Market Overview for Zip Code 78635
There are 3 active listings in Zip Code 78635 with a median list price of $649K.
The average price per square foot is $625.
About Zip Code 78635
ZIP code 78635 covers the unincorporated community of Hye and surrounding rural land in western Blanco County, spanning approximately 19 square miles. The area is very sparsely populated — the 2020 Census ZCTA count was approximately 110 residents in about 50 households. The Texas State Historical Association reported a population of 105 from 1970 through 2000, with 72 counted in 2009.
Hye sits directly on U.S. Highway 290, about ten miles west of Johnson City and near the Gillespie County line, in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. The community was named after Hiram G. "Hye" Brown, who built a store south of the Pedernales River on the Austin-Fredericksburg road in 1880 and established the post office in 1886. A cotton gin operated from 1906 until 1945, and the Hye General Store and Post Office was designated a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark in 1966.
The 78635 area is best known as part of the US-290 wine and spirits corridor between Johnson City and Fredericksburg. Several wineries and a bourbon distillery operate along the highway within this ZIP, drawing visitors from Austin, San Antonio, and beyond. The landscape is rolling Hill Country terrain south of the Pedernales River, with limestone formations, native grasses, and scattered live oak and cedar.
Living in Zip Code 78635
Life in the 78635 area is defined by its rural character and proximity to the US-290 wine corridor. There are no commercial services beyond the Hye Market, a few tasting rooms, and a post office. Johnson City (about ten miles east) provides the nearest groceries, gas, medical clinic, and county services. Fredericksburg (about 25 miles west) has a regional hospital, major retail, and restaurants.
The area is served by Johnson City ISD, with approximately 679 students across three campuses: LBJ Elementary, LBJ Middle School, and LBJ High School, all in Johnson City. Students from the 78635 area travel about ten miles east to attend school.
The drive to downtown Austin is approximately 60 miles via US-290, typically about 70 minutes. Many properties in the area are used as weekend retreats, vacation rentals, or working ranches. The US-290 wine trail tourism economy brings seasonal visitor traffic but the community itself is quiet and rural. Real estate includes Hill Country acreage, vineyard-adjacent properties, and ranch tracts.
Things to Do in Zip Code 78635
- William Chris Vineyards: Winery at 10352 US-290 founded in 2008, producing wines from 100% Texas-grown grapes. Named to the World's 50 Best Vineyards list at No. 31 in 2025.
- Garrison Brothers Distillery: Bourbon distillery on US-290 founded in 2006, described as the first legal bourbon distillery in Texas. Offers tours and tastings.
- Hye Meadow Winery: Winery at 10257 W Hwy 290 on a 42-acre property, open since 2013. Produces wines from Texas grapes and hosts seasonal events.
- Hye General Store and Post Office: Recorded Texas Historical Landmark since 1966. The post office building dates to 1904 and is where President Johnson swore in a Postmaster General on the porch in 1965.
- Bingham Family Vineyards Tasting Room: Tasting room at 11157 W US Hwy 290 showcasing wines from the Bingham family's vineyard in the Texas High Plains AVA.
Major Employers in Zip Code 78635
- William Chris Vineyards (Wine production and tourism): Estate winery with tasting room, events, and vineyard operations on US-290.
- Garrison Brothers Distillery (Spirits production and tourism): Bourbon distillery with tours and tastings, distributing in all 50 states.
- Hye Meadow Winery (Wine production and tourism): Winery and event venue on 42 acres along US-290.
- Johnson City ISD (Education): Public school district serving the Hye area, with campuses in Johnson City.
Zip Code 78635 Schools
The 78635 area is served by Johnson City ISD, based in Johnson City about ten miles east. All campuses are named after President Lyndon B. Johnson.
School District: Johnson City ISD
Public Schools
- Lyndon B Johnson Elementary
- Lyndon B Johnson Middle
- Lyndon B Johnson High School
Frequently Asked Questions
What community does ZIP 78635 serve?
ZIP 78635 serves the unincorporated community of Hye in western Blanco County. The area covers about 19 square miles with approximately 110 residents. Hye sits on US-290, about ten miles west of Johnson City.
What wineries are in the 78635 area?
Several wineries and tasting rooms operate along US-290 in the 78635 ZIP, including William Chris Vineyards (named to the World's 50 Best Vineyards in 2025), Hye Meadow Winery, and Bingham Family Vineyards. Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal bourbon distillery in Texas, also operates here.
What school district serves 78635?
The area is served by Johnson City ISD, with campuses in Johnson City about ten miles east: LBJ Elementary (321 students), LBJ Middle School (133), and LBJ High School (225).
How far is 78635 from Austin?
Hye is approximately 60 miles west of downtown Austin via US-290, with a drive time of about 70 minutes. Johnson City is ten miles east, and Fredericksburg is about 25 miles west.
What is the Hye Post Office?
The Hye General Store and Post Office was established in 1886 by Hiram G. Brown and has been a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark since 1966. President Lyndon B. Johnson swore in Postmaster General Lawrence F. O'Brien on the post office porch on November 3, 1965.