Ruby Ranch is a luxury, partially gated community located off FM 967 in the heart of the Texas Hill Country just 23 miles from Downtown Austin. Built from the late 1990s to the mid 2000s, Ruby Ranch’s custom homes are far from cookie cutter and sit on large, 1-5 acre home sites. Buda, being the “Outdoor Capital of Texas”, offers Ruby Ranch homeowners a neighborhood that stays true to its Texas country roots. Known for its acreage home sites surrounded by mature trees and natural flora and well appointed homes, Ruby Ranch is the ideal choice for the buyer looking for a true Texas look and feel just minutes from the conveniences of city life. This comprehensive Ruby Ranch neighborhood guide will help you understand what makes this partially gated community special and why luxury home buyers continue to choose it as their ideal place to call home. Scroll Down to Read our Ruby Ranch Neighborhood Guide.
Ruby Ranch Homes for Sale
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Ruby Ranch Neighborhood Map
Ruby Ranch is located south of 967 and west of 1626. The neighborhood can be accessed from Ruby Ranch Road and is shaded in yellow on the map below. Explore other Buda neighborhoods in our Buda Neighborhood Guide. Scroll down to continue reading our Ruby Ranch neighborhood guide.
What Makes Ruby Ranch Special
Ruby Ranch captures the essence of Texas Hill Country living with its sprawling 1-7 acre homesites surrounded by mature oak trees and natural landscaping. Built from the mid-1990s to the mid-2010s, this established neighborhood offers the perfect balance of country tranquility and urban convenience.
The community features a unique blend of gated and non-gated sections, with the gated area providing additional privacy and exclusivity for those seeking the ultimate in luxury living. Many properties include horse fencing, making it ideal for equestrian enthusiasts who want to keep horses on their land.
Ruby Ranch Homes: Luxury Living on Acreage
The homes in Ruby Ranch showcase predominantly traditional architectural styles with elegant brick and stone facades. These aren’t cookie-cutter homes—each residence is custom-built to take advantage of its generous lot size and natural surroundings.
Home specifications typically include:
- 3-7 bedrooms
- 2-9 bathrooms
- 2,043-6,241 square feet
- 1-7 acre lots
- Median home: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3,192 square feet on 2 acres
Many properties feature extensive outdoor living areas and swimming pools, taking full advantage of the large lots and private settings. The natural landscaping preserves the Hill Country feel while providing ample space for outdoor entertaining and recreation.
Community Amenities and Features
Ruby Ranch offers several neighborhood amenities that enhance the living experience:
- Walking trails that wind through the natural terrain
- Partially gated sections for added security and privacy
- Wildlife preservation through an active community wildlife committee
- Large lots with room for horses on approved properties
- Mature trees and natural flora throughout the neighborhood
The community’s commitment to preserving its natural character is evident in its wildlife committee, which works to protect the native animals that call Ruby Ranch home.
The Fascinating Wildlife of Ruby Ranch
One of Ruby Ranch’s most unique features is its diverse wildlife population. The area is home to native species including deer, foxes, raccoons, and coyotes. However, what makes Ruby Ranch truly special is its population of exotic deer species.
In 1961, Cecil Ruby introduced blackbuck antelope and axis deer to his 3,800-acre estate. These non-native species have thrived in the Texas Hill Country environment and continue to roam the area today. From 1972 until Ruby’s death in 1993, he leased grazing and hunting rights to the famous Y.O. Ranch.
When Ruby’s heirs divided the family land, part became the Ruby Ranch subdivision while the other half became the Dahlstrom Ranch, which maintains a conservation easement and continues exotic hunting operations. This history adds a unique character to the neighborhood that you won’t find anywhere else in the Austin area.
Why Luxury Home Buyers Choose Ruby Ranch
Ruby Ranch attracts discerning buyers for several compelling reasons:
Privacy and Space: With lots ranging from 1-7 acres, homeowners enjoy unprecedented privacy and room to spread out. The mature trees and natural landscaping create a secluded feel while still being close to urban amenities.
Authentic Hill Country Living: The neighborhood maintains its rural character with horse properties, wildlife viewing opportunities, and natural beauty throughout.
Established Community: Built over nearly two decades, Ruby Ranch has developed into a mature neighborhood with well-established landscaping and a strong sense of community.
Convenient Location: Despite feeling like a rural retreat, Ruby Ranch provides easy access to Austin and surrounding areas via FM 967 and Highway 1626.
Commuting from Ruby Ranch
Ruby Ranch’s location offers excellent connectivity to major employment centers:
- Downtown Austin: 23 miles via MoPac or I-35
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport: 15 miles
- South Austin: 10-15 miles
- Kyle and San Marcos: 10-20 miles
The commute to downtown Austin typically takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and route selection. Many residents appreciate the reverse commute, avoiding the heaviest traffic flows. Scroll down to continue reading our Ruby Ranch neighborhood guide.
Ruby Ranch Property Tax Rate
The property tax rate in Buda’s Ruby Ranch neighborhood is 1.7737% as of the 2024 tax year. It was 1.7106% as of the 2023 tax year, down from 1.9085% as of the 2022 tax year. The property tax rate was 2.0262% as of the 2021 tax year.
Ruby Ranch Schools
Kids who live in Buda’s Ruby Ranch neighborhood are served by the Hays ISD and will likely attend the following schools:
- Carpenter Hill Elementary - 7/10
- Dahlstrom Middle - 8/10
- Johnson High - 8/10
School ratings reflect Great Schools ratings as of June 2025. Ratings are subject to change at any time. Please verify ratings and boundaries with the school district.
Ruby Ranch Neighborhood Photos
Ruby Ranch Sold Data – What Ruby Ranch Homes Actually Sold For
What sold recently in Ruby Ranch and for how much? Where can I find pictures of homes that actually sold? How many days does it take to sell a home in Ruby Ranch? How many homes are currently for sale in Ruby Ranch? What’s the median sold price in Ruby Ranch? What does the 90 day historic market trend look like in Ruby Ranch? How’s the Ruby Ranch market trending?
All of these questions (and more!) can be answered on our Ruby Ranch Sold Data Report.
Coffee Shops for Remote Work
Ruby Ranch residents have access to several excellent coffee shops perfect for remote work:
- Embrace the Grind ATX offers a local atmosphere with reliable WiFi and comfortable seating for extended work sessions.
- Summer Moon Coffee provides a relaxed environment with their signature “Moon Milk” lattes and spacious work areas.
- Teal House Coffee & Bakery combines great coffee with fresh pastries, creating an ideal spot for morning meetings or focused work time.
- Progress Coffee + Bar offers a unique coffee-to-cocktail transition space, perfect for business meetings that extend into happy hour.
- Hays City Hideout Coffee House provides a cozy, local feel with strong community connections and excellent coffee.
Dining and Entertainment
The Ruby Ranch area offers diverse dining options to satisfy every palate:
- Beijing Bistro serves authentic Chinese cuisine with generous portions and family-friendly atmosphere.
- Taste on Main provides upscale American fare with seasonal menus and craft cocktails.
- Buck’s Backyard offers casual dining with Texas favorites and live music on weekends.
- Hays City Store & Icehouse combines history with great food, featuring barbecue and cold beer in a unique setting.
- Gotji’s Kitchen serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes with fresh ingredients and healthy options.
- Susy’s Tacos provides authentic Mexican food with house-made tortillas and traditional recipes.
Fitness and Recreation
Staying active is easy with multiple fitness options near Ruby Ranch:
- Hays Community YMCA offers comprehensive fitness facilities, swimming pools, and family programs.
- Atomic Jiu-Jitsu provides martial arts training for all skill levels and ages.
- HOTWORX features innovative infrared fitness classes combining heat, exercise, and infrared energy.
- TXRD Headquarters offers roller derby training and a unique Austin fitness experience.
- Club Pilates provides reformer-based Pilates classes for strength, flexibility, and overall wellness.
The large lots in Ruby Ranch also provide ample space for home fitness setups, swimming pools, and outdoor recreation right on your property.
Fun Activities Near Ruby Ranch
The location provides easy access to numerous recreational activities:
- Hiking and biking trails throughout the Hill Country
- Lake activities at nearby Canyon Lake and Lake Travis
- Historic downtown Buda with local shops and restaurants
- Austin attractions including music venues, museums, and festivals
- San Marcos River for tubing and water activities
- Premium outlet shopping in San Marcos
Working with Ruby Ranch Buyer’s Agents
When considering a move to Ruby Ranch, working with experienced Ruby Ranch buyer’s agents is essential. Local specialists understand the unique characteristics of each property, the history of the neighborhood, and the nuances of buying luxury homes on acreage.
Knowledgeable agents can help you navigate deed restrictions, understand wildlife corridors, evaluate horse property features, and identify the best lots for your specific needs. They also understand the local market dynamics and can provide valuable insights into property values and future development plans.
Making Ruby Ranch Your Home
Living in Ruby Ranch means embracing a lifestyle that combines luxury, privacy, and natural beauty. The community offers the space and tranquility many people seek while maintaining convenient access to Austin’s employment opportunities and cultural attractions.
Whether you’re drawn to the exotic wildlife, the horse-friendly properties, the mature landscaping, or simply the opportunity to own a piece of authentic Texas Hill Country, Ruby Ranch provides a unique living experience that’s hard to find elsewhere in the Austin area.
The neighborhood’s established character, combined with its ongoing appeal to luxury home buyers, makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a long-term home in one of Buda’s most prestigious communities.
Your Next Step
Ruby Ranch represents more than just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle choice that offers the best of both worlds: rural tranquility and urban convenience. With its unique history, diverse wildlife, luxury homes, and strong community character, Ruby Ranch continues to attract discerning buyers who appreciate quality, privacy, and authentic Texas Hill Country living.
If you’re considering making Ruby Ranch your home, take time to explore the different sections of the neighborhood, understand the various lot sizes and features available, and work with experienced local agents who can help you find the perfect property to match your lifestyle and preferences.
Buda Realtor Specializing in Ruby Ranch
Rebecca Jacks and Raymond Stoklosa are Buda Realtors specializing in Ruby Ranch homes. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Ruby Ranch, Rebecca and Raymond know the area well and have the experience and tools necessary to make your next real estate transaction stress free. For more info about who we are and how we work, check out Buying a Home in Ruby Ranch and Selling a Home in Ruby Ranch.
