featuring Tess Farrand of The Highlands a Caldwell Community
Take 5 with Tracie featuring Tess Farrand of The Highlands a Caldwell Community
Take 5 with Tracie: Why The Highlands a Caldwell Community Feels Like a Modern National Park
If you have been looking for a place that feels less like “just another neighborhood” and more like an intentional lifestyle, The Highlands a Caldwell Community in Texas is worth your attention. I sat down with Tess Farrand, the community’s go-to tour guide, and what stood out most was the same theme repeated throughout our conversation: the Highlands is designed for work, play, and everyday connection .
From waterpark fun to preserved nature space, and from sunset dinners to planned resident events, here is what makes The Highlands such a standout place to live.
A community designed like an upscale national park
When Tess explained The Highlands, she described it as being located near Porter off 99, but “designed to feel” like you live in a modern or upscale national park. That vibe is not just marketing language. It shows up in the way the community balances amenities with open, preserved land.
The overall goal is simple: help residents make memories without having to drive across town for everything they want.
Three Highlands experiences that surprise people
Most people expect the basics when they move to a new community. The Highlands goes further with experiences that genuinely feel like day-trip-worthy perks.
1) Discovery Cove, a show-stopping water park
One of the most talked-about amenities is Discovery Cove , the community water park. Tess described it as a place where even the water slides stand out, noting that the slides are about 25 feet from top to drop .
In warmer months, families can enjoy a full afternoon here, including a lazy river experience that takes roughly 8 to 10 minutes to float.
2) A 200-acre nature preserve you can actually enjoy
It is not every community that includes a large preserved area. The Highlands has a 200-acre nature preserve where homes are not being placed.
What does that mean for residents? More places to do the outdoorsy things you already love, like:
Walking and stretching your legs
Fishing
Bike rides
Tess emphasized how much it feels like a true nature escape, supported by the community’s planning and amenities.
3) Highland Pines golf course sunsets plus a social membership
End your day in a way that feels special, not routine. Tess shared that residents can get a social membership at Highland Pines , which includes a 10% meal discount .
And perhaps the best part for evening plans: the course faces west, which means sunset views are built into your finish-your-day routine.
Why The Highlands is a great place to live (beyond amenities)
A lot of communities can list features. What sets The Highlands apart is how it supports residents after move-in day.
Tess pointed to lifestyle programming and a dedicated lifestyle director who plans monthly events for everyone. The purpose is clear: residents should not move in and feel disconnected.
That philosophy comes through their Live Well program, which is built around a holistic lifestyle and the idea that community is part of daily living, not an afterthought.
A “perfect afternoon” itinerary for a first-time visitor
If you want to understand the Highlands quickly, Tess offered an approach that is both fun and practical: experience it via a golf cart tour .
Here is an ideal first-timer itinerary, based on her recommendations:
- Start at the preserve to see the nature elements that make The Highlands feel different.
- Stop by Mirror Lake Park , a centrally located gathering space.
- Enjoy the park features , including canoes you can rent and playground equipment. Tess also noted that Mirror Lake Park can host events like anniversary parties.
- Finish at Discovery Cove to experience the aquatics and water amenities that can be used year-round, including a year-round pool plus waterpark fun in the summer.
Tess’s overall message was that you could easily spend a full day enjoying everything the community offers, because it is designed to fit different interests.
Bottom line: a place built for memories and connection
What I appreciated most from Tess Farrand’s perspective is how The Highlands a Caldwell Community blends two priorities that are often hard to find together: outdoor-focused amenities and intentional resident community.
Whether you are drawn to the Discovery Cove water park, the 200-acre nature preserve, or the planned events through the Live Well program, The Highlands is designed to make everyday life feel richer, more active, and more connected.
Connecting you to The Hub of Opportunity, I’m Tracie Kamenoff. Until next time, keep adding value and making a difference.
--Tracie