Just west of Austin, Dripping Springs offers a lifestyle that blends Hill Country beauty with a strong sense of community. Known for its rolling landscapes, top-rated schools, and small-town charm, the area continues to draw buyers looking for space, connection, and a slower pace without sacrificing access to the city. In this neighborhood spotlight, we’re turning to the people who know Dripping Springs best—Moreland agents who live and work here—to share firsthand insights on what makes the area so special.
ABOUT JAN
Having lived in Austin for over four decades, Jan has developed a deep appreciation for this vibrant city and its surrounding communities. When it comes to helping people buy or sell their homes, she takes a hands-on and personalized approach. Drawing from her own experiences, Jan understands the challenges of preparing a home for sale, finding the perfect new residence, managing a move, and ensuring all the details are taken care of.
Coming from a family with a long history in real estate, Jan has an intimate understanding of the region. Before joining Moreland Properties, she graduated from The University of Texas and earned a Master of Education, spending many fulfilling years as a teacher. Outside of work, Jan is a proud mother of four kids. In her free time, Jan and her husband and I enjoy relaxing at the beach or spending time at our family ranch.
Q: Since moving out to Dripping, what is your favorite part about the Dripping Springs lifestyle?
A: We are very relaxed here. While there’s a strong sense of community, it’s still very private. We don’t see our neighbors when we are sitting on our back porch or driving down our driveway, but at the same time we can be anywhere we need to be in thirty minutes.
Q: Why should someone move to Dripping Springs?
A: The Hill Country is stunning. It’s serene, quiet and beautiful. There are so many pieces of it that are being preserved so as we continue to build beautiful homes, we’re still able to live among the beautiful oak trees that are here.
Q: What are some ways you’ve found that community feel in Dripping while still being so spread out?
A: A lot of community here is found within the school systems and being apart of the district here. We’ve personally found community in our church and through philanthropic organizations we volunteer with.
Q: What recreational activities for families does Dripping Springs offer?
A: There’s lots of hiking and all sorts of places to fish out here. We’re close to Driftwood and Wimberly too for shopping and dining experiences.
Q: What do you enjoy most about the real estate industry in Dripping?
A: One of the most fun parts about selling property in Dripping Springs is that the listings are so unique. I love selling farm and ranch properties and I love working with developers because it gives me the opportunity to spend the day outside giving tours on Rangers and you just can’t beat that.
ABOUT CAROLYN
Carolyn Vogel knows land and water and conservation. As an experienced land and ranch real estate agent, her long-time expertise includes all facets of buyer and seller transactions, conservation easements, estate planning, and historic preservation. Graduating from Texas A&M University with a degree in Parks and Recreation, Carolyn enjoyed a 31-year career with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
With deep roots and property ownership in Stonewall, Gillespie County, Texas where her extended family continues a farming-ranching operation established in the 1840s, Carolyn currently resides in Dripping Springs.
Q: What sets Dripping Springs apart from other areas around Austin?
A: The centrality to the Hill Country. You’re able to get on 290 or HWY 71 and be at a state park in a few minutes to camp or hike but there’s also so much opportunity for shopping, dining, entertainment and events on Mercer Street or in ‘downtown’ Dripping.
Q: Why did you choose to come out to the Dripping Springs area after living closer to downtown Austin?
A: Being from the Hill Country, born and raised outside of Fredericksburg, Dripping Springs to me feels very central and a little bit more accessible than being downtown. The centrality of it to be close to San Antonio, Bee Cave, Johnson City and Blanco was more conducive to my career and played a significant role in my decision to move here.
Q: What is your favorite part about real estate out in the Hill Country and around the Dripping Springs area?
A: Before coming into real estate, I was involved in the land conservation program at Texas Parks and Wildlife and now office with the Hill Country Alliance, who along with myself, are very involved in the land conservation efforts of real estate. As a Land and Ranch agent at Moreland Properties, this is a passion of mine tied back to my roots growing up on a farm.
Q: Why do you think people are choosing to move out to Dripping Springs instead of neighborhoods closer to the city of Austin?
A: It’s an opportunity for people to purchase an acre or two at a reasonable price to live a little less urbanized while also being close to all the things Dripping has to offer. I encourage people to move here to experience that vibe—it’s to be a little bit more rural and still have access to those things people enjoy in a more urban environment. Not to mention the people here are friendly, you feel very welcome here and the school systems are well known.
Born in Houston, Ben is a native Texan whose love for Central Texas has been strong since he was a child. Growing up he spent summers at Lake LBJ, Lake Travis, Lake Austin, and Camp Longhorn. He moved to Austin in 1997 and never looked back – in the last 22 years he’s lived everywhere from Central Austin to Dripping Springs, giving him an extensive knowledge of multiple areas.
His personal and professional experience with new construction, interior and exterior remodels, pool design, and outdoor kitchen offers clients looking to customize their home, a wealth of first-hand knowledge. When he is not working, Ben loves to entertain with friends and family, work on home improvement projects with his wife, Kelly, and spend time fishing and shooting with his son, Max. He enjoys volunteering in the community, coaching local sports organizations, and is a very accomplished welder.
Q: What sets Dripping Springs apart from other areas in and around Austin?
A: Dripping Springs is called The Gateway to the Hill Country for a reason—the geography. You can see the geography change significantly headed West on 290 outside of Austin. Location wise, Dripping puts you towards a lot of the great places around Texas like Kerrville, Fredericksburg, Hunt, etc.
Q: What do you feel is the most attractive part of the Dripping Springs lifestyle?
A: It’s a small-town country lifestyle that’s close to civilization. It’s hard to go to H-E-B and not see a handful of people you know. It’s a family-oriented lifestyle with a great crowd and people’s interest in the happenings of your life is sincere.
Q: What do you like about raising your family in Dripping Springs?
A: It’s very family friendly. Everyone’s kind of got the same vibe, family orientation and friendliness about them.
Q: What are some family-friendly things to do in and around Dripping Springs?
A: Outside of the recreational activities, breweries and wineries that are all family-friendly environments, there’s Mercer Street. The best thing that happens on Mercer Street is Founders Festival—a small town carnival in the center of town with rides, turkey legs, funnel cakes and more. It’s very family, very kids and it’s as though Walt Disney was hosting Mardi Gras.
Q: What are some of the aspects you enjoy about real estate in Dripping Springs?
A: It’s easy to sell something that you’re passionate about. Once we got here, we fell in love with the area immediately and everything Dripping Springs had to offer.
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From everyday life to long-term value, Dripping Springs is a place where community and opportunity go hand in hand. With deep local knowledge and a genuine connection to the area, Moreland agents are uniquely positioned to guide buyers and sellers through every step of the process. Whether you’re exploring a move or simply curious about life in the Hill Country, our team is here to help you discover what makes Dripping Springs feel like home.
