The Garden Ridge overview
The small city of Garden Ridge is a sought-after area for its peaceful Hill Country backdrop and large residential properties. Homes are generally more expensive than in nearby San Antonio. Families send their children to highly rated public schools, and the busy Interstate 35 commercial corridor is within driving distance.
Why Garden Ridge is an attractive place to live
Locals enjoy a quiet, small-town feel in Garden Ridge. Although it's next to San Antonio, the area has larger residential lots that offer more privacy. But the main attraction is the landscape. "On the east side of Interstate 35 is what we call the Gulf Coastal Plain… it's somewhat rolling farmland. But the west side is more rocky, with prevalent hills. It's the Hill Country. And people tend to be drawn to that," says Matt Pierce, a county resident and co-owner of Anders Pierce Realty.
Housing and pricing in Garden Ridge
Garden Ridge properties have trees and scenic views of the rolling hills. Most lots are between half an acre and 2 acres, and homes span from 2,000 to about 5,000 square feet. The homes here usually do not have an HOA. However, some gated subdivisions and developments that provide amenities may come with covenants and fees. The Enchanted Bluff and Heimer Estates at Garden Ridge developments have new luxury homes that come with customizable features.
Garden Ridge has a median sale price in the lower $900,000s, which is significantly higher than the San Antonio and national medians. Pricing can go from the mid $500,000s to over $1.2 million.
Shopping, restaurants and nearby attractions
Garden Ridge has limited retail. The local restaurant, Wraptitude, serves classic burgers, burger wraps and craft beer. Capparelli's Italian Food, Pizza, & Catering has been a family-owned spot since the late 1920s. Garden Ridge Market Days takes place every second Saturday at Northeast Bible Church, featuring farmers, crafters, food trucks and other vendors. Residents drive about 10 to 20 minutes to reach Walmart Supercenter or H-E-B Plus! along Interstate 35. Santikos Cibolo and EVO Entertainment, near the interstate, have movie theaters, dining, arcades, bowling and other activities.
Where locals can enjoy outdoor recreation
Paul Davis Park has a playground and soccer and baseball fields. The park is a favorite spot to walk leashed dogs. There are also pocket parks throughout the city limits. The City of Garden Ridge Library offers yoga and other classes for adults, and educational classes for kids. Natural Bridge Caverns is a popular attraction for locals and tourists. Visitors can tour an underground cave system or enjoy multiple zip rails and rope courses. Comanche Lookout Park sits just outside the city, with a trail for hiking and biking.
School zoning for local children
Most of the area sits in the top-performing Comal Independent School District. Garden Ridge Elementary School is inside the community. The elementary feeds into Danville Middle School, located about 5 miles away; both schools are known for their strong academic performance. The highly rated Davenport High School is a 2-mile car ride from the elementary.
Traveling outside of Garden Ridge
The small city doesn't have its own public bus system, so residents usually commute by car. Depending on where they live, locals may travel between 10 and 20 minutes to reach Interstate 35. Downtown San Antonio is about 22 miles away, but trips can take around 40 minutes during heavy traffic.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy