The Texas Hill Country: Bigger Than We Expected
We’ve spent enough time in Texas to know that everything is bigger here—the roads, the trucks, the skies that stretch endlessly over rolling hills. But we weren’t quite prepared for just how big the “small towns” of the Hill Country have become. Our recent exploration of Dripping Springs and Wimberley proved that even in the heart of this picturesque landscape, growth isn’t just coming—it’s already here.
Dripping Springs: From One Family to Many
Dripping Springs, as we learned, started with just one family. A single homestead on the edge of the Texas wilderness. It’s hard to imagine that now, standing in a town with six elementary schools, three middle schools, and a high school, all funded by a robust property tax base. Growth isn’t just visible—it’s baked into the very fabric of the place. New homes, new schools, new businesses. And yet, despite its expansion, it still feels more remote than the ever-sprawling northern suburbs of Austin.
A quick 30-40 minute drive from downtown, Dripping Springs holds onto a bit of that old Hill Country charm, even as it transforms into something far bigger than its origins.
Wimberley: Small-Town Charm Meets Big-City Traffic
Wimberley, on the other hand, leans into its quaintness. The town square, lined with local shops and cafés, still carries that relaxed, small-town Texas feel. It sits along Sycamore Creek, offering shaded spots to linger and enjoy a slower pace. We took the kids and Poky on a short hike to Blue Hole Regional Park, a lush escape where crystal-clear spring-fed waters tempt visitors to take a plunge. The second-largest submerged cave in Texas lies beneath those waters, and while swimming is allowed in designated areas, our visit didn’t line up with the right season for a dive. Still, we enjoyed the creek, forest and playground.
But while Wimberley may be smaller than Dripping Springs, it certainly doesn’t feel that way on a weekend. The influx of Austinites escaping the city for the weekend turns this little town into a packed destination. Traffic around the square was heavy enough to require a permanently posted police officer directing cars—proof that even the most charming corners of the Hill Country aren’t immune to Austin’s reach.
The Future of the Hill Country
It’s clear that growth isn’t stopping anytime soon. With Austin’s tech boom continuing to push outward, towns like Dripping Springs and Wimberley are feeling the pull. They’re still cute, still charming—but undeniably expanding. What was once remote is now a sought-after escape from city life, with families, entrepreneurs, and developers all staking their claims in the Texas Hill Country.
For now, the rolling hills, live oaks, and winding rivers remain. But like everything in Texas, these small towns aren’t staying small for long.
