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.
1/2
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.
1/3
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.
1/4
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.
1/2
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
Written By
Zia Sampson
Photography Contributed By
Adam Michaud
Video By
Edward Pokoj
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Esmilda Guerra,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Fredericksburg, TX sell after 107 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Fredericksburg, TX over the last 12 months is $480,000, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
OPEN HOUSE ATTENDEES MUST REGISTER WITH AGENT! Discover the perfect blend of rustic charm and refined living in this expansive custom-built 6-bedroom, 6.5-bath, 5,637-square foot ranch-style retreat—featuring 3 private casitas, ideal for multigenerational living or hosting guests in style. Nestled in the heart of the Hill Country on 2.54 acres, this serene property offers comfort, flair, and
This beautifully maintained, single-story home features a highly functional and flexible floor plan—perfect as a vacation retreat or a full-time residence. Thoughtfully designed with well-separated bedrooms for optimal privacy, it's ideal for hosting guests. Highlights include stylish bathrooms, high ceilings, abundant natural light, and upscale fixtures throughout. The two-car garage provides
This 2-bedroom, 2-bath townhome, built in 1981, combines functionality with comfort. Recent roof and siding replacements add to its value and curb appeal. The home includes a 2-car garage and an added flex space—perfect for a home office or hobby room. Inside, the living room features a cozy fireplace, while a covered front porch offers a welcoming outdoor space. Located in a community with a
Stately hill country stone home, fantastic bones, spectacular, private back yard that backs up to a green belt. Enjoy the serene beauty and in a quiet setting! Enter the home to open living space, vaulted ceilings,and native stone masonry fireplace. Stain grade wood work throughout the house with high end, wood and metal clad Anderson windows, solid wood doors, plantation shutters, and
Nestled in the heart of the Fredericksburg wine corridor-near Grape Creek & Signor wineries and Trade Days-this charming home offers a peaceful retreat away from the busy crowds. 2 bedroom and 2 full bath with RV hook up on site along with a huge garage/work shed. This exceptional property offers a unique sense of privacy and versatility. The backyard backs up to a winery-owned property, ensuring
ENTERTAINER’S DREAM! Car enthusiast must see! If you like to host, this high end custom home is ready for you! Views! Views! Views! Three total buildings on property. Guesthouse with a full bath is connected to the main house by a covered breezeway. 2 car carport & 3 car garage/shop WITH LIFT for 4 total cars. Main house: studio, gallery, office, primary, ensuite bath, loft with full bar and
Under Construction & Leasing Now! 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
Fully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-family home sits on approximately 2 acres gated with stunning views only 7 minutes from downtown Fredericksburg, TX! Open floor plan with modern finishes throughout, ideal for comfortable living and entertaining. The spacious layout includes a beautifully updated kitchen, light-filled living area, and a sizable deck to enjoy the views. Utilities included.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
