Market Overview for Zip Code 78622
There are 1 active listings in Zip Code 78622 with a median list price of $360K.
The average price per square foot is $269.
About Zip Code 78622
ZIP code 78622 covers the unincorporated community of Fentress in southwestern Caldwell County, a compact area of approximately four square miles with a population of about 340 residents (2020 Census ZCTA). Fentress sits on the San Marcos River at the junction of State Highway 80 and FM 20, about eight miles northwest of Luling and approximately 15 miles southeast of San Marcos.
The community was originally named Riverside and was renamed Fentress in 1892 after James Fentress, the community's first physician. A post office operated from the 1880s through the mid-twentieth century. The population peaked at 500 in 1929 before declining through the twentieth century.
Fentress sits in the Blackland Prairie region at the southern edge of Caldwell County, along the San Marcos River. The terrain is flat to gently rolling agricultural land, quite different from the Hill Country terrain to the west. The area is primarily agricultural, with cattle ranching and crop farming on the surrounding prairie. State Highway 80 connects Fentress to San Marcos and Luling, while FM 20 runs northwest toward the Caldwell County seat of Lockhart.
The community has a literary connection as the setting for Jacqueline Kelly's novel "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate," which received the 2010 Newbery Honor Award.
Living in Zip Code 78622
Fentress is a quiet, rural community with no commercial services. The nearest towns for groceries, retail, and dining are Luling (about eight miles southeast on SH-80), San Marcos (about 15 miles northwest), or Lockhart (about 15 miles northeast via FM 20). San Marcos provides access to Texas State University, a regional hospital, and I-35.
The area is served by Prairie Lea ISD. The Fentress school merged with Prairie Lea ISD in the 1940s. Prairie Lea is a small community about five miles southeast of Fentress. The district is one of the smallest in the region.
The drive to downtown Austin is approximately 45 miles via SH-80 to I-35, typically taking about 50 minutes. San Marcos is the nearest city on I-35, about 15 miles northwest. Most residents are engaged in agriculture or commute to San Marcos, Lockhart, or the Austin metro area. Real estate in the area consists primarily of agricultural acreage and rural homesteads on the Blackland Prairie.
Things to Do in Zip Code 78622
- San Marcos River: The San Marcos River flows through the Fentress area, offering fishing and kayaking. The river is spring-fed and maintains relatively constant temperatures year-round.
- Lockhart BBQ Trail: The Caldwell County seat of Lockhart, about 15 miles northeast, is known for its barbecue restaurants and was designated the Barbecue Capital of Texas by the state legislature.
- Palmetto State Park: State park about 15 miles southeast near Luling, featuring tropical-looking dwarf palmetto palms, the San Marcos River, hiking trails, camping, and fishing.
- Luling Watermelon Thump: Annual festival in nearby Luling celebrating the area's watermelon heritage, featuring a parade, seed-spitting contest, live music, and carnival.
- San Marcos Outlets and River Recreation: San Marcos, about 15 miles northwest, offers outlet shopping, tubing and kayaking on the San Marcos River, and Meadows Center glass-bottom boat tours at Spring Lake.
Major Employers in Zip Code 78622
- Prairie Lea ISD (Education): Small rural school district serving the Fentress and Prairie Lea communities.
- Agriculture and ranching (Agriculture): Cattle ranching and crop farming on the Blackland Prairie are the primary land uses in the area.
- Caldwell County Government (Government): County government services based in the county seat of Lockhart.
Zip Code 78622 Schools
The 78622 area is served by Prairie Lea ISD, a small rural district. The Fentress school merged with Prairie Lea ISD in the 1940s.
School District: Prairie Lea ISD
Public Schools
- Prairie Lea School - Small rural school serving the Fentress and Prairie Lea communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What community does ZIP 78622 serve?
ZIP 78622 serves the unincorporated community of Fentress in southwestern Caldwell County. The area covers about four square miles with approximately 340 residents. Fentress sits on the San Marcos River at the junction of SH-80 and FM-20.
What school district serves the 78622 area?
The area is served by Prairie Lea ISD, a small rural district. The Fentress school merged with Prairie Lea in the 1940s.
How far is Fentress from Austin?
Fentress is approximately 45 miles south of downtown Austin via SH-80 to I-35, with a drive time of about 50 minutes. San Marcos is about 15 miles northwest, and Lockhart is about 15 miles northeast.
What is the literary connection to Fentress?
Fentress is the setting for Jacqueline Kelly's novel 'The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate,' which received the 2010 Newbery Honor Award from the American Library Association.
Is Fentress the same as Lockhart?
No. Fentress is a separate unincorporated community about 15 miles southwest of Lockhart. Although the ZIP 78622 is sometimes associated with Lockhart in databases, it actually serves Fentress, which sits on the San Marcos River at SH-80 and FM-20.