There’s a little town about 30 minutes southwest of Austin called Dripping Springs. To most, it’s known as the “Gateway to the Hill Country.” A few thousand lucky people get to call it home. Residents enjoy 24 hours of natural beauty thanks to the area’s gorgeous rolling landscape and the carefully-preserved night sky, where the Milky Way shines brighter than any store sign. Excellent schools and neighborhoods make it a great place to raise a family. And with plenty of parks, restaurants, and shops, it’s easy to embrace living in Dripping Springs.
Your Backyard Is Nature’s Playground
Living in Dripping Springs means you’re surrounded by natural beauty. Hamilton Pool Reserve is a historic swimming hole that offers scenery worthy of being featured on postcards. Water flowing over limestone outcropping generates a 50-foot waterfall creating a tropical scene not native to this area. In addition to swimming, the park’s 232 acres is great for hiking and birdwatching. If you’re lucky, you’ll sneak a glimpse of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler.
Reimers Ranch Park is another nearby gem that has a lot to offer residents living in Dripping Springs. There are nearly 2,500 acres to go mountain biking, hiking, swimming, and fishing. Rock climbers also converge in the park thanks to its cliffs suited for climbing at any level. There is even an observatory, and guided tours will take you a few miles into the backcountry area where vehicles aren’t allowed.
The allure of Dripping Springs doesn’t dwindle after sunset. Once the sun goes down, locals can still revel in Mother Nature’s beauty by simply looking upward. In 2014, Dripping Springs became an International Dark Sky Community—it was the first city in Texas to do such and only the sixth in the world. Thanks to the city’s organized efforts, seeing the Milky Way is a common occurrence. It also helps protect birds’ migration patterns and other wildlife behavior.
It Feels Like Home
Dripping Springs has plenty of wide-open space. Whether you’re looking for a large ranch or a master-planned community, Dripping Springs has the ideal place to call home. Skyridge is a boutique, gated community designed and built to complement its beautiful surroundings. There are 100 homes that offer one- and two-story floor plans that are perfect for any family with kitchen islands and expansive storage space. Skyridge homes come furnished with premium fixtures and offer an array of modern elevation exteriors to choose from.
The community’s Amenity Center has a resort-style pool with a sun shelf and dipping pool guaranteed to keep the family cool all summer. Once summer is over, kids living in Skyridge will go to one of the top-rated schools zoned for Dripping Springs ISD. They’ll attend Sycamore Elementary, Sycamore Springs Middle School, and Dripping Springs High School, where they’ll be surrounded by happy students, high test scores, and plenty of extracurricular activities.
Good Times Flow Easily
There are nearly 5,000 people who call Dripping Springs home. Even though its population is a bit small, it’s easy to have a big time in this vibrant, little town. If you’re thirsty for a good beverage, you’re in luck because Dripping Springs has nine wineries, 10 distilleries, and 11 breweries, all within a short drive. Bell Springs Winery is known to be a favorite—book a wine tasting with a charcuterie board, and you’ll be in heaven. Jester King Brewery is popular for its farmhouse ales. It’s also dog-friendly, and their wood-fired pizzas make a great complement to their beers. If you’re more into spirits, look no further than Deep Eddy Vodka’s distillery. Choose from craft cocktails or vodka tastings. This place has plenty of indoor and outdoor space to handle you and your party for any occasion.
There are also a number of unique bars and restaurants to choose from that are close to historic Mercer Street. A trip to The Barber Shop Pub will feel like stepping into a time machine—in a good way. You’ll instantly feel the charm of its quaint, rustic interior, and its friendly and helpful staff will make you feel right at home. It’s the perfect place to sample many of the local Texas beers they offer. For a more kid-friendly environment, visit Rolling in Thyme & Dough for delicious coffee, breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. If you go for lunch, try their meatloaf sandwich with a cup of soup—it won’t disappoint. Another early meal choice to fill your belly is Crepe Crazy. It’s no surprise why this place is a local favorite. With a wide variety of crepes and a yummy kid’s menu, Crepe Crazy is sure to keep the whole family coming back for more.
It seems every town in Texas has great choices for barbecue, and Dripping Springs is no exception. Railroad Bar-B-Que is the perfect place to satisfy all of your meat cravings. Their ribs and brisket will melt in your mouth thanks to being slow-cooked and mesquite-smoked to perfection. Whether it’s a well-planned date night or a last-minute outing with the family, Dripping Springs has a unique variety of local establishments perfectly suited to entertain and delight.
Locals Buy Local
One of the benefits of living in a proud community like Dripping Springs is supporting local businesses. Except for H-E-B and Home Depot, most of the shops and restaurants are unique to the area. The Rural Home has an eclectic selection of home décor items ranging from vintage light fixtures to clothing and handbags. If you’re into mountain biking, Canyon Cycles, located on Old Fitzhugh Road, will be the go-to-place to keep you motoring on the nearby trails. They’re excellent at servicing bikes and have all the gear you need.
One of the benefits of living in a proud community like Dripping Springs is supporting local businesses. Except for H-E-B and Home Depot, most of the shops and restaurants are unique to the area. The Rural Home has an eclectic selection of home décor items ranging from vintage light fixtures to clothing and handbags. If you’re into mountain biking, Canyon Cycles, located on Old Fitzhugh Road, will be the go-to-place to keep you motoring on the nearby trails. They’re excellent at servicing bikes and have all the gear you need.
Dripping Springs Has All You’ll Need
Luckily, Dripping Springs is just out of reach from the hectic big-city life of Austin. It’s framed with gorgeous rolling landscapes which provide a stunning backdrop for numerous outdoor activities. Even the stars in the sky get to take center stage every night thanks to Dripping Springs’ stance against light pollution. Its local restaurants, shops, and watering holes will surely keep your senses tingling. And, with close-knit neighborhoods and a great school system, it’s no surprise why Dripping Springs feels like home.