There are so many great places to live in Austin that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Kuper Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.
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You may know Driftwood for its legendary Salt Lick BBQ, but there’s a lot more to love about this Texas Hill Country gem that’s home to Howard Ranch.
“I love feeling like you live in the country, with the dark night skies and wide-open spaces, but can drive in any direction and have the conveniences of Austin and the city,” says real estate agent Benée Arndt. She calls it “Hill Country Lite."
Arndt has built, bought, rented, and sold homes in the Hill Country over the last 20 years, but has specialized in Driftwood and Howard Ranch for the last five. It’s where she lives, too.
"The laid-back lifestyle and community feel is incredible,” she says. “It's where the past meets the present.”
In Howard Ranch, the lots are large and you’ll find a mix of architecturally historic homes and custom-built modern farmhouses and ranch homes "where you will find neighbors enjoying their front porches while watching kids playing outside,” adds Arndt.
“Future plans at Howard Ranch include a town square, restaurant, and general store to give it that historic look and feel,” she adds.
And while you may not want to leave your home base over the weekend, Driftwood is situated as the perfect gateway for road trips further into the Hill Country and other Texas towns.
“There are also so many new breweries, distilleries, and wineries to visit — and the majority of them are family-friendly,” says Arndt. “It's hard to be bored on a weekend with so many things to explore!”
As a former Kilgore College Rangerette, Arndt has been in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, and several Cotton Bowl halftime shows in addition to performing at President George W. Bush's 2001 Presidential Inauguration.
But what she learned from all those experiences is the power of teamwork and determination — and that’s exactly how she works today with all of her clients, whether they are buying or selling a home.
Arndt offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in Driftwood and Howard Ranch. Here's her guide to the area:
Where to eat & drink
For Arndt, The Salt Lick BBQ is a no-brainer, of course, as it's considered some of the best barbecue in all of Texas.
Hays City Store & Ice House is another neighborhood fave for scratch-made Texas comfort food and hand-crafted cocktails. They also have a shaded beer garden with a stage for live music.
The family-owned Trattoria Lisina offers an authentic taste of Italy in Texas; it’s located on the grounds of The Mandola Estate & Vineyard, so it’s a beautiful setting.
She also mentions that Twisted X Brewing Co. is within walking distance of Howard Ranch. But don’t miss Vista Brewery, Ghost Note Brewing, Driftwood Winery, Duchman Family Winery, and Fall Creek Vineyards either!
Where to play
“Any direction you go, you can find several outdoor spaces for families to hang out and sit underneath the majestic oaks that the Hill Country is known for,” says Arndt.
She also recommends nearby parks, including Charro Ranch Park, Founders Memorial Park, and Milton Reimers Ranch Park, which offer something for everyone. Reimers even has mountain bike trails and an observatory to see the star-filled sky at night.
Only about 30 minutes away is Pedernales Falls State Park; it’s known for its limestone ledges that contain pockets of water and mini waterfalls, so it’s a great place to hike and explore.
What to see
The Pound House is an 1854 homestead that has become a heritage museum. Onion Creek is also beautiful, Arndt says.
Where to live
Howard Ranch is a picturesque neighborhood with tons of character that’s not too far from city conveniences, according to Arndt. Plus, it feeds into Dripping Springs ISD, making it great for families.
“While you’ll be taking a step back in time when you drive down some of our streets, when you go inside our homes, you’ll find they all have modern conveniences of a brand-new home,” says Arndt.
A recent listing of hers at 129 Cypress Springs is just one example of a stunning modern farmhouse.
Located on 1.5 acres, it boasts an open-concept floorplan that features high coffered ceilings and shiplap walls and was designed with entertaining in mind.
An expansive wall of windows along the back of the home allows an abundance of natural light to brighten every inch of space while providing unobstructed views of the private backyard oasis.
In addition to Howard Ranch, Arndt recommends Reunion Ranch and Rim Rock if buyers are looking in Driftwood. "Both feed into the highly acclaimed Dripping Springs ISD," she notes.
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Benée Arndt works and plays in Howard Ranch and Dripping Springs. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email benee.arndt@kupersir.com, or call 512-669-2455.
Photo by Onward Group
Agent Benée Arndt enjoying a local beer at Twisted X Brewing Co.
