Market Overview for Ruby Ranch
There are 3 active listings in Ruby Ranch with a median list price of $885K and a median sold price of $881K.
Homes average 118 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 1 homes have sold, with 12 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $327.
About Ruby Ranch
Ruby Ranch is a luxury residential community located in Hays County near Buda, Texas, approximately 23 miles southwest of downtown Austin off Farm Market Road 967. The neighborhood sits between FM 967 to the north, Dodgen Trail and Interstate 35 to the east, Onion Creek Lodge Road to the west, and FM 150 to the south. Ruby Ranch is situated in the heart of the Texas Hill Country with gently rolling terrain, mature oak trees, and natural limestone outcroppings. The partially gated community was developed as a luxury subdivision with an emphasis on preserving the rural and natural character of the landscape. Properties in Ruby Ranch benefit from the natural beauty and privacy associated with Hill Country living while remaining within reasonable commuting distance to central Austin.
Homes in Ruby Ranch are custom-built residences ranging from approximately $500,000 to over $1.5 million, with most properties situated on lots ranging from 1 to 7 acres. Home sizes typically range from 3,000 to 6,000 square feet with architectural styles reflecting Hill Country design preferences including native stone, stucco, and cedar exteriors, open floor plans with high ceilings, and covered outdoor living areas. Construction era spans the 1990s through 2010s. The larger homesites and custom construction create estate-style properties that emphasize privacy and natural surroundings. Horses and small livestock are permitted on many properties, allowing residents to maintain a rural lifestyle while being part of an organized community. Many homes feature amenities including guest houses, guest cottages, or additional structures reflecting the acreage available to residents.
Ruby Ranch is served by Hays Consolidated Independent School District, which encompasses 26 campuses across northern Hays County and serves over 20,000 students. Students in Ruby Ranch are zoned for Carpenter Hill Elementary School for grades Pre-K through 5, Dahlstrom Middle School for grades 6 through 8, and Jack C. Hays High School for grades 9 through 12. Hays CISD has expanded significantly since 2000, with campus numbers tripling to meet growing enrollment. The district offers advanced placement programs, dual-credit courses, and career and technical education pathways at the high school level. Hays CISD operates three comprehensive high schools, six middle schools, and 15 elementary schools across northern Hays County. The district continues to invest in facility improvements and curriculum development to support its growing student base.
The commute from Ruby Ranch to downtown Austin takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes via FM 967 and Interstate 35, depending on traffic conditions and time of day. Downtown Buda, the nearest commercial center, is approximately 10 minutes south along FM 967 and FM 150. Kyle, another Hays County community with retail and dining options, is approximately 15 minutes south. The growing technology corridor along Parmer Lane in northwest Austin is approximately 25 to 30 minutes north, providing access to Apple and other tech employers. Hill Country natural amenities, including lakes, parks, and hiking trails, are readily accessible to residents seeking outdoor recreation. The location offers a balance between rural seclusion and convenient access to Austin's employment centers and regional opportunities for professional advancement.
Living in Ruby Ranch
Ruby Ranch attracts buyers seeking upscale Hill Country living with property sizes and privacy not easily found in suburban Austin neighborhoods. The community emphasizes low density, natural beauty, and rural character preservation. Many residents maintain horses and small livestock, contributing to the ranch-style atmosphere. The landscape features mature oak groves, native vegetation, native limestone features, and rolling terrain. The property sizes ranging from 1 to 7 acres provide residents with significant land for private recreation, gardens, guest houses, or small equestrian operations. Wildlife viewing opportunities and natural beauty are defining characteristics of the Ruby Ranch experience.
Buda was designated by the Texas State Legislature as the Outdoor Capital of Texas due to its high percentage of parkland and outdoor recreation opportunities. Buda features 13 scenic parks and natural areas including the 54-acre Historic Stagecoach Park with nature trails, playground, pavilions, and a working historic stagecoach station. Garlic Creek Park spans 31 acres with playgrounds, courts, and trails. Residents of Ruby Ranch have quick access to Buda's parks, as well as trail systems including the Onion Creek Trail and Mary Moore Searight Park Metro Trail. Lake Travis is approximately 25 minutes north, offering water recreation including kayaking, boating, and swimming. Daily shopping and dining are available in Buda, with growing retail and restaurant options along FM 967 and FM 150. The combination of spacious homesites, natural Hill Country character, proximity to outdoor recreation, and reasonable commute times to central Austin employment centers appeals to families and professionals seeking a higher-density lifestyle with rural character.
Things to Do in Ruby Ranch
- Historic Stagecoach Park: 54-acre Buda park featuring nature trails, playground, amphitheater, pavilions, and historic structures including the McElroy-Severn Stagecoach House from the 1800s.
- Onion Creek Trail: Popular hiking trail through Hill Country terrain with water features and natural scenery, accessible from multiple trailheads near Buda and Ruby Ranch.
- Garlic Creek Park: 31-acre Buda park with playground, basketball court, picnic tables, and trails connecting to natural areas with 44 acres of undeveloped land.
- Mary Moore Searight Park Metro Trail: Metropolitan trail system accessible from Buda offering hiking and cycling through Hill Country terrain with natural water features and scenic views.
- Lake Travis: Popular Hill Country lake approximately 25 minutes north offering kayaking, boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation along scenic Hill Country landscape.
Major Employers in Ruby Ranch
- Apple (Technology): 133-acre campus in northwest Austin with over 5,000 employees, approximately 25 to 30 minutes north of Ruby Ranch
- Dell Technologies (Technology): Global headquarters in Round Rock with over 13,000 local employees, approximately 30 to 40 minutes northeast
- Baylor Scott & White Health (Healthcare): Large health system with significant presence in the Austin and Central Texas region, providing healthcare employment
- City of Buda (Government): Municipal government serving the Buda area, a significant regional employer
Ruby Ranch Schools
Ruby Ranch is served by Hays CISD. Students typically attend Carpenter Hill Elementary or Elm Grove Elementary for elementary school, Eric Dahlstrom Middle School for middle school, and Jack C Hays High School or Johnson High School for high school.
School District: Hays CISD
Public Schools
- Carpenter Hill Elementary
- Eric Dahlstrom Middle
- Moe And Gene Johnson High School
- Jack C Hays High School
Pre-Schools
- Little Learners Academy - Early education center serving Buda area families with structured curriculum and developmental programs
- Bright Beginnings Preschool - Private preschool program offering pre-K and kindergarten with focus on early literacy and social development
Private Schools
- Buda Christian Academy - Faith-based private school offering pre-K through 8th grade with college preparatory academics
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do homes cost in Ruby Ranch TX?
Homes in Ruby Ranch range from approximately $500,000 to over $1.5 million. Properties are custom-built on lots of 1 to 7 acres with home sizes typically 3,000 to 6,000 square feet.
What school district is Ruby Ranch in?
Ruby Ranch is served by Hays Consolidated Independent School District. Students attend Carpenter Hill Elementary, Dahlstrom Middle School, and Jack C. Hays High School.
How far is Ruby Ranch from downtown Austin?
Ruby Ranch is approximately 23 miles southwest of downtown Austin near Buda. Commutes take 35 to 45 minutes via FM 967 and Interstate 35 depending on traffic.
What makes Ruby Ranch different from other Austin neighborhoods?
Ruby Ranch offers large estate lots from 1 to 7 acres in Hill Country terrain with custom homes, rural character, and property sizes allowing horses and small livestock. Low density emphasizes privacy and natural beauty.
What outdoor recreation is available near Ruby Ranch?
Buda has 13 parks including 54-acre Historic Stagecoach Park. Popular trails include Onion Creek Trail and Mary Moore Searight Park Metro Trail. Lake Travis is 25 minutes north for water recreation.
Is Ruby Ranch a gated community?
Ruby Ranch is a partially gated residential community with private roads and an emphasis on preserving rural Hill Country character, privacy, and natural landscape features.