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The Highlands is part of Hays County County. Browse all homes for sale there for a wider search.
Market Overview for The Highlands
There are 0 active listings in The Highlands and a median sold price of $493K.
Over the past 30 days, 0 homes have sold, with 4 sales in the past 12 months.
About The Highlands
The Highlands is a residential community in the Dripping Springs area of Hays County, Texas, situated in the Hill Country corridor between Dripping Springs and Wimberley along Ranch Road 12. The neighborhood sits at an elevation of roughly 1,000 feet in rolling limestone terrain covered by live oak, cedar, and native grasses typical of the eastern Edwards Plateau. The zip code is 78620, and the community is approximately 25 miles southwest of downtown Austin.
Homes in The Highlands are primarily single-family residences on lots ranging from a quarter acre to several acres, built from the 2000s onward. The housing stock includes both production-builder homes and semi-custom construction, with architectural styles ranging from Hill Country limestone to traditional and contemporary designs. Prices reflect the premium associated with Dripping Springs-area real estate, which has appreciated steadily as the corridor between Austin and Wimberley has attracted more residential development.
The Highlands is served by Dripping Springs Independent School District, which covers a large geographic area of western Hays County. Students in this area typically attend Walnut Springs Elementary, Dripping Springs Middle School, and Dripping Springs High School. The district has earned strong academic ratings and has expanded through multiple bond elections to keep pace with enrollment growth driven by new residential development along the Highway 290 and Ranch Road 12 corridors.
The Dripping Springs area positions residents between Austin's employment centers and the recreational amenities of the Hill Country. Highway 290 provides the primary commute route to Austin, with travel times of 30 to 45 minutes to downtown. The town of Dripping Springs itself has grown from a small crossroads into a community with restaurants, breweries, wineries, and retail along the Highway 290 corridor. Wimberley, with its arts community and swimming holes, is roughly 15 minutes to the south along RR 12.
Living in The Highlands
Living in The Highlands means daily life in the Hill Country with a growing suburban infrastructure in the Dripping Springs area. The town center along Highway 290 has expanded to include H-E-B, several restaurant clusters, a public library, and medical clinics. The Belterra Village shopping center, about 10 minutes east, adds additional retail and dining options. The area retains a semi-rural character despite growth, with ranches, vineyards, and open space surrounding the residential developments.
Outdoor recreation is a central part of life in this part of Hays County. Hamilton Pool Preserve, a natural grotto and swimming hole managed by Travis County, is one of the most popular day-trip destinations in the region and requires advance reservations during summer months. Reimers Ranch Park offers rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking along the Pedernales River. Jester King Brewery, a farmhouse brewery on Fitzhugh Road, has become a regional destination for craft beer and food events. Blue Hole Regional Park in Wimberley provides another swimming option during warm months. The Dripping Springs area is home to a growing cluster of distilleries and wineries, including Tito's Handmade Vodka's production facility and Deep Eddy Vodka.
Things to Do in The Highlands
- Hamilton Pool Preserve: A natural grotto and swimming hole with a 50-foot waterfall, managed by Travis County Parks. Reservations required during peak season; admission fee applies.
- Reimers Ranch Park: A 2,427-acre Travis County park along the Pedernales River with rock climbing, mountain biking trails, hiking, and river access. Day use fee applies.
- Jester King Brewery: A farmhouse brewery on Fitzhugh Road known for wild ales and farmhouse beers. Open Friday through Sunday with food trucks and outdoor seating.
- Blue Hole Regional Park: A natural swimming area on Cypress Creek in Wimberley, approximately 15 minutes south. Reservations required during summer; admission fee applies.
- Dripping Springs Distilleries: A cluster of craft distilleries along the Highway 290 corridor including Tito's Handmade Vodka, Deep Eddy Vodka, and Treaty Oak Distilling.
Major Employers in The Highlands
- Dripping Springs ISD (Education): The school district is the largest employer in the Dripping Springs area.
- Tito's Handmade Vodka (Distilling): Craft vodka distillery with production facilities in the Dripping Springs area.
- Baylor Scott & White Health (Healthcare): Regional healthcare system with clinics accessible from the Dripping Springs corridor.
The Highlands Schools
The Highlands is served by Dripping Springs ISD, a district covering western Hays County with strong academic ratings and steady enrollment growth.
School District: Dripping Springs ISD
Public Schools
Hays Consolidated Independent School District
San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District
Pre-Schools
- Dripping Springs Montessori School - Montessori preschool in the Dripping Springs area.
- Creative World School Dripping Springs - Early education center serving the Dripping Springs community.
Private Schools
- Hill Country Christian School of Austin - Private Christian school accessible from the Dripping Springs area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Highlands neighborhood in Texas?
The Highlands is a residential community in the Dripping Springs area of Hays County, approximately 25 miles southwest of downtown Austin in the Texas Hill Country.
What school district is The Highlands in?
The Highlands is served by Dripping Springs Independent School District. Students typically attend Walnut Springs Elementary, Dripping Springs Middle School, and Dripping Springs High School.
What do homes cost in The Highlands?
Home prices in The Highlands vary by lot size and construction but generally range from the $400s to over $800,000, reflecting Dripping Springs-area real estate values.
How far is The Highlands from downtown Austin?
The Highlands is approximately 25 miles southwest of downtown Austin. Commute times via Highway 290 typically range from 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
What is there to do near The Highlands?
Nearby attractions include Hamilton Pool Preserve, Reimers Ranch Park, Jester King Brewery, and the Dripping Springs distillery corridor. Wimberley's Blue Hole is about 15 minutes south.