Scenic, steadily growing tourism hub with Hill Country recreation
The seat of Kerr County has had three names since 1844. Settlers established cypress lumbering mills along the Guadalupe River nearly 200 years ago. From the start, the city — named Brownsboro, Kerrsville and, finally, Kerrville — centered on its wild environment, including its spot today as a hub for Hill Country's outdoor tourism industry. In 2018, Kerrville leaders adopted the Kerrville 2050 Master Plan, which emphasizes a balance of economic growth, small-town aesthetics and natural splendor. New employers and park developments have accompanied a steadily growing population, which now sits just under 25,000.
Downtown Kerrville hosts many amazing boutiques, restaurants, and galleries.
A Cypress tree and a colorful sunset of the Guadalupe River in Kerrville.
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Upgrades to parks, pools and golf courses
Hill Country's rolling hills, rushing rivers and canopies of bald cypress and pecan trees are on full display in and around Kerrville. A recent master plan underscores the investments in Kerrville's already-robust system of riverfront parks, pools, athletic complexes and trail systems. “Scott Schreiner Municipal Golf Course has been a community staple for a very, very long time," says Rosa Ledesma, assistant director of Kerrville Parks and Recreation. "The last time it was renovated was in 1999, so it’s definitely in need of some love, and we’re excited for the potential it has not only for our community but for tourists, too.” In 2024, the city also earned a Bird City Texas accreditation for its emphasis on habitat restoration for native swallows and warblers.
Locals in Kerrville can enjoy a round of golf at Scott Schriener Golf Course.
The Guadalupe River has great access to kayaking, fishing and swimming.
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Triathlons, fireworks and community spirit at Louise Hays Park
Local events like the Kerrville Triathlon Festival and Fourth of July fireworks are held at Louise Hays Park, the city's central park. "Louise Hays Park has a really interesting origin story. The gentleman who donated the land did so contingent that the park was built in a single day. So, the community came together in 1950 to make sure this park was built within a day," says Rain Thoresen, Tourism & Event Coordinator for the City of Kerrville. "That really speaks to where the community stands today. There's a lot of community spirit and collaboration here. It's a small community, so we all work together really well to make our events, parks and shared spaces more special." Kerrville also hosts a few regional events that draw in many tourists, including the Kerrville Folk Festival and the Kerrville Rennaissance Festival.
Locals in Kerrville can enjoy miles of biking or jogging on the Guadalupe River Trails.
The Guadalupe River Trails leading to Louis Hays Park in Kerrville.
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New aerospace employers improving professional job opportunities
Interstate 10 is Kerrville's fastest connection with major cities like San Antonio, 65 miles away. Although the Kerr County Airport is nearby, most locals drive to San Antonio International Airport to catch a flight. Despite its distance from a major city, Kerrville has attracted several aerospace companies since 2023, including the Mooney International Corporation and Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing. The city's numerous medical and assisted living facilities, the school district and retail stores are also major employers.
The Mooney International Corp is one of Kerrville's newest and top employers.
Locals can travel through the Kerrville-Kerr County Airport on the east side of town.
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Isolated ranches, downtown cottages and 55-plus apartment communities
Single-family homes dominate Kerrville, mostly in suburban subdivisions, established downtown neighborhoods and remote rural properties. Architectural styles ranging between suburban Prairie, Mediterranean and Puebla-style homes, Craftsman cottages and midcentury ranchers. The city is also home to several 55-plus apartment communities, like the Gardens at Clearwater or the Hills of Kerrville. The median price for a single-family home is around $387,000. Empty lots range from $30,000 to $300,000 per acre.
A traditional limestone home sitting on a few acres in the Kerrville Hill Country.
A lovely large limestone home with a stucco roof found in Kerrville.
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Downtown revitalization in H-E-B's home city
The Kerrville 2050 Master Plan has attracted many new locally owned businesses, including breweries, coffee shops and thrift stores in the downtown area. Some repurposed bank buildings and train depots now house hip eateries and bars, highlighting the community's desire to balance growth with small-town charm. Downtown is home to an H-E-B; in fact, the grocery chain started in Kerrville over a hundred years ago. Additional supermarkets and big-box options dot the areas surrounding downtown.
Downtown Kerrville and the Arcadia hosts many events, concerts, and gatherings throughout the year.
H-E-B Grocers, a famous grocery chain in Texas began it's story in Kerrville.
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Free childhood development services from Kerrville ISD
Students are served by Kerrville Independent School District, which has an overall Niche rating of A-minus. The district oversees 4,800 students across its four elementary schools, one middle school and two high schools. An Early Childhood Center offers free services to the children of low-income families. Kerrville is also home to Schreiner University, a private Presbyterian university with 1,300 students.
The newly re-built Hal Peterson Middle School has one of the top campus in the region.
Tivy High School is home to the Antlers and some of the best teachers in the area.
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Low crime, high water
Due to a long history of floods, a series of dams now sit along the Guadalupe River as it wends through Kerrville, creating popular swimming lakes while helping mitigate flood risk. Wildfires are a separate concern in drought-prone Hill Country. The whole city is within an ember zone, and high-risk areas sit immediately north of city limits.
Kerrville has low rates of violent and property crime, both falling below state and national figures, according to FBI data. In fact, most violent and property crimes have been trending downward since 2022.
Wife, Mom, small town girl and Realtor - Let me introduce myself, my name is Elly Metcalf Wilson. I’m a Texas transplant, born in Manistique, Michigan, and the youngest of 6 children. The summer of 1984, along with my mom and siblings we moved to the small town of Johnson City, Texas. Little did I know that would be one of the best decisions of my life. Don’t get me wrong, the UP will always hold a special place in my heart and the visits back home to see my father hold extra special memories that I cherish. Being raised in a small Texas town was certainly an amazing childhood where everyone really does know your name. Hence, I am and have loved being a small-town girl! Johnson City is where I got my start in the workforce. During high school, I had an amazing opportunity to work for the City of Johnson City where I worked my way up from part time help to Assistant City Secretary/Court Clerk and the staff became my second family. During the summer of 1996, at the famous small town Fourth of July Leakey Jubilee, I met the love of my life thanks to a mutual friend. As they say, the rest is history and my love for Leakey began. In May of 2001, I married the love of my life and within months, we were moving back to his home town of Leakey, where it all began.
Throwing caution to the wind, we started our family owned and operated water well drilling business and began raising our two beautiful children in the picturesque and peaceful Leakey area, which has truly been a blessing for our family. On this journey, I had the privilege of working for the Real County Appraisal District until our daughter was born in 2006. Then I had the amazing opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom, along with helping my husband with our water well drilling business.
Now that our children are high school students at Leakey ISD, their schedules keep them busy and I have decided to pursue a career as a Real Estate Agent. My work experience with local government, school districts, the appraisal district and owning our own business has prepared me well for having a thorough understanding of real estate and helping others find properties that meet their desires.
I am a member of Leakey United Methodist Church and am actively involved in our school and community. I look forward to helping you make Leakey or surrounding areas your place to call home or pursue business opportunities. I am confident your love for the area will become complete upon your purchase of real estate, as it has for my family. Don’t wait any longer to find your Heaven on earth. It’s a perfect place to call home.
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.
