The greater Austin area has been booming for over a decade now. In fact, in 2023, it was ranked the fastest-growing metro area in the country for the 12th year in a row. Of course, not everyone wants to live in Austin proper and there are a number of adjacent smaller cities towns that are a great choice to settle down in.
In our humble opinion, however, Dripping Springs is tops among all of them and is perfect for families. Here’s why…
Small Town Charm
Spotlighted as one of Texas’ best small towns, Dripping Springs offers small-town charm while still being close enough to Austin (about 40 minutes) for big-city convenience. Its population of around 8,600 people is a welcomed relief for those looking to avoid big city crowds, and it’s known as both the gateway to the Hill Country and the wedding capital of Texas.
Families will love exploring outdoor activities like star gazing at Pedernales Falls State Park or swimming in the natural waters of Hamilton Pool. There’s also a growing restaurant scene with restaurants like Homespun Kitchen & Bar and Carmela’s Pizzeria Cafe that offer something for every appetite.
Great Local Schools
One of the reasons Dripping Springs is such a draw for families is that it has a great local school district that sets students up to excel in life. The Dripping Springs Independent School District serves 8,700 students in Travis County and boasts a high school graduation rate of 99.7 percent.
For the previous three years, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards Program has named the district as a statewide finalist in the District of the Year, and it regularly earns an A rating from the Texas Education Agency.
Community Happenings
Dripping Springs may be a small town, but it’s anything but sleepy. From January through December, there’s always something going on, and the community regularly comes together for celebrations.
Local events such as the Founder’s Day Festival, Fair & Rodeo, Farmer’s Market, Pumpkin Festival, and Christmas on Mercer bring the entire community together and are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to happenings and gatherings in Dripping Springs.
Life at Caliterra
When it comes to finding the ideal spot to settle down in Dripping Springs, the master-planned Caliterra community was designed with families in mind. Open floor plans and chef-inspired kitchens designed by the country’s leading homebuilders mean that families have room to grow in a home that fits their lifestyle. Many of the homes also include home offices, media rooms, and patios built for entertaining friends and family.
It’s not just the homes themselves that appeal to families in Dripping Springs but the amenities within the Caliterra community as well. Residents can grab a coffee at the Front Porch cafe before heading off to work, lounge by the pool at the Cove during warmer months, take the pup for a run at the dog park, or go for a jog along the extensive trail system. There are also special pop-up events at the Community Hall that bring residents together throughout the year.
If your family is ready to start the new year in a home and community designed for families, reach out to the Caliterra team today.