Headwaters, a premier master-planned community in Dripping Springs, Texas (78620 zip code), blends modern luxury with the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Spanning 1,035 acres off Highway 290, just 25 minutes from downtown Austin and 31 miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, this community, developed since 2017 by Freehold Communities, features approximately 1,000 homes. Built by top builders like Ashton Woods, David Weekley, and Toll Brothers, homes range from 1,927 to 4,401 square feet, priced from $500,000 to $1.5M, showcasing Hill Country Modern, farmhouse, and contemporary designs on 50- to 80-foot lots, many with greenbelt or panoramic views.

 

The HW Central amenity complex is the community’s heart, offering a resort-style split-level pool, splash pad, fitness center with yoga room, Wi-Fi café, and event pavilion. A full-time lifestyle director organizes year-round events, including a popular Saturday Farmers Market. Over eight miles of trails connect to Barton Creek, Homestead Park’s croquet lawn, and a stargazing amphitheater, reflecting Dripping Springs’ status as Texas’ first International Dark Sky Community. Residents enjoy proximity to Salt Lick BBQ, Jester King Brewery, and Hill Country Galleria for dining and shopping.

 

The Headwaters real estate market is somewhat competitive, with a median sale price of $750,000 in 2025, stable year-over-year, and homes selling in about 30 days, per ACTRIS MLS. Property tax rates in Hays County are 1.6818% in 2023, down from 1.8834% in 2022.

 

Served by the acclaimed Dripping Springs Independent School District, residents attend Dripping Springs Elementary, Dripping Springs Middle, and Dripping Springs High, all top-rated for academics. A new elementary, Wildwood Springs, is set to open on-site in August 2025 for grades PK-5. Headwaters’ sustainable design, vibrant amenities, and top schools make it ideal for families and nature lovers.