Texas holds multitudes—metropolises that sprawl and hum, and towns so far-flung you’ll lose signal before you spot a neighbor. But in between are the real finds: secluded neighborhoods, tucked into scrubland, shadowed by pines, or stretched across empty ranchland. In places like Double Horn Creek and Chama Trace, life doesn’t just slow down—it evens out. There’s no rush to beat traffic or chase trends. Just land, sky, and the quiet satisfaction of being off the map without being off the grid.
Some of these 110 hideaways are a stone’s throw from Austin or Houston, others sit miles from the nearest gas pump. They range from Hill Country havens to Big Bend outposts, each with its own take on peace and privacy. A few are full-fledged communities with trails and airstrips. Others are barely marked—a dirt road, a gate, a name locals pronounce their own way.
What they have in common is the promise of space. Not just physical acreage, but mental breathing room. Room to think. To work, to rest, to watch the light shift across the plains without someone asking what your plans are.
10. Double Horn Creek – A Serene Hill Country Escape
Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Double Horn Creek is a community that embodies serenity and natural beauty. This neighborhood features large lots surrounded by rolling hills and mature oak trees, offering residents a peaceful environment away from urban noise.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, bird watching, and taking in panoramic vistas of the countryside. With an approximate population of 250 people, Double Horn Creek fosters a close-knit atmosphere while providing ample space for privacy.
The community’s tranquil setting makes it an ideal spot for those looking to unwind and connect with nature.
Where is Double Horn Creek?
Located near Spicewood in Burnet County, Double Horn Creek is just off Highway 71, about 40 miles west of Austin. This prime location offers residents easy access to the amenities of the city while maintaining a secluded, rural feel.
The neighborhood is surrounded by the scenic landscapes of the Hill Country, including nearby attractions like Lake Travis and Pedernales Falls State Park. To get there, take Highway 71 west from Austin, and you’ll find the community nestled among the rolling hills just beyond Spicewood.
9. Chama Trace – Rolling Hills Privacy Near Brenham
Chama Trace is a rural enclave offering expansive lots over 10 acres, perfect for those seeking quiet country living. The neighborhood is set amidst rolling hills and woodlands, providing residents with picturesque views and a serene environment.
Outdoor activities like horseback riding, hiking, and wildlife watching are popular among locals.
With a small population of around 100 residents, Chama Trace offers both privacy and a tight-knit community feeling. It’s an ideal destination for individuals and families looking to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature.
Where is Chama Trace?
Situated near Brenham in Washington County, Chama Trace is conveniently located between Houston and Austin. The neighborhood is accessible via Highway 290, followed by a scenic drive through the countryside on local roads.
Its proximity to Brenham means residents can enjoy the charm of a small town, complete with local shops, restaurants, and the famous Blue Bell Creameries.
To reach Chama Trace, take Highway 290 to Brenham, then head north on Farm-to-Market roads that wind through the idyllic Texas landscape.
8. Hilltop Lakes – Country Living Amidst Lakes and Nature
Spread over thousands of acres, Hilltop Lakes is a remote community that combines country living with resort-style amenities. Residents enjoy large properties nestled among lakes, rolling hills, and abundant wildlife.
The neighborhood boasts a golf course, private airstrip, horse stables, and numerous outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. With approximately 1,100 residents, Hilltop Lakes offers a friendly atmosphere where neighbors often gather for community events.
It’s an ideal spot for those looking to embrace a laid-back lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty.
Where is Hilltop Lakes?
Located in Leon County, Hilltop Lakes is about 45 miles northeast of College Station. The community is accessible via Highway 3, offering a peaceful retreat that’s still within reach of city conveniences.
Surrounded by a picturesque landscape of forests and lakes, it’s a haven for nature lovers. To get there, take Highway 45 to Centerville, then head west on Highway 7 and follow the signs to Hilltop Lakes, enjoying the scenic drive through rural Texas.
7. Barton Creek – Luxury and Seclusion in the Texas Hill Country
Barton Creek is an exclusive and luxurious neighborhood situated in the Texas Hill Country. With an approximate population of just 2,000 residents, this private, gated community offers expansive properties with scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Residents enjoy world-class amenities, including several golf courses, hiking trails, and the nearby Barton Creek Greenbelt. The neighborhood’s close proximity to Austin allows for a perfect balance of seclusion and access to the city’s cultural attractions, shopping, and dining.
The main industries in the area include real estate, hospitality, and outdoor recreation. The seclusion of Barton Creek is primarily due to its private gates, expansive ranch-style estates, and natural boundaries, such as the rugged terrain of the Hill Country.
Where is Barton Creek?
Located just southwest of Austin, Barton Creek is situated within the Hill Country region of Texas, around a 15-minute drive from the heart of the city. The neighborhood is nestled among limestone hills and dense forests, providing residents with privacy and a peaceful escape from the city.
To reach Barton Creek, take Loop 360 (Capital of Texas Highway) and follow it through the scenic hills until you reach the community’s entrance.
While its proximity to Austin makes it convenient, the gated community’s design ensures that it remains a tranquil retreat, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
6. Oak Ridge Ranch – Forested Solitude Near Weimar
Oak Ridge Ranch offers a secluded lifestyle with 10 to 15-acre lots surrounded by thick forests and open ranch land. This neighborhood is ideal for those seeking privacy and ample space to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, hunting, and horseback riding.
The community has a small population of about 200 residents, ensuring a peaceful environment where one can truly escape the hustle of city life. With its abundant wildlife and serene setting, Oak Ridge Ranch provides a unique opportunity to live in harmony with nature.
Where is Oak Ridge Ranch?
Located near Weimar in Colorado County, Oak Ridge Ranch is approximately halfway between Houston and San Antonio. Accessible via Interstate 10 and then local farm-to-market roads, the community is tucked away from major thoroughfares, enhancing its secluded feel.
The surrounding area is characterized by rolling hills and dense woodlands, offering picturesque views. To get there, take Interstate 10 to Weimar, then head south on FM 155 and follow the signs to Oak Ridge Ranch.
5. Tierra Linda Ranch – Expansive Ranch Living Near Kerrville
Tierra Linda Ranch provides residents with large properties on over 3,000 acres of rolling ranch land. The neighborhood features scenic pastures, wooded areas, and a network of private roads and trails perfect for horseback riding and hiking.
With amenities like a community clubhouse, pool, and private airstrip, residents enjoy a blend of rural living and modern convenience. Home to approximately 300 people, Tierra Linda Ranch offers a peaceful and secluded environment where neighbors share a love for the countryside.
Where is Tierra Linda Ranch?
Situated near Kerrville in Gillespie County, Tierra Linda Ranch is accessible via Highway 783, just a short drive north of Interstate 10. The community’s location provides stunning views of the Hill Country, with easy access to the Guadalupe River and nearby wineries.
To reach Tierra Linda Ranch, take Interstate 10 west from San Antonio to Kerrville, then head north on Highway 783, enjoying the scenic vistas along the way.
4. Mountain Lakes Ranch – A Quiet Retreat Among Rolling Hills
Mountain Lakes Ranch is a rural haven featuring spacious lots, private lakes, and serene rolling hills. Residents can enjoy fishing, boating, and peaceful walks along nature trails in a community designed for tranquility.
With a population of around 400 people, the neighborhood offers a quiet lifestyle immersed in nature. The clear night skies make it a perfect location for stargazing, adding to the area’s charm and appeal for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Where is Mountain Lakes Ranch?
Located near Bluff Dale in Erath County, Mountain Lakes Ranch is accessible via Highway 377, about 60 miles southwest of Fort Worth.
The community is set amidst the scenic beauty of North Central Texas, offering panoramic views and a peaceful environment. To get there, take Highway 377 south from Fort Worth to Bluff Dale, then follow local roads to the entrance of Mountain Lakes Ranch.
3. The Preserve at Walnut Springs – Luxury Meets Seclusion
The Preserve at Walnut Springs is a gated community that seamlessly combines upscale amenities with the peace of secluded Hill Country living. Spread over 2,000 acres of preserved land, it offers large ranch-style lots surrounded by untouched natural beauty.
Residents have access to equestrian facilities, a clubhouse, and miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. With around 50 homesites, the community maintains an exclusive and private atmosphere. It’s an ideal location for those seeking luxury living amid the tranquility of nature.
Where is The Preserve at Walnut Springs?
Situated near Johnson City in Blanco County, The Preserve at Walnut Springs is just an hour west of Austin. The community is accessible via Highway 290, offering a scenic drive through the heart of the Hill Country.
Its location provides easy access to local wineries, state parks, and the Pedernales River. To reach the Preserve, take Highway 290 west from Austin to Johnson City, then head south on local roads leading to the gated entrance.
2. Cielo Vista Ranch – Secluded Living in the Davis Mountains
Cielo Vista Ranch is a hidden gem nestled in the Davis Mountains, offering expansive properties surrounded by pristine landscapes. The neighborhood provides privacy and tranquility miles away from the nearest towns, making it a perfect retreat for solitude seekers.
Outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography are popular due to the area’s abundant natural beauty. With fewer than 100 residents, Cielo Vista Ranch offers a truly secluded living experience where individuals can connect deeply with nature.
Where is Cielo Vista Ranch?
Located in Jeff Davis County, Cielo Vista Ranch is situated near Fort Davis in West Texas. The area is known for its rugged mountain terrain and clear night skies, ideal for stargazing. Accessible via Highway 17 and then via private roads, the community is remote yet reachable.
To get there, take Interstate 10 west to Balmorhea, then head south on Highway 17 toward Fort Davis, enjoying the dramatic landscapes along the way.
1. Terlingua Ranch – A Desert Sanctuary in Big Bend
Terlingua Ranch is a remote desert community offering vast acreage lots with stunning mountain views and rugged terrain. It provides solitude and a deep connection with nature far from urban life.
Residents enjoy unparalleled access to the Big Bend region’s outdoor activities, including hiking, bird watching, and exploring the nearby national and state parks. With an estimated population of around 200 people, the ranch offers a unique off-grid living experience.
The area’s rich history and breathtaking sunsets make it a haven for artists, adventurers, and those seeking true seclusion.
Where is Terlingua Ranch?
Situated in Brewster County, Terlingua Ranch lies east of the town of Terlingua and north of Big Bend National Park.
The community spans over 190,000 acres in the Chihuahuan Desert, offering vast open spaces and dramatic landscapes. Accessible via Highway 118 and then Ranch Road to the lodge area, the ranch is approximately 60 miles south of Alpine.
To reach Terlingua Ranch, travelers can take Highway 118 from Alpine, enjoying the stunning desert scenery en route to this remote sanctuary.
