In Texas Hill Country, a Land Rush for the Rich

​​​​​AUSTIN – Texas Hill Country has recently seen a wave of settlers—affluent buyers from large metro areas seeking getaways in the countryside. 

Located in Central Texas, the Hill Country covers about 17 counties across 11 million acres of terrain. 

Dry land lists for as low as $4,000 per acre, whereas properties with running water, such as a lake or swimmable creek, can cost as much as $50,000 per acre says Tim Riley, a land broker in Austin who covers Central Texas.

Homesites within an hour or two of Austin or San Antonio, also have premium prices.

In the past three to four years, “we’re seeing an increase in absentee landowners,” said Katherine Romans, interim executive director of the Hill Country Alliance.

Many of them are buying vast swaths of land and leaving much of it undeveloped as conservation easements. The purchases ensure the area’s rugged rural feel, while entitling the landowners to property-tax breaks.

Clients are typically looking to build 100-plus acre “recreational ranches” mainly for hunting, fishing and horseback riding with plans to hand down the properties to children or grandchildren, Riley says.​