Welcome to Driftwood

Whether you're looking for a custom home, acreage, or a place to start a garden, keep horses, or simply enjoy more space, Driftwood has a lot to offer. It's close enough to Austin that you can enjoy everything the city has to offer, but far enough away that it actually feels like you've escaped it.

Why People Move to Driftwood

Most people don't move to Driftwood because they want to be closer to shopping malls or big city life. They move here because they want something different.

Things like:

• Larger lots and acreage
• Custom homes with room to spread out
• Horse properties
• Gardening, beekeeping, and homesteading
• Peace and quiet
• Hill Country views
• Wineries, breweries, and great local restaurants
• A strong sense of community
• Being close to Austin without living in Austin

Driftwood Neighborhood Guide

One of my favorite things about Driftwood is that every neighborhood aesthetic. Some focus on luxury and golf, while others are all about privacy, acreage, and Hill Country living.

Driftwood Golf & Ranch Club

Probably the most talked about community in Driftwood right now. If you're looking for luxury homes, golf, resort style amenities, and one of the most exciting new developments in the area, this one deserves to be at the top of your list.

La Ventana

One of my favorite neighborhoods in Driftwood. I love driving through the entrance and seeing the longhorns. The lots are spacious, the homes are beautiful, and you're just minutes from Sonder Coffee.

Driftwood Estates

An established neighborhood with larger lots, mature oak trees, and custom homes. If you're looking for privacy without feeling isolated, this is a great option.

Rim Rock

Rim Rock has more of a traditional neighborhood feel, but with much larger lots and beautiful homes. It's a great option if you want extra space without giving up convenience.

Howard Ranch

One of the more unique neighborhoods in the area. The farmhouse architecture gives it a lot of character, and it has a completely different feel than most communities around Austin.

Sierra West

If privacy and acreage are important to you, Sierra West is definitely worth looking at.

Rutherford West

Another great option if you're looking for larger homesites and a quieter lifestyle.

Vineyard Estates

Located off Elder Hill Road, Vineyard Estates is one of Driftwood's smaller neighborhoods. It's tucked away, peaceful, and surrounded by beautiful Hill Country scenery. If you're looking for privacy while still being close to Dripping Springs and Austin, it's definitely worth exploring.

My Favorite Places in Driftwood

Hays City Store is one of the favorites restaurants in Driftwood. Great shaded patio, live music, and some of the best appetizers around.

Salt Lick BBQ is a Texas staple. Great barbecue, plenty of outdoor seating, and it's BYOB.

Vista Brewing is a great place to bring the family or friends. Tons of outdoor space with picnic tables, a playscape for kids, great beer, and my favorite burger in Driftwood.

If I'm grabbing dinner, Whiskey Ridge is always a solid choice for homestyle food and great cocktails.

If I want tacos, I'm heading to Taco Todo. It's a small food truck near Whiskey Ridge and Mean Eyed Cat Bar, and the tacos are as authentic as they come.

For date night, Trattoria Lisina is hard to beat.

Next door, Duchman Family Winery is a great place to enjoy a wine tasting before dinner.

If you ask me who has the best patio in Driftwood, Driftwood Estate Winery is hard to beat. The views overlooking the vineyards are incredible, and it's one of those places you can easily spend an afternoon or evening.

For coffee or getting a little work done, Sonder Coffee Lounge and Hays City Hideout are the go to.

What It's Really Like Living Here

There are a few things that are good to know before moving here.

Most homes are on well water and septic systems, which is pretty common throughout the Hill Country.

The closest H-E-B is about 15 minutes away, and Austin is roughly 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

A lot of people garden, keep bees, raise chickens, or own horses. It's also pretty common to see deer wandering through the neighborhood.

One thing I appreciate most is that Driftwood still feels like a community. People support local businesses, know their neighbors, and there's always something going on.

Things to Do Around Driftwood

Some of my favorite ways to spend a weekend include swimming in Onion Creek, hiking at Milton Reimers Ranch Park, visiting one of the local wineries, checking out nearby nurseries, or taking a quick drive to Wimberley, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, or Austin.

Is Driftwood Right for You?

Driftwood isn't for everyone, and I think that's actually one of the things I like most about it.

If you want to be five minutes from every store and restaurant, there are probably better places to live. But if you're looking for more space, a slower pace, beautiful Hill Country views, and a community that feels a little more connected, I think it's hard to beat.

It's a place I've really enjoyed calling home, and I can absolutely see why so many people end up staying once they move here.