Market Overview for Hye
There are 2 active listings in Hye with a median list price of $599K.
The average price per square foot is $670.
About Hye
Hye is an unincorporated community in western Blanco County, Texas, located directly on U.S. Highway 290 about ten miles west of Johnson City and near the Gillespie County line. The community sits south of the Pedernales River in the Texas Hill Country, approximately 60 miles west of Austin via US-290.
The area was first settled in 1860 by farming and ranching families at Rocky Creek, about three miles east of present-day Hye. The community is named after Hiram G. "Hye" Brown, who built a store and house south of the Pedernales River on the Austin-Fredericksburg road in 1880. Brown established a post office in his general store in 1886. A new post office building was constructed in 1904, and a cotton gin operated from 1906 until 1945.
The Hye General Store and Post Office was designated a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark in 1966. The site has a notable connection to President Lyndon B. Johnson, who grew up in nearby Johnson City — Johnson is said to have mailed his first letter at the Hye Post Office as a child. On November 3, 1965, President Johnson administered the oath of office to Lawrence F. O'Brien as Postmaster General on the porch of the Hye Post Office.
Hye's population has historically been small, reported at approximately 105 residents from 1970 through 2000 according to the Texas State Historical Association. The broader ZIP code 78635 covers approximately 19 square miles of rural Hill Country terrain. Today, Hye is known primarily as part of the US-290 wine corridor between Johnson City and Fredericksburg, with several wineries and a bourbon distillery drawing visitors to the area.
Living in Hye
Daily life in Hye centers on rural Hill Country living along the US-290 corridor. The community itself has limited commercial services — the Hye Market and a handful of winery tasting rooms are the primary businesses. Johnson City, the Blanco County seat about ten miles east, provides groceries, gas, medical services, and county government offices. Fredericksburg, approximately 25 miles west, offers a regional hospital (Hill Country Memorial), additional retail, and dining.
Hye is served by Johnson City ISD, a rural district with approximately 679 students across three campuses: LBJ Elementary, LBJ Middle School, and LBJ High School, all located in Johnson City. Students in Hye travel about ten miles to attend school.
The drive to downtown Austin is approximately 60 miles via US-290 through Dripping Springs, typically taking about 70 minutes without heavy traffic. Many properties in the area are used as primary residences by remote workers, as weekend retreats, or as working ranches. The landscape is rolling limestone and live oak terrain with scattered cedar, and real estate ranges from Hill Country acreage tracts to vineyard-adjacent properties along the highway corridor.
Things to Do in Hye
- 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, the first legal bourbon distillery in Texas. Offers tours and tastings on a Hill Country ranch setting.
- 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.
- Bingham Family Vineyards Tasting Room: Tasting room at 11157 W US Hwy 290 showcasing wines from grapes grown on the Bingham family's 200+ acre vineyard in the Texas High Plains AVA near Meadow, TX.
- Hye General Store and Post Office: Recorded Texas Historical Landmark since 1966. The original post office building dates to 1904 and is the site where President Johnson swore in a Postmaster General in 1965.
- US-290 Wine Trail: The highway corridor between Johnson City and Fredericksburg features dozens of wineries, tasting rooms, and distilleries within a 30-mile stretch of Hill Country road.
Major Employers in Hye
- William Chris Vineyards (Wine production and tourism): Estate winery producing Texas wines, with tasting room, events, and vineyard operations.
- Garrison Brothers Distillery (Spirits production and tourism): Bourbon distillery offering tours, tastings, and event space. Distributes 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 approximately 679 students across three campuses.
Hye Schools
Hye is served by Johnson City ISD, a rural district 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
Is Hye, TX an incorporated city?
No. Hye is an unincorporated community in Blanco County with no municipal government. It falls under Blanco County governance. The community has a post office (ZIP 78635) and a handful of commercial establishments, but no city services, police department, or city council.
What school district serves Hye, TX?
Hye is served by Johnson City ISD, which operates three campuses — LBJ Elementary, LBJ Middle, and LBJ High School — all located in Johnson City, approximately ten miles east of Hye on US-290.
How far is Hye from Austin?
Hye is approximately 60 miles west of downtown Austin via US Highway 290. The drive typically takes about 70 minutes, passing through Dripping Springs and the Hill Country.
What is the US-290 Wine Trail near Hye?
The US-290 corridor between Johnson City and Fredericksburg is one of Texas's most concentrated wine regions, with dozens of wineries and tasting rooms. Several are located directly in Hye, including William Chris Vineyards and Hye Meadow Winery, along with Garrison Brothers Distillery.
What is the history of the Hye Post Office?
The Hye Post Office was established in 1886 by Hiram G. Brown in his general store. A new building was constructed in 1904. It was designated a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark in 1966. President Lyndon B. Johnson swore in Postmaster General Lawrence F. O'Brien on the post office porch on November 3, 1965.