Many people think of Texas as a big desert or a dusty plain but Texas is one of the most diverse states in America. It features one of the largest coast lines of any state, old growth forests in the eastern portion of the state, great plains to the north and mountainous deserts to the west. One of Texas' most treasured features is its Hill Country located in the central part of the state and owning a piece of it is like owning a piece of heaven.
Hill Country ranches can vary from valleys with bubbling creeks to hilltops grandly displaying the countryside. Some ranches feature cleared pastures for grazing goats and cattle while others are ranch owners choose to keep their properties in a more natural state to attract wildlife.
Some of the most coveted Hill Country ranches even feature broad, clear limestone rivers such as the Pedernales, Colorado, Frio, Comal or Blanco rivers. These rivers are mostly spring fed from underground aquifers whose waters are filtered through porous limestone which gives these waterways exceptional clarity and create beautiful environments for swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking.
Hill Country ranches are renowned for their incredible hunting opportunities. Common wildlife on Hill Country ranches includes whitetail deer, axis deer, turkey and feral hogs. Many ranchers lease their land to give guests the opportunity to hunt for wildlife. The central Texas area is a destination for many deer hunters around the country and hunting ranches can range from brush covered back country to well-groomed forests replete with luxurious hunting lodges.
Ranches in the Central Texas area can range from just 20 acres to over 20,000 acres but they all have common features of rolling limestone hills and broad oaks. Many people see the non-native ash juniper more commonly called a "cedar" as an invasive species on Hill Country ranches but the mature trees have become home to the endangered golden cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo. Protecting these species through conservation easements is one way owners of Central Texas area ranches can gain tax benefits and protect the land from over development. The exploding populations of Austin and San Antonio have dramatically raised the value of Hill Country ranches and also sparked debate on conservation among individual property owners and developers as well as local, state and federal governments.
Owning a ranch in the Hill Country offers a place to escape the stress of everyday life and experience the diversity of scenery, waterfront, flora and wildlife that Central Texas has to offer.
Dave Murray
Specializing in Austin and Central Texas Residential, Estate, Waterfront and Ranch Properties
Use our web site to search for Austin ranches, Texas Hill Country ranches, Lake Travis homes for sale and find out more about the area:
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