Living in 78737
Big skies, rolling terrain, and a slower pace.
Hill Country living near Austin trades convenience for space, quiet, and natural beauty. Whether you're looking at a master-planned community in 78737 or acreage outside town, the lifestyle revolves around the outdoors. Sunsets matter. Wildlife is part of daily life. And while you're still close enough to Austin to commute, you're far enough out that traffic noise disappears.
Hill Country lots typically have mature live oaks, cedar, and limestone outcroppings. Deer and the occasional fox are normal. Many neighborhoods preserve large amounts of natural greenbelt.
Some properties—especially on larger acreage—are on private wells and septic. Master-planned communities like Belterra, Highpointe, Reunion Ranch, and Parten Ranch are on city/utility water. Confirm well, septic, and propane vs natural gas before you make an offer.
Spring and fall are long and beautiful. Summers are hot but evenings cool quickly thanks to elevation. Patios, pools, and porches get heavy use most of the year.
The most common questions Kathleen hears about this topic.
It's quieter, greener, and more outdoorsy than central Austin. Larger lots, mature trees, scenic views, and a strong sense of community define daily life. Most residents commute to Austin only when they need to.
The Texas Hill Country starts on Austin's western edge and stretches west and southwest. The 78737 corridor, Dripping Springs, Bee Cave, and Lakeway are the eastern edge of the Hill Country and the closest to downtown Austin.
Some are—especially on larger acreage. Master-planned communities (Belterra, Highpointe, Reunion Ranch, Parten Ranch) are on municipal or utility water. Always confirm during the inspection period.
Deer, hawks, songbirds, and the occasional fox or armadillo are part of daily life. Snakes are present but rarely encountered around occupied homes. Pet owners should be aware of coyotes.
On a per-square-foot basis it can be similar, but you typically get larger lots and newer construction. Insurance can be higher in wildfire-risk areas, and well/septic systems add maintenance considerations.
From 78737 and Dripping Springs, plan on 25 to 40 minutes via Highway 290. Bee Cave and Lakeway via 71 are similar. Lakeway via 620 can be longer.
In master-planned communities, yes—fiber and high-speed cable are widely available. On rural acreage, options can be limited to fixed wireless or Starlink. Always verify before committing.
Hiking (Hamilton Pool, Pedernales Falls, Reimers Ranch), swimming, kayaking, mountain biking, wine tours, and stargazing. Most neighborhoods also have pools, sport courts, and miles of trails.
Tax rates depend on the specific MUD, school district, and county. Hays County rates can be lower than Travis County, but specific MUDs (municipal utility districts) add to the rate. Always look at the total effective rate.
Kathleen Magat is a REALTOR® with Douglas Elliman who specializes in the 78737 zip code, Dripping Springs, and the southwest Austin Hill Country corridor. She helps buyers compare master-planned communities, gated neighborhoods, and acreage properties so they understand the real trade-offs in maintenance, taxes, and lifestyle.
Tell Kathleen what you're looking for—she'll help you find the right neighborhood in 78737.
Kathleen Magat is a trusted real estate advisor specializing in Reunion Ranch and the surrounding Dripping Springs and Hill Country neighborhoods near Austin. She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex transactions with clarity, neutrality, and strategic precision.
Contact
(650) 291-7516 kathleen.magat@elliman.com1717 W. 6th Street Suite 190, Austin, TX 78703
Brokerage
Douglas Elliman Real Estate
(281) 652-5588 · Designated Broker of Firm: Alice Belinda Fernandez
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