Driftwood

Known for its beautiful surroundings and favorable location between San Antonio and Austin, the village of Wimberley, Texas, is always in demand, even when there aren’t many houses available for sale. “The area is always in demand, even when there isn’t much inventory,” says Dan Justus, team lead for the Justus Team Keller Williams. “The people who move here are unique and looking for something unique.” What’s unique about the quaint village is the massive rustic beauty that encapsulates the community, which is further enhanced by the amenities built to complement the rolling hills of the outdoors. What’s also unique about the village is the familiarity between residents. “I was at Wimberley Café for breakfast this morning and it’s just your normal good breakfast, but I saw ten to 12 people that I knew,” says Justus. “That speaks to the type of place Wimberley is.” The Wimberley neighborhood is a mix of established homes and new developments and is well-maintained. The community also takes pride in preserving the natural beauty of the area, with many homes incorporating sustainable features and landscaping.<br><br>Wimberley is a naturalistic enclave of eclectic architectural styles. From quaint cottages to sprawling ranch-style homes, the neighborhood presents rustic elegance that reflects its natural surroundings. Homes in the neighborhood come in various styles, from rustic cabins to modern bungalows and contemporary estates. Many of the homes sit among towering oak trees and manicured lawns, creating a picturesque landscape. Rock formations and a rigid terrain incorporate effortlessly with two-story homes and cottages with wraparound porches, stone accents and some even built into hilltops. While the homes here typically have fewer than four bedrooms, they tend to be spacious. “There are many custom features in different homes that are preferences of the owners,” says Justus. These expansive residences, often boasting three to four bedrooms and two to three bathrooms, typically range in size from 2,500 to 4,000 square feet. Prices for homes in Wimberley vary depending on size, style, and location, but generally range from $300,000 to $2 million. The neighborhood's proximity to Wimberley's vibrant downtown area and its abundance of natural amenities contribute to its desirability and price range.<br><br>“It’s the outdoors for me,” reads a post from an anonymous visitor to the Wimberley neighborhood. That doesn’t surprise the 2,600 residents who call this community home, many of whom moved here looking for ways to incorporate the outdoors with the indoors. For many, that’s through the many opportunities to take in the area’s natural beauty, like the Blue Hole Regional Park. The pristine environment offers a refreshing dip in the clear waters of the Blue Hole, which is a natural swimming hole fed by an underground spring. Residents also enjoy renting kayaks and canoes and paddling along the scenic Cypress Creek, a tranquil waterway known for its cypress trees and abundant wildlife. They also hike the Cypress Creek Nature Preserve, finding a variety of trails, picnic tables and a playground. There’s also Jacob's Well Natural Area, where residents and visitors explore underwater caves and springs of Jacob's Well.<br><br>From smaller class sizes to unique pre-kindergarten programs, schools serving the Wimberley neighborhood are among the best in the area. Blue Hole Primary is known for its strong emphasis on arts and music education, earning an A grade from Niche. Its One Water Campus initiative instills environmental stewardship, while its Buckaroo spirit is lauded as cultivating a sense of belonging. San Marcos Baptist School, which emphasizes character development and a nurturing environment rooted in faith, received a B grade. Katherine Anne Porter, A-plus from Niche, is a public charter high school that has been recognized for its small class size and focus on each individual student. Another high school, Wimberley High School, earned a B-plus grade from Niche for its various academic and extracurricular programs. The school also has a strong emphasis on community involvement.<br><br>The town itself offers a mix of shopping, dining and outdoor experiences. Visiting Wimberley Square not only allows access to amenities needed on a daily basis, but it’s also eye candy for the soul. This open-air shopping center features a variety of unique boutiques, antique shops and art galleries. Candy Cottage is a whimsical shop that is a haven for sweet tooths, offering a wide selection of candies, chocolates and homemade treats. And Ceremony Botanical Studio is a peaceful flower shop and event space is a must-visit for anyone who loves flora. For dining, places like Chill’s on the Creek, which is a causal bar-type restaurant with patio and Wimberley Café get the nod from residents. Also, the Leaning Pear is popular for its farm-to-table fresh, seasonal American cuisine in a modern, eco-conscious setting.<br><br>Residents of Wimberley enjoy spending time outdoors alone and with family, but they also value quality community time. Yearly events like the Wimberley Market Days and the Wimberley Valley Festival help keep the community spirit alive. During the bi-monthly Market Days, residents get immersed in the local culture and enjoy live music, food, arts and crafts. Also, Wimberley Valley Art League Exhibitions allow visitors to admire the works of local artists at the Wimberley Valley Art League's regular exhibitions and workshops. There are also seasonal concerts and programs put on throughout the year.<br><br>The closest hospital to the Wimberley neighborhood is Wimberley Medical Plaza, less than a mile away, although it is reachable via the Capital Metro bus system.

A once common saying around Texas was that for those who lived in the Hill Country, the sun would set between their house and the nearest town. It was a region where residents tended to be isolated from urban conveniences, a choice they were willing to make in favor of the natural beauty that the Hill Country affords. Suffice it to say, though, times have changed, and it’s now possible to live in the Hill Country and still have major urban centers within reach. Woodcreek is a prime example of that change, as it's situated an hour’s drive from both Austin and San Antonio. Or, in Texan terminology, “down the road apiece.” Woodcreek offers plenty of amenities close by and easy highway access to get to those that are a little further away. One thing hasn't changed: It’s tough to beat the view. “Being in the Hill Country, the scenery is gorgeous,” says Realtor Alice Lebkuecher, who has more than two decades of representing real estate transactions in the area. “And there’s a slower pace of life here and a sense of community that you don’t find everywhere.” The area is attractive to a range of buyers, from professionals who work in Austin or San Antonio but want to live in a quieter location to retirees who appreciate the abundant activities available to them in Woodcreek. “The whole area is a place that has grown a lot, but still maintains its small-town charm,” says Lebkuecher. The median price of real estate in the neighborhood is $515,000, and buyers should expect to pay an average of $345 per square foot. A three-bedroom/two-bathroom ranch-style home can sell for around $290,000, and prices can go up to $2.5 million for a stunning four-bedroom/four-bathroom modern home on over 4 acres of land. Woodcreek is districted to the Wimberly Independent School District, which earns an overall rating of A from Niche. Students in the neighborhood can attend Jacob’s Well Elementary, Danforth Junior High and Wimberly High School. Jacob’s Well earns an A-minus from Niche, Danforth earns an A and Wimberly High School earns an A-minus. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, students at Wimberley High School also have the opportunity to play 20 varsity-level sports. Alternatively, parents can avail themselves of any one of several area private schools, including San Marcos Academy, which earns an A-plus rating from Niche. The neighborhood’s proximity to two of the state’s larger cities is definitely a selling point, according to Lebkuecher, who says, “I like to tell people that one of the great things about Woodcreek is that you’re the same distance to both San Antonio and Austin, so you can make flight reservations out of either airport.” But that also means that residents can easily choose to take in live music or a Longhorns football game in Austin, or they can head down to the River Walk and Fiesta in San Antonio. And they’ve also got some of the state’s best barbecue right in their own backyard, as the world-famous Salt Lick is a short 20-minute drive away. Of course, there’s also plenty to do right at home, too. Blue Hole Regional Park offers visitors a playground, a basketball court, picnic areas and the Blue Hole swimming area, as well as over 4 miles of trails to explore. The Double J Ranch Golf Club is open to the public and offers a challenging 18-hole course that covers a deceptive 6,600 yards through the Texas Hill Country. Families love to visit Pioneer Town at 7A Ranch, where visitors will find hours of family fun at Jack Glover’s Cowboy Museum in the middle of a restored Old West town, complete with a saloon and chapel. Pioneer Town also offers modern conveniences, like an arcade and ice cream parlor. The nearby H-E-B makes grocery shopping easy for residents of the area, but both Walmart and Target runs require a trip to San Marcos, which is approximately 20 minutes away by car. Options for dining out run the gamut from fast food to sit-down elegance. Jobell Café & Bistro serves brunch, lunch and dinner in a comfortable setting, and Hungry Hippie Food Truck serves amazing burgers, tacos and other casual fare.