●McDade, TXHomes for Sale

Market Overview for McDade

There are 3 active listings in McDade with a median list price of $425K and a median sold price of $280K.

Over the past 30 days, 0 homes have sold, with 5 sales in the past 12 months.

The average price per square foot is $264.

About McDade

McDade is an unincorporated community of 720 residents (2020 census) in northern Bastrop County along U.S. Highway 290, approximately 35 miles east of Austin. The community covers about 4.0 square miles at an elevation of 515 feet, situated in the Lost Pines region of Central Texas where post-oak and loblolly pine forests transition into the Blackland Prairie.

McDade was established in 1869 in anticipation of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad and named for James W. McDade of Brenham, a major stockholder in the railroad. Early nicknames included "Tie City" or "Tie Town" from railroad ties stockpiled at the site. By 1873, the community had a post office, cotton gin, and Baptist congregation. By 1879 it was a described as a thriving depot town of roughly 150 residents. The community operated a broom factory with 10 workers by 1881, coal mines, and the McDade Pottery (established in the 1880s under Robert L. Williams), which the TSHA Handbook describes as the most successful business ever to exist in the town, gaining statewide distribution for its locally-sourced clay products.

McDade has its own independent school district — McDade ISD — one of the smallest in the region. The district enrolls approximately 373 students across two campuses: McDade Elementary (about 204 students) and McDade High School (about 169 students, serving grades 7-12). District enrollment has grown 68.8 percent since 2016. The housing market around McDade centers on rural acreage and homesteads along U.S. 290 and surrounding farm roads, with proximity to Austin drawing commuters willing to trade a longer drive for open land and lower per-acre costs.

Living in McDade

McDade is a rural community centered on U.S. 290 with no incorporated municipal government. Bastrop County provides services. Elgin, about 10 miles west on U.S. 290, is the nearest town with grocery stores and basic retail. Bastrop is approximately 14 miles southwest.

The community has an unusually strong cultural calendar for its size. The McDade Watermelon Festival, held the second Saturday of July since 1948, draws visitors for a parade, car show, street dance, seed-spitting contest, live music, and a watermelon queen pageant. Proceeds fund teacher grants and McDade ISD scholarships. Sherwood Forest Faire, one of the largest Renaissance fairs in Texas, operates on 23 acres at 1883 Old Highway 20, running weekends in March and April with 170 artisans, 150 daily live shows, jousting, and over 100 permanent buildings.

The drive to Austin is approximately 35 miles west on U.S. 290, typically 40 to 55 minutes. Many McDade residents commute to Austin, Elgin, or Bastrop for employment. Sandy soils in the area are historically suited to watermelon farming, a tradition that the community celebrates through its annual festival.

Things to Do in McDade

• Attend Sherwood Forest Faire: One of the largest Renaissance fairs in Texas, held on 23 acres at 1883 Old Highway 20 in McDade. The faire runs weekends in March and April and features 170 artisans, 150 daily live shows, jousting, falconry, and over 100 permanent buildings. A Celtic Music Festival is held in December.
• Celebrate at the McDade Watermelon Festival: Held the second Saturday of July since 1948, this annual festival features a parade, car show, street dance, seed-spitting contest, live music, and a watermelon queen pageant. Proceeds fund teacher grants and McDade ISD scholarships. The festival has never had a rainout in its history (only cancellation: 2020).
• Visit the McDade Historical Museum: A community museum preserving McDade's frontier-era and railroad history, from its 1869 founding as a Houston and Texas Central Railway town through its colorful 19th-century past.
• Explore Bastrop and Buescher State Parks: Bastrop State Park (over 2,000 acres of Lost Pines forest, a National Historic Landmark) is about 14 miles southwest. Buescher State Park near Smithville connects via the 12-mile scenic Park Road 1C. Both offer hiking, camping, and nature study.
• Visit Elgin's barbecue trail: Elgin, about 10 miles west on U.S. 290, is known as the Sausage Capital of Texas. Southside Market and Meyers Elgin Sausage are among the historic barbecue establishments that draw visitors from across the state.

Major Employers in McDade

• McDade ISD (Education): McDade Independent School District is one of the smallest in the region, enrolling approximately 373 students across two campuses: McDade Elementary and McDade High School (grades 7-12). The district has grown 68.8 percent since 2016.
• Sherwood Forest Faire (Entertainment & events): The Renaissance faire operates on 23 acres with over 100 permanent buildings and employs performers, artisans, food vendors, and operations staff during its spring season and year-round events.
• Agriculture and ranching (Agriculture): Farming and ranching on the surrounding Bastrop County land continues the community's agricultural heritage. The area's sandy soils are historically suited to watermelon farming.

McDade Schools

McDade has its own independent school district — one of the smallest in the region. McDade ISD enrolls approximately 373 students across two campuses and has grown 68.8 percent since 2016.

School District: McDade ISD

Public Schools

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