Its not difficult to figure out why they call it “Texas Hill Country”, but what do you need to know if you are considering relocating to Austin? What might people who are not familiar with Austin want to consider when looking at the Hilly neighborhoods West of the City? If you like a more secluded environment and want to feel closer to nature Hill Country may be exactly what you are looking for. Hill Country may also appeal to you if you just want to do some day tripping. The Majority of high end Estate Properties are tucked into the hills.

Overview of Texas Hill Country Outside of Austin, Texas

The Hill Country outside of Austin is a beautiful and diverse region with a lot to offer residents and visitors alike. It is characterized by its rolling hills, limestone bluffs, and canyons, as well as its abundance of wildlife and wildflowers. The Hill Country is also home to a number of charming towns and villages, as well as state parks and other natural attractions.

Area Designated as Texas Hill Country Outside of Austin

The Texas Hill Country outside of Austin is generally defined as the area between the Balcones Escarpment on the east, the Llano Uplift on the west, and the Colorado River on the south. It includes a number of counties, including Hays, Blanco, Gillespie, Kendall, Comal, and Burnet.

Why is it Called Hill Country?

It’s easy to see why Texas Hill Country is named for its rugged terrain. The hills were formed by the erosion of limestone bedrock, which is common in the region. The limestone is also responsible for the region’s many caves and sinkholes.

Plants of the Texas Hill Country Outside of Austin

Most of the Texas Hill Country outside of Austin is home to a variety of plant life, including oak trees, cedar trees, grasses, and wildflowers. Some of the most common plants in the region include:

  • Live oak
  • Post oak
  • Shin oak
  • Juniper
  • Mountain cedar
  • Bluestem
  • Buffalo grass
  • Grama grass
  • Wildflowers (bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, prickly pear cactus)

Animals of the Texas Hill Country Outside of Austin

The Hill Country outside of Austin is home to a variety of animals, including:

  • Deer
  • Armadillos
  • Coyotes
  • Snakes (rattlesnakes, copperheads, water moccasins)
  • Birds (hawks, owls, songbirds)

Poisonous Plants of the Hill Country Outside of Austin

  • Oleander
  • Texas mountain laurel

What to Watch Out For When Hiking in the Texas Hill Country Outside of Austin

When hiking in the Hill Country outside of Austin, it is important to be aware of the following hazards:

  • Poisonous plants
  • Ticks and fleas
  • Chiggers
  • Snakes

Popular Destinations in the Texas Hill Country Outside of Austin

Some of the most popular destinations in the Texas Hill Country outside of Austin include:

  • Fredericksburg
  • Gruene
  • Johnson City
  • Wimberley
  • Lost Maples State Natural Area
  • Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Is it Hard to Build Homes in the Texas Hill Country Outside of Austin?

Building homes in the Texas Hill Country outside of Austin can be challenging due to the rugged terrain and the presence of limestone bedrock. However, there are a number of builders who specialize in building homes in the Hill Country.

Benefits of Living in the Texas Hill Country Outside of Austin

The Hill Country outside of Austin offers a number of benefits to residents, including:

  • Beautiful scenery
  • Abundant wildlife
  • Mild climate
  • Charming towns and villages
  • Close proximity to Austin

Other Considerations

In addition to the above, here are some other things to keep in mind about the Texas Hill Country outside of Austin:

  • The Hill Country can be hot and dry in the summer, and cold and wet in the winter.
  • The Hill Country is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded during peak season.
  • The Hill Country is a rural area, so there may be limited access to certain amenities.

Overall, the Texas Hill Country outside of Austin is a beautiful and diverse region with a lot to offer residents and visitors alike.