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Market Overview for Zip Code 78655
There are 8 active listings in Zip Code 78655 with a median list price of $799K and a median sold price of $510K.
Homes average 79 days on market.
Most homes that closed in the last 90 days sold in the $300K-$500K range (67% of 3 closings), taking a median 38 days to go under contract; 33% of closings were $500K or more.
Over the past 30 days, 0 homes have sold, with 12 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $259.
About Zip Code 78655
Zip code 78655 covers Martindale, a small town of approximately 1,200 people in Caldwell County, located about 35 miles south of downtown Austin. Martindale sits along SH-142 and the San Marcos River, positioned between San Marcos to the west and Lockhart to the northeast. The town was settled in the 1830s and grew as a farming community along the river bottomland. The San Marcos River, one of the clearest spring-fed rivers in Texas, flows directly through the community, defining its character and recreational appeal. The surrounding terrain is a mix of Blackland Prairie farmland and wooded river corridors with pecan, cypress, and live oak trees.
Real estate in 78655 features a mix of small-town homes and rural acreage, with river properties commanding the highest prices. Homes in the Martindale townsite typically list from $200K for older two-bedroom houses to $400K for updated properties. Riverfront properties on the San Marcos River range from $500K to over $1 million depending on acreage, river frontage, and home improvements. Rural acreage away from the river with 5 to 20 acres lists from $300K to $600K. Manufactured homes on private lots are available starting around $100K. There is minimal subdivision development; most transactions involve existing homes or raw land. The area appeals to buyers seeking river property, hobby farms, or rural homesteads within commuting distance of San Marcos and Austin.
Students in 78655 attend either Lockhart ISD or San Marcos CISD depending on their location within the zip code. Lockhart ISD serves approximately 6,000 students with multiple campuses, while San Marcos CISD serves 8,144 students (2025-26). Both districts offer agricultural education programs. Lockhart ISD campuses are roughly 10 miles northeast, and San Marcos CISD campuses are about 7 miles west. The nearest private school options include San Marcos Academy, a college-prep boarding and day school about 10 minutes away, and Providence Classical Academy in Lockhart.
Martindale is approximately 35 minutes from downtown Austin via I-35 North from San Marcos, or about 40 minutes via SH-130 and SH-142. San Marcos is roughly 7 miles west, and Lockhart is about 10 miles northeast. Texas State University in San Marcos is the nearest major employer and educational institution. Most Martindale residents commute to San Marcos, Lockhart, Kyle, or Austin for work. The town has a post office, a volunteer fire department, and a handful of small businesses, but no grocery store or gas station. Residents rely on San Marcos or Lockhart for commercial services.
Living in Zip Code 78655
Martindale's population is a mix of longtime farming households and newer residents attracted by affordable river property and the rural pace of life. Median household income is approximately $50,000, with many residents working in trades, education, or service industries in San Marcos and Lockhart. The community has a high proportion of owner-occupied homes, and most properties include at least a half-acre of land. Cost of living is well below the Austin metro average, particularly for housing and utilities. The town operates under a basic municipal government with a mayor and city council, but relies on the Caldwell County Sheriff for law enforcement and volunteer firefighters for fire protection.
Daily life in Martindale revolves around the San Marcos River and the surrounding agricultural landscape. The river provides fishing for Guadalupe bass, sunfish, and catfish, as well as kayaking and canoeing through stretches that are calm enough for casual paddling. Several private river access points and one public crossing are available near the town. Martindale has a community center that hosts events including potluck dinners and holiday gatherings. San Marcos, 7 miles west, provides H-E-B grocery shopping, restaurants, Texas State University cultural events, and the San Marcos River walk-in access at Rio Vista Park. Lockhart's barbecue restaurants are about 15 minutes northeast. The annual Martindale Mule Day celebration highlights the town's agricultural heritage with a mule show, parade, and barbecue. Outdoor enthusiasts use the area for deer and dove hunting on private land and horseback riding on rural roads and trails.
Things to Do in Zip Code 78655
- San Marcos River: Spring-fed river running through Martindale offering fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. One of the clearest rivers in Texas with year-round water temperatures near 72 degrees.
- Martindale Mule Day: Annual community celebration with a mule show, parade, barbecue, and displays honoring the town's agricultural heritage.
- Rio Vista Park: San Marcos city park about 7 miles west with walk-in river access, rapids, and grassy areas for swimming and tubing.
- Lockhart Barbecue Trail: Collection of barbecue restaurants in Lockhart, about 15 minutes northeast, including Kreuz Market, Smitty's, and Black's.
- Deer and Dove Hunting: Private land hunting leases in the Martindale area for white-tail deer, dove, and turkey during fall and winter seasons.
Major Employers in Zip Code 78655
- Texas State University (Education): Public university in San Marcos with approximately 44,596 students (fall 2025) and more than 1,700 full-time faculty and 2,300 full-time staff, about 7 miles from Martindale.
- San Marcos CISD (Education): Public school district in San Marcos employing approximately 1,200 staff across multiple campuses.
- Lockhart ISD (Education): Public school district employing approximately 800 staff, headquartered about 10 miles northeast in Lockhart.
- Amazon (Logistics): Fulfillment center near San Marcos along I-35 employing over 1,000 warehouse and distribution workers.
Zip Code 78655 Schools
Students in 78655 attend either Lockhart ISD or San Marcos CISD depending on their location within the zip code.
School District: Lockhart ISD / San Marcos CISD
Public Schools
Pre-Schools
- Head Start San Marcos - Federally funded early childhood program serving income-eligible households in the San Marcos area.
- San Marcos CISD Pre-K - Public pre-kindergarten program at San Marcos CISD campuses, approximately 10 minutes south of Martindale.
Private Schools
- San Marcos Academy - Private college-prep boarding and day school in San Marcos, about 10 minutes west of Martindale.
- Providence Classical Academy - Private classical school in Lockhart, approximately 10 miles northeast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is zip code 78655?
78655 covers Martindale, Texas, a small town in Caldwell County about 35 miles south of Austin. It sits along SH-142 and the San Marcos River between San Marcos and Lockhart.
What do homes cost in 78655?
In-town homes range from $200K to $400K. Riverfront properties on the San Marcos River list from $500K to over $1 million. Rural acreage runs $300K to $600K.
Does Martindale have San Marcos River access?
Yes, the San Marcos River runs directly through Martindale. Riverfront properties have private access, and there is a public crossing point near the town for fishing and paddling.
What school district is 78655 in?
78655 is split between Lockhart ISD and San Marcos CISD depending on address. Both districts have campuses within 10 miles of Martindale.
How far is Martindale from Austin?
Martindale is approximately 35 minutes from downtown Austin via I-35 through San Marcos. San Marcos is about 7 miles west, and Lockhart is about 10 miles northeast.