Living in Dripping Springs TX 🤠 Moving to Dripping Springs TX Guide
Have you always wanted to live in a peaceful suburb offering award-winning breweries, natural beauty, and southern hospitality? Dripping Springs TX is a small city in the Austin area known for its many popular wineries and distilleries. It’s also Texas's first international dark sky community, or a municipality dedicated to preserving the night sky.
In 1853, three settler families arrived in the area and decided to create a community on top of the present-day Wallace Mountain. In 1857, John Moss was appointed the first postmaster, but the town needed a name to have a post office. His wife Nancy came up with the name Dripping Springs, after a nearby spring at the Milk House Branch of the Edwards Aquifer.
Today, Dripping Springs is a good place to live for those seeking a small-town environment. It offers a blend of small-town charm and Hill Country beauty, just 25 miles west of Austin. Known for its top-rated schools and scenic landscapes, it’s a popular spot for families and nature lovers. With a strong sense of community and a slower pace of life, living in Dripping Springs TX provides a peaceful yet convenient place to call home.
Thinking about moving to Dripping Springs? Here is everything you should know before making it your home.
Where Is Dripping Springs TX?
Dripping Springs is in northern Hays County within the Greater Austin area, halfway between Austin and Johnson City. It's located on US Route 290, which offers a convenient route to other local places and major cities in Texas, for drivers living in Dripping Springs TX. It's nicknamed the “Gateway to the Hill Country” because it sits on the border between the urban sprawl of the Austin area and the scenic, rural communities of West Texas.
Much of the city drains into Onion Creek, an east-flowing tributary of the Colorado River. It's a fairly sparsely populated area, although nearby communities include Oak Hill, Driftwood, Bear Creek, Bee Cave, Blanco, Canyon Lake, and Wimberly.
It's about 25 miles or a 42-minute drive from Dripping Springs, TX to Austin, TX.
Dripping Springs Population & Demographics
As of the 2024 census, Dripping Springs, TX, has a population of 10,165. The area has experienced rapid growth over the past few years, and the number of people living in Dripping Springs TX increased by 106.6% between 2020 and 2024. However, it still has a very spacious, rural character, and the population density is 717 people per square mile.
It’s a young, affluent community with a large community of families living in Dripping Springs TX. About 31.8% of residents living in Dripping Springs TX are under 18, while 16.2% are 65 and older. The median household income is $109,364, significantly higher than the rest of Texas. Countless famous residents have had the experience of living in Dripping Springs TX, such as actor Kyle Chandler and musician Gregg Rolie.
It's a relatively diverse area with sizable Hispanic and Asian communities. The racial and ethnic breakdown of residents living in Dripping Springs TX is 82.3% white (77.6% white, non-Hispanic), 11.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.4% Asian, 0.6% Black or African American, and 8.0% two or more races.
Other Dripping Springs demographics:
- The median age is 37.3 years old
- The Dripping Springs TX, population is 51.4% male and 49.6% female
- 97.2% of people living in Dripping Springs TX have a high school diploma, and 67.8% have a bachelor's degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 8.5%
Cost of Living in Dripping Springs TX
The cost of living in Dripping Springs TX is quite reasonable, especially considering what it offers. The cost of living index is a useful resource for analyzing the cost of living in an area. You can use it to compare the cost of living in Dripping Springs TX to the rest of the US on a scale of 100.
The COLI for the outer Austin area is around 90, indicating that the cost of living in Dripping Springs TX is about 14% lower than the national average. Utilities are 17% lower, and groceries are 8% lower.
The Family Budget Calculator by the Economic Policy Institute is also a helpful resource. It indicates that the typical family of four with two kids and two adults needs to make around $114,268 per year to afford the cost of living in Dripping Springs TX.
Typical expenses of living in Dripping Springs TX:
- Loaf of bread: $3.78
- Carton of eggs: $4.32
- Hamburger: $5.34
- Bunch of bananas: $0.71
- A gallon of milk: $4.37
- Gallon of gas: $2.87
- Visit to the doctor: $134.45
- Average Dripping Springs monthly energy bill: $182.49
Source: Payscale
Dripping Springs real estate is a bit pricier than the rest of Texas, although it's on par with the rest of the Austin area. Data from the real estate website Redfin indicates that the median price of homes for sale in Dripping Springs, TX is $543,000, which is about 4.7% higher than the previous year. The median price per square foot of Dripping Springs, TX, real estate is $229.
Census data shows that 51% of homes are owner-occupied, while 49% are rented out. That means renters moving to Dripping Springs will find plenty of options. RentCafe shows that the average rent in Dripping Springs is $1646, slightly lower than the national average. Rent prices start around $1000 for a studio and go up to $3,000 for three or more bedrooms.
Popular apartment buildings for tenants living in Dripping Springs TX:
Dripping Springs Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Dripping Springs
Before moving to Dripping Springs, finding the right neighborhood is important. No matter where you look, you will find good schools, well-maintained streets, and friendly Dripping Springs neighbors. However, some areas offer added benefits that make them more desirable than others. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Dripping Springs.
Caliterra | A Master Planned Community of New Homes in Dripping Springs TX
Popular among families living in Dripping Springs TX, Caliterra is a breathtaking master-planned community situated on over 250 acres of lush meadows. It features a community center, coffee shop, playground, swimming pool, dog park, and other luxury amenities.
The Ranches at Hamilton Pool | A Gated Community With Luxury Homes and Amazing Views
The Ranches at Hamilton Pool is an upscale, gated community of luxury estates offering great views of the nearby hill country and spacious homes, with a median sales price of $1.995 million. It’s home to some of the most affluent families living in Dripping Springs TX.
West Cave Estates | A Family-Friendly Neighborhood Enveloped In Nature
Located in the country about 7 minutes north of Dripping Springs, West Cave Estates is a fantastic community enveloped in more than 60 mature trees. It's known for its spacious lots and peaceful environment.
Dripping Springs Weather & Climate
Mild weather is another underrated benefit of living in Dripping Springs TX. According to the Koppen classification system, Dripping Springs has a humid subtropical climate. So you can expect hot, humid summers and short, cold winters.
Temperatures usually stay between about 41°F and 94°F. However, winters can drop to 29°F, and summers can reach 99°F. The ideal time to visit anyone living in Dripping Springs TX is May through September.
Although rare, it averages about 1 inch of snow and 36 inches of rain every year. So bring an umbrella if you plan to move to Dripping Springs.
Things to Do in Dripping Springs TX
Worried about what to do in Dripping Springs TX? Even though it's a relatively small, rural community, you can still find a wide variety of fun things to do in Dripping Springs, including distilleries, sports clubs, community centers, and more. As the first Dark Sky Community in Texas, Dripping Springs attracts thousands of astro-tourists every year with its annual festivals dedicated to stargazing and space exploration.
Shoppers living in Dripping Springs TX tend to frequent the downtown area along Mercer Street and Route 290. Popular boutiques include Vintage Soul, Starrs on Mercer, and the Commons Shopping Center. Other than shopping, here are some of the top Dripping Springs attractions.
Hudson’s On Mercer Street
Are you into live music while dining and drinking? Hudson’s On Mercer Street is famous for having live performances and available music lessons in Dripping Springs TX.
381 Mercer St, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, United States (512) 894 2075
Texas Hill Country Olive Company
This family-owned olive oil business sits on a 17-acre orchard and features a Tuscan-inspired tasting room, making it one of the premier Dripping Springs things to do for those with refined tastes.
2530 W Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (512) 607-6512
Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center
The Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center is a 110-acre park that offers horseback riding, hiking, and other outdoor activities, making it one of the best things to do in Dripping Springs with kids.
1042 Event Center Dr, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (512) 894-2390
Additional Dripping Springs TX Attractions
Looking for more fun things to do near Dripping Springs, TX? The local Parks and Community Services Department lists facilities and events on its website.
Dripping Springs Restaurants
You'll also find a great selection of delicious restaurants in Dripping Springs serving everything from Texas barbecue to New American cuisine. Here are a few of the best restaurants near Dripping Springs TX.
Tillie's
Housed in a former chapel converted into a chic contemporary space, Tillie's is an acclaimed New American restaurant in Dripping Springs, serving everything from afternoon tea to dinner.
3509 Creek Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (512) 894-2633
Crimson Creek Smokehouse
The Crimson Creek Smokehouse is one of the best restaurants in Dripping Springs, TX, if you're in the mood for barbecue. It serves everything from tomahawk steaks to smoked queso mac and cheese, making it popular among a wide range of people living in Dripping Springs TX.
2250 US-290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (512) 774-4739
Summer Revival
Summer Revival is a casual lunch spot and one of the best Dripping Springs TX restaurants if you're craving a sourdough BLT and sangria or a chicken salad sandwich and a natural cider.
665 US-290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (512) 829-5060
Jobs in Dripping Springs
Living in Dripping Springs TX offers access to employment in various exciting fields. The area has a thriving winery and distillery scene, and tourism and hospitality are major industries. It's also known as Texas's wedding capital, attracting visitors and creating jobs in Dripping Springs TX.
It's part of the Sustainable Places project, an initiative designed to assist those living in Dripping Springs TX, and other cities in Central Texas in creating livable areas that support community goals. Its close proximity to Austin also offers career opportunities in growing fields like technology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, and more.
Some of the largest employers in Hays County include:
- Amazon Fulfillment Centers
- Texas State University
- Dripping Springs Independent School District
- H-E-B Distribution Center
- Hays County Government
Payscale indicates the average salary in the Austin area is $83,000 per year, and workers living in Dripping Springs TX can expect similar pay. So anyone moving to Dripping Springs can find strong career opportunities. From marketing specialist to sales associate, you'll find plenty of great Dripping Springs jobs available if you're looking for employment. City of Dripping Springs jobs are also available for those who prefer to work with the local government.
Dripping Springs Schools
Students living in Dripping Springs TX will have access to excellent schools. It is one of the best school districts in Austin. The city is in Dripping Springs ISD, which includes five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school.
The elementary schools in Dripping Springs (serving pre-K through 5th grade) are:
- Cypress Springs Elementary School
- Dripping Springs Elementary School
- Rooster Springs Elementary School
- Sycamore Springs Elementary School
- Walnut Springs Elementary School
Rooster Springs is generally regarded as the best institution for kids living in Dripping Springs TX, as it features a 10/10 rating on GreatSchools and has a 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Dripping Springs Middle School and Sycamore Springs Middle School serve grades 6 through 8.
Dripping Springs High School is the sole school serving high school students in grades 9 through 12. It's also well respected and ranks 24th in the Austin metro area with a graduation rate of 96%.
There are a few good private schools in Dripping Springs TX, including the Appamada School, Acton Academy, and AESA Prep Academy. The Pinnacle Campus of Austin Community College is also open to anyone living in Dripping Springs TX. Residents can always stop by the Dripping Springs Community Library for books and events.
Dripping Springs Statistic & Information
- Dripping Springs County: Hays County
- Dripping Springs area: 8.8 square miles
- Dripping Springs zip code: 78620
- Dripping Springs area codes: 512 and 737
- Dripping Springs elevation: 1,168 ft
- Dripping Springs time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC-5 and-6)
- The closest airport to Dripping Springs: The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), which is 28 miles away
Dripping Springs TX Map
Find more activities, attractions, and fun things to do while living in Dripping Springs TX with this map.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Dripping Springs, Texas Famous for?
Dripping Springs TX is well known for the Texas Hill Country setting it provides. Known as the “Gateway to the Hill Country”, it’s a popular destination for weddings with its wineries, breweries, and distilleries. It’s also known for its dark-sky preservation and scenic ranchland with limestone creeks. The Hamilton Pool Preserve is also nearby, with growing food and beverage options.
Is Dripping Springs a Dark City?
Yes. Dripping Springs TX, has protected dark night skies since 2014. It’s the first International Dark Sky Community in Texas and is recognized for its efforts to reduce light pollution and outdoor lighting. The goal of reducing light pollution is to ensure the visibility of the stars, which is popular for stargazing and Hill Country living.
What Big City Is Near Dripping Springs, Texas?
Austin is the closest major city to Dripping Springs, Texas. Dripping Springs is west of Austin and is within Hays County. It’s about 23-26 miles by road. Many people consider Dripping Springs as part of the Greater Austin area because of its easy access to Austin jobs, restaurants, and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Is Dripping Springs, TX a Good Place to Retire?
Dripping Springs TX is a good place for retirement for people who want a quiet Hill Country lifestyle near Austin. Its dark skies, local events, wineries, and access to healthcare and shopping in the Austin metro area provide the best of both worlds. Keep in mind that it may not be ideal for retirees looking for low housing costs or dense public transit, since cars are a necessity in the area.
Is It Expensive to Live in Dripping Springs, Texas?
Dripping Springs, TX is more expensive than many small Texas towns because of housing demand, its acreage, and its proximity to Austin. The costs depend on whether you live in the city, in a suburb, or on rural property. Property taxes are often the biggest cost for people moving to Dripping Springs, despite everyday expenses similar to most of Texas.
Experience What Living In Dripping Springs TX Is Really Like
Our city guides were designed to help you settle into your new home without scrambling for information. Now that you’ve learned all you can from us about Dripping Springs on the Internet, maybe it’s time to learn what living in Dripping Springs TX is really like? Our dependable Dripping Springs movers are ready to help you plan your relocation to guarantee an easy and affordable moving day. Call (512) 339-9922 today for a free quote.