Dale offers a country feel in the greater Austin area
Dale is one of several mostly rural communities located many miles south of Austin. “A lot of the properties out there just have more acreage. They’re relatively just larger lots and [offer] more of a country feel than in the city,” says Maria Mondragon, a Realtor with All City Real Estate. “And more privacy. They just got more privacy and breathing room, in general.” Along with the seclusion, the extra space allows some people to keep animals and do activities like off-roading. Dale is also flatter than many of the communities in nearby Texas Hill Country, a region known for its rugged and rocky terrain. The flatter land may appeal to greater Austin area buyers looking for easier grounds to farm. “It’s a completely different area geographically,” says Sam Billings, a broker with Coldwell Banker S.G. Billings Realtors. “Some people like the more farming-type soil.”
Buyers will find many ranch-style and manufactured homes
Housing in the area includes ranch-style homes, farmhouses and manufactured homes located off quiet and narrow country roads. Fencing surrounds many properties, which can go from just under 1 acre to well over 10 acres. In addition to animals, the extra land makes room for farm equipment, children’s playsets, trampolines and multiple cars. Single-family homes that are either under 2,000 square feet or on about 1 acre or less can sell from $290,000 to $430,000. Larger homes on bigger lots can run between $500,000 and $850,000. Manufactured homes mostly go from $210,000 to $450,000, but some on multi-care lots can reach $700,000.
Mom and pop spots serve up Mexican fare
Several mom and pop restaurants dot the area’s farmland. “There’s really a lot of small businesses out there. There are a lot of taco trucks and small restaurants,” Mondragon says. “You really don’t have to go far anymore.” One of those places is La Taqueria Los MiniTacos, which serves Mexican fare from a red shack under a pavilion. Patrons order at a window and can eat at one of the picnic tables outside. Located in a repurposed house, La Nena Taqueria y Mucho Mas offers more Hispanic comfort foods. For more dining and shopping options, residents can visit Lockhart, less than 10 miles west. Chains in the nearby city include an H-E-B grocery store.
The community offers pickleball and a track for dirt bikes
Although there are not many parks in the area, residents can still find ways to stay active without needing to travel too far. The Dale Community Center has a small gym and stage and offers both pickleball and zumba. Avid dirt bikers and motocross racers can practice their skills on the tracks and trails of the Spoaks MotoPark. Less than 10 miles west, Lockhart’s City Park is a destination for a variety of activities. The park’s amenities include a skate park, an outdoor pool and splash pad and a sports complex with some baseball and soccer fields. The park also has plenty of green space and a pond with some waterfowl.
Local students can get a peek at innovative work
Students may attend a couple of school districts, depending on where they live. The Lockhart Independent School District receives a C from Niche, while the Bastrop Independent School District gets a B-plus. Schools covering the area include C-rated Lockhart High and B-minus-rated Cedar Creek High. Lockhart High students can learn about innovation and entrepreneurship thanks to a partnership with Proto-Town, a hub that works with startups building hardware.
Nearby events include Thanksgiving lunches and a barbecue festival
The Dale Community Center hosts several small events during the year, including a Thanksgiving lunch and live music shows. Otherwise, Lockhart is a go-to spot for annual festivities. Widely called the state’s barbecue capital, the city is home to the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest. In November, the scent of smoked meats fills both downtown Lockhart and Lockhart City Park as many people try the famous Texas-style barbecue from a large variety of joints. Part of the event’s proceeds go to food banks.
Commuters can take U.S. 183 to go to Austin
The area is located right off U.S. Highway 183 and State Highway 130, which is also the Pickle Parkway toll road. People here usually drive to commute, and they can travel on U.S. 183 to go to downtown Austin, less than 40 miles north. The community is about 30 miles south of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the region’s hub for commercial flights. Located 25 miles west in Kyle, Ascension Seton Hays is one of the nearest facilities offering services like emergency and heart care.
