Top 6 Neighborhoods Near Austin Texas (Dripping Springs)
If you're thinking about moving to Austin, Texas, one of the hardest decisions can be figuring out where you actually want to live. With so many great communities nearby, it can be tough to narrow it down.
One place we consistently recommend to relocating buyers is Dripping Springs. Just west of Austin, this Hill Country community offers beautiful scenery, a small-town feel, excellent schools, and a growing selection of homes and neighborhoods. If you're looking for a place that gives you more space without giving up convenient access to Austin, Dripping Springs is definitely worth exploring.
Table of Contents
Calaterra: Vibrant Master-Planned Living with Premium Builders
Calaterra is a master-planned community located just south of Highway 290 off Ranch Road 12 in Dripping Springs. It is close to downtown Dripping Springs while still offering a more peaceful, tucked-away setting.
Of the six neighborhoods covered, Calaterra is generally one of the higher-priced options, but it offers a variety of homes and features that appeal to different types of buyers. The community includes homes from builders such as Drees Custom Homes and David Weekley Homes, along with other builders.
Calaterra also features a connected sidewalk system and an HOA that helps maintain the community's overall appearance. With well-maintained yards, organized neighborhoods, and thoughtful planning, Calaterra offers a polished master-planned community feel while still being surrounded by the natural character of Dripping Springs.
Amenities and Community Life
Like many master-planned communities, Calaterra offers a variety of amenities designed to encourage an active, connected lifestyle. Residents have access to a pool, trail systems, pickleball and basketball courts, playgrounds, and open fields where children can play and families can spend time outdoors. The community also hosts activities such as outdoor workout classes, adding to the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
Prices and Home Sizes
Home prices in Calaterra can vary significantly depending on the size, location, and features of the property. The current median price for available homes is around $1.3 million to $1.4 million, making Calaterra one of the higher-priced communities in Dripping Springs.
However, buyers can find options across a wide range of price points. Homes currently available have ranged from around $585,000 to approximately $2.4 million, giving buyers opportunities at both the lower and higher ends of the market.
Most homes in Calaterra are between 3,000 and 4,000 square feet and sit on relatively spacious lots. The average lot size is around 0.38 to 0.39 acres, or approximately 14,520 to 16,988 square feet. Some properties offer even more space, with lots reaching a half-acre or more.
For buyers looking for larger homes, more outdoor space, and a master-planned community setting, Calaterra offers a combination of features that can be difficult to find closer to central Austin.
Why Buyers Choose Calaterra
Construction in Calaterra began around 2020 and continues today, giving buyers plenty of opportunities to purchase newer homes in the community. With homes generally ranging from around $600,000 to $2 million, the neighborhood offers options for buyers across a broad price range.
Builder incentives can also make new construction in Calaterra particularly appealing. Combined with amenities such as a pool, well-maintained common areas, and an active community atmosphere, the neighborhood offers a well-planned setting close to downtown Dripping Springs while still feeling tucked away from the main roads.
For buyers looking for new construction, larger homes, and a strong sense of community, Calaterra is a neighborhood worth exploring.
Bunker Ranch: Gated Privacy with Double the Land
Bunker Ranch is located a couple of miles farther west along Highway 290 from Calaterra. One of its standout features is that it is a gated community, with multiple pockets of homes throughout the neighborhood.
Another major draw for buyers is the lot size. While Calaterra's average lot is a little over one-third of an acre, Bunker Ranch offers average lots of just over three-quarters of an acre. That additional land gives homeowners more space and privacy.
Bunker Ranch also highlights a common trend in the Dripping Springs area: the farther buyers get from Austin and central Dripping Springs, the more land they can often find for their money. For buyers who prioritize larger lots and a more spacious setting, Bunker Ranch offers an attractive option.
Architecture and Home Styles
Another appealing feature of Bunker Ranch is the variety of home designs. Compared with Calaterra, buyers can find more distinctive architectural styles, including newer mid-century modern homes with contemporary designs and finishes.
Most homes in Bunker Ranch range from approximately 3,000 to 4,000 square feet. Combined with average lot sizes of more than three-quarters of an acre, these homes offer significantly more outdoor space than the typical property in Calaterra.
Pricing and Trade-offs
Bunker Ranch has a median home price of approximately $1.2 million to $1.3 million, making it slightly less expensive than Calaterra, where the median is around $1.3 million to $1.4 million. For buyers comparing the two communities, Bunker Ranch offers significantly larger lots at a similar price point, making it an option for those who prioritize land and privacy.
However, the two communities offer a different lifestyle. Unlike Calaterra, Bunker Ranch does not have the same extensive neighborhood amenities. Instead, the community appeals to buyers who want more privacy, larger lots, and a quieter setting away from the more active, amenity-focused environment.
For buyers looking for neighborhood pools, large community gatherings, and plenty of shared amenities, Calaterra may offer more of what they are looking for. Bunker Ranch is better suited to those who prefer modern luxury homes, spacious properties, and a more private, off-the-beaten-path lifestyle.
Current Inventory
One of the interesting aspects of communities in the Dripping Springs area is the wide range of home prices within the same neighborhood. Bunker Ranch is a good example. At the time of writing, there are only seven homes available, so buyers interested in the community may need to act quickly when a property that fits their needs becomes available.
Current listings range from approximately $495,000 to just under $1.4 million, creating a price difference of nearly $1 million within the same community. This range gives buyers several options, although the limited inventory means finding the right home may require close monitoring of the market.
Ultimately, Bunker Ranch and Calaterra offer different lifestyles. Calaterra provides more extensive master-planned amenities and a more active community environment, while Bunker Ranch offers larger lots, more privacy, and a more spread-out setting.
Reunion Ranch: Better Commute, Dripping Springs Schools
Reunion Ranch is technically located in Austin rather than Dripping Springs, but its location and community feel make it closely connected to the southern Dripping Springs area. The neighborhood is near Driftwood, and children living in the community are zoned to Dripping Springs ISD.
For buyers exploring the Dripping Springs area, Reunion Ranch can be considered part of the broader Dripping Springs lifestyle. Its location offers access to the surrounding Hill Country communities while still being within the Austin city limits.
The neighborhood can be particularly appealing to relocating buyers who are looking for larger lots and a more spacious setting while staying connected to the greater Austin area.
A Client Story
Reunion Ranch can be an excellent fit for buyers who are willing to consider a slightly longer commute in exchange for a larger home, a spacious lot, and a quieter Hill Country setting.
One relocating couple from Las Vegas initially questioned whether Reunion Ranch made sense for them because of its distance from the airport, Formula 1 track, and the husband's workplace. After exploring the neighborhood, however, they decided the additional 15 to 20 minutes of commute time was worth the lifestyle benefits. They ultimately purchased a home on a large lot in Reunion Ranch and have been very happy with their decision.
Pricing and Home Details
Reunion Ranch offers a surprisingly wide range of home prices, giving buyers options at different price points. The current median price for a single-family home is just over $900,000.
Available homes range from approximately $800,000 to just under $3 million. While the upper end of the market approaches $3 million, most homes fall closer to the $800,000 to $1 million range.
For buyers considering Reunion Ranch, the wide price range means there are opportunities to find a home that fits different budgets while still offering the larger lots and spacious homes the community is known for.
Lot Sizes and Community Style
Homes in Reunion Ranch are typically around 3,900 to 4,000 square feet and sit on lots just over one-third of an acre. These sizes are similar to what buyers find in Calaterra, but Reunion Ranch generally offers more value for the money.
One factor may be the age of the homes. Construction in Reunion Ranch began around 2016, while Calaterra began developing around 2020. As a result, many Reunion Ranch homes are slightly older, which can contribute to the more affordable pricing.
Despite offering a quieter setting and more value, Reunion Ranch is still a master-planned community with amenities such as a community pool.
Amenities and Commute
Reunion Ranch offers a more traditional master-planned community experience, with amenities that reflect its development in the 2016 to 2018 period. It may appeal to buyers who want community amenities without needing the newest or most elaborate features.
Location is another major advantage. Reunion Ranch offers one of the shorter commutes to Austin among the neighborhoods covered, making it a potential fit for buyers who want a larger home, a good-sized lot, and convenient access to the city.
Compared with Calaterra, Reunion Ranch generally has older homes and more modest amenities, while Calaterra offers newer construction and more extensive community features. Reunion Ranch also includes several gated pocket neighborhoods, where buyers can find distinctive architectural homes alongside more traditional properties.
Rim Rock: Massive Lots Without the Isolation
Rim Rock is technically located in Driftwood, Texas, rather than Dripping Springs. Driftwood is known for its beautiful Hill Country scenery, barbecue, and local distilleries, but it does not have a traditional downtown area.
Much of Driftwood runs along FM 1826 and surrounding country roads, offering the scenic, rural character that attracts many buyers to the area. Several residential communities are tucked behind gates and off the main roads, making them easy to miss if you're simply driving through.
Although Rim Rock is in Driftwood, many residents rely on nearby Dripping Springs for shopping, dining, and other everyday amenities. This gives buyers the opportunity to enjoy a quieter Hill Country setting while still having access to the conveniences found in Dripping Springs.
Shopping and Amenities Access
Many people who live in Driftwood treat downtown Dripping Springs as their own, using the area's shopping, dining, and everyday conveniences. Residents can also head toward Circle C in South Austin, where they can find additional amenities such as H-E-B.
For people living in Reunion Ranch or Rim Rock, the lack of nearby amenities is not necessarily a major inconvenience.
What You Won't Get in Rim Rock
Rim Rock does not offer extensive neighborhood amenities. Residents will not find a neighborhood pool, large parks, or extensive trail systems.
However, many homes have private pools, and the large lots provide plenty of space for homeowners to create their own outdoor amenities. For many buyers, that can make up for the lack of shared neighborhood facilities.
Rim Rock Home Sizes and Lot Sizes
Construction in Rim Rock began around 2010 and continued until approximately 2022 to 2024. Because of this, homes are generally a little older than those in some of the other neighborhoods covered.
The typical home is around 3,200 to 3,300 square feet, which is slightly smaller than homes in some of the other communities. However, the lot sizes are significantly larger.
The average lot is just over 1.75 acres, giving homeowners considerably more space and creating a spread-out feel throughout the community.
Private but Not Isolated
Rim Rock and the other neighborhoods discussed can appeal to people who want privacy without feeling completely isolated. Buyers can enjoy larger lots, more space between homes, and a classic Texas Hill Country setting without being completely removed from other people and nearby communities.
For those who want to spread out without living entirely on their own, these neighborhoods can offer that balance between privacy and connection.
Rim Rock Pricing and Value
Rim Rock offers some of the most affordable pricing among the neighborhoods covered so far. The median home price is around $790,000.
While buyers are giving up some of the amenities found in communities such as Calaterra, they are getting significantly more land. With an average lot size of about 1.75 acres and a location close to Reunion Ranch, Rim Rock can offer a combination of space, privacy, and access to Austin.
Which Dripping Springs Neighborhood Is Right for You?
Each neighborhood offers a different combination of amenities, lot sizes, home prices, home ages, and proximity to Austin.
Calaterra may suit buyers who want a vibrant, connected community with extensive amenities and newer construction. The median price is around $1.3 million to $1.4 million, with lots just over one-third of an acre.
Bunker Ranch may appeal to buyers who want more land and fewer community amenities. Average lots are just over three-quarters of an acre, with a median price of approximately $1.2 million to $1.3 million. The community also features distinctive architecture, including mid-century modern homes.
Reunion Ranch may be a fit for buyers looking for a better value, Dripping Springs schools, and a better commute to Austin. The median price is just over $900,000, with lots slightly larger than one-third of an acre. Homes are generally a little older, with construction beginning around 2016.
Rim Rock may appeal to buyers who want much larger lots, private pools, and more privacy without being completely isolated. The average lot is just over 1.75 acres, while the median home price is around $790,000. Homes average approximately 3,200 to 3,300 square feet.
Ultimately, the right neighborhood depends on each buyer's specific situation and what they value most in a home and community.
Conclusion
Dripping Springs continues to come up frequently for clients relocating to Austin. The area offers the 3rd highest-rated school district in Central Texas at a fraction of the price of Eanes ISD or Lake Travis ISD. Buyers can also find Hill Country views, larger lots, and the quintessential Texas feel many people are looking for while still being close enough to Austin without feeling isolated.
The four neighborhoods covered each offer something different. Calaterra provides a vibrant master-planned community, Bunker Ranch offers gated privacy and larger lots, Reunion Ranch offers a better commute and value, and Rim Rock provides massive acreage and private pools.
These are just four of the many options available in Dripping Springs. Buyers can also find estate-style ranch homes on several acres, boutique neighborhoods with 12 to 30 homes, and other master-planned communities.
For buyers seriously considering Dripping Springs, working with a team familiar with the area can help when comparing builders, upgrades, inventory, and the trade-offs between different neighborhoods. The team also has relationships with local builders and can help buyers understand which upgrades may provide a return on investment and which may not.
For more information, buyers can call or text (512) 855-2713, email barrett@ravengrouptx.com, or visit ravengrouptx.com to schedule a call.
FAQ About Dripping Springs Neighborhoods
What is the average home price in Dripping Springs?
The average home price in Dripping Springs is right around $800,000 to $850,000. However, prices vary widely depending on the neighborhood. Calaterra has a median price of $1.3 to $1.4 million, while Rim Rock has a median around $790,000. You can find homes in Dripping Springs ranging from around $550,000 all the way up to $3 million depending on lot size, amenities, and location.
How do Dripping Springs schools compare to other Austin-area districts?
Dripping Springs ISD is the 3rd highest rated school district in Central Texas, after Eanes ISD and Lake Travis ISD. The school quality is about 85% as good as Eanes ISD, but the average home price is 3.75 times less. Eanes ISD averages $3 million, Lake Travis ISD averages $1.5 million, and Dripping Springs ISD averages $800,000 to $850,000. That's a freaking exquisite ratio if you ask me.
What is the commute like from Dripping Springs to Austin?
The commute from Dripping Springs to Austin varies depending on which neighborhood you're in. Reunion Ranch and Rim Rock are technically closer to Austin and offer the best commute of the neighborhoods covered in this video. Calaterra and Bunker Ranch are further west on Highway 290, so the commute is a bit longer. For one of our clients relocating from Las Vegas, Reunion Ranch added 15 to 20 minutes to the husband's commute compared to other options, but they decided it was worth it for the lifestyle and value.
Do all Dripping Springs neighborhoods have HOAs and amenities?
Yes, all the neighborhoods covered in this video have HOAs. However, the amenities vary widely. Calaterra has a pool, trail systems, pickleball courts, basketball courts, playgrounds, and sidewalks. Bunker Ranch is gated but has fewer amenities. Reunion Ranch has a pool and some gated pocket neighborhoods. Rim Rock does not have a neighborhood pool or parks, but most residents have private pools on their large lots. The lack of amenities in Rim Rock is reflected in the lower prices.
What are typical lot sizes in Dripping Springs neighborhoods?
Lot sizes vary significantly. Calaterra and Reunion Ranch have average lot sizes just over a third of an acre (around 0.38 to 0.39 acres, or about 14,520 square feet). Bunker Ranch has average lot sizes just over 3/4 of an acre, more than double Calaterra. Rim Rock has the largest lots, with an average just over 1.75 acres. In general, the further you get from Austin and Dripping Springs proper, the more land you're going to be able to get for less money.
Are there new construction opportunities in Dripping Springs?
Yes, several neighborhoods are still building. Calaterra started building around 2020 and is still building right now with builders like Drees Custom Homes and David Weekley. Sometimes the builder incentives out here are just freaking awesome. Reunion Ranch started building around 2016, so homes are slightly older on average. Rim Rock started building in 2010 and stopped around 2022-2024. If you're interested in new construction, you need to work with someone who knows the builders and can help you pick the right upgrades that will give you a return on investment when you sell.
Barrett Raven’s approach blends deep Austin knowledge with a focus on customer service. Whether you're buying, selling, or relocating, Barrett and his team are here to ensure your real estate journey is smooth, informed, and successful.
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