August 4th, 2021
Moving To Dripping Springs, Texas: What You Need To Know
- Why Are People Moving To Texas?
- What Does Dripping Springs, TX Have to Offer?
- Dripping Springs, TX Schools
- Colleges Near Dripping Springs, Texas
- Austin, Texas, A Major City Within Reach of Dripping Springs
- Active Living & Amenities In Dripping Springs, Texas
- Tips For Moving To Texas
Why Are People Moving To Texas?
Families, young professionals, and retirees move to the great state of Texas for many reasons. From the Houston area to El Paso, Texas has the 12th healthiest economy in the United States. There are great job opportunities, a cost of living that’s 8% lower than the average in the US, and an income tax rate of zero.
No wonder residents from more expensive states like New York, California, and beyond are moving to the Lone Star State. Texas gives residents the chance to make money, keep more of it, and get more bang for their buck. Living in Dripping Springs, TX gives you plenty of bang for your buck, especially when you’re a quick drive away from Downtown Austin.
What Does Dripping Springs, TX Have To Offer?
Found in central Texas, Dripping Springs is known as the “Gateway to Texas Hill Country” and is just 25 minutes from Austin. It’s home to a plethora of distilleries, wineries, and breweries; it has great schools and a low cost of living, and the town’s minimum light pollution makes it perfect for stargazing. Let’s dig into what else Dripping Springs, Texas has to offer all its residents.
Things to do near Dripping Springs, TX
Exploring Texas Hill Country
Texas Hill Country gets its name from the many limestone and granite rolling hills that rise and fall throughout the region like waves in an ocean. The Texas Hill Country is full of natural beauty and wonder. Dripping Springs is known to many as the “Gateway to Hill Country,” so it’s an ideal place in the Lone Star State to launch your adventures in a region estimated to be between the size of Virginia and Georgia, with elevation changes that go from around 600 feet to just over 3,000 feet above sea level.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
The 200-acre Hamilton Pool Preserve is the result of thousands of years of water erosion. The resulting collapsed grotto, canyons, and waterfall are home to lush plant life and many animals. A reservation must be made online, and you have to pay to park. It’s all worth it to see such natural beauty and fun for both children and older adults.
Blue Hole Regional Park
People come from all over to Blue Hole Regional Park because it’s consistently ranked as a top-tier Texas swimming hole. And it’s just 30 minutes away from Headwaters. You’ll find ample opportunity to swim, camp, view abundant wildlife, explore a hiking trail, and picnic.
Stargazing
In 2014, Dripping Springs was named the first Dark Sky Community in Texas by the International Dark-Sky Association, thanks to a 2011 lighting ordinance that reduced outdoor lighting to a minimum and allowed for incredible Texas star gazing. On the last weekend in March, Dripping Springs even hosted a Dark Sky Festival, which brings in people from the surrounding area.
Wineries, Distilleries, and Breweries
The Dripping Springs area is home to many wineries, distilleries, and breweries.
- Dripping Springs Distilling
- Treaty Oak Distilling
- Bell Springs Winery
- Hawk’s Shadow Winery
- Dripping Springs Vodka
- Frog Pond Distillery
- One Shot Distillery & Brewery
- Stinson Distilling & Winery
- Desert Door Distillery
- Discover Texas Wine Tours
- Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room
- Twisted X Brewing Company
- Desert Door Distillery
- Acopon Brewing Co.
- Slowpokes Winery Tours
- Family Business Beer Company
Onion Creek Kitchens at Juniper Hills Farm
This cooking school offers classes for all levels of expertise where you can learn more about your favorite cuisine. The sessions have the feel of a dinner party where you’re catching up with acquaintances old and new alike. There are also cabin rental opportunities, yoga classes, and a sauna.
Dripping Springs Notable Residents
The Dripping Springs Community has had some notable residents. Here are just a few.
- Edith Ann “E.D.” Hill is an American journalist and news presenter. She has been an anchor at CNN since 2010 and was an anchor and co-host on the Fox News Network from 1998 to 2009.
- Kyle Chandler is an American actor best known for his portrayal of Eric Taylor on the show Friday Night Lights, for which he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2011. Chandler is also known for supporting roles in many films, most recently Godzilla Vs. Kong, The Midnight Sky, and Godzilla: King of the Monsters.
- Gregg Rolie is an American musician and a founding member of the bands Santana and Journey.
Dripping Springs, TX Schools
Whether you’re moving from out of state or from somewhere else in Texas, a solid school district is an important consideration. Dripping Springs residents living in Headwaters can send their children to schools within the Dripping Springs Independent School District, which is well-rated and home to many great schools, according to Niche.com.
- Dripping Springs Elementary (PK-Grade 5)
- Overall Grade: A
- #1 of 26 in Best Public Elementary Schools in Hays County
- #1 of 25 in Elementary Schools with the Best Teachers in Hays County
- Dripping Springs Middle School (Grades 6-8)
- Overall Grade: A
- #2 of 12 in Best Public Middle Schools in Hays County
- #2 of 10 in Middle Schools with the Best Teachers in Hays County
- Dripping Springs High School (Grades 9-12)
- Overall Grade: A+
- #1 of 7 in Best Public High Schools in Hays County
- #1 of 12 in Best High Schools for Athletes in Hays County
- #1 of 7 in Best College Prep Public High Schools in Hays County
- #69 of 1,396 in Best College Prep Public High Schools in Texas
- #73 of 1,729 in Best Public High Schools in Texas
- Dripping Springs Independent School District
- Overall Grade: A+
- #3 in Best School Districts in Austin Area
- #23 of 1,019 Best School Districts in Texas
- #52 of 1,031 Districts with the Best Teachers in Texas
Colleges Near Dripping Springs, Texas
Dripping Springs is near many colleges, which is something to keep in mind when moving to the area. Take a look below.
- The University of Texas at Austin
- #1 in Top Public Universities in Texas
- Austin Community College- Cypress Creek Campus
- Austin Community College- Pinnacle Campus
- Austin Community College- San Gabriel Campus
- Concordia University
- Salado College
- Senior University Georgetown
- Southwestern University
- #2 Best College in the Austin Area
- Texas A&M University
- Texas South University- Austin
- Texas State University- Round Rock Campus
Austin, Texas, A Major City Within Reach of Dripping Springs
Just 25 minutes away by car from the Dripping Springs community, downtown Austin has something for everyone. You’ll find comedy, culinary delights, a film industry, live music, many museums, theater, various active subcultures and communities, and more.
There’s a lot of job growth opportunities for young professionals in the big city thanks to a diverse job market that services all sectors, with particular emphasis on high-tech companies, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology industries.
Many of the jobs that you can get in Austin can be worked remotely, which Headwaters is uniquely positioned to accommodate with coworking spaces and homes that have ample space for working thanks to bonus rooms and open floor plans.
Austin, TX Attractions Are Only 25 Minutes From Dripping Springs
Within an hour’s drive from Headwaters you will find many Austin attractions Dripping Springs residents can enjoy. Here are some of the most popular:
Austin FC Stadium
Cheer on Austin FC at the new Q2 Stadium in North Austin. Newly built, the Q2 stadium had its first game in June 2021, the same year that Austin FC started playing in Major League Soccer (MLS). In 2022, Q2 will even have its own stop on the Capital MetroRail.
Lady Bird Lake
Paddleboarders, kayakers, canoers, rowers, and more regularly make use of Lady Bird Lake. A 10.1 miles long trail known as the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail goes around the entirety of the lake. The trail is mostly smooth surface of crushed granite, although some parts are concrete or boardwalk. If you have a license, you can go fishing in the lake, which is stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, carp, and sunfish. While there’s a daily bag and length limit, there’s no ban on the consumption of the fish you catch.
Barton Creek Greenbelt
If you want to go rock climbing, picnicking, hiking, biking, swimming, cliff diving, kayaking, or tubing in the surrounding area, then Barton Creek Greenbelt is the place for you. It’s 7.25 miles of public land that is also home to the two-mile-long Airmen’s Cave, the longest cave in Travis County, Texas. Airmen’s Cave is closed to the general public, but if you want to go spelunking you can schedule a guided tour.
Zilker Park
As you may have noticed, Austin has a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities, of which Zilker Park is one of the most popular. The 350-acre park has the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, Zilker Botanical Garden, and hosts large-scale events that include the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Zilker Park Kite Festival. Zilker Park is also home to Barton Springs Pool, a destination for swimming that’s open year-round because its waters are always between 68°F and 74°F.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
At 284 acres, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, which is the state botanical garden and arboretum, is home to over 900 species of native Texas plants in both garden and natural settings. The Wildflower Center also hosts many events and educational programs.
Long Center for the Performing Arts
In addition to various Austin-area performing arts organizations, the Long Center for the Performing Arts is the permanent home of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Austin Lyric Opera, and Ballet Austin.
Blanton Museum of Art
One of the largest art museums in the US, the 189,340 square foot Blanton Museum of Art’s permanent collection is nearly 8,000 works featuring modern and contemporary art, Latin American art, Old Master paintings, and prints and drawings from Europe, the United States, and Latin America.
Active Living and Amenities at Headwaters, TX
In addition to all the perks of living near a premier Texas city, all Headwaters residents get access to our many amenities.
HW Central
HW Central is the hub of the Headwaters community. It’s where you’ll find the fitness center, coworking spaces, community gardens, event spaces, the pool, and manicured open space perfect for casual and organized play. HW Center also has outdoor grilling stations, fire pits, and more.
HW Fit
Headwaters state-of-the-art fitness center has everything you need to meet your fitness goals. Cardio, strength training, group fitness opportunities, personal training, etc.
The Hub
This coffee shop is a great place to grab a cup of Joe, and then get some work done, catch-up with friends, relax, whatever.
Parks
At Homestead Park you’ll find a croquet lawn, a stargazing amphitheater, a historic ranch house site, picnic opportunities, and an event lawn with panoramic views of Texas Hill Country. At Headwaters Park, you can have a picnic, play, or access Barton Creek.
Trails
Headwaters® residents will have access to over eight miles of trails, which allow you to experience the restorative powers of nature and scenic views of Texas Hill Country and Barton Creek.
Resort-Style Swimming Pool and Splash Pad
Headwaters has a split-level and noise-controlled pool and a water playscape for the kids.
Community
There are so many events at Headwaters that assist in building your own personal community. Keep an eye on the activities section of our blog to find new opportunities for fun and ways to meet your neighbors.
How to View Homes in Dripping Springs, Texas at Headwaters
You can browse the following housing options online or in person: Ashton Woods, David Weekley Homes, Taylor Morrison, Newmark Homes, and more.
In-Person Tours
Contact any of our representatives via phone, email, or using our contact form. You can arrange guided or self-guided tours.
Virtual Tours
You can browse all of our real estate options using videos and interactive floor plans.
Tips For Moving To Texas
Choosing Your Moving Company
Due diligence is crucial when choosing a moving company. After all, you want all your things to make it to your new Dripping Springs home in one piece after their trip on the moving truck. So, when choosing Texas movers, get your reviews from various sources, including the Texas Department of Consumer Affairs.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) isn’t the governmental agency it may appear to be; it’s a non-profit. So, if you visit the BBB, pay more attention to the reviews on the BBB than accreditation, which is something a company gets by paying yearly dues in order to gain access to educational resources and marketing materials.
Work with a company that’s been around for a while. That means its weather many storms, has a history of honoring contracts and warranties, and can provide you with references. If the company won’t provide references, look for one that will.
Get an estimate that’s reasonable and binding. That way you pay how much you actually expect to pay. You should also get valuation coverage to protect your stuff, as well as a bill of lading, which is a document you’re legally owed before any move. Make sure your moving company has a TxDMV license before finalizing your decision as well.
Change Your Address
A week before you move, update your mailing address with the United State Postal Service. You can change your address online. All you need is a credit or debit card.
Texas Driver’s License
Within 90 days of moving to Texas, a new resident needs to get a Texas driver’s license.
Vehicle Registration
Vehicle registration information is found online.
Voter Registration
You can register to vote in Texas by completing an online voter registration form that you then have to print and mail. The completed form has to be returned to your local county election office at least 30 days before the next upcoming election.
The Bottom Line on Moving to Dripping Springs, TX
Living in the Great State of Texas, particularly in the “Gateway to Texas Hill Country” comes with a lot of perks. Natural beauty, pristine nature, and Austin is just a drive away. Come for the low cost of living, robust economy, and an income tax rate of zero, and stay for the culture and picturesque setting of the Dripping Springs area.
Now that you know about all the great amenities you’ll find at Headwaters, we’d love to have you join our community. From New York to San Francisco, every new resident will find a lot to love as a Texan.
Welcome home.
References and Citations
https://www.tripstodiscover.com/things-to-do-in-the-texas-hill-country/
https://www.votetexas.gov/register/index.html
https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/register-your-vehicle
https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license
https://moversguide.usps.com/mgo/disclaimer
