Where to Buy a Farm and Ranch Near Austin

Imagine waking up to golden sunrises over rolling hills, with no traffic noise, only the distant lowing of cattle and the whisper of oaks in the breeze. It’s no wonder so many people are eager to buy a farm or ranch in Texas, trading city hustle for wide-open spaces and a slower pace of life.

From first-time buyers nurturing a dream of country living to savvy investors eyeing land opportunities, and even retirees seeking a warm, peaceful retreat, Texas offers an enticing rural lifestyle.

In this post, we’ll explore how to turn that dream into reality. You won’t find a dry legal manual here, just an enthusiastic guide to the lifestyle, communities, and practical considerations that make owning a Texas farm or ranch such a rewarding adventure.

Bastrop

Just 30 miles southeast of Austin, Bastrop combines natural charm with revitalized downtown energy. Known as the “Lost Pines,” Bastrop County features loblolly pine forests unlike much of Central Texas. It appeals to buyers who want country acreage near river access, cultural venues, and growing small-town vibrancy.

Bastrop has become a favored option for those buying farms or ranches with recreational and investment goals. The terrain blends forest groves with rolling pastures and meandering creeks. Outdoor amenities include Bastrop State Park and the Colorado River, popular for fishing, kayaking, and hiking.

• Mid‑Size Land Parcels: Most listings range around 75 acres, offering plenty of space for hobby farms, livestock, equestrian facilities, or custom rural homes. Properties often feature a blend of open fields and wooded sections, giving buyers flexibility for agricultural use, privacy, and recreation.
• Natural Assets: The forested landscape of the Lost Pines creates a scenic backdrop unique to Bastrop, with towering loblolly pines and rich wildlife. Easy access to Bastrop State Park and the Colorado River system allows for fishing, kayaking, hiking, and a wide range of outdoor activities year-round.
• Renewed Downtown: Historic Main Street showcases beautifully restored 19th-century buildings now home to shops, galleries, cafes, and local businesses. Cultural hubs like the Bastrop Opera House contribute to a growing arts scene that has brought new energy, creativity, and investment into the community.
• Close Proximity: With a 30‑minute drive to Austin, Bastrop combines peaceful rural living with quick access to city amenities, jobs, healthcare, and entertainment. The short commute makes it ideal for those who want acreage without sacrificing convenience or opportunities in the nearby metro area.
• Affordable & Growing: Compared to other Hill Country markets, Bastrop offers more attainable land prices, making it an appealing option for first-time buyers and investors. As more residents relocate from Austin and surrounding regions, demand continues to grow, steadily increasing property values and development potential.

Investing in Bastrop means combining rustic land with cultural possibility. Whether you’re planting trees, building a homestead, or enjoying paddling down the Colorado River, this area supports both relaxed living and community engagement.

>> VIEW FARM AND RANCHES IN BASTROP <<

Dripping Springs

If you’re seeking country tranquility but aren’t quite ready to sever ties with city life, Dripping Springs might be your perfect match. This small town sits just 25–30 minutes west of Austin, offering a delightful mix of rural charm and urban convenience. Known as the “Gateway to the Hill Country,” it welcomes you with rolling hills, abundant live oaks, and a friendly community spirit that makes newcomers feel right at home.

Living in Dripping Springs means enjoying community events (the monthly farmers market, local festivals, and holiday fairs) and excellent amenities for a town of its size. Families appreciate the highly regarded school district and new infrastructure that has grown with the town.

• Close to Austin: Roughly 25 miles west of Austin, Dripping Springs offers rural living with an easy commute to the city. You can drive into Austin for work or entertainment and be back under truly dark night skies at home.
• Natural Attractions: Residents have Hamilton Pool Preserve and Pedernales Falls State Park nearby for swimming, hiking, and enjoying Texas Hill Country’s limestone creeks and waterfalls. These spots provide endless weekend fun for nature lovers right in your backyard.
• “Wedding Capital of Texas”: With over 35 local venues and more than 1,000 weddings annually, Dripping Springs earned an official designation as the Wedding Capital of Texas® in 2015. The influx of wedding tourism supports a vibrant local economy and speaks to the area’s picturesque appeal.
• Food & Drink Scene: Despite its small size, the area is a hotbed for foodies and craft beverage enthusiasts. You’ll find the famous Salt Lick BBQ a short drive away (bring your appetite for their “finger-licking-good” smoked meats, plus numerous wineries, breweries, and even an olive orchard and vodka distillery to explore.
• Community Vibe: Dripping Springs combines country peace with community connection. Neighbors gather for monthly farmers markets, seasonal festivals, and school sports events. The town’s motto of “good old-fashioned hospitality” truly shines, making it easy to integrate and feel part of the community.

Dripping Springs is an ideal spot for those who want the best of both worlds. You can keep acreage and animals, watch stunning sunsets from your porch, and still pop into Austin for a concert or major shopping trip when the urge strikes. Properties here range from modest ranchette homes on a few acres to expansive ranches with luxury homes, so there’s something to fit a variety of budgets and plans.

>> VIEW FARM AND RANCHES IN DRIPPING SPRINGS <<

Wimberley

Tucked in a verdant valley cut by the Blanco River, Wimberley is often described as “a little bit of heaven” in the Texas Hill Country. This charming village lies about 45 miles southwest of Austin, but it feels a world away from big-city bustle.

Locals and visitors mingle at live music shows or theater productions, and on the first Saturday of each month, the town bustles with Wimberley Market Days – a tradition since 1964. As the largest outdoor market in the Hill Country, it features nearly 500 booths where you can find everything from antiques to handmade crafts under the shade of oak trees.

• Natural Swimming Holes: Wimberley is famous for Blue Hole Park and Jacob’s Well, two spring-fed swimming spots that are both gorgeous and refreshing. These natural pools, surrounded by towering cypress and oak trees, offer summertime fun literally in your backyard.
• Thriving Market & Arts: On the first Saturday March through December, Wimberley Lions Field turns into a massive outdoor marketplace. With ~490 vendor booths, Wimberley Market Days is the Hill Country’s largest and one of its oldest outdoor markets, drawing shoppers and artisans from all over. Art galleries, live music venues, and the Wimberley Players theater troupe add to the town’s creative vibe year-round.
• Small-Town Peace: With a population under 3,000 (and roughly 56 as the median age), Wimberley offers a quiet, tight-knit community. Crime is low, neighbors know each other by name, and there’s a strong culture of volunteering and local pride. It’s an ideal setting for retirees or anyone seeking an unhurried, congenial atmosphere.
• Blanco River Life: Owning property along the Blanco River is a special perk in Wimberley. Many farms and ranches here include riverfront access or creek tributaries, meaning instant recreation—think tubing, fishing, or sunset walks by the water. Even away from the river, most homes are a short drive from a public access point to enjoy its clear waters.
• Wildlife & Ecology: The Wimberley Valley is teeming with wildlife. Don’t be surprised to find deer grazing at dawn on your land, or hear the chorus of frogs and cicadas on summer nights. The area’s mixture of ranching heritage and conservation (for example, efforts to preserve Jacob’s Well) means landowners often balance raising livestock with protecting the aquifer and natural habitat.

In Wimberley, days flow with the gentle rhythm of nature and community. You might start your morning on the porch with coffee, watching the mist lift off the hills, then stroll into town to pick up fresh pastries, chat with a local artist, or browse the bookstore.

>> VIEW FARM AND RANCHES IN WIMBERLY <<

Llano

About 75 miles northwest of Austin, Llano lies at the heart of the Highland Lakes region and offers a classic Hill Country experience. This small city anchors a county celebrated for its rugged landscapes, crystal-clear rivers, and genuine sense of community. Llano is ideal for first-time buyers, investors, and retirees who want land with a strong connection to water and wildlife, plus a slower pace of life in a town of around 4,000.

Llano County balances wide-open countryside with practical amenities in town. Ranch properties here often span tens to hundreds of acres, with average ranch sizes reaching 196 acres and listing prices topping $5 million for high‑end estates. The city of Llano itself offers grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and healthcare services, making it a comfortable base for country living.

• River Access: Many properties include frontage on the Llano River or tributaries, ideal for fishing, swimming, and riverside campsites.
• Diverse Pricing: Ranch listings range from under $1 million for smaller parcels (~25 acres) to multi-million dollar luxury estates .
• Local Amenities: The city hosts shops, medical services, schools, and a laid-back downtown—no long drives for essentials.
• Scenic Terrain: Characterized by granite hills, live oaks, and pastoral vistas—ideal for ranching, wildlife habitat, and personal recreation.

Llano delivers the ideal canvas for buyers wanting space, water, and a sense of rural authenticity. Whether you’re envisioning a working ranch, a riverside escape, or a long-term investment, Llano County offers land that supports both lifestyle and value. You’ll appreciate evening breezes off the river, clear night skies, and a community grounded in genuine Texas Hill Country spirit.

>> VIEW FARMS AND RANCHES IN LLANO <<

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is arguably the crown jewel of the Texas Hill Country, famous for its unique blend of German heritage and Texas hospitality. Located about 80 miles west of Austin (a scenic drive past vineyards and peach orchards), Fredericksburg has long been a weekend getaway hotspot.

Founded in 1846 by German settlers, Fredericksburg retains a distinct Old World charm. Stroll down Main Street and you’ll see 19th-century limestone buildings housing bakeries selling pretzels and schnitzel, alongside modern boutiques, art galleries, and wine tasting rooms. This mix of historic and contemporary defines Fredericksburg’s lifestyle.

One thing to note: Fredericksburg’s popularity has made real estate here more competitive. It consistently ranks as one of the “best places to retire” in Texas, thanks to its amenities and atmosphere. Property prices can be higher here than in some other Hill Country locales

• Hill Country Wine Capital: Fredericksburg is the heart of the Texas Hill Country AVA (American Viticultural Area). There are 50+ wineries in the vicinity, ranging from boutique family-run vineyards to large award-winning estates. Owning land here means weekend wine tastings can be a regular part of your life (and if you’re an investor, the thriving wine tourism offers business opportunities too).
• Rich German Heritage: Founded by German immigrants, Fredericksburg proudly celebrates its roots. The town’s Oktoberfest is a major annual event featuring German music, food, and dancing. Traditional German bakeries, breweries, and restaurants dot the town. Even the local dialect has left its mark – many old-timers speak of “Fredericksburg German,” a unique Texas-German language legacy.
• Bustling Small-Town Economy: Unlike some sleepy rural towns, Fredericksburg has a year-round tourist-driven economy that supports excellent restaurants, shops, art galleries, and healthcare facilities. As a resident, you’ll enjoy amenities like a full-service hospital, large grocery stores, and a range of boutiques – all while still living in a town of about 11,000 people.
• Outdoor Recreation: From your Fredericksburg-area farm, you can easily access Enchanted Rock for hiking or have a short drive to the Llano River for paddling and fishing. The climate here – warm days, cooler nights – is also great for gardening. Many residents grow their own peaches, grapes, or gardens full of roses (Fredericksburg is also known as the “Polka Capital” and incidentally, for its beautiful flower gardens around town).

Fredericksburg offers an energetic twist on Hill Country living. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning tending to your chickens or goats on your ranch, then clean up and head into town for a five-star dining experience or a lively art walk in the evening.

>> VIEW FARMS AND RANCHES IN FREDERICKSBURG <<

Marble Falls

Heading northwest of Austin, where the Hill Country’s granite cliffs meet the flowing Colorado River, you’ll find Marble Falls. This town, about 50 miles from Austin, is a beloved destination for those who crave lakefront living without sacrificing the rural ambiance. Marble Falls is known for its beautiful chain of Highland Lakes, including Lake Marble Falls right in town and the large Lake Lyndon B. Johnson (Lake LBJ) just minutes away.

Recreation is a huge part of Marble Falls’ identity. The town literally grew up around the Colorado River, and water activities are central to life here. Community life in Marble Falls is warm and welcoming. The historic downtown has charming shops and the famous Blue Bonnet Café, known statewide for its classic pies and friendly service since 1929. Every year, spring brings bursts of color as wildflowers bloom (the area around nearby Burnet is known as the “Bluebonnet Capital of Texas”).

• Lake Lifestyle: Marble Falls sits on the shores of Lake Marble Falls, with Lake LBJ and Inks Lake just upstream. This means endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming almost year-round. Owning a ranch here, you’re never far from the water – whether you have private waterfront or use one of the convenient public boat ramps, the lake life is a huge perk.
• Gateway to the Highland Lakes: The town is part of the Highland Lakes region, a string of six lakes on the Colorado River. A scenic drive up Highway 281 connects Marble Falls to other charming towns like Burnet, Lampasas, and Johnson City, making for great day trips. Many Marble Falls residents take weekend drives on these winding roads to enjoy wineries, state parks, and antique shops in the neighboring communities.
• Convenient Amenities: Despite its country setting, Marble Falls boasts modern conveniences. There’s a full-service hospital, large grocery chains, and retail stores in town. This infrastructure allows you to maintain a rural lifestyle without feeling isolated – something particularly reassuring for retirees or families who want quick access to services. And if you ever crave big-city amenities, Austin is just an hour’s drive away for major shopping, dining, or cultural events.
• Active Retirement Community: Marble Falls has quietly become popular among active retirees. You can join a round of golf in the morning with a backdrop of hill country vistas, spend the afternoon gardening or hiking, and then dine by the lake as the sun sets. The climate is mild enough to stay active outdoors year-round. Plus, with community groups, art societies, and volunteer opportunities, it’s easy to make friends and stay engaged.
• Real Estate Range: Property options in the Marble Falls area range from waterfront estates to hilltop ranches a few miles out of town. Prices can vary widely, lakefront property commands a premium, but if you go a bit further out, you can find more affordable acreage. Many buyers find Marble Falls a good value compared to some southern Hill Country locales, with the bonus of strong recreation-based rental potential if you ever consider leasing out a home or guest cabin (vacation rentals are popular here, given the steady flow of tourists).

Marble Falls exemplifies the leisurely Hill Country lifestyle with a lakeside twist. Here, you really can have it all: a ranch with room for horses or a big garden, a friendly small-town community, and the fun of lake living whenever you want it.

>> VIEW FARM AND RANCHES IN MARBLE FALLS <<

Farms and Ranches Near Austin

As you prepare to buy a farm or ranch in Texas, keep in mind a few parting tips. First, get to know the area you’re interested in: spend time there, chat with locals, attend a community event. Each town and county has its quirks—maybe it’s water availability on a remote ranch, or how close you want to be to the nearest grocery store or medical facility.

Whether you’re sipping local wine on your porch, hosting family for a weekend of fishing and barbecues, or simply enjoying the silence of a hilltop morning, you’ll find that owning a farm or ranch here is deeply rewarding.

Thinking about buying a farm or ranch near Austin? Whether you’re planning a move, searching for your first property, or exploring investment opportunities, working with a relocation expert can make the process much smoother. Reach out today to connect with a local relocation expert who understands the unique Hill Country market and can help you find the perfect farm or ranch to fit your lifestyle and goals.