Market Overview for Zip Code 78728
There are 30 active listings in Zip Code 78728 with a median list price of $432K and a median sold price of $410K.
Homes average 32 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 10 homes have sold, with 139 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $236.
About Zip Code 78728
Zip code 78728 covers the Wells Branch and Tech Ridge areas of far north Austin, extending from Parmer Lane on the south to Howard Lane on the north, and roughly from I-35 on the east to MoPac on the west. The area is approximately 14 miles north of downtown Austin. Wells Branch, one of the original master-planned communities in north Austin, was developed beginning in 1979 and is organized around a municipal utility district (MUD) that maintains extensive community amenities. The Tech Ridge area, closer to I-35, has seen newer commercial and residential development since the 2000s.
Real estate in 78728 includes a wide range of housing types. Wells Branch proper features single-family homes from 1,200 to 2,800 square feet built between 1979 and 2005, with prices generally ranging from $325K to $550K. The Settlers Crossing and Creek Bend subdivisions offer similar vintage homes. Newer development near Tech Ridge includes townhomes and smaller-lot single-family homes priced from $300K to $475K. The median home price across the zip code is approximately $425K. Apartment complexes are concentrated along the I-35 and Parmer Lane corridors, providing rental options for the area's large renter population.
Students in 78728 attend schools in either Round Rock ISD or Pflugerville ISD, depending on their address. Round Rock ISD students typically feed into Wells Branch Elementary, Deerpark Middle School, and McNeil High School. Pflugerville ISD students may attend Caldwell Elementary, Kelly Lane Middle School, and Hendrickson High School. McNeil High School enrolls approximately 2,400 students and has comprehensive AP offerings. Hendrickson High School has about 2,600 students and is known for its engineering and health science academies.
The I-35 corridor gives 78728 direct highway access north toward Round Rock and Georgetown and south toward downtown Austin. MoPac provides a western alternative route. The Tech Ridge Park and Ride, operated by Capital Metro, offers express bus service to downtown Austin in approximately 30 minutes. The Tech Ridge shopping center at I-35 and Parmer includes Target, Best Buy, and numerous restaurants. The Domain is about 10 minutes south on MoPac. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is roughly 25 minutes south via I-35 and SH-71.
Living in Zip Code 78728
Wells Branch has a well-established community identity maintained through its MUD district, which funds a recreation center, three swimming pools, a disc golf course, hike and bike trails, and regular community events. Median household income in 78728 is approximately $75,000. The population is notably diverse, with significant Hispanic, Asian, Black, and white communities. The area draws a mix of first-time homebuyers, young families, and long-term residents who have lived in Wells Branch since the 1980s and 1990s. Many residents work in the north Austin technology corridor or commute downtown via the Tech Ridge Park and Ride.
Daily life benefits from the concentration of retail and dining along the I-35 and Parmer corridors. The Tech Ridge shopping center has Target, Best Buy, Chili's, and Panda Express. H-E-B on Howard Lane serves as the primary grocery anchor. The Wells Branch MUD recreation center hosts youth sports leagues, fitness classes, and summer camps. Katherine Fleischer Park, a 68-acre Wells Branch park, has a swimming pool, sports fields, playgrounds, and a two-mile hike and bike trail loop. The annual Wells Branch Fourth of July celebration draws thousands with live music, food vendors, and a fireworks display. Korean BBQ restaurants and taco trucks along Parmer Lane provide diverse dining options within minutes of most neighborhoods.
Things to Do in Zip Code 78728
- Katherine Fleischer Park: 68-acre Wells Branch park with a swimming pool, sports fields, playgrounds, disc golf course, and a two-mile hike and bike trail loop.
- Wells Branch Fourth of July Celebration: Annual community event with live music, food vendors, children's activities, and a fireworks display attracting thousands of residents.
- Tech Ridge Shopping Center: Retail center at I-35 and Parmer Lane with Target, Best Buy, and numerous restaurants and service businesses.
- Wells Branch MUD Recreation Center: Community facility offering youth sports leagues, fitness classes, summer camps, and event space for residents.
- The Domain: Major mixed-use development about 10 minutes south on MoPac with shopping, dining, entertainment, and Apple's Austin offices.
Major Employers in Zip Code 78728
- Apple (Technology): Apple's Parmer Lane campus is adjacent to 78728 with over 7,000 employees in engineering and operations.
- Amazon (Technology/Logistics): Amazon operates fulfillment and office facilities in the north Austin area employing several thousand people.
- Dell Technologies (Technology): Dell's Round Rock headquarters is about 10 minutes north on I-35, with over 13,000 metro employees.
- Ascension Seton (Healthcare): Seton Medical Center on I-35 near Parmer provides hospital and specialty care with several hundred staff.
- H-E-B (Retail/Grocery): Texas-based grocer with a major store on Howard Lane and regional distribution operations in the area.
Zip Code 78728 Schools
78728 is split between Round Rock ISD and Pflugerville ISD, with feeder patterns leading to McNeil High School and Hendrickson High School respectively.
School District: Round Rock ISD / Pflugerville ISD
Public Schools
- Wells Branch Elementary (RRISD) - Pre-K through 5th grade campus serving approximately 550 students in the Wells Branch community.
- Caldwell Elementary (PISD) - Pflugerville ISD campus for pre-K through 5th grade near the Tech Ridge area.
- Deerpark Middle School (RRISD) - 6th through 8th grade campus with about 900 students.
- Kelly Lane Middle School (PISD) - Pflugerville ISD campus serving 6th through 8th grade, approximately 1,100 students.
- McNeil High School (RRISD) - Roughly 2,400 students in 9th through 12th grade with strong AP and career and technical programs.
- Hendrickson High School (PISD) - About 2,600 students with engineering and health science academy programs.
Pre-Schools
- Wells Branch KinderCare - Licensed childcare and early learning center within the Wells Branch community.
- Children's Courtyard Wells Branch - Private preschool and childcare center near Parmer Lane.
Private Schools
- Redeemer Lutheran School - Pre-K through 8th grade school on Duval Road, approximately 10 minutes west.
- North Austin Christian Academy - Private school serving pre-K through 8th grade in the north Austin area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What school districts serve 78728?
78728 is split between Round Rock ISD and Pflugerville ISD. Round Rock ISD students feed into McNeil High School, while Pflugerville ISD students attend Hendrickson High School.
What is the median home price in 78728?
The median home price in 78728 is approximately $425K. Wells Branch homes range from $325K to $550K, while newer townhomes near Tech Ridge start around $300K.
Is there public transit in 78728?
The Tech Ridge Park and Ride on I-35 offers Capital Metro express bus service to downtown Austin in about 30 minutes. Several local MetroBus routes also serve the area.
What is Wells Branch MUD?
Wells Branch MUD is a municipal utility district that manages community amenities including three pools, a recreation center, parks, trails, and community events. It is funded through property tax assessments on Wells Branch homes.
How far is 78728 from downtown Austin?
78728 is about 14 miles north of downtown Austin. Commute times range from 20 to 35 minutes via I-35 or MoPac depending on traffic. The Tech Ridge Park and Ride offers a 30-minute express bus option.