Cities and Towns in Bandera County, Texas
Founded in 1856, Bandera County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Bandera County was formed from Bexar County. The city of Bandera is the county seat. With FIPS code of 19, Bandera County has a population of 21,565 and area of 792 square miles (2,051 km²).
List of all cities in Bandera County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bandera, TX | 78003 | 830 |
| Lake Hills, TX | 78063 | 830 |
| Medina, TX | 78055 | 830 |
| Medina Lake, TX | 78063 | 830 |
| Pipe Creek, TX | 78063 | 830 |
| Tarpley, TX | 78883 | 830 |
| Vanderpool, TX | 78885 | 830 |
Major Cities and Towns in Bandera County, Texas
Bandera
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: 900+
- Zip Codes: 78003
- Latitude: 29.7496° N
- Longitude: 99.1286° W
Location and History:
Bandera, known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” is located in the central part of Bandera County, about 50 miles northwest of San Antonio. The town was established in the early 1850s as a trading post along the Medina River. It was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, with settlers arriving in the mid-19th century, drawn by the region’s fertile land and the promise of establishing ranches. Bandera became a key stop for cattle drives, particularly along the historic Chisholm Trail. By the late 1800s, the town had developed into a hub for cattle ranching and farming, and it was incorporated as a city in 1853. The town has maintained a distinct cowboy and western heritage, which is reflected in its annual festivals and local events. Bandera’s location along the Medina River provided essential water for livestock and helped the town grow, but it also faced challenges due to flooding over the years. Today, Bandera is a popular tourist destination known for its historic charm, beautiful landscapes, and connection to Texas’ cowboy culture.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Bandera is served by the Bandera Independent School District, which includes Bandera High School, Bandera Middle School, and Bandera Elementary School. The Bandera County Courthouse, a historical building that dates back to 1891, is a prominent landmark in the town, located in the heart of Bandera. The Bandera Natural History Museum offers exhibits on local wildlife, geology, and the region’s indigenous cultures. The Frontier Times Museum, a central cultural institution, explores the town’s history with exhibits on early settlers, Native American life, and cattle ranching. Outdoor enthusiasts frequent the Bandera City Park, located along the Medina River, which offers fishing, picnicking, and hiking opportunities. The Cowboy Capital of the World Trail allows visitors to explore the town’s rich western heritage, and the Bandera Rodeo is a major event that celebrates the town’s cowboy tradition. The picturesque setting, historical sites, and cowboy-themed attractions continue to draw both locals and visitors to Bandera year-round.
Lakehills
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 3.5 square miles
- Population: 3,000+
- Zip Codes: 78063
- Latitude: 29.7557° N
- Longitude: 98.9973° W
Location and History:
Lakehills is a rural community located in the southwestern part of Bandera County, approximately 25 miles northwest of San Antonio. The town is situated along the shores of Lake Medina, a popular reservoir created by the Medina Dam in the 1940s. Lakehills originally grew as a resort community, with many families coming to the area for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and access to water. The town developed into a small residential area, attracting vacationers and later permanent residents who appreciated the peaceful, scenic surroundings. Over the years, Lakehills has transitioned from a lakeside getaway to a more established suburban community while maintaining its appeal as a retreat for those looking to enjoy the outdoors. The area’s natural resources, particularly the lake, remain a significant part of the community’s identity. As the population grew, local businesses and amenities began to develop, and Lakehills became more self-sufficient, yet still holds onto its laid-back, rural charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Lakehills is part of the Bandera Independent School District, with students attending schools in the nearby town of Bandera, including Bandera High School. While Lakehills itself has limited educational institutions, it is home to a number of recreational and cultural landmarks. Lake Medina, which covers over 1,100 acres, is the town’s primary attraction, offering boating, fishing, and swimming activities. The Medina Lake Park and Medina Lake Nature Area are perfect for picnics, wildlife watching, and outdoor events. Lakehills Community Center serves as a gathering place for local events, meetings, and celebrations. The town is also close to Bandera County State Park, which offers hiking, camping, and scenic views of the surrounding hill country. Lakehills’ charm lies in its natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle, making it a popular destination for those who love outdoor activities and a slower pace of life.
Pipe Creek
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 5.2 square miles
- Population: 2,500+
- Zip Codes: 78063
- Latitude: 29.7421° N
- Longitude: 98.9110° W
Location and History:
Pipe Creek is located in the northern part of Bandera County, about 20 miles northwest of San Antonio. The town was founded in the mid-1800s, and its name derives from Pipe Creek, a nearby waterway that was once used by early settlers for irrigation and drinking water. The area was originally home to Native American tribes and later became a crossroads for settlers traveling through the Texas Hill Country. Pipe Creek was an agricultural community for much of its early history, with settlers raising livestock and crops to sustain the growing population. Over time, it has remained a small rural community with a strong agricultural presence, though it has also become increasingly popular with those seeking a quiet lifestyle close to San Antonio. The town’s growth has been slow but steady, with modern developments blending seamlessly with the area’s historic and rural roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Pipe Creek is part of the Bandera Independent School District, with students attending nearby Bandera schools, such as Bandera High School. Pipe Creek is home to a number of local landmarks that reflect its rural history. Pipe Creek Park is a local gathering spot that offers picnic areas, walking trails, and a peaceful atmosphere for residents and visitors. The Hill Country Distillers, located near Pipe Creek, is a well-known local business that produces craft spirits and represents the area’s growing focus on small-scale production and local industry. The Silver Hills Golf Course, just outside the town, provides recreation and leisure activities in the surrounding countryside. The area is also popular for its proximity to the Hill Country State Natural Area, a large park offering hiking, camping, and nature exploration. Pipe Creek’s blend of outdoor recreation, natural beauty, and historical charm makes it an attractive location for those seeking a rural lifestyle with access to San Antonio’s amenities.
Tarpley
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.8 square miles
- Population: 300+
- Zip Codes: 78883
- Latitude: 29.7525° N
- Longitude: 99.3185° W
Location and History:
Tarpley is a small, rural community located in the southern part of Bandera County, about 30 miles west of San Antonio. It was established in the late 1800s by early settlers and named after a local landowner. The town originally developed as a farming and ranching settlement, benefiting from its location in the Texas Hill Country with access to water from nearby streams. Over the years, Tarpley remained a small agricultural hub, with many of its residents working in the cattle and crop industries. Though it has not experienced significant population growth, Tarpley continues to be a quiet and picturesque community, drawing visitors with its rural charm, scenic views, and proximity to larger cities like San Antonio. Tarpley has retained much of its historical character and rural way of life, making it a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape city life.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Tarpley is served by the Bandera Independent School District, with children attending schools in Bandera, including Bandera High School. The community is home to a number of outdoor and historical landmarks, such as Tarpley Ranch, which preserves the region’s early ranching history. The Tarpley Community Center is a key venue for local events, offering a space for celebrations, meetings, and social gatherings. Tarpley’s small-town atmosphere is enhanced by its proximity to the Hill Country State Natural Area, where residents and visitors can explore hiking trails, campgrounds, and the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. The Tarpley Historic Cemetery, which contains the graves of some of the town’s early settlers, serves as a reminder of the town’s long history. Tarpley remains a peaceful, rural retreat for those seeking a quiet lifestyle with access to nature and Texas’ rich history.
