January 2026 Market Update: Dripping Springs & Driftwood Texas
Are you curious about what the first month of 2026 brought to the Texas Hill Country? As we kick off the new year, the real estate landscape across Dripping Springs and Driftwood is showing a fascinating mix of seasonal steadying and neighborhood-specific surges.
Whether you’re eyeing a move to a master-planned community like Belterra or looking for the privacy of Rim Rock, understanding these hyper-local trends is key to making a confident move this spring.
If you already own a home here and are considering selling this year it’s so important to have a current and accurate understanding of the market in your neighborhood. I can not stress this enough, this area of Hays County is composed of hundreds of neighborhoods each unique.
Looking for the data on a specific neighborhood - click here!
The Big Picture: Dripping Springs & Driftwood
Overall, the region remains a Seller's Market, characterized by steady demand for the signature Hill Country lifestyle. While inventory levels across Central Texas have seen a slight increase compared to previous years, premium properties in top-rated school districts continue to hold their value.
A look at a few of the neighborhoods I work within most frequently.
See details for each of these here.
Trends to Watch in Early 2026
1. The "Parten" Powerhouse
Parten emerged as a leader in January with 7 new listings and an impressive average sold price exceeding $1.05M. This neighborhood continues to attract buyers looking for that perfect intersection of upscale luxury and a manageable commute to Austin.
2. Inventory vs. Opportunity
While some neighborhoods like Rim Rock and Founders Ridge saw very low new listing activity this month, Caliterra maintains a healthy selection with 14 active listings. For buyers, this means more opportunities to find a home that fits your specific needs without the intense bidding wars of years past.
3. Stability in "The Gateway to the Hill Country"
Across the board, the Average List-to-Sold Price ratio of nearly 100% in many of these pockets, including Belterra and Rim Rock. This indicates that homes are being priced accurately for the current market and that buyers are willing to pay for quality. BUT keep in mind what this number is really telling you! Check out my last post to get the full picture.
Why Move to Dripping Springs or Driftwood, Texas Now?
The allure of "DRIP'" hasn't faded. From the expansion of The Ranches at Caliterra offering premium estate lots to the continued excellence of Dripping Springs ISD and the stunning new high school campus being built on Darden Hill Road, the long-term fundamentals of this market are incredibly strong.
Be sure to interview to find the best agent for you, one of the questions to ask is “how well do you know these neighborhoods? Have you spent time in them before” Here’s a list of other questions to ask while interviewing to find your perfect agent. (don’t forget to interview lenders as well!)