Ensconced within the low rolling hills of east-central Texas, Brenham was originally part of the Old Three Hundred colonization of Anglo-Americans in the early 19th century. German immigrants began settling in the area in 1846, and their influence can still be felt throughout, particularly during the annual Maifest celebration. The town’s 17,000 residents are also fiercely proud to live near the headquarters of Blue Bell Creameries. “That is our claim to fame,” says Mandy Wood, Realtor with Coldwell Banker Properties Unlimited. “We have a lot of local pride in our ice cream. You can’t leave that out, or you might have some people upset.” The brand takes its name from the lapis-hued blooms that paint the surrounding landscape in early spring. “The bluebonnet is the Texas state flower, and we are one of the best places to view those,” Wood says.
Brenham combines small-town charm with Blue Bell’s rich history.
The Heritage Museum in Brenham showcases local history and culture.
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Home of Blue Bell Creameries
Manufacturing is a key player in the industrial landscape. Blue Bell Creameries employs about 1,000 people, making it the city’s largest employer as well as a local institution. Mattress giant Tempur & Sealy and Valmont Industries, a metal pole manufacturer, also have plants in Brenham.
US Route 290 passes through town, leading 75 miles east to Houston and 90 miles west to Austin. Major airports serve both cities, but Easterwood Airport in College Station is 40 miles away and offers daily direct flights to Dallas-Fort Worth.
Brenham’s location along major highways makes it ideal for industrial growth and logistics.
Brenham's proximity to Houston and Austin helps attract businesses to the industrial park.
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Median home prices low by state and national standards
Brenham’s median home price of $290,000 is low compared to the state median and far lower than the national median of $407,000. Buyers have numerous options, from vintage mid-20th century homes to modern contemporary builds from Stylecraft and D.R. Horton. Prices start around $200,000 to $250,000 for older homes, climbing to $275,000 to $350,000 for new construction in neighborhoods like Vintage Farms and Liberty Village. Larger new or remodeled homes might cost $400,000 to $500,000. On the outskirts of town, luxury homes on sprawling properties can cost $750,000 to $1 million.
Brenham offers a mix of historic homes and new builds in a charming small-town setting.
Many of Brenham's luxurious homes sit on large lots with open green spaces.
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The first established public school district in Texas
The Brenham Independent School District earns a B-plus from Niche and holds the distinction of being the first established public school district in Texas. Blinn College, the oldest county-owned junior college in the state, has a campus in Brenham that includes a technical school.
Blinn College, located in Brenham, is a renowned institution with rich history.
Brenham High epitomizes academic excellence.
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Historic cisterns in Downtown Brenham
A stroll through Downtown Brenham’s narrow streets reveals vibrant murals around every corner and glimpses into the city’s past. Toubin Park, a pocket-sized nook lined with brick, displays working cisterns that date to the late 1800s. Bookstores, boutiques, steakhouses and smokehouses are tucked into old train depots and other historic buildings. Many businesses still evoke the German influence that helped shape the city. Brenham Crossing, a new shopping complex along Route 290, has been dubbed “the Strip” by locals.
colorful murals are spread through out downtowns buildings.
The cities parks have sports fields and open green spaces.
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Celebrating Brenham’s German heritage
Rotating exhibits at the Brenham Heritage Museum allow visitors to explore regional history. Maifest, an event that dates to 1881 and honors Brenham’s German roots, brings parades, pageantry and pilsner to Fireman’s Park on the first weekend in May. “The local school-aged kiddos participate,” Wood says. “I did when I was growing up here. They can be part of the parade and the coronation of the Maifest king and queen.”
The Heritage Museum a great place to learn about Brenham's role in Texas history.
The museum focuses on Brenham's past and Washington County.
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Nature trails and the Brenham Family Park project
Numerous trails wind through the city’s parks, making walking and biking popular pastimes. The Brenham Family Park project, slated for completion by May 2027, should introduce more scenic exercise paths to the system. Somerville Lake is about 20 miles away and offers opportunities for boating, fishing and hunting.
Brenham’s crime rate and environmental concerns
According to reports from the City of Brenham Police Department, Brenham’s overall crime rate rose 10 percent from 2021 to 2022. During the same period, the crime rate in Texas rose by about 7 percent.
Summers in Brenham are long and sweltering, stretching from May through October and reaching temperatures in the high 90s. During hot weather, algal blooms have been known to occur in the city’s water supply.
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Robert Pierce
Video By
Brian Bernhard
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jodi Warner,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Brenham, TX sell after 81 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Brenham, TX over the last 12 months is $299,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The Midland is a two-story, 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home that features approximately 2,173 square feet of living space. The entry opens to a downstairs secondary bedroom and bath with hall linen closet. The kitchen includes a breakfast bar and corner pantry. Open concept floor plan boasts spacious living room and dining area. Extra storage space under the stairs is a plus. The main bedroom, bedroom
Nestled on a quiet, secluded street in a newly renovated neighborhood within walking distance of downtown Brenham, this beautifully updated cottage blends comfort, character, & convenience. Inside, you'll find two spacious bedrooms with large closets, an updated bathroom with a custom-tiled shower. Step into the living room filled with tons of natural light. The renovated kitchen is a chef’s
Andrade Home Builders, LLC is currently putting the final touches on a beautiful 2728 sqft home consisting of 4 bedrooms and 3 baths situated on 1.591 acre of land barely outside the city limits of Brenham. This wonderful home boast large front porches with wood inlay ceilings, stone, and hardi exterior with a Iron front door. A large foyer greets the home owners leading into a open concept
Come & see this cul-de-sac home that has been given new life! Roof & windows new 2024 offering durability & peace of mind for years to come, open concept living area w/vaulted ceiling, brick fireplace, freshly painted interiors, tile floors throughout w/hardwoods in bedrooms for easy maintenance. The heart of this home is the beautifully designed kitchen featuring custom cabinetry equipped
Charming Renovated Cottage | Turnkey Short-Term Rental Fully renovated in 2020, the home features an open-concept kitchen and dining area that flows into the living room through a charming arched entryway. Interior highlights include original hardwood floors, shiplap and beadboard walls. The bathroom offers built-in storage, a tub/shower combo, and a separate walk-in shower for added convenience.
Located in the coveted Sandy Creek Estates neighborhood just outside of Brenham, this property offers the rare combination of space, privacy, &potential! Nestled back from the road on a 3-acre corner lot, established trees create a natural privacy barrier for the expansive, tranquil yard. With just over 2500 sq’ of living space, this home offers flexible living arrangements, w/up to 4 bedrooms &
CURRENTLY LEASED- NO AVAILABILITYBeautiful luxury 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment featuring quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, washer/dryer connections, private patios and balconies. Pet-Friendly with an on-site dog park. Small dogs and cats are welcome! Come take a look!$1350 per month with a $400 depositGreat location conveniently located near shopping,
This charming single-family home in the Woodson Terrace subdivision offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms across 1,958 square feet of living space. Built in 1984, this traditional-style, one-story home sits on a corner lot in a quiet neighborhood. The home features a spacious living area with a gaslog fireplace, a well-appointed kitchen with modern appliances, and comfortable bedrooms with ample
Brenham Oaks brings you convenience and comfort at an affordable price. Whether you want to stroll through a park, visit the Blue Bell Creamery, or enjoy one of the many local restaurants, everything you need is just minutes away! Our spacious 2 and 3-bedroom floor plans were designed with you in mind featuring walk-in closets, washer and dryer connections, and energy-efficient all-electric
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