Fredericksburg is at the heart of Texas Hill County
Fredericksburg draws in about 1.5 million tourists throughout the year, all there to enjoy Texas Wine Country, rolling hills covered in wildflowers and a rich history. There are about 11,000 residents, many of whom have roots that can be traced back to the German settlers who founded Fredericksburg in 1846. One example of how history impacts today’s atmosphere is Sunday Hauses. The original settlers from the country stayed at a Sunday Haus in town while conducting business and attending church on the weekends. “Fredericksburg today still has a lot of those original Sunday Hauses,” says McKenzie Moellering, communications manager with Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau (FCVB). “Some are still owned by the original families; some are short-term rentals – so people can stay in those homes – and some are simply vacant.”
Tourism is the biggest economic driver for the city; in 2023, the FCVB reported that the total direct travel spending was $187.8 million. Tourism means the city has invested in eateries, events and museums that residents can use. “We’re a small town, but we live large,” says Mike Starks, a resident and Realtor at Re/Max Town & Country. Besides the city government and the school district, other major employers include healthcare providers like Methodist Hospital Hill County and manufacturers like Heartland Enterprises, Ltd.
Visitors from all over stroll through the downtown area of Fredericksburg.
Fredericksburg is know for is historic downtown that attracts tourist from all over Texas.
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Historic Main Street boutiques, museums and galleries
Nearly 175 years after its founding, Main Street continues to be Fredericksburg’s shopping and dining center. “If you were to start on Main Street and start walking north, it feels like a trip through time,” Stark says. Beyond the restaurants, many of which are German cuisine and boutiques, residents can explore art galleries, catch a show at the Fredericksburg Theater Company, or explore one of the several museums in the city. The Pioneer Museum outlines the local history of Gillespie County, including information on the treaty between the original German settlers and the Comanche tribe of the area. “That is considered the only unbroken treaty between steelers and Native Americans today,” Moellering says. The National Museum of the Pacific War, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is in Fredericksburg because of the city’s ties to Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who played a crucial role in the war. There are no franchises and chain stores along Historic Main Street, between Elk Street and Milam Street. Instead, those chains are farther east or in nearby towns.
Fredericksburg is at the heart of Texas Wine Country, with over 60 wineries. “About 30 years ago, Fredericksburg was all about peaches,” Stark says, “and a lot of those peaches have been replaced by wineries.” There are wine tours that drive people to many of the city’s wineries, meaning they can safely enjoy several different tastings.
Fredericksburg is full of shops that cater to a broad range of interests.
Enjoy the numerous museums Fredericksburg has to offer.
In addition to shops, Fredericksburg has galleries with works from local artists.
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Rolling hills and wildflowers in Fredericksburg
As part of Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg offers ample opportunities to spend time outdoors, whether riding at a horse ranch or admiring the wildflowers. “We don’t really have any large billboards in town or on the way into town,” Moellering says. “You’ll be driving down 290, and you’ll just be passing wineries with blankets of wildflowers.” City parks include Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, which has a public golf course and pool. Nearby national parks include Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. The latter is known for its 425-foot pink granite batholith.
Cross Mountain is a popular spot to view the hill country surrounding Fredericksburg.
Enchanted Rock draws outdoor enthusiast from all over the area to Frederickburg.
Highway 87 and 290 converge in Fredericksburg providing easy access for visitor.
Fredericksburg has golf course that lies along the rolling hills around the city.
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Over 400 annually events in Fredericksburg
Residents and tourists alike can easily find a fun way to spend the weekend. “Fredericksburg has over 400 events every year, whether that’s just live music on a patio at a restaurant or several large festivals and events,” Moellering says. Some standouts include Oktoberfest and Weihnachtszeit – or Christmas season – celebrations, which honor German tradition. Summer festivities include the Gillespie County Fair, the oldest continuous fair in Texas.
Street musician are common in the Fredericksburg downtown area.
The Altstadt Brewery serves traditional German food and beer brewed on site.
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New construction and historic Sunday Haus
Fredericksburg’s market has a median price of about $473,000, although prices for homes near Main Street can exceed $2 million. “Usually, I say that the cost of entry for Fredericksburg is a little high, but once you’re here, it’s awfully nice,” Starks says. New construction often takes inspiration from the farmhouses, cottages and Sunday Hauses from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. There are also mid-20th-century ranch-style houses. Undeveloped land is available, starting at about $100,000 and reaching over $3 million.
You can find newly built homes in Fredericksburg.
Sunday homes can be found all over Fredericksburg.
Sunday homes in Fredericksburg were weekend homes for farmers from far outside of town.
New residents opt for the amenities of newly constructed homes.
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School district offers community education
Fredericksburg Independent School District receives a B-plus from Niche. The district offers community education to all residents, with programming like yoga classes and music lessons. There are also a few private schools in the area, including St. Mary’s Catholic School and Heritage School of Fredericksburg.
Fredericksburg High School earned a B+ rating on Niche.
Fredericksburg High School football games are a huge draw for the town.
St Mary's Catholic School in Fredericksburg educates students K-8.
Heritage School in Fredericksburg is one of the best private schools in the country.
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Major roads lead to Austin and San Antonio
Although downtown is walkable, most people rely on cars to get around Fredericksburg. The city has free parking, so residents can drop their vehicles off before walking down Main Street. U.S. Route 290 is one of the major roads connecting Fredericksburg to Austin, about 78 miles away. U.S. Route 87 merges with Interstate 10, leading about 70 miles to San Antonio. The closest airport is San Antonio International Airport, which offers over 45 direct flights. “I would go to San Antonio if I’m flying in the U.S. because that airport is easy to get to,” Starks says. “If I’m going overseas, I am going to Austin because they’ve got British Airways, and it’s nice to get a direct flight.”
Many highways lead into Fredericksburg from all over Texas.
Walking is the best way to take in all that Fredericksburg has to offer.
Fredericksburg has many roadway to take you to attractions all over the area.
Fredericksburg is a walking city and is the best way to see the downtown area.
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Occasional winter weather in Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg residents enjoy hot, humid summers and cold winters. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Gillespie has a relatively high risk of winter weather. “I’ll say, during the winter, we have one or two winter weather events,” Moellering says. “We’re very lucky to have great weather pretty much all year round.”
According to the Fredericksburg Police Department, arrests decreased slightly from 2023 to 2024.
Fredericksburg is enjoyed year round by locals and visitors.
Residents of Fredericksburg love the outdoors amenities hill country has to offer.
The hills country outside of Fredericksburg offers many adventures.
Fredericksburg has lots of wilderness to explore.
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Written By
Zia Sampson
Photography Contributed By
Adam Michaud
Video By
Edward Pokoj
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On average, homes in Fredericksburg, TX sell after 102 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Fredericksburg, TX over the last 12 months is $455,000, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
If you long for the Fredericksburg of yesteryear, 304 E Hackberry is calling. Tucked away at the quiet end of the street, this charming in-town property evokes memories of Sunday lunches under the shade trees and slow evenings watching fireflies dance. Stroll the tree covered streets of one of Fredericksburg's most established and lovely neighborhoods. Situated on a generous lot, this home
Hill Country Luxury Living – Built in 2021, this 2,694 sq. ft. Contemporary Hill Country home meticulously maintained offering 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, plus a bonus room that could easily serve as a second master suite. The open split floorplan highlights soaring cathedral ceilings, luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, and a stunning chef’s kitchen with quartz counters, a huge walk-in pantry,
Hill Country Luxury Living – Built in 2021, this 2,694 sq. ft. Contemporary Hill Country home meticulously maintained offering 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, plus a bonus room that could easily serve as a second master suite. The open split floorplan highlights soaring cathedral ceilings, luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, and a stunning chef's kitchen with quartz counters, a huge walk-in pantry,
This picturesque 10.04 acre property offers a peaceful retreat just minutes from Fredericksburg. A spring-fed creek with live water winds through the land, attracting trophy whitetail and axis deer, while 378 feet of creek frontage provides a serene backdrop.Mature Live Oaks and shade trees frame multiple buildable sites with stunning views of rolling hills and open fields. A charming ranch-style
Own a piece of Hill Country paradise at Firefly Resort, voted Best Luxury RV & Tiny Home Resort in Texas by USA Today in 2024. Lot #372 is located on a back corner with more privacy than most & is enhanced w/several trees. Phase 3 of this gated community is nearly finished and coming in spring of 2025. The amazing amenities an adult-only heated pool, enclosed clubhouse, pickle ball courts, dog
Set on 6.57 scenic acres in Cool Water Ranch, just minutes from downtown Fredericksburg, this award-winning custom farmhouse by "Hill of Texas Homes" blends thoughtful design with top-tier amenities. This 3BR/3 ensuite BA + 1/2 BA home features soaring ceilings, custom alder cabinetry, rare longleaf pine built-ins, polished concrete floors, and a gourmet kitchen with premium appliances, gas
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at Barons Park, where our upscale apartments in Fredericksburg, TX redefine modern living. Enjoy modern amenities like high-speed internet, in-unit washer and dryer, and a range of community features including a pickleball court and observation deck. With close access to shopping and dining, and spacious floor plans designed to meet your
This inviting home offers the perfect blend of comfort and style. With three spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms, this residence provides ample space for relaxation. The open floor plan seamlessly connects living areas, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Large windows flood the interior with natural light, enhancing the home's bright and airy feel. The kitchen is designed for
Discover Our Luxury Apartments in Fredericksburg, TX! Welcome to The 1846 Luxury Living, where elegance meets comfort. Our upscale apartments offer a variety of floor plans, including one and two-bedroom options ranging from 605 -1137 sq. ft. Each unit features designer color schemes, gourmet kitchens fitted with modern appliances, and private patios and balconies.Enjoy our outstanding
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