Living in 78737
What out-of-state buyers need to know.
If you're moving to Austin from out of state, the 78737 corridor is one of the first areas to put on your list. Here's what to know: schools are the most important factor for most relocating families, taxes are different than other states (no income tax, but higher property tax), and lot sizes are larger than most coastal markets. Plan a scouting trip, work with a local agent, and give yourself runway to choose the right neighborhood.
Most of 78737 is served by Dripping Springs ISD. Confirm school zoning for any specific address, since boundaries change and a small portion of 78737 is outside DSISD.
A 3- to 4-day scouting trip is usually enough to tour 8–12 homes across 3 neighborhoods (Belterra, Highpointe, Reunion Ranch, Parten Ranch, etc.) and get a feel for daily life. Kathleen builds the itinerary around your priorities.
No state income tax in Texas, but property tax rates run 1.8%–2.5% in 78737 depending on the MUD. Insurance costs differ from coastal states. A local lender can model your real monthly cost.
The most common questions Kathleen hears about this topic.
Three things: schools matter most (confirm the exact zoning), property taxes are higher than most states (1.8%–2.5%), and the commute to downtown Austin is 25–40 minutes. Plan a scouting trip and work with a local agent.
Most relocating buyers spend 3 to 4 days touring homes, exploring neighborhoods, and visiting schools. Kathleen builds an itinerary around your specific priorities.
It depends on your certainty about the area, your timeline, and current market conditions. Some buyers rent for 6–12 months to confirm the neighborhood; others move directly into a purchase. Kathleen can talk through both options.
Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are higher—typically 1.8%–2.5% of assessed value in 78737 depending on the MUD and county. Texas also offers a homestead exemption for primary residences.
Belterra, Reunion Ranch, Highpointe, and Parten Ranch are the most popular for relocating families because of schools, amenities, and community feel. Each has a different price point and personality.
Conditions shift, but 78737 generally has steady demand thanks to schools and constrained land supply. Kathleen can share current days-on-market and price trends for your timeline.
Use the Dripping Springs ISD attendance boundary tool, but verify with Kathleen for the specific address—boundaries change and a few 78737 addresses fall outside DSISD.
Most master-planned communities are on city/MUD water, sewer, and trash. Acreage properties may use well, septic, and propane. Confirm during the inspection.
Typical closings run 30–45 days from contract to keys, faster for cash. Texas uses title companies (not attorneys) for closing.
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 regularly works with relocation buyers, runs virtual tours, builds scouting trip itineraries, coordinates lenders, and walks buyers through the contract and inspection process remotely when needed.
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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