Frequently Asked Questions

How large is the Whisper Valley Community?

Whisper Valley is a 2,063 acre master-planned community that is built around sustainability and healthy living. When completed, it will include 5,000 single-family homes and 2,500 multi-family residences, a transportation hub, three Del Valle schools, police & fire stations, and an assortment of commercial services. The community features 700 acres of green space, parks and amenities which includes the 600-acre public Whisper Valley Park which will connect to East Austin’s trail system. There are many more amenities such as a resort pool, fitness center, activity rooms, a demonstration kitchen, pocket parks and playgrounds, a dog park, extensive trails, and several professionally-managed organic gardens.

Does Whisper Valley have an HOA?

Yes, the Whisper Valley Master Association is the community’s HOA which is responsible for maintenance and upkeep of all the common areas, parks, and amenities as well as the planning and implementation of lifestyle programming for community residents. The Association also protects the value of homes in Whisper Valley by ensuring that homes are properly maintained and that certain other guidelines are followed to maintain the safety and integrity of the community. Guidelines as detailed in the Development Area Declaration, Design Guidelines and Whisper Valley Master Covenant.

Are onsite schools planned?

Whisper Valley will eventually be home to three onsite Del Valle ISD schools: an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school. The first to open will be the high school which is expected to open in fall 2026.

How close is Whisper Valley to the Tesla Gigafactory?

An EV-friendly community, Whisper Valley is located just 12 minutes (8 miles) from the Tesla Gigafactory and is an official Tesla Destination Charging location. Every Whisper Valley home is pre-wired for EV charging.

What makes Whisper Valley a Green Community?

Whisper Valley is also a green community because it was designed with sustainability in mind. Here are some examples:

  • Geothermal Energy: Every home in Whisper Valley comes with a geothermal heat pump and has access to the community’s centrally installed GeoGrid™, a geothermal loop system that taps into the earth’s natural thermal energy to heat and cool homes efficiently, reducing energy consumption by up  80% compared to traditional systems.
  • Solar Power: Every home at Whisper Valley includes a solar PV system and is zero energy capable, which means it has the capability to produce as much or more energy than it consumes.
  • Energy-Efficient Homes: The homes themselves are designed to be energy-efficient, with features like smart thermostats and energy-efficient appliances.
  • Natural Spaces: Over a third of Whisper Valley’s acreage is dedicated to parks, trails, gardens and greenbelts, promoting connection with nature and reducing the impact of development.  The community features 700 acres of green space, parks, nature trails, and even an area designated as a Certified Wildlife Habitat.
  • Organic Produce: Community gardens and organic farms are available, providing residents with fresh and local food options.

Overall, Whisper Valley’s commitment to renewable energy sources, energy-efficient building practices, and preservation of green space makes it a leader in sustainable living.

How is Whisper Valley Sustainable and Eco-Friendly?

Whisper Valley is sustainable and eco-friendly because its homes are equipped with the EcoSmart Solution (ESS) which marries the community’s geothermal infrastructure with other energy resources in an integrated technology package. These elements work together to generate power, reduce energy usage, improve air quality, and save money on utilities.

This focus on renewable energy is complemented by smart home features and energy-efficient appliances that minimize consumption. Homes at Whisper Valley are sustainable and eco-friendly because they generate power and produce minimal carbon emissions.

The community prioritizes nature as well, with parks, trails, and gardens making up a significant portion of the area. Even residents’ plates can be eco-friendly, thanks to community gardens and a focus on local food production.

What is a Zero-energy Capable Home?

A zero energy capable home is an extremely energy-efficient home that receives a HERS score of 25 or less. (Typical new-construction homes built today earn a score of around 60.) This means Whisper Valley homeowners have very low or zero dollar utility bills, depending on the season and their personal energy behavior.

For centuries, homes have produced no energy and only consumed it. A home equipped with a solar PV system that also uses a heat pump, high-tech insulation, high-efficiency windows, and other energy-saving features is capable of using less electricity than it generates via the solar PV system, making its energy use net out to zero, depending on the owner’s personal energy behaviors. That’s why we say homes at Whisper Valley are “zero energy capable,” because they are built with energy-efficient materials and equipped with the solar PV technology to generate renewable energy commensurate with their estimated energy demands.

What are the tax benefits of living in Whisper Valley?

Purchasing an EcoSmart home in Whisper Valley automatically qualifies you to take a

30% tax credit on the value of your home’s renewable energy systems:

  • Solar PV system including installation
  • Geothermal heating and cooling equipment including your high efficiency heat pump and installation.

*Consult with a tax preparer to ensure accuracy in calculating the tax credit and to achieve the maximum benefit.

What amenities are open now to residents?

Residents of Whisper Valley can enjoy a variety of amenities.  For those looking to relax, there’s a resort-style swimming pool. Children can have fun at multiple playgrounds scattered throughout the community. Fitness enthusiasts can get their workout in at the fitness center.  Whisper Valley also boasts a spacious dog park, perfect for letting your furry friend roam and socialize. And nature lovers will appreciate the 700 acres of open green space with hiking and biking trails. Finally, residents can help grow their own fresh produce in the professionally-managed community farms.

Currently in development in an area designated as a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, Whisper Valley Park will be a 600-acre public Austin park that will include nature trails, manicured open spaces, playgrounds, community gardens, an event amphitheater, and more.  The park will eventually form the centerpiece of a new master trail plan connecting the City of Austin’s 4,000-acre Walter E. Long Park & Lake, Travis County’s 14-mile trail system, and the East Metropolitan Park through Whisper Valley, offering an estimated 20 miles of trails.

Why Northeast Austin?

Northeast Austin offers a perfect location that is close to the downtown area, convenient to the technology hub, and that offers plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. Major tech employers like Tesla, Oracle, Samsung, Dell, and Applied Materials are easily accessible. Whisper Valley is convenient to both Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Austin Executive Airport for those who travel frequently for business or leisure. And perhaps best of all, the area offers acres and acres of green space that provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.

What city and county is Whisper Valley located in?

Whisper Valley is located in the City of Austin and Travis County. However, the address for Whisper Valley residents is Manor, TX. The community has been annexed into the city of Austin on what is know as “Limited Purpose.” This means it is located inside the Austin city limits, but is served by the Travis County police, fire and emergency services. The reason for this is that Whisper Valley is in a PID (Public Improvement District). Residents don’t pay City of Austin ad valorem taxes as long as the PID is in place. Instead of City of Austin ad valorem taxes, residents pay a PID Assessment which is a dollar amount based on the size of the lot. When the PID bonds are paid off, the city may offer to annex the community into the city on a “Full Purpose” basis. At that time, city taxes will replace PID assessments.

What is a PID?

When you buy a home in Whisper Valley, you will live in a Public Improvement District, or a PID, which provides funding for the initial and ongoing infrastructure (e.g. streets, water, utilities, and sewer lines) needed to build the community. Homeowners pay an assessment to the PID– for a fixed period of time – which is not based on property values and therefore will not increase. During this time they are exempt from paying taxes to the City of Austin.

Many people find a PID preferable to a Municipal Utility District (MUD) because the MUD assesses taxes based on home values and doesn’t have an ending period.