As developers and business owners look beyond saturated urban cores like Austin and San Antonio, a new wave of attention is turning toward tertiary markets that offer lifestyle appeal, low competition, and strong, unmet demand. Wimberley, Texas, located just 45 minutes southwest of Austin in Hays County, is quickly distinguishing itself as a destination that checks all the right boxes.

A Hill Country Market on the Rise

Known for its scenic beauty, artistic culture, and close-knit community, Wimberley has long been a favorite among second-homeowners and retirees. But the town’s profile is shifting. With steady in-migration from Austin, San Antonio, and other metro areas, the full-time population is growing—and so are expectations for local goods and services. The 2023 population sits just under 3,000, but the trade area pulls from a much broader regional base. Residents are increasingly affluent and lifestyle-driven, seeking access to everyday retail, wellness services, and modern conveniences without leaving town. This rising demand is creating clear opportunities for retail and mixed-use development.                       *Key indicators provided by 2025 CoStar Group Analytics for Hays County  

Hays County: A Submarket Worth Watching

Wimberley benefits from its location within Hays County, one of the fastest-growing submarkets in the Austin-Round Rock MSA. In 2024 alone, Hays County delivered more than 289,000 square feet of new retail space, trailing only Georgetown and Northeast Austin. Leasing activity exceeded 326,000 square feet, outpacing the five-year average and driving the vacancy rate to a record low of 1.2%. While nearby cities like Kyle and San Marcos have absorbed most of this new development, Wimberley remains significantly underbuilt. That gap presents a compelling opportunity for first movers who can deliver the types of businesses residents are actively requesting.

What the Community Wants — And What’s Missing

Unlike some other Hill Country destinations, Wimberley’s commercial potential isn’t rooted in tourism alone. While seasonal visitors do boost the economy, it’s the full-time population that drives sustained demand. A recent analysis of local preferences reveals several key underserved categories:

• Farm-to-table restaurants and upscale cafés High demand for quality sit-down dining and healthy grab-and-go options. Opportunity for locally owned cafés or wine-forward restaurants.
• Specialty grocery and wine markets Residents are looking for organic produce, curated goods, and craft wines—without having to travel to New Braunfels or San Marcos.
• Wellness and boutique fitness studios Yoga, Pilates, massage therapy, and holistic treatments are in demand, especially among Wimberley’s health-conscious, older demographic.
• Full-service auto repair and car wash options A full-service shop or quick-care concept would fill a major gap in local services.
• Outdoor and adventure gear retailers Capitalize on Wimberley’s proximity to Blue Hole Regional Park, the Blanco River, and area hiking trails.
• Pet grooming and boutique pet supply stores High pet ownership and lack of local grooming services make this a strong fit.  

Spotlight: Shovel-Ready Commercial Tracts at RM 2325 & Jacob’s Well Road

At the center of this opportunity lies a rare find: two shovel-ready commercial tracts for sale at the hard corner of RM 2325 and Jacob’s Well Road, less than a mile from Jacob’s Well Elementary School and the Wimberley Sports Complex. Offered by Devora Realty, these tracts total approximately 3.54± acres and feature:

• Zoning for Retail/Mixed Use
• Horizontal infrastructure and detention already in place
• 3/4” water meters installed on both tracts, with larger capacity available through Aqua Water Supply Corporation
• Electricity at the property line
• High-traffic, high-visibility intersection, with a new convenience store (C-store) nearing completion next door

For developers seeking speed to market, these parcels offer rare plug-and-play efficiency in a constrained commercial market. The scarcity of ready-to-build commercial sites in Wimberley only adds to the value and long-term upside of this investment. View full property details at JacobsWellRetail.com

A Final Word for Investors

With rising barriers to entry in urban cores and oversaturation in neighboring suburbs, Wimberley stands out as a lifestyle-forward market with strong fundamentals and quantifiable retail gaps. The combination of community demand, limited competition, and a business-friendly environment makes it a compelling destination for thoughtful commercial development. And with shovel-ready land now available in a prime location, the timing couldn’t be better to secure a foothold in one of Central Texas’s most promising small-town markets. For inquiries or to schedule a tour, contact: Johnny Devora, CCIM Devora Realty, LLC  Devora Realty  [email protected] M. 512.961.9084