●Luling Independent School DistrictHomes for Sale
Market Overview for Luling Independent School District
There are 32 active listings in Luling Independent School District with a median list price of $244K and a median sold price of $236K.
Homes average 113 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 3 homes have sold, with 38 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $197.
About Luling Independent School District
Luling Independent School District serves approximately 1,426 students (2023-2024) across 4 campuses in Caldwell and Guadalupe counties. District headquarters are at 115 West Bowie Street in Luling (78648). LISD serves the city of Luling plus the unincorporated communities of Joliet, McNeil, and Soda Springs. The district operates Luling Primary (PK-1), Leonard Shanklin Elementary (2-5), Luling Junior High (6-8), and Luling High School (9-12).
Luling High School at 218 East Travis Street competes in UIL Class 3A. Mascot Eagle / Lady Eagle; colors green and white. The school opened in 1924. Principal Joseph Alvarez. Enrollment 392 (2025-2026), with 32.41 FTE staff and a 12.74 student-to-teacher ratio. Notable alumni include MLB players James Matthews (New York Mets, 1973), Frank Watson (New York Yankees, 1985), and Craig Mager (NFL San Diego Chargers, 2010), plus three-time Texas Gatorade Track & Field Athlete of the Year Ychilindria Spears (2002). State titles include boys cross country (1999 in 3A; 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 in 2A; 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 in 3A — nine state cross country titles), girls track (2000), and boys track (1978).
The city of Luling had a 2020 Census population of 5,599 and sits along Interstate 10 approximately 47 miles south of Austin (San Antonio is 57 miles west; Houston is 141 miles east via I-10). Luling hosts the annual Watermelon Thump festival the last full weekend in June, including a watermelon seed-spitting contest. The Rafael Rios No. 1 oil well struck oil August 9, 1922 at 2,161 feet, producing 150 barrels per day; the resulting oilfield was 12 miles long and 2 miles wide and produced over 15 million barrels per year by 1924, making oil a foundational part of the local economy.
Living in Luling Independent School District
Luling ISD covers the city of Luling (2020 Census population 5,599) plus the unincorporated communities of Joliet, McNeil, and Soda Springs in Caldwell and Guadalupe counties. The district sits along the San Marcos River and Interstate 10 approximately 47 miles south of Austin (San Antonio is 57 miles west; Houston is 141 miles east). District administration is at 115 West Bowie Street in Luling.
Luling's character is shaped by three things: the historic 1922 Luling Oil Field discovery (which still has active pumpjacks visible throughout town and the surrounding county), the Watermelon Thump festival tradition (held the last full weekend in June since 1954), and the San Marcos River corridor running through the city. Established neighborhoods cluster around the historic downtown along the railroad and the Caldwell County courthouse area; Hill Country acreage and ranch homes are common in the surrounding countryside.
Day-to-day retail centers on Magnolia Avenue in downtown Luling (including the historic Luling City Market BBQ and other downtown businesses) and along the I-10 frontage. Larger retail is in San Marcos (~25 miles north on US-183) and Seguin (~25 miles southwest on I-10). Healthcare access centers on Christus Santa Rosa Hospital San Marcos and the San Marcos / Seguin medical centers.
Outdoor recreation centers on the San Marcos River, which flows through the city and supports tubing, kayaking, and fishing. Luling sits along the river's lower section, downstream of San Marcos and Martindale. Palmetto State Park (~10 miles east on US-90) preserves a tropical-looking dwarf palmetto wetland along the San Marcos River. The Zedler Mill Park along the river inside Luling adds additional public access.
Things to Do in Luling Independent School District
- Watermelon Thump Festival: Annual Luling Watermelon Thump festival held the last full weekend in June since 1954, including the famous watermelon seed-spitting contest, parade, carnival, and live music.
- Luling City Market BBQ: Luling's downtown City Market BBQ has been a Caldwell County barbecue institution for decades; sits along Davis Street near the courthouse square.
- San Marcos River & Zedler Mill Park: The San Marcos River flows through Luling and supports tubing, kayaking, and fishing. Zedler Mill Park along the river inside the city offers public river access, picnic areas, and the historic Zedler Mill structure.
- Luling Oil Field / Pumpjacks: The Rafael Rios No. 1 well struck oil August 9, 1922; the resulting Luling Oil Field still has active pumpjacks visible throughout town and the surrounding county. Many of the historic pumpjacks have been painted by local artists into a public outdoor 'oil patch art' tradition.
- Palmetto State Park (~10 mi E): Texas State Park along the San Marcos River that preserves a tropical-looking dwarf palmetto wetland. Hiking, fishing, swimming, and camping. Located on US-90 east of Luling.
Major Employers in Luling Independent School District
- Luling Independent School District (Education): LISD is one of the largest employers in Luling, with administration at 115 West Bowie Street and 4 campuses serving approximately 1,426 students.
- Luling Oil Field / pumpjack operations (Energy): The Luling Oil Field — discovered in 1922 — remains an active part of the local economy with operating pumpjacks throughout town and the surrounding county.
- Caldwell County government (regional) (Local Government): Caldwell County's seat is in Lockhart but includes facilities and employees across the county including Luling.
- City of Luling (Local Government): Municipal government for the city, serving 5,599 residents at the 2020 Census.
- Luling tourism + Watermelon Thump (Hospitality / Tourism): The Watermelon Thump festival, downtown BBQ tradition, San Marcos River outfitters, and I-10 corridor lodging collectively employ a significant local seasonal workforce.
Luling Independent School District Schools
LISD operates 4 campuses serving approximately 1,426 students (2023-24): Luling Primary (PK-1), Leonard Shanklin Elementary (2-5), Luling Junior High (6-8), and Luling High School (9-12).
School District: Luling ISD
Public Schools
- Luling Primary
- Leonard Shanklin Elementary
- Gilbert Gerdes J H
- Luling High School
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools are in Luling ISD?
LISD operates 4 campuses serving approximately 1,426 students (2023-2024): Luling Primary (PK-1), Leonard Shanklin Elementary (2-5), Luling Junior High (6-8), and Luling High School (9-12).
What cities and neighborhoods are in Luling ISD?
LISD covers the city of Luling (2020 Census 5,599) plus the unincorporated communities of Joliet, McNeil, and Soda Springs in Caldwell and Guadalupe counties. Luling sits along Interstate 10 approximately 47 miles south of Austin.
What is Luling High School known for?
Luling HS at 218 East Travis Street opened in 1924. UIL Class 3A; mascot Eagle; colors green and white. Principal: Joseph Alvarez. Notable alumni: MLB players James Matthews (Mets) and Frank Watson (Yankees), NFL DB Craig Mager (San Diego Chargers), and 3-time Texas Gatorade Track & Field Athlete of the Year Ychilindria Spears. The Eagles have won nine boys cross country state titles (1999, 2010-2017).
What is Luling known for?
Luling sits along Interstate 10 between Austin and Houston, approximately 47 miles south of Austin. It's known for the annual Watermelon Thump festival (last full weekend in June since 1954), the historic 1922 Luling Oil Field discovery (with active pumpjacks still visible throughout town), the San Marcos River corridor, and Texas barbecue institutions including Luling City Market BBQ.
What outdoor recreation is in Luling?
The San Marcos River flows through Luling and supports tubing, kayaking, and fishing — Zedler Mill Park along the river inside the city offers public access. Palmetto State Park (~10 miles east on US-90) preserves a tropical-looking dwarf palmetto wetland along the San Marcos River.
Where is the district headquartered?
Luling ISD administration is at 115 West Bowie Street in Luling (78648).