Market Overview for Southwest Hills
There are 1 active listings in Southwest Hills with a median list price of $399K and a median sold price of $850K.
Homes average 65 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 1 homes have sold, with 1 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $146.
About Southwest Hills
Southwest Hills is a residential neighborhood in western San Marcos, Texas (Hays County), situated in the wooded hills northwest of Wonder World Drive and southwest of Post Road. The neighborhood has approximately 826 residents and developed organically over several decades rather than as a single master-planned community. Most homes were built between 1970 and 1999, with additional construction from the 2000s to the present. The area is not a gated community and is not governed by a single master-plan HOA.
Housing in Southwest Hills consists primarily of single-family homes in traditional and ranch styles, often featuring limestone or brick exteriors with attached garages or carports. The neighborhood includes a mix of smaller two-bedroom residences and larger four-bedroom properties. The area sits in the rolling terrain of the Texas Hill Country, with mature tree cover and wooded lots throughout. Craftsman bungalows, Cape Cod designs, and custom homes are also present in the housing stock.
San Marcos is located along I-35 approximately 32 miles south of Austin and serves as the seat of Hays County. Texas State University, which enrolled a record 44,596 students for fall 2025, anchors the local economy and gives the city its college-town character. The San Marcos River, fed by springs that maintain a constant 72-degree temperature year-round, runs through the city and supports tubing, kayaking, and swimming. San Marcos was ranked the nation's fastest-growing city by the U.S. Census Bureau for three consecutive years (2013 through 2015), and the city's population reached approximately 90,988 as of January 2025. The community is served by San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District.
Living in Southwest Hills
Southwest Hills residents are within minutes of downtown San Marcos, the Texas State University campus, and the San Marcos River. I-35 provides the primary commute corridor, with downtown Austin approximately 32 miles north (30 to 40 minutes in light traffic). SH 130 offers a toll-road alternative that bypasses I-35 congestion. Ranch Road 12 runs from San Marcos northward through Wimberley and Dripping Springs.
San Marcos CISD serves the neighborhood. Students attend Crockett Elementary (approximately 487 students, opened 1964), Miller Middle School (approximately 908 students), and San Marcos High School (approximately 2,447 students, UIL 6A). San Marcos High offers AP courses and dual enrollment at Texas State University and Austin Community College.
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital — San Marcos, a Level 4 Trauma Center at 1301 Wonder World Drive, provides nearby healthcare. The combined San Marcos Premium Outlets (145-plus stores) and Tanger Outlets (100-plus stores) draw over 14 million visitors annually from 75 countries, making outlet shopping a significant part of the local economy.
Things to Do in Southwest Hills
- Purgatory Creek Natural Area: Over 700 acres within the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone with approximately 10 miles of trails across three sections. Popular for hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching.
- San Marcos River Tubing: Spring-fed river at a constant 72 degrees year-round. Outfitters include Lions Club Tube Rental and Don's Fish Camp, with floats ranging from 45 minutes to 3 hours.
- The Meadows Center at Spring Lake: Located on the Texas State campus. Offers glass-bottom boat tours, guided kayak tours, and snorkel tours through the headwaters of the San Marcos River.
- Wonder World Cave and Adventure Park: At 1000 Prospect Street. Features a Balcones Fault Line cave, a 180-foot observation tower, and a Texas Wildlife Petting Park. Family-owned since 1893.
- San Marcos Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlets: Combined 220-plus stores and over 1.2 million square feet of retail along I-35, featuring brands from Gucci to Nike.
- Downtown San Marcos Square: Historic town square with locally owned restaurants, bistros, live-music venues, and rooftop dining along Cypress Creek.
Major Employers in Southwest Hills
- Texas State University (Higher Education): Enrolled 44,596 students for fall 2025, with approximately 2,780 employees. Located adjacent to Southwest Hills.
- Amazon (Distribution / Logistics): Fulfillment center (SAT-6) in the San Marcos corridor, part of a regional operation with over 5,000 employees.
- San Marcos Premium Outlets (Retail): Simon Property Group outlet center along I-35 with 145-plus stores and approximately 2,100 employees.
- CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital — San Marcos (Healthcare): Level 4 Trauma Center, Accredited Chest Pain Center, and Primary Stroke Center at 1301 Wonder World Drive.
Southwest Hills Schools
Southwest Hills is served by San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District, which serves over 8,200 students across the San Marcos area.
School District: San Marcos CISD
Public Schools
- Crockett Elementary
- Miller Middle
- San Marcos High School
Private Schools
- San Marcos Academy - PreK-3 through 12th grade private Christian school with approximately 353 students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Southwest Hills located?
Southwest Hills is in western San Marcos, Texas (Hays County), situated in the wooded hills northwest of Wonder World Drive. Downtown Austin is approximately 32 miles north via I-35.
What schools serve Southwest Hills?
Southwest Hills is served by San Marcos CISD. Students attend Crockett Elementary, Miller Middle School, and San Marcos High School (UIL 6A, approximately 2,447 students).
What is the character of homes in Southwest Hills?
Southwest Hills features a mix of ranch-style and traditional single-family homes built from the 1970s through the present. The neighborhood developed organically over several decades on wooded Hill Country terrain.
How far is Southwest Hills from Austin?
Downtown Austin is approximately 32 miles north via I-35, with a drive time of 30 to 40 minutes in light traffic. SH 130 provides a toll-road alternative.
What outdoor activities are near Southwest Hills?
The San Marcos River offers year-round tubing, kayaking, and swimming at a constant 72 degrees. Purgatory Creek Natural Area has over 700 acres with approximately 10 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking.