LIVE OAK, Texas -- It seems like any mention of the new IKEA in Live Oak draws a lot of attention.
- IKEA to open in Live Oak, Texas
- Store will bring 250 jobs
- Hope is high store will help spur economic revitalization of corridor
"If super duper is a word, that's the word I want to say," said Live Oak Mayor Mary Dennis.
It's not a secret that Dennis is really looking forward to the new store.
"I think that everybody overall is very excited about the store being here. I think people appreciate having amenities close by and certainly this will add that to our city," she said.
The Swedish retailer is adding 250 new jobs for locals. From home furnishings to child supervision, there's a lot of room for opportunities. However, experts say the employment front won't be the only area of improvement.
"I think it will attract people to move up there. I think in that general area there is in need for more housing, more affordable housing," said Linda Mosse, a real estate agent with Kimberly Howell Properties.
Mosse has worked in real estate in San Antonio for 14 years.
She's seen growth and development evolve over time, and now to the 31 acres at the southwest corner of I-35 and 1604.
"I think as our corridor between us and Austin sort of shrinks, there's just a lot of growth. There's a lot of growth in that area and it shows that we are showing the demand for something like that. So I think it's good," Mosse said.
As for people who have called Live Oak home all along, they're ready for what's to come.
"I think at one time we were a sleeping bedroom community, but now we're very excited to be a part of this northeast corridor, so I think it's been at a good pace," said Dennis.
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