Dripping Springs: Where Hill Country Luxury Meets STR Gold

Ed Neuhaus Ed Neuhaus April 20, 2025 2 min read
Dripping Springs

Dripping Springs isn’t just another stop on the Texas Hill Country wine trail — it’s where serious short-term rental investors go when they want top-tier guests, top-tier rates, and low drama.

If Wimberley is the rustic getaway, Drip is the elevated experience. Think white linens, black metal roofs, plunge pools, and $700-a-night weekends. And yes, people are paying it.

Why Dripping Springs?

Because everyone wants to be here — and no one wants to stay in a hotel.

Weddings, retreats, tastings, birthday weekends, ACL overflow — there’s no off-season. And the STRs that do well here aren’t bargain listings; they’re lifestyle properties. People book because they want to feel something. Peace, romance, solitude, celebration. Your property is part of the experience.

And that experience? It’s profitable.

What the Data Tells Us

We ran a full market scan at StaySTRA.com, and the numbers speak for themselves:

  • Occupancy Rate: Approximately 41%

  • Average Daily Rate (ADR): Around $421

  • Annual Revenue: Approximately $40,045

The Dripping Springs STR market is lean — fewer listings, higher quality, stronger demand. It’s not oversaturated, and it rewards thoughtful upgrades and good design.

What to Buy

The winning properties here have:

  • Acreage and privacy

  • Pool or spa (non-negotiable if you’re going luxury)

  • Guest house, converted barn, or studio

  • Clean, modern finishes — this isn’t fixer-upper territoryAirroi

Drip isn’t the place to “try your hand” at STR. It’s where you buy intentionally, price assertively, and curate the guest experience. If you do that, the upside is huge.

What to Know Before You Buy

Most STRs in Dripping are outside the city limits, which makes regulation less strict — but don’t assume anything. Always check zoning and short-term rental rules in Hays County or with your title company.

Also, properties in this area move fast. The ones with views, pools, or unique layouts get multiple offers. If you see something compelling, don’t wait around for the open house.


Thinking about investing in Dripping Springs?

I live and breathe this market. I’ve got access to listings before they hit the public sites, and I know what makes a property perform in this part of the Hill Country.

Let’s talk strategy. I’ll help you find it, analyze it at StaySTRA.com, and make sure you don’t leave money on the table.

Call me when you’re ready to move.

Ed Neuhaus

Written by Ed Neuhaus

Ed Neuhaus is the broker and owner of Neuhaus Realty Group, a boutique real estate brokerage based in Bee Cave, Texas. With over 16 years in Austin real estate and more than 2,000 transactions under his belt, Ed writes about the local market, investment strategy, and what buyers and sellers actually need to know. These posts are written by Ed with help from AI for editing and polish. Every post published under his name is personally reviewed and approved by Ed before it goes live.

Learn more about Ed →

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