●Rio VistaHomes for Sale

Market Overview for Rio Vista

There are 2 active listings in Rio Vista with a median list price of $272K and a median sold price of $243K.

Homes average 42 days on market.

Over the past 30 days, 0 homes have sold, with 8 sales in the past 12 months.

The average price per square foot is $191.

About Rio Vista

Rio Vista is a residential neighborhood on the east side of San Marcos, Texas, located in Hays County along the San Marcos River. The neighborhood sits approximately one mile east of downtown San Marcos and the Texas State University campus. Rio Vista borders several interconnected parks along the river, including Rio Vista Park, which features the well-known Rio Vista Falls dam.

Homes in Rio Vista are largely midcentury construction, with many built from the 1950s through the 1970s. Architectural styles include compact bungalows and ranch-style homes with modest yard sizes. Some properties have carports rather than enclosed garages. Home prices in the neighborhood typically range from approximately $200,000 to $550,000, with the neighborhood split roughly evenly between owner-occupied and renter-occupied properties. The proximity to Texas State University contributes to the rental market activity in the area.

Rio Vista is served by San Marcos Consolidated ISD, which covers 210 square miles and serves more than 7,500 students. The district operates six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. Students in the Rio Vista area typically attend Dezavala Elementary School, Miller Middle School, and San Marcos High School. San Marcos CISD has been investing in facility improvements across its campuses in recent years.

The neighborhood is located between Interstate 35 and the San Marcos River, with downtown San Marcos accessible via a short walk or drive. Texas State University, with enrollment of approximately 44,596 students (fall 2025), is less than one mile to the west. The San Marcos River provides year-round recreational access, with water temperatures maintained at approximately 72 degrees by the spring system that feeds it. Commute times to Austin are approximately 35 to 45 minutes north via I-35, and San Antonio is approximately 50 miles south.

Living in Rio Vista

Rio Vista features narrow residential streets with compact lots and a mix of midcentury homes and some newer construction. Many homes sit on slightly elevated ground relative to the river corridor. The neighborhood does not have a homeowner's association, and utility services are provided by the City of San Marcos. Residents may hear some transportation noise from the adjacent railroad tracks and I-35. Property tax rates in Hays County for San Marcos addresses include city, county, and school district levies.

Rio Vista Park, directly adjacent to the neighborhood, includes the Rio Vista Falls dam on the San Marcos River, along with restrooms, tennis courts, a half basketball court, a pavilion, and hike-and-bike trails. There are no admission or parking fees at the park. The Lions Club Tube Rental operates shuttle service for river tubing at $25 per tube with unlimited shuttle rides. Herbert's Taco Hut, serving Mexican food since the 1970s, and Ivar's River Pub are both nearby. H-E-B on Thorpe Lane provides grocery access approximately two miles north. The San Marcos Activity Center on City Park Road offers fitness facilities and community programming.

Things to Do in Rio Vista

• Rio Vista Park: City park along the San Marcos River featuring the Rio Vista Falls dam, tennis courts, a pavilion, and hike-and-bike trails. No admission or parking fees.
• San Marcos River Tubing: Spring-fed river maintaining approximately 72-degree water year-round. Lions Club Tube Rental offers tubes at $25 with unlimited shuttle from City Park to Rio Vista Park.
• Meadows Center for Water and the Environment: Glass-bottom boat tours on Spring Lake at the headwaters of the San Marcos River. Operated by Texas State University, highlighting aquifer ecology and endangered species.
• San Marcos Downtown Square: Historic commercial district centered on the Hays County Courthouse, with locally owned restaurants, shops, and regular community events.
• Children's Park: Riverside green space near Rio Vista featuring aquatic murals, a mermaid sculpture, and play areas along the San Marcos River.
• Five Mile Dam Park: County park southeast of San Marcos on the San Marcos River offering swimming, picnicking, and a low-water dam for wading.

Major Employers in Rio Vista

• Texas State University (Education): Public university with more than 1,700 full-time faculty and 2,300 full-time staff and enrollment of approximately 44,596 students (fall 2025), less than one mile from the neighborhood.
• San Marcos Premium Outlets (Retail): Outlet mall with 145 stores employing approximately 2,100 workers along I-35 in San Marcos.
• Christus Santa Rosa Hospital San Marcos (Healthcare): A 140-bed general medical and surgical hospital in San Marcos employing over 650 people.
• Hunter Industries (Manufacturing): One of the largest irrigation equipment manufacturers globally, with a San Marcos facility employing approximately 650 workers.
• City of San Marcos (Government): Municipal government employing approximately 500 people across 25 departments, providing city services and administration.

Rio Vista Schools

Rio Vista is served by San Marcos ISD. Students typically attend Crockett Elementary or Travis Elementary or Bowie Elementary or Dezavala Elementary for elementary school, Goodnight Middle School or Miller Middle School or Doris Miller Middle School or Armando Chapa Middle School for middle school, and San Marcos High School or Jack C Hays High School for high school.

School District: San Marcos ISD

Public Schools

Pre-Schools

• First Step Preschool and Childcare Center - Texas Rising Star four-star accredited program on Hunter Road, serving infants through age 12.
• Kids of the Kingdom - Preschool ministry of First Lutheran Church at 130 W. Holland Street in San Marcos, open 7 AM to 6 PM.
• First United Methodist Day School - Licensed early education provider in San Marcos serving children from three months through 5th grade.

Private Schools

• San Marcos Academy - Private Christian school founded in 1907, serving grades PK-12 with a boarding program for grades 6-12 and approximately 353 students.
• Wonderland School - Private school and daycare in San Marcos providing early childhood and elementary education.

Higher Education

• Texas State University - Public university with enrollment of approximately 44,596 students (fall 2025), located less than one mile west of Rio Vista along the San Marcos River.

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