Best Austin Neighborhoods: The Dripping Springs Guide

If you want to experience the best of the Texas Hill Country, you’re going to love Dripping Springs! With rolling hills, stunning views, and plenty of space to spread out, this Austin neighborhood is ideal for nature lovers who want to find their own little, peaceful oasis in Austin.

Beyond the scenery and outdoor recreation, Dripping Springs is also home to some of the city’s best breweries and distilleries. And though you may never need to leave, downtown is just a short drive away.

In this neighborhood guide, you’ll discover what makes Dripping Springs a place that many Austinites are thrilled to call home.

Zip Code

78620

Average Home Price*

$957,456

Home Styles

Texas Mediterranean, farmhouse, and ranch styles

Average Price/SqFt*

$320

Walk Score

56 Why Austinites Love Dripping Springs

Known as the gateway to the Texas Hill Country, Dripping Springs has a lot to offer those who want a peaceful, spacious home base. This is country living at its finest, with a friendly, small-town feel where you can enjoy a tight-knit community with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. And while the area may offer a quiet oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city, downtown is still close by for those who want to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Small-Town Living

Dripping Springs offers a small-town feel that you just can’t find in other areas of Austin. People are drawn to the quiet country living and spacious lots that allow them to experience the best of Texas Hill Country living without being too far outside the city.

With tight-knit communities, it’s likely that you’ll get to know your neighbors in Dripping Springs. The neighborhood also has some of the best schools in the area, which means that students won’t have to worry about traveling too far for an excellent education, and they will instead be able to attend with other students who live in their own community.

Lifestyle

Many people move to Austin to live an active lifestyle without sacrificing modern creature comforts. And Dripping Springs is a perfect place to do just that! With plenty of natural space to enjoy swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and horseback riding, this neighborhood is a nature lover’s paradise.

There’s also no shortage of places to eat and enjoy a drink or two. In fact, Dripping Springs has quite a few breweries, wineries, and distilleries where you can enjoy tasting Austin-made beer, wine, and spirits while grabbing a bite and listening to live local music.

Close to Downtown

There’s nothing quite like the quiet, peaceful vibes of Dripping Springs. But living in your little piece of Texas Hill Country doesn’t have to mean you have to miss out on all the restaurants, nightlife, activities, and amenities in the heart of the city. Dripping Springs is just 25 minutes away from downtown Austin, allowing you to live the best of both worlds.

Dripping Springs Real Estate

Before you start looking for your new home in Dripping Springs, get to know the neighborhood and its real estate.

Neighborhood Ambiance

Dripping Springs offers everything you would expect of living in the Texas Hill Country—picturesque views, lots of space, and a tight-knit community. This is certainly the place for those who want a taste of Texas’ natural beauty but still want to live in the Austin area.

While people do move to the area for the larger lots and space, people are still friendly and get to know one another. The ambiance is certainly quiet country living with a real sense of community and a small-town feel.

Architectural Styles

Most of the homes in Dripping Springs were built in the 1990s and 2000s, with some older homes from the 1960s and 70s. The neighborhood has become more popular in recent years, which means that new communities are continuing to be built in the area. Many people are drawn to Dripping Springs for the larger lots, ranging anywhere from ¼ acre to 60+ acres.

You’ll see a number of different home styles and sizes, with Texas Mediterranean, farmhouse, and ranch styles being the most popular. Working ranches and ranchettes are also common in the area, allowing residents to live their best Hill Country lives.

Average Home Price

Dripping Spring’s average home closing price is $957,456 or an average of $320 per square foot.

Walkability

Dripping Springs has a Walk Score of 56 and a Bike Score of 39. While you may be able to accomplish some errands by foot, and there is some bike infrastructure in the area, for the most part, you’ll need a vehicle to get around.

Schools

Students in Dripping Springs are part of either the Dripping Springs Independent School District or the Lake Travis Independent School District.

Depending on their location, students will likely be zoned for Dripping Springs, Walnut Springs, Rooster Springs, and Sycamore Springs elementary schools as well as Dripping Springs Middle School, Sycamore Springs Middle School, and Dripping Springs High School.

If zoned for Austin ISD, students might attend Bee Cave Elementary, Lake Travis Middle School, and Lake Travis High School.

Featured Property in the Neighborhood

Sold
423 Victorian Gable Dr

Austin, Texas 78619
- Bed5
- Bath4
- CommunityDripping Springs
- Type Single Family Home
View
Wade Giles

Where to Eat in Dripping Springs

Dripping Springs may have a country-living vibe, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of places to grab a bite to eat in the area. Not to mention, this neighborhood has multiple distilleries, wineries, and breweries for those who like to imbibe.

Rolling in Thyme & Dough

Rolling in Thyme & Dough is a quaint bakery and cafe that serves fresh sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and more. You can dine in for breakfast, lunch, and brunch or get some desserts for the road. Our favorites are the savory breakfast croissants and the Moelleux au Chocolat, a dense, rich chocolate cake covered in chocolate ganache.

Thyme & Dough cater to a variety of tastes and preferences with some vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu options. With a seasonally curated menu changing weekly, their BYOB bistro nights are a must.

Tillie’s at Camp Lucy

Nestled on a unique luxury ranch and wedding venue in Dripping Springs, Tillie’s serves American Nouveau, infusing international flavors into familiar dishes for a new take on American cuisine. The menu is always seasonal and filled with fresh ingredients from local suppliers.

Tillie’s serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner alongside specialty cocktails. While the menu does change according to the season, the options are always delicious, and the space is beautiful. If you’re hosting a special party, be sure to check out Mr. Kiem’s, a private meeting space apart from the main dining room that services up to 20 guests.

Flores Breakfast and Lunch

Flores Breakfast and Lunch is the best-kept secret when it comes to breakfast tacos in the area. This hidden gem is located on the side of the road right next door to Dripping Springs High School. You can enjoy these life-changing breakfast or lunch tacos in the picnic area near the stand or take them to go.

You’ll never be disappointed if you go for the barbacoa or pastor tacos. And don’t forget to add some green habañero salsa for the full experience.

The Salt Lick BBQ

What would a list of Austin neighborhood restaurants be without a fantastic BBQ spot? The Salt Lick has been serving up mouthwatering barbecue in the beautiful Texas Hill Country since 1967. You can go family-style, grab a plate, or take home some meat by the pound. (But trust us, you can’t go wrong with one of their “really big sandwiches” either!)

On Sundays, you can grab something unique from their Sunday specials menu. From prime rib to habañero chicken, this special menu is the perfect way to treat yourself on a weekend.

The Shady Llama

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy an adult beverage and a llama sighting, look no further than The Shady Llama. This is a great spot to enjoy those beautiful Hill Country views while imbibing with your friends. Children and dogs are also welcome.

The space is outdoors and uncovered, so plan to go on a day when the weather is nice. Also, while the llamas often stop by the bar to say hello, they are free to roam on 35 acres of land and may not always be present, especially in the summer.

Distilleries

Dripping Springs is home to a number of fabulous distilleries where you can taste different local spirits.

Dripping Springs Vodka & Gin

Dripping Springs Vodka & Gin is founded by brothers Gary and Kevin Kelleher whose great-great-grandfather distilled vodka for a Russian czar. Today, they focus on distilling world-class vodka and gin in small, 50-gallon batches. You can book a tour and tasting or stop by the Visitor Center to enjoy some craft cocktails and food.

Deep Eddy Vodka

Deep Eddy Vodka makes a variety of flavored vodkas, including Texas favorites Ruby Red and Sweet Tea. Their tasting room is open for responsible day-drinking Thursday through Sunday with last call at 4:30 p.m. It’s also a cashless facility so keep that in mind for your visit.

The Desert Door Distillery

The Desert Door Distillery is located in Driftwood, TX, and distills Sotol, a spiky desert succulent often used by indigenous tribes for everything from tools to food and fermented drinks. The taste is very similar to premium tequila but smoother. You can try it on the rocks or in a cocktail in their tasting room, which also offers food and live music.

Breweries

In addition to distilleries, the area is also home to many different breweries where you can enjoy a local craft beer while taking in the beauty of the Texas Hill Country.

12 Fox Brewing

12 Fox Brewing features 12 taps of meticulously crafted small-batch European-style brews while Twisted X Brewing specializes in craft lagers, pilsners, and IPAs. Both have tasting rooms and event spaces.

Jester King Brewery

Jester King Brewery is a brewery, kitchen, farm, and event space. Jester King specializes in beers fermented with wild yeast, like farmhouse ales and barrel-aged wild ales. The brewery and tasting room are located on 165 acres of farmland just on the outskirts of Austin. (The food is delicious too!)

Family Business Beer Company

Family Business Beer Company is owned by Jensen Ackles (of Supernatural fame). This microbrewery and tasting room offer more than just an excellent craft beer. It also hosts live music, bar games, food trucks, and a kid-friendly area. As with most breweries, it’s also a dog-friendly spot.

Things to Do in Dripping Springs

There is plenty to see and do in Dripping Springs! From outdoor recreation to historic spaces and community events, there is always something going on to hold your attention in the Texas Hill Country.

Parks & Nature Spaces

Hamilton Pool

The Hamilton Pool Preserve is one of the most beautiful natural spaces in Texas. The 200-acre preserve offers ample space to hike and swim in a stunning environment. The pool itself was formed by thousands of years of water erosion alongside the canyons. It’s the perfect place to beat the Texas summer heat, but you’ll need to make a reservation prior to your visit.

Hamilton Pool also features a 50-foot waterfall. It doesn’t dry up completely, but in the drier seasons, it can slow to a trickle. When water levels decline in the drier months, you likely won’t be able to visit for safety reasons. For this reason, swimming isn’t always guaranteed.

Dripping Springs Ranch Park - Equestrian Events, 5k Races, Rodeos

Dripping Springs Ranch Park features 130 acres of wildlife, trees, and trails. It’s a great place for leisurely activities with family and friends in the beautiful Hill Country. You can take a hike, have a picnic, ride your bike, or even just enjoy a quiet day in nature.

They also have weekly community events like mountain biking, bird watching, and skateboarding. The area is also home to equestrian events, 5K races, rodeos, and even monster truck shows. To find out more, check out their calendar.

Reimers Ranch Park

Reimers Ranch Park is a canyon and forest preserve along the Pedernales River. This is a popular spot for rock climbers and mountain bikers to enjoy their favorite outdoor activities with a beautiful view. It’s also an excellent spot for hiking, fishing, equestrian trail riding, bird watching, and swimming.

Don’t forget to visit the Reimers Observatory where you have the opportunity to see the star-filled sky and learn more about the universe while you witness it with your own eyes. The observatory has two large telescopes—one 25 inches in diameter and the other 15 inches. The staff has a program that lasts about 2 hours, offering you the chance to learn more about the science behind what you see as well as some ancient star lore.

Historical Sites

Dripping Springs

Located in the heart of Dripping Springs, you’ll find the actual dripping springs—the landmark that gave the town its name. On the west end of Mercer Street, you’ll find the area with fern-covered limestone wedges that drip water into a small stream. You’ll get a glimpse of the area when you park at the Visitors Bureau parking lot and follow the limestone stairs down to the creek. This area was a gathering place for Native Americans in the Hill Country as well as a major water source for the first Anglo settlers.

Mercer Street Historic District

Located in downtown Dripping Springs, Historic Mercer Street takes you back in time as you experience historic buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s. There are lots to do and see in the area from shopping at quaint boutiques to grabbing a beer at the Barber Shop.

Founder’s Day Festival

Founder’s Day takes place in April in Dripping Springs. It is both a community festival and parade in celebration of the founding of the city. The three-day celebration includes music, entertainment, carnival rides, food, beer, dancing, cook-off competitions, arts and crafts booths, and more.

Other Events & Attractions

Texas Hill Country Olive Company

The Texas Hill Country Olive Company is located in a Tuscan-inspired villa surrounded by 15 acres of olive trees—all with the beautiful backdrop of the Texas Hill Country. You can tour the orchard and mill, stop by the tasting room, or head to the gift shop to purchase olive oil, balsamic vinegar, gifts, and more. The space also has a bistro where you can enjoy charcuterie, pizzas, and paninis paired with an excellent selection of beers and wines.

Songwriters Festival

The Dripping Spring Songwriters Festival is a three-day music festival in October that showcases a variety of rising star songwriters. This festival gives attendees the opportunity to hear future headliners give small-stage performances at unique venues across downtown Dripping Springs. All shows are free.

Stunt Ranch

Stunt Ranch is an interactive event venue that’s popular for corporate events, private groups, children’s parties, and school trips. Founded by Steve Wolf, a 25-year film and TV producer and stunt coordinator, this space offers a variety of different activities for all ages. From paintball to action hero training, it’s never a dull moment at Stunt Ranch. The facility also hosts pyro school, trapeze, 5Ks, and festivals.

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