Affluent Buyers Seek Lifestyles of the Land Rich in the Texas Hill Country

The Texas Hill Country has long been an area prized for its beautiful hills, its rolling waterways, and its rustic, rocky beauty, but according to the Wall Street Journal, it’s also now a refuge for affluent buyers looking to cash in on their own piece of Texas paradise. The trend has emerged as more people are buying 100-plus acres and then remodeling or building a luxury home on the property. The WSJ reported the “recreational ranches” purchased by those living in large metro areas are intended mainly for hunting, fishing, and horseback riding, and that many of the new owners plan to pass the properties on to their children or grandchildren. In the meantime, the new rustic luxury retreats serve as second homes, weekend homes, or even a new permanent residence away from busy city life. The Hill Country includes about 11 million acres and spans about 17 counties, starting just west of Austin and heading westward. One benefit of this trend to Texas’ wide open spaces? The rugged natural appeal of the Hill Country is left intact, as large swaths of land are left mostly undeveloped as conservation easements. This strategy also enables landowners to take advantage of property tax breaks. The WSJ reports that premium prices are found for acreage within an hour or two of Austin and San Antonio and for properties that have running water, such as a creek, spring, or lake. Read the full article, “Texas Hill Country, a Land Rush for the Rich.”