Price Range
$1.5M – $5M+
Lot Sizes
10 – 20+ acres
HOA
Active, conservation-minded
Schools
Dripping Springs ISD
Character
Gated legacy ranch
County
Hays
Acreage and privacy
Howard Ranch homesites are 10 to 20+ acres, with mature oak, cedar, and live springs running through several of the lots. Setbacks, dark-sky requirements, and limits on outbuilding placement keep the community feeling like an actual ranch instead of a subdivision masquerading as one.
Custom-build options
If you are bringing your own architect, Howard Ranch is one of the most rewarding canvases in the Hill Country. The ARC review is real — expect a thoughtful back-and-forth on massing, materials, roof pitch, and how the house sits on the land. Most successful builds here are Hill Country contemporary, stone-and-steel modern, or refined Texas farmhouse.
Approved builder list is open, but the ARC has clear preferences. Bring me in early — choosing the right builder and surveyor for the site condition saves months on the front end.
How resales work here
With so few doors and long average ownership, resales rarely hit the MLS first. A pocket-listing relationship matters more in Howard Ranch than in any other Driftwood community. If you are a serious buyer, get on a watch list early.
Who Howard Ranch fits
Buyers who value privacy and architecture over amenities, want a true ranch feel without taking on hundreds of acres, and are happy to wait 6–18 months for the right opportunity.