Meet the McNeals: Luke, Caitlin, Kinsale, Keeneland and Sabi. This family of 5 found their way to the Northwest Hills after journeying around the world. 

Originally from Northern California, Caitlin and Luke met at a bar. “We chatted most of the night but when we parted we did not exchange numbers,” Caitlin recalls. One of their topics of discussion was the Missed Connections section on Craigslist. “On Monday morning I saw Luke had posted a missed connection.” The two got in touch and continued their relationship even when Luke was set to move to Ireland just 3 months after meeting. “We just continued to talk to each other all the time,” Caitlin says, despite living on different continents. Their connection was so strong that just 3 months into living in Ireland, Luke asked Caitlin to join him. 

From Ireland, the duo moved to Denver and spent 2 years there before their next stop: Singapore. “We came to Singapore with 4 suitcases expecting to live there for a year and a half.” They stayed for 12 years. “I really did think we’d be there for the rest of our lives.” Caitlin and Luke loved their time in Singapore. They enjoyed traveling and living in Singapore offered many opportunities to do just that. Eventually they grew their family. All 3 of the McNeal children were born in Singapore: Kinsale, Keeneland, and Sabi. Their children are all named after places special to Luke and Caitlin. Kinsale, 11, is named after their favorite small town in Ireland. Keeneland, 7, is named after their favorite spot in Kentucky, and Sabi, 5, is named after their favorite spot in South Africa -  Sabi Sands. 

While in Singapore, the McNeal children attended Singaporian school instead of going to an International school. Caitlin sites the safety and top education as reasons for this. They all enjoyed life in Singapore as ex-pats. Caitlin explained, “There is a commonality amongst ex-pats. Everyone is looking to make friends and everyone is quick to help each other out.” 

Eventually both the pandemic and a new career opportunity for Luke lured the McNeals back to the States, specifically to Austin. The McNeals were enticed by the Dual Language Immersion program at Doss Elementary, as well as the bike-ability of the neighborhood for their kids. Caitlin explained, “Everyone we spoke to who had lived in Austin kept telling us to look at the Northwest Hills. We heard it over and over!” 

The McNeals settled into this neighborhood in the summer of 2021, not knowing a soul. It was their 4th International move - site unseen! And the McNeals couldn’t be happier. “I have met some amazing friends,” Caitlin shares. “I knew living here would offer a different experience and I have really leaned into that.” When they first arrived in Austin, they began some renovations on their house which did not go smoothly at first. “Keeneland’s basketball coach at the time overheard me sharing our experience. The next thing I know, he and his construction crew showed up at our house to begin helping us fix the issues that needed immediate attention. I’ll never forget the kindness that Sean and his wife Britania O'Brien showed to us.” 

The McNeal children have settled in and both Keeneland and Sabi swim for the Westover Orcas. Keeneland also plays basketball, flag football and baseball. Sabi enjoys gymnatics, basketball, softball and kickball. Big Sister, Kinsale, plays soccer, basketball, volleyball and loves theater. Caitlin, an active member of the Doss PTA took over the Partners In Education committee last year and often helps with school functions.

“Right now I feel so grateful to be closer to family,” Caitlin shares. “Because of the pandemic and far distance when we lived in Singapore, our families didn’t get to meet Sabi until she was 2!”  Nowadays, the McNeals love throwing big parties, including hosting a large Thanksgiving every year where their family comes into town and friends are invited to join as well.  

Family is so important to the McNeals and they look forward to their nightly dinners where they discuss their days, and how they’re feeling. It's their favorite time to come together and connect as a family. 

The McNeals recently welcomed a new member of their family - Raffles, a 1-year old mini Goldendoodle. And yes, Raffles is named after their favorite hotel in Singapore. 

Be sure to say hello to the McNeals when you see them around the neighborhood!