Dripping Springs Community Guide

Dripping Springs lies in the beautiful Texas Hill Country about 25 miles west of Austin, at the intersection of Highway 290 and Ranch Road 12. This beautiful town offers majestic views, abundant wildlife, rolling hills, and rock bottom creeks.

While the City of Dripping Springs was incorporated in 1981, it has a rich history dating back to the mid-1800’s. Originally settled by a three families, Dripping Springs later became a stage coach stop and part of the freight line between Austin and Fredericksburg. Several of its historic buildings remain as landmarks in the community.

Dripping Springs has continued to grow over the years, maintaining its rural, hometown feel, while also supporting new construction. Within its 3.3 square miles, you’ll find a selection of real estate available in master-planned communities as well as areas with custom homes on one to 10 acres or more. With an exceptional school system and affordable living, as well as its proximity to Austin and San Antonio, Dripping Springs is an ideal place to find a home.

Dripping Springs Demographics
Dripping Springs is currently home to approximately 1,550 residents with an estimated median household income of $47,212. For population 25 years and over in Dripping Springs, 22.5% of residents have a Bachelor's degree or higher.

Things to do in Dripping Springs
Residents and visitors can visit the springs that gave the city its name near the west end of Mercer Street / Loop 64. The springs were originally a gathering place for the Tonkawa Indians, as well as the source of water for the original settlers.

The Pound House Museum is a local landmark built by Dr. J. M. Pound in 1852. Dr. Pound was the earliest doctor in Hays County, and his family was one of the first to settle in Dripping Springs. The Pound family lived on and operated the farm for 130 years, and it is currently being restored by the community.

Residents with children and those who enjoy the outdoors will appreciate Founders Memorial Park, a 40-acre city park on the north side of the 290 – 12 intersection. The park features a Junior Olympic-sized pool, jogging trail, soccer fields, picnic facilities, concession stand, and playscape.

Just 10 miles northwest of Dripping Springs is Hamilton Pool, a natural, deep water pool that is part of the Travis County Park System. Also on Hamilton Pool Road, Westcave Preserve is a great place for wildlife watching. A limestone-walled canyon, it is home to a number of rare and endangered plants.

For more outdoor activities, Dripping Springs residents can visit Pedernales State Park, a 5,222-acre park along the banks of the scenic Pedernales River, just 15 miles west of Dripping Springs. From camping, picnicking, hiking and biking, to swimming, tubing, or fishing, the park is a great place to enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

Dripping Springs is also an ideal location for anyone who enjoys wine tasting. Visit the nearby Texas Wine Trail and several wineries in the area, including Mandola Estate and Driftwood Vineyards in Driftwood, Texas Hill Vineyards in Johnson City, and many others surrounding the Fredericksburg and Lake Travis areas.

When you’re ready to make a day of shopping, the newly constructed Hill Country Galleria is only 15 minutes away, or you can visit downtown Austin and an assortment of shopping centers located throughout the greater Austin area. Closer to home, a new 55-acre shopping center is scheduled to open in Dripping Springs in 2008, anchored by retailers HEB and Home Depot.

Restaurants in Dripping Springs include the Nutty Brown Cafe, Canyon Grill Ice House, Texas Legends Smokehouse, Sojourner Café, Hill Country Kitchen, and Riley’s Bar-b-q. And, just a short away in Driftwood, you’ll find the world-famous Salt Lick Barbecue restaurant.

Dripping Springs Schools
Students in Dripping Springs are served by the Dripping Springs Independent School District. The Texas Education Agency has rated the District Exemplary or Recognized for many years in its Accountability Rating System. DSISD’s four campuses include Rooster Springs Elementary, Walnut Springs Elementary, Dripping Springs Elementary, Dripping Springs Middle School, and Dripping Springs High School. Both elementary schools, along with Dripping Springs Middle School, received exemplary ratings from the Texas Education Agency this past year.

Dripping Springs Major employers
While many residents commute to Austin or surrounding areas for work, local employers include Brown-Karhan Health Care, Dripping Springs Independent School District, Hill Country Care Nursing and Rehab, Dominoes, and Wells Fargo. Home Depot and HEB are scheduled to open new stores in Dripping Springs in 2008.

Dripping Springs Places of worship
Dripping Springs offers residents a variety of places of worship serving many faiths and denominations. These include Church of the Springs, Dripping Springs Church of Christ, Dripping Springs Presbyterian Church, Drippings Springs United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church, Grace Point Fellowship, Hill Country Christian Fellowship, New Life Lutheran Church, St. Sophia Church Antiochian Orthodox, Sunset Canyon Baptist Church, and The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit.