HAYS COUNTY
County Offices
712 South Stagecoach Trail
San Marcos 512-393-7779
https://hayscountytx.com/
Chamber of Commerce
202 North CM Allen Parkway
San Marcos 512-393-5900
https://sanmarcostexas.com
One of the fastest-growing regions in Texas, Hayes County is ideally situated between Austin and San Antonio. The county’s rich history, geographical significance, and natural beauty continue to make the communities of Hays County prime locations in which to live and work.
Services
Newcomers to Hays County will discover first-rate educational services that are just around the corner from home. The caliber of these opportunities underlines the new paradigm that corporations no longer be headquartered in a large city to stay on top of technological advancements and secure a quality education for the children of their employees. In addition to a fine public school system and highly respected private schools that include college preparatory institutions, the county is home to Texas State University-San Marcos. Residents are also with a 30-mile radius from seven other public and private colleges and universities. A number of community partnerships support and strengthen the local school districts, including dozens of programs and efforts by TSU, Partners in Education, and local businesses. Continuing education is another district focus, anchored by Austin Community College classes held on the high school campus and the evening availability of Creative Education Institute computer labs for parents and other adults. Texas State University-San Marcos has grown and matured into a comprehensive regional university resting on a beautiful hilltop campus overlooking the San Marcos River.
State-of-the-art healthcare services and facilities are anchored by Central Texas Medical Center, a modern 113-bed hospital that follows the mission of “special care by special people.” More than 100 consulting physicians provide quality services to patients and their families, while an additional 100 community members and interns from TSU volunteer services and gain insight and experience that prepares them for healthcare careers. The 24-hour emergency department provides specialized care for cardiology, pediatric, orthopedic, and obstetric patients. Advanced imaging, outpatient surgery, extensive rehabilitation services, and a cardiac catheterization lab are just a few of the additional benefits. Wellness and activity classes are offered free of charge, underlining the hospital’s commitment to promoting and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Phenomenal growth in Hayes County has prompted the respected Seton Family of Hospitals system to build the largest medical facility in the county in Kyle offering a full range of medical, surgical, diagnostic and maternity services.
Lifestyle
Hayes County offers the best of all words: Progressive and rapidly growing communities that excel in providing a family-oriented environment, small-town friendliness, and an outstanding quality of life. At the heart of the county seat of San Marcos is the picturesque and rolling San Marcos River, a favorite destination for tubing and relaxation. The panoramic dam at Rio Vista Park, named Rio Vista Falls, provides adventurous drops that are ideal for water-sport enthusiasts who enjoy tubing, canoeing, or kayaking. The source of the river lies at the freshwater springs of the Aquarena Center, where visitors can ride glass-bottom boats to discover the unique plant and animal species that live in the crystal clear river. Several historical sites are also in the park that also features a wetlands walkway and is a superb site for birding. Wonder World is a Greater Austin celebrated tourist attraction where visitors can explore an earthquake-formed cave and ride to the peak of the 110-foot Tejas Observation Tower to experience the enchantment of the Texas Hill Country. Families will enjoy a unique train ride through Mystery Mountain into the wildlife petting park. Camp grounds, greenbelt and hiking trails, playgrounds and swimming pools, lush parkland, and recreation or activity centers encourage an active lifestyle. Thunder Hill Raceway offers BMX racing and a variety of auto races throughout the year.
The cultural community of Hayes County includes historic sites and venues like the Calaboose Museum of African-American History, the Commemorative Air Force Exhibit, and the Southwestern Writer’s Collection. The Lyndon Baines Johnson Museum of San Marcos opened in 2006, following years of visionary planning and hard work by a cross-section of community volunteers. The San Marcos Performing Arts Association sponsors delights like summer park concerts, talent shows, and opera productions. The College of Fine Arts at TSU enriches the entire region with an outstanding lineup of talent in audience-pleasing shows and special events. The communities of Hayes County offer an increasing abundance of housing possibilities, including vibrant new subdivisions and residential developments with enough variety to cater to every imaginable dream and lifestyle. The rapid growth in the county ensures that new construction will always be available, blending with historic architecture in long-established community cores for a balanced mix of price ranges, styles, and sizes. Welcome to Hayes County, where the quality of life grows richer with each passing year.
Buda
City Offices
512-312-0084
www.ci.buda.tx.us
Chamber of Commerce
512-295-9999
https://budachambertx.com/
The friendly and relaxing small town of Buda is rapidly growing as more and more newcomers discover this community as an ideal place to live, work, and play. The parks department manages a number of recreational sites that promote a family friendly environment with picnic areas and amenities, great playgrounds, open space, natural areas, sports facilities, and the Cullen Country hike and bike trail. The bright lights and world-class cultural and entertainment amenities of Austin are close to home, with the downtown district less than a 20-minutes drive from Buda. The Main Street of the town preserves its “olde time” visual appeal and Buda is well-known throughout the region as a destination for antique shopping in a quaint environment. With its rich historical heritage and carefully planned growth, the city brings together the finest aspects of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The city’s location along bustling Interstate 35 has driven much of its growth in recent years and ensures its place as one of the bedroom communities of choice within Greater Austin.
Dripping Springs
City Offices
512-858-4725
www.cityofdrippingsprings.com
Chamber of Commerce
512-858-7000
https://drippingspringstx.org/
Small in size but growing along with the rest of Hays County, the city of Dripping Springs is often referred to as the “Gateway to the Texas Hill Country.” Rolling hills, picturesque rock-bottom creeks, abundant wildlife, and majestic views are some of the natural features that make this town so visually appealing to newcomers. Dripping Springs welcomes new residents to the charm and relaxed pace of small-town Hill Country living with easy access to the world-class amenities of a truly cosmopolitan city just beyond their doorstep. This emerging bedroom community for Austin area commuters has become a cherished home to a diverse and eclectic mix of residents that include artists, skilled craftsmen, young professionals, growing families, and entrepreneurs who specialize in organic produce and exotic animal farms. Still largely agricultural in its nature, Dripping Springs is characterized as a fast-growing community that attracts newcomers to top-rated schools, a charming small-town setting, and close proximity to both San Antonio and Austin. Popular annual events like the Cajun Shrimp Boil, Pound House Fall Festival, and Christmas in the Hills Home Tour add color and verve to a truly rich quality of life.
Kyle
City Offices
512-262-1010
https://www.cityofkyle.com/
Chamber of Commerce
512-268-4220
https://www.kylechamber.org/
The appeal of Kyle is embodied in the slogan: “A simply charming place to…” do nearly anything. Located between San Antonio and the Texas capital city of Austin, Kyle is now one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. The community is home to the highly celebrated development of Plum Creek, a recent winner of the coveted title of “Master Planned Community of the Year.” Rich in historical charm and pride, this growing city is dedicated to preserving its heritage as a small town filled with “Texas charm” while it positions itself to be a vital part of a corridor of residential and economic development. One of the gateways to the panoramic Texas Hill Country, Kyle is just a few miles from many regional natural attractions as well as outstanding retail opportunities and historic landmarks. Interstate 35 and a major railroad line, often called the “backbone of America,” run through the middle of Kyle. The close proximity of the city to neighboring Buda has resulted in many referring to the community as Buda/Kyle. With scores of residential communities, Kyle is one of the leading cities in Hayes County and has only begun to blossom and mature.
San Marcos
City Offices
512-393-8000
www.sanmarcostx.gov
Chamber of Commerce
512-393-5900
https://sanmarcostexas.com/
Strategically situated midway between the vibrant Texas capital city of Austin and charming San Antonio, the city of San Marcos is home to the panoramic main campus for Texas State University-San Marcos. Students and residents both enjoy the daily pleasures of a life surrounded by natural beauty, the hallmark of the region known as Texas Hill Country. San Marcos offers all the intellectual stimulation and cultural enrichment of a true college town, but at the same time it affords a tranquil retreat from urban crowding and congestion. The city offers some of the most celebrated attractions in the Greater Austin area, both above and under the earth’s surface. From fine museums to underground wonders, the city attracts millions of visitors each year. Whether you are enjoying riverfront recreation, bargain hunting at outlet malls, or wandering through the downtown and historic districts, San Marcos never fails to delight and surprise. San Marcos is truly the “jewel of the corridor” between Austin and San Antonio.
Wimberley
Village Offices
512-847-0025
https://www.cityofwimberley.com/
Chamber of Commerce
512-847-2201
https://wimberley.org/
Adopting for its slogan, “A nice place to visit, a great place to live,” the small and friendly village of Wimberly is ideally situated along the picturesque banks of Cypress Creek and the Blanco River. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country, this inviting residential haven welcomes visitors and residents to an eclectic collection of boutiques, shops, cafes, and restaurants. Most of the commercial development is centered around the town square and “Olde Towne Plaza,” although other shops and services are scattered throughout the village. The first Saturday of each month from April to December, Market Days draws enthusiastic crowds from around the region and even the state. Old-fashioned pleasures abound in Wimberly, including the outdoor Corral Theatre that shows first-run movies from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Those who appreciate the arts will want to frequent the EmilyAnn Theatre or productions by the Wimberly Players for audience-pleasing live performances. Unique galleries, an historic ranch resort, a local vineyard, or simply strolling over the Cypress Creek bridge endure this community to newcomers who are just discovering its unique treasures.
