Market Overview for Martindale
There are 3 active listings in Martindale with a median list price of $420K and a median sold price of $405K.
Over the past 30 days, 0 homes have sold, with 2 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $278.
About Martindale
Martindale is a small city of approximately 1,250 residents in Caldwell County, Texas, located along the San Marcos River where it crosses State Highway 80. The city sits approximately 6 miles east of San Marcos and about 35 miles south of Austin. Martindale was established in 1887 when the Bastrop and Taylor Railway was under construction, and it is named for Major Theodore Van Buren Coupland's nephew — though the origin of the "Martindale" name is attributed to early settlers in the area. The city was historically a farming community serving Swedish, German, and Swiss agricultural families who settled the surrounding land.
Real estate in Martindale consists primarily of older single-family homes on larger lots and rural acreage properties. Home prices typically range from the mid-$100,000s for older homes in the city core to the $400,000s for properties with river access or larger acreage. The housing stock is modest compared to San Marcos or Kyle, with many homes dating to the mid-20th century. The city's appeal is its quiet, rural character and proximity to the San Marcos River, which runs directly through the community. Martindale does not have the large master-planned developments found in neighboring cities.
Martindale students are served primarily by San Marcos CISD, with most attending Dezavala Elementary, Goodnight Middle School, and San Marcos High School. A small number of students in the eastern portion of the area may fall within Lockhart ISD or Gonzales ISD boundaries. San Marcos CISD serves approximately 8,200 students across 12 campuses, with San Marcos High School located about 6 miles west of Martindale.
Martindale's location on Highway 80 provides access to San Marcos (6 miles west) and Lockhart (approximately 15 miles northeast). Interstate 35 is accessible in San Marcos, connecting to Austin (35 miles north) and San Antonio (50 miles south). The city has minimal commercial development — a few local businesses, Don's Fish Camp (a 50-acre recreation complex on the river), and a handful of small shops. Most residents commute to San Marcos, Kyle, or Austin for employment and shopping.
The San Marcos River provides the primary recreation, with tubing, kayaking, and fishing accessible from multiple points in and near the city. The river is spring-fed from the San Marcos Springs in Spring Lake, maintaining a consistent 72°F water temperature year-round. Martindale sits downstream from San Marcos, where the river passes through a less developed and less crowded stretch compared to the popular tubing sections closer to Texas State University. The city's location in Caldwell County, rather than neighboring Hays County, means different property tax rates and county services. Martindale is governed by a mayor and city council, with basic municipal services. The city does not have its own police department, relying on the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement. Growth pressure from the I-35 corridor has begun to reach the area, with land prices along Highway 80 between San Marcos and Martindale increasing as developers look for sites within San Marcos CISD boundaries. Despite this pressure, Martindale's limited water and sewer infrastructure constrains the pace of new development. The city's water system serves existing residents, and large-scale subdivision projects would require significant infrastructure investment. For buyers, Martindale offers the combination of river access, rural character, and proximity to San Marcos at prices well below the I-35 corridor cities.
Living in Martindale
Martindale offers a rural, slow-paced lifestyle centered on the San Marcos River and agricultural surroundings. The median household income is below the Hays County average, reflecting the community's smaller size and agricultural heritage. There are no major retail stores, grocery chains, or medical facilities in Martindale — residents drive to San Marcos (6 miles) or Lockhart (15 miles) for shopping, dining, and healthcare. The city's character has been described as an "oasis from the hustle-and-bustle of the I-35 corridor," with wide lots, mature trees, and minimal traffic.
Daily life revolves around the river and the small-town community. Property owners along the San Marcos River have direct water access for recreation. The surrounding land is primarily agricultural, with cattle ranching and row crops visible along the rural roads east of the city. Martindale's proximity to San Marcos provides access to Texas State University events, outlet shopping, and a larger restaurant and entertainment scene, while Lockhart's barbecue trail is a short drive northeast. The city appeals to buyers seeking affordable rural living within commuting distance of the Austin-San Marcos corridor.
Things to Do in Martindale
- San Marcos River Access: The San Marcos River flows through Martindale, providing tubing, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing access. The spring-fed river maintains a consistent 72°F temperature year-round.
- Don's Fish Camp: A 50-acre recreation complex on Highway 80 in Martindale featuring a river park, camping, RV sites, swimming access, and event space along the San Marcos River.
- Lockhart Barbecue (nearby): Lockhart, approximately 15 miles northeast, holds the Texas Legislature designation as the 'Barbecue Capital of Texas' with four historic establishments: Kreuz Market, Smitty's, Black's, and Chisholm Trail BBQ.
- San Marcos River Tubing: Multiple outfitters in San Marcos, 6 miles west, provide tube rentals and shuttle service for the popular stretch of the San Marcos River from City Park to Rio Vista Falls.
Major Employers in Martindale
- San Marcos Employers (commuter) (Various): Most Martindale residents commute to San Marcos, where Texas State University, the outlet malls, and San Marcos CISD are the primary employers.
- Don's Fish Camp (Recreation / Hospitality): A 50-acre river recreation complex in Martindale employing seasonal and year-round staff.
- Local Agriculture (Agriculture): Cattle ranching and farming operations on the land surrounding Martindale provide agricultural employment.
Martindale Schools
Martindale is served primarily by San Marcos CISD. Students attend campuses in San Marcos, approximately 6 miles west. A small number of students at the edges of the area may be zoned to Lockhart ISD or Gonzales ISD.
School District: San Marcos CISD, Lockhart ISD (partial), Gonzales ISD (partial)
Public Schools
- San Marcos High School - The primary high school serving Martindale students, located in San Marcos with approximately 2,200 total enrollment.
- Goodnight Middle School - A San Marcos CISD middle school serving grades 6-8, the primary feeder for Martindale-area students.
- Dezavala Elementary - A San Marcos CISD elementary school serving the majority of Martindale-area students.
Pre-Schools
- San Marcos Head Start - Federally funded early childhood program in San Marcos serving income-eligible families in the area.
- Bonham Pre-Kindergarten (SMCISD) - San Marcos CISD's dedicated pre-K campus in San Marcos.
Private Schools
- Hill Country Christian School - Private Christian school in San Marcos offering pre-K through 12th grade.
Higher Education
- Texas State University - Located 6 miles west in San Marcos, the fifth-largest university in Texas with over 38,000 students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What school district is Martindale, Texas in?
Martindale is primarily served by San Marcos CISD. Students attend Dezavala Elementary, Goodnight Middle School, and San Marcos High School. A small number of students at the area's edges may be zoned to Lockhart ISD or Gonzales ISD.
What do homes cost in Martindale, Texas?
Home prices in Martindale range from the mid-$100,000s for older homes to the $400,000s for properties with river access or larger lots. The city is significantly more affordable than nearby San Marcos or Kyle.
How far is Martindale from Austin?
Martindale is approximately 35 miles south of downtown Austin. The drive takes about 40-45 minutes via San Marcos and Interstate 35.
What is Martindale, Texas like?
Martindale is a small, quiet city of approximately 1,250 residents on the San Marcos River. The community has minimal commercial development and a rural, agricultural character. The river provides the primary recreation, and San Marcos is 6 miles west for shopping and services.
What is there to do in Martindale?
Recreation centers on the San Marcos River — tubing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Don's Fish Camp provides a 50-acre river park. Lockhart's barbecue trail and San Marcos' downtown square and outlet malls are short drives away.