Driftwood's housing is Hill Country in character, made up of homes on acreage, ranch-style properties, and scattered rural residences rather than dense subdivisions. The official census-designated place is tiny, but the surrounding Driftwood area, within the Dripping Springs school district, holds a mix of established homesteads and larger country lots with oak-covered hills and open pasture. Buyers are typically drawn by space, privacy, and the area's scenic Hill Country setting, accepting a short drive for most services. The region's proximity to Austin and Dripping Springs gives it appeal for those seeking a rural property within reach of the metro.

Driftwood has no formal neighborhoods or subdivisions in the conventional sense. The community is defined by Ranch to Market Road 150, which passes through its center, and by the surrounding Hill Country countryside of ranches, acreage, and scattered homes. The Salt Lick BBQ and Salt Lick Cellars form the area's social and commercial focal points, drawing visitors to a place with almost no other commercial development. The nearby towns of Dripping Springs and Wimberley provide the surrounding communities and services. Driftwood reads as a rural crossroads with a famous destination rather than a town of distinct residential districts.

Driftwood's lifestyle is shaped by its dual identity as a tiny rural community and a beloved Hill Country destination. The Salt Lick BBQ draws a steady stream of visitors from Austin and beyond, and the surrounding wineries, breweries, and distilleries have made the area a stop on the Hill Country's food-and-wine trail. For the small number of full-time residents, life is quiet and spread out, centered on rural roads, Hill Country views, and a slower pace than the city. Dripping Springs and Wimberley provide nearby services, while Austin remains an easy drive for work and culture. It is a place for those who want Hill Country living with a famous barbecue joint down the road.

Driftwood is served by the Dripping Springs Independent School District, which enrolls more than 8,000 students across approximately 198 square miles of northern Hays County, including a small portion of Travis County. The district serves Driftwood, Dripping Springs, and the surrounding rural communities, providing a well-regarded K-12 pathway for families in the area. Because the district is one of the region's draws, education is a meaningful part of the Driftwood area's appeal, pairing Hill Country acreage with access to a strong public school system.

Driftwood is reached by Ranch to Market Road 150, which connects the community to the broader Hays County road network and toward Austin. Downtown Austin is about 24 miles to the northeast, Kyle is roughly fifteen miles southeast, and San Marcos lies about 25 miles south. There is no public transit or passenger rail serving Driftwood, so transportation is entirely by private vehicle. For residents, the practical pattern is a scenic Hill Country drive to reach the region's jobs, services, and entertainment, with Austin's employment centers within commuting range.

Recreation in Driftwood is oriented around Hill Country food, wine, and scenery. The Salt Lick BBQ is the community's best-known draw, with Salt Lick Cellars offering wine tasting beside the restaurant. The surrounding area's wineries, breweries, and distilleries make Driftwood a destination on the Hill Country wine trail. Beyond the table, the rolling countryside offers scenic drives and rural exploration, with the outdoor recreation of Dripping Springs, Wimberley, and the Pedernales River valley a short drive away. The nearby Hamilton Pool Preserve and other Hill Country natural attractions add hiking and swimming within easy reach.