National bookstore Barnes & Noble has officially opened the doors to its latest South Austin location.

The details: The nationwide book chain is now selling books, magazines, toys, games, gifts, vinyl, CDs and more in Southpark Meadows. The new location marks the opening of one of the 14 stores the company plans to open in November, according to a news release.

Quote of note: “Texas is home to more Barnes & Noble bookstores than any other state, and now we happily add one more to the ranks,” CEO of Barnes & Noble James Daunt stated in a news release. “Expanding our presence into South Austin has been a priority, and our Southpark Meadows booksellers are eager to welcome customers into their beautiful new Barnes & Noble.”

In addition to Texas, California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania will also be gaining new Barnes & Noble locations.

9600 S. I-35 Frontage Road, Austin

Homes in Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs spent fewer days on the market in October 2025 compared to October 2024, according to Unlock MLS data.

The breakdown: Homes across the eight Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs ZIP codes spent an average of 66 days on the market in October 2025, down 8% from an average of 72 days last year. September 2025 also saw a decrease in time spent on the market compared to September 2024, as previously reported by Community Impact.

More homes were sold in the market year over year, with the 78736 ZIP code seeing the largest increase by 75%. This is similar to last month's data.

The median home price for the market decreased slightly, from $590,000 last year to $580,000. This is similar to last month's data.

In October 2025, a plurality of homes sold in Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs were in the $300,000 to $499,999 price range. This is similar to September 2025, as previously reported by Community Impact.

South Austin community members can enjoy a range of holiday events in their area throughout late November and December including light shows, wagon rides and photo opportunities with Santa Claus. This list is not comprehensive. Event details are subject to change.

Zilker Tree Lighting
The 155-foot tree’s 3,909 lights will come to life right after Thanksgiving on Nov. 30. Attendees can look forward to live music, entertainment and food.

• Nov. 30, 5:15 p.m.
• Free
• Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin

• Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• Downtown Dripping Springs

• Dec. 13, 4-5:30 p.m.
• $14 (ages 3-16 admission); $20 (adult admission)
• The Hive, 10542 Menchaca Road, Austin

Texans began receiving full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits Nov. 14, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission announced. The renewed SNAP payments came after two weeks of delays due to the 43-day federal government shutdown, which ended Nov. 12.

The overview: SNAP is a federally funded program that provides low-income individuals and families with monthly stipends to spend on groceries. The food assistance program ran out of funding Nov. 1, one month after the government shut down amid disagreements over federal health insurance subsidies.

The details: Over 3.5 million Texans receive SNAP benefits each month, according to Feeding Texas, the statewide network of food banks. Payments are issued on a rolling basis throughout each month.

“For SNAP clients who receive benefits on or after the 14th of the month, full benefits will be issued on their normal issuance date,” the HHSC website states. “SNAP clients who already received partial benefits will receive the rest of their monthly amount on or after Nov. 14.”