Introduction to Texas Ranches
The state of Texas is renowned for its deep agricultural roots, boasting the most ranches and farms of any state in the U.S. — nearly 250,000, according to the Texas Department of Agriculture. With Texas spanning nearly 172 million acres, there’s ample space for these ranches and farms. Interestingly, Texas not only leads the U.S. in the number of ranches and farms but also in the number of ranches on the market. Recent data from Realtor.com shows that as of early September, 7,411 Texas ranches were on the market, significantly outpacing the second-ranked state, Kentucky, which had 1,641 ranches up for sale.
The "Yellowstone Effect" on Ranch Sales
The U.S. market for ranches is experiencing a surge, with ranch heirs selling to high-end buyers. This trend is partly attributed to the "Yellowstone effect," coupled with pandemic-era demand for privacy and space, as noted by Realtor.com. The popularity of TV’s Western drama Yellowstone and its spinoffs has fueled interest in sprawling ranch properties across the country. Taylor Sheridan, the co-creator of Yellowstone, owns several ranches, including the 600-acre Bosque Ranch and the 179-acre Papa’s Creek Ranch in Wyoming, as well as co-owning the 266,255-acre 6666 Ranch in Texas. The fourth season of Yellowstone featured the 6666 Ranch, further highlighting the allure of such properties.
Noteworthy Texas Ranches on the Market
Several Texas ranches are currently on the market, offering a range of sizes, features, and prices. Here are a few noteworthy ones:
- Tranquility Ranch: Located near Houston, this 1,210-acre ranch is listed at $23 million. It features 6,100 square feet of living space, including six bedrooms, and is set up as a luxury equine property with development potential.
- Mt. Solitude Ranch: Near San Antonio, this 3,630-acre Hill Country ranch is on the market for $79.9 million. It offers expansive views and significant development potential.
- Pace Bend Ranch: About 30 miles northwest of Austin, Pace Bend Ranch spans 777 acres and is listed at $100 million. It includes over a mile of private shoreline along Lake Travis and proximity to Pace Bend Park.
- JD Kutcher-Elder Ranch: Near Fort Worth, this 947-acre ranch is listed at nearly $31.5 million. It features a historic two-story sandstone home, a large barn, and abundant wildlife.
- Brazos Highland Properties: This collection of ranches near Del Rio totals 87,819 acres. The largely undeveloped land offers diverse terrain, including canyons, hills, and caves, with an unspecified asking price.
- Lake Monticello property: One of the priciest options, this unnamed ranch near Texarkana covers about 5,700 acres and includes the 2,100-acre Lake Monticello. It’s listed at $131.1 million, offering a rare opportunity for a large-scale ranch and lake ownership.
Conclusion
The market for Texas ranches is vibrant, driven by the allure of spacious properties, privacy, and the "Yellowstone effect." With a wide range of options available, from the relatively smaller Tranquility Ranch to the vast Brazos Highland Properties and the luxurious Pace Bend Ranch, there’s something for every kind of buyer looking to invest in the Lone Star State’s ranching heritage. Whether for personal use, development, or conservation, these ranches represent a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and opportunity, making Texas the go-to destination for those seeking the ultimate ranch experience.
