Market Overview for Willow Creek
There are 6 active listings in Willow Creek with a median list price of $537K and a median sold price of $595K.
Homes average 17 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 1 homes have sold, with 24 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $222.
About Willow Creek
Willow Creek is a deed-restricted residential subdivision of nearly 500 home sites in San Marcos, Texas (Hays County). Development began in the early 1970s with Section 1, and continued over approximately 30 years through 12 sections, with the final section completing in the early 2000s when the last portion of the original family ranch was developed.
The subdivision includes several sub-communities with their own governance: The Ridge (87 lots, mid-1980s, on Willow Ridge Drive), Ridge II (early 2000s), The Park at Willow Creek (40 homes and 18 townhouses, gated), Retreat on Willow Creek, and Gardens at Willow Creek. The main Willow Creek Homeowners Association manages the original sections and enforces deed restrictions, including single-family-per-lot requirements and architectural review for new construction, landscaping, and hardscaping.
Willow Creek is located west of IH-35 in San Marcos, bounded approximately by Los Santos Drive and the Purgatory Creek Natural Area to the north, Hunter Road to the east, and W. McCarty Lane to the south and west. The neighborhood borders the 700-plus-acre Purgatory Creek Natural Area, which provides direct trail access from the neighborhood. Downtown San Marcos is approximately 4 miles east, and downtown Austin is approximately 30 miles north via IH-35.
Homes in Willow Creek span a range of eras and styles, from original 1970s ranch homes to newer construction by builders including William Lyon Homes. Home sizes range from approximately 1,500 to over 5,600 square feet on lots typically ranging from 0.5 to over 1.4 acres. The neighborhood is served by San Marcos Consolidated ISD.
Living in Willow Creek
Willow Creek is served by San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District. Students attend Hernandez Elementary, Miller Middle School, and San Marcos High School. SMCISD serves approximately 8,144 students across 12 campuses.
The Willow Creek HOA is a voluntary association that organizes community events including an annual neighborhood garage sale and National Night Out. Deed restrictions are enforced through a board of officers and directors elected annually, with architectural modifications subject to a 30-day review period. HOA dues vary by section, ranging from $15 to $425 per year for the original sections. Sub-communities such as The Ridge and Ridge II have their own mandatory maintenance fees.
IH-35 provides the primary commute corridor, with Austin approximately 30 miles north and San Antonio approximately 50 miles south. The neighborhood is near the intersection of W. McCarty Lane and Hunter Road, with direct access to IH-35 via Wonder World Drive or Hopkins Street.
The combined property tax rate in San Marcos is approximately 2.07% of assessed value. Utilities are provided by the City of San Marcos (water/sewer), Pedernales Electric Cooperative or the City of San Marcos Electric Utility (electricity varies by location), and CenterPoint Energy (natural gas). Some streets within Willow Creek are inside San Marcos city limits while others remain in the extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Things to Do in Willow Creek
- Purgatory Creek Natural Area: Over 700 acres of preserved land with 12-plus miles of gravel trails, directly adjacent to Willow Creek. Three sections: Prospect Park, Lower Purgatory, and Upper Purgatory.
- San Marcos River: A spring-fed river maintaining approximately 72 degrees year-round, with tubing, kayaking, and swimming. Float trips run approximately 2 hours.
- Tanger Outlets and San Marcos Premium Outlets: Over 240 stores combined, one of the largest outlet shopping destinations in Texas, located along IH-35 in San Marcos.
- Wonder World Cave and Adventure Park: The first commercial show cave in Texas (since 1894) at 1000 Prospect Street. Includes an Anti-Gravity House, train ride, and wildlife petting park.
- Downtown San Marcos Square: Historic courthouse square with restaurants, shops, and a Saturday farmers market. Art Squared events on second Saturdays.
Major Employers in Willow Creek
- Amazon (Logistics / Fulfillment): Fulfillment center at 1401 E. McCarty Lane (opened 2016) and delivery station at 1346 Fortuna Road.
- Texas State University (Higher Education): Public university in San Marcos with approximately 38,000 students.
- CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital - San Marcos (Healthcare): A 140-bed general medical and surgical hospital at 1301 Wonder World Drive.
- Hunter Industries (Manufacturing): Irrigation product manufacturer producing rotors, sprinklers, controllers, and valves.
Willow Creek Schools
Willow Creek is served by San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District, which operates 12 campuses.
School District: San Marcos CISD
Public Schools
- Hernandez Elementary - San Marcos CISD elementary school serving the Willow Creek area.
- Miller Middle School - San Marcos CISD middle school serving grades 6 through 8.
- San Marcos High School - San Marcos CISD high school serving grades 9 through 12.
Higher Education
- Texas State University - Public university in San Marcos with approximately 38,000 students, located near downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Willow Creek in San Marcos?
Willow Creek is located west of IH-35 in San Marcos, Texas (Hays County), bounded by Purgatory Creek Natural Area to the north, Hunter Road to the east, and W. McCarty Lane to the south and west. Downtown San Marcos is approximately 4 miles east.
What schools serve Willow Creek?
Willow Creek is served by San Marcos CISD. Students attend Hernandez Elementary, Miller Middle School, and San Marcos High School.
Is Willow Creek a gated community?
The main Willow Creek Estates has three entrance locations. The sub-community Park at Willow Creek (40 homes and 18 townhouses) is a confirmed gated section within the broader neighborhood.
How large are lots in Willow Creek?
Lots in the original Willow Creek sections typically range from 0.5 to over 1.4 acres. Newer sections may have smaller lot sizes. The subdivision spans nearly 500 home sites across 12 sections.
What is the property tax rate in Willow Creek?
The combined property tax rate in the San Marcos area is approximately 2.07% of assessed value. Some Willow Creek streets are inside San Marcos city limits while others remain in the extraterritorial jurisdiction, which affects the total rate.