New Braunfels may be set in the Texas Hill Country, but life here often feels like a trip to Germany. Founded by German immigrants in the 1840s, the city has kept its heritage alive through annual festivals, long-standing businesses, historic architecture and food. Though New Braunfels stays true to its roots, it's also one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. "I moved here when there were about 22,000 people. But our little two-river town has grown into a population of over 100,000," says Derinda Larned, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Don Johnson Co Realtors and a New Braunfels resident since the 1980s.
Much of the city's growth is thanks to the booming cities nearby. "Location is everything, and we are between San Antonio and Austin," says Matt Pierce, an associate broker with Anders Pierce Realty and longtime New Braunfels resident. Via Interstate 35, Austin is less than 50 miles north and San Antonio is about 30 miles in the opposite direction for easy commuting. But New Braunfels also has a growing local economy, heavily anchored in manufacturing, healthcare and tourism. Several automotive manufacturers are located in the nearby Holcan Industrial Park and the automotive supplier Continental recently built a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant. New Braunfels' historic downtown and nearby Schlitterbahn Waterpark fuel the local tourism industry and CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital is one of the city's major employers.
Willkommen to New Braunfels largest event of the year, Wurstfest.
Live music and great drinks are always around at the Pour Haus in New Braunfels.
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Small town living in Gruene Historic District
The median sales price in New Braunfels is about $360,000. According to Pierce, the market has been slow in the previous year due to high interest rates, but things are changing, and it's starting to bounce back. "We've seen prices fluctuate about 4%—nothing like a 15% reduction—because lack of inventory has kept prices steady despite the market slowdown," he says.
New Braunfels includes Gruene, which has mostly midcentury houses sprinkled in with newer homes. "Housing here is very limited," Larned says of Gruene. "It's family-friendly, and the motto is 'gently resisting change.'" Prices in Gruene can range from $400,000 to $700,000. Downtown New Braunfels is a historic area with homes typically built in the early 20th century, including Queen Annes, Tudor-style homes and Craftsmans. It's a sought-after area reflected in the higher prices, which range from around $520,000 to $700,000. Several master-planned communities like Veramendi and Mayfair have sprung up as the city grows, mainly south of I-35 and north of Loop 337. Homes here typically range from $400,000 to over $900,000. Prices for estates along the Guadalupe and Comal rivers start around $800,000 and often exceed $1 million.
Locals can dance and have fun at Texas' oldest and most historical dance hall, Gruene Hall.
Take in live music at the historical Gruene Hall.
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Annual German traditions include the 10-day Wurstfest
New Braunfels' walkable downtown streets are lined with antique shops, boutiques and gift stores. Along Castell and Seguin Avenues, award-winning local restaurants serve authentic German fare, as well as Tex-Mex and barbecue. The Gruene neighborhood is a National Historic District just north of downtown and is home to some of Texas' oldest treasures. The iconic Gruene Hall was established in 1878 and is the oldest dance hall in Texas, with live music several nights a week. "New Braunfels is known for live music, with several country artists living here, like Parker McCollum and Randy Rodgers. It feels like a mix of Nashville and Austin," Pierce says.
Downtown is also home to several annual events celebrating New Braunfels' German heritage. "Wurstfest is a 10-day salute to beer and sausage that has been taking place since the 1960s," Larned says. "It features German foods and beer, polka music and, of course, the chicken dance." Wassailfest is a popular event in December, with a festively decorated historic downtown, choir performances and stops for wassail, or hot mulled cider.
Locals of New Braunfels host one of the largest German festivals in Texas.
Polka and German music fills the beer garden with joy.
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Endless recreation along the Comal and Guadalupe rivers
New Braunfels' locals are big on outdoor recreation, especially when it comes to water activities. Much of the action, including fishing, tubing, kayaking and swimming, happens around the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, which flow through town. "People love the rivers. That's why my husband and I decided to move from West Texas. We jumped into the Comal River and said, 'We're home,'" Larned says.
The city has 41 parks including the 51-acre Landa Park, just north of downtown along the Comal River. It features a mini-train that winds through the park, with amenities including a golf course, an arboretum and the Dance Slab, an outdoor amphitheater that hosts music events. Next to the park, the German-themed Schlitterbahn Waterpark is the country's fourth most visited waterpark, drawing nearly 1 million people annually from mid-April to mid-September.
Take on a kayaking adventure down the River at Cypress Bend Park.
Locals can cast out a line and enjoy a day of fishing at Landa Park.
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Multiple paths for education in New Braunfels
New Braunfels is served by two school districts. The New Braunfels Independent School District has about 9,600 students and earns a B-plus rating from Niche. The district's Marine Corps JROTC program is a repeat Naval Honor Unit Award winner. To accommodate the city's growth, New Braunfels High School building is currently under construction, with plans to open in 2028. The Comal Independent School District has around 27,000 students with an A rating from Niche. Students can explore career and technical education courses in hospitality, floral design, fashion design and aviation. The district has a 97.5% graduation rate, and every student takes the SAT. It also offers a Dual Language One-Way geared toward native Spanish speakers.
The city is also home to Texas State Technical College (TSTC), a public community college with over 40-degree pathways in STEM and manufacturing fields. The campus expanded its offerings in 2024, adding two new certifications in Structural Welding and Industrial Systems Mechanic-Electrical.
Canyon High School in New Braunfels offers a great educational and sporting atmosphere.
New Braunfels High School offers students in the area a wonderful campus ith excellent programs.
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Austin and San Antonio easily accessible via Interstate 35
Interstate 35 makes it convenient for locals to reach big cities, with San Antonio 33 miles south and Austin 48 miles north. Depending on traffic, both commutes can take 45 minutes to an hour. Texas State Highway 46 leads 15 miles south to Seguin. San Antonio International Airport is 27 miles away, offering 45 nonstop flights to major destinations in North America, Mexico and Germany. While New Braunfels is largely car-dependent, the on-demand Alamo Regional Transit serves riders in 13 rural counties in the region.
Communters can swing by the famous Buccee's on I-35 in New Braunfels.
Downtown New Braunfels offers many amazing shops and restaurants.
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New Braunfels' 2024-29 Strategic Plan
In 2024, the city council approved the 2024-29 City of New Braunfels Strategic Plan, which focuses on creating more jobs and infrastructure to keep more residents working locally. The plan also aims to improve the city's transportation network by adding more sidewalks and making it easier for pedestrians and public transit users to get around. Rio Transit is a new rideshare system set to launch in 2025, offering flexible micro-transit services across town. "We've got road expansions going in. The infrastructure they've done has made it easy for people to get around and walk places," says Sheryl Gibson, Realtor with Keller Williams Heritage and local resident. "That's a challenge for most cities, but here in New Braunfels, we planned for it."
Many new housing developments are popping up in New Braunfels and the I-35 corridor.
New Braunfels Main Plaza is the heart of the historical downtown.
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A crime rate lower than the national rate
According to the local police department, New Braunfels has property and violent crime rates lower than national figures. The New Braunfels Police Department stays connected with the community, hosting events like the National Night Out and the Kops & Kids Safety Picnic at Landa Park.
New Braunfels's climate is humid, with hot summers and mild winters. "One downside is the historic drought. Water is a significant concern. We need rain, and we need it soon," Pierce says. The city is no stranger to heatwaves, and in 2024, it hit record-high temperatures, with a heat dome pushing the heat index into triple digits and putting the area under excessive heat warnings. When heavy rains come, flooding can be an issue on residential streets and along the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers, making water activities unsafe for a while. "We've had floods over the years, but that's just life here on the Guadalupe," Larned says.
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On average, homes in New Braunfels, TX sell after 89 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in New Braunfels, TX over the last 12 months is $339,990, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Beautiful Guadalupe "River Front" Texas Limestone home located on the Prestigious and Sought-After River Road. This home sits on approximately 2 acres per appraisal district. It features 4 bedrooms and 4 baths, sun room, spacious kitchen, large living and dining areas that lead to a large deck/patio that overlooks a huge yard with many stately oak trees that leads to access to the Guadalupe River
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Spacious and move in ready, this two-story home offers a bright, open-concept floor plan perfect for everyday comfort and entertaining. The main living areas feature beautiful tile flooring, while all bedrooms include plush carpet for added comfort. The kitchen showcases granite countertops, matching appliances, ample cabinet and counter space, and a seamless flow into the living and dining
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This charming modern farmhouse-style home is nestled in the beautiful community of Saengerhalle Meadows. The home features 4 bedrooms and 2 baths with an open-concept layout and stylish modern finishes throughout. The stunning kitchen includes a large island, perfect for casual dining or meal preparation, and comes equipped with all necessary appliances, including a refrigerator. The primary
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Welcome to a world of pure luxury at Bainbridge Creekside Your brand-new luxury apartment awaits! Step inside a haven of warmth and elegance, where meticulously curated design meets modern sophistication. Our exceptional apartment community, nestled in the heart of historic New Braunfels, is NOW LEASING. Schedule your private tour today! Discover the epitome of stylish living with our range of
Charming 3-bed, 2.5-bath home in Veramendi, built in 2022. Featuring an open layout with upgraded flooring, a spacious kitchen with granite counters and gas range, and a private master suite with a large walk-in shower. Enjoy a loft space upstairs and a landscaped yard-all in a prime New Braunfels location.
When you don't want to sacrifice custom home comforts, but desire a simplified lifestyle, Mission Hill Apartments delivers. Choose from our selection of 1, 2 or 3 Bedroom Apartment Homes or 2 and 3 Bedroom townhomes, which have been expertly designed with you in mind. Gather with friends in our Chef Inspired Kitchens or relax your worries away in our Soaking Tubs. End your day taking in the
Must see !! Beautiful family home offering an open concept living space with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and a dedicated office. It is featuring plenty of space for entertaining friends and family. This property backs up to green space with no direct neighbor behind. The gorgeous kitchen features granite countertops and overlooks the living / dining room. The main suite features a spacious bath room
To its residents, preserving the history of Gruene brings their community together. Many buildings in the center of town were set to be demolished to make way for real estate developments. However, Gruene was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, and its original green spaces and oldest buildings, such as Gruene Hall – Texas' oldest operating dance venue – remain well preserved. "Living in Gruene feels like stepping back in time," says Jake Molak, a long-time resident and employee of Gruene Hall. "You can stroll along our cobblestone sidewalks and see that the only thing that's truly shifted in the last 150 years is the operations inside the buildings themselves." Besides its historic appeal and proximity to New Braunfels, Gruene offers highly rated schools and a scenic location next to the Guadalupe River, a popular spot for inner tubing with a cold one in hand. <br><br>The Gruene General Store is one of several businesses in Gruene's Historic District. In addition to selling various merchandise, from jarred preserves to vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia, the store has an old-fashioned soda fountain. Across Gruene Road, locals enjoy dinner and views of the Guadalupe River at Gruene River Grill or Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, which operates out of the restored boiler room of the Gruene cotton gin. A farmers market is held every weekend in the historic district; however, residents also have an H-E-B near Interstate 35. New Braunfels Town Center at Creekside Shopping Mall is on the other side of the interstate, home to stores like Belk, Target and Best Buy.<br><br>According to Molak, there's something to look forward to throughout the year. In the springtime, flower petals cover the ground all around town. "It's the perfect time to enjoy a drink at the Grapevine," Molak says. "Summertime means floats down the river followed by a scoop of Blue Bell ice cream from the Gruene General Store." The Gruene Music and Wine Fest arrives each fall, followed by a visit from Cowboy Kringle at Christmas. And to warm up in the cold, locals choose to dine next to a potbelly stove or a roaring fire at the Gristmill. No matter the season, a visit to Gruene Hall is a must. "It's a museum you can party in any day of the week," Molak says. The original structure, built in 1878, has been preserved as much as possible and regularly hosts live music events. Weekends with the family can be spent at McKenna Children's Museum in New Braunfels, Hinman Island's Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo or the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, 17 miles away.<br><br>Estates perched along the Guadalupe River are accompanied by a price tag well over $1 million, while new construction builds hugging the historic district are priced between $400,000 to $700,000. "The houses around Gruene are pricier because the land itself is more costly," says Joe Corwin, broker/owner of Weichert Realtors, Corwin & Associates. "There's not a lot of land there, so the demand is high." Subdivisions farther out offer larger, New Traditional Craftsman homes and custom builds priced between $300,000 and $400,000.<br><br>New Braunfels Independent School District students can attend Freiheit Elementary School, graded A-minus by Niche, before transitioning to Canyon Middle School and Canyon High School, which share an A Niche score. They can also apply to the Memorial Early College High School, graded A on Niche. Memorial Early College High partners with St. Philip's College to allow eligible students to earn college credit at the same time as their high school diploma.<br><br>There are a few local parks and community swimming pools tucked away in subdivisions on the outskirts of Gruene, but for outdoor fun, residents head to Landa Park on Hinman Island, 3 miles away in New Braunfels. The park features the 1.7-mile-long Panther Canyon Nature Trail, an 18-hole golf course and the Landa Park Aquatic Complex, a popular spot for its rope swing, swimming pools, treehouse and 10-foot water slide. Also on Hinman Island is Prince Solms Park, home to a "tube chute" used for sunny river floats down the Comal River.<br><br>A day trip into the city is always an option. Gruene is halfway between San Antonio and Austin along Interstate 35, with San Antonio International Airport roughly 30 miles away. Public transportation is provided by Alamo Regional Transit; however, most travel by car. Residents can also traverse their neighborhood by golf cart. For immediate healthcare, PAM Health Specialty and Rehabilitation Hospital of New Braunfels and CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital are within 1 to 2 miles away.<br><br>Gruene has a CAP Index Crime Score of 3 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4, which can be attributed to the New Braunfels Police Department's crime prevention programs that involve the community, such as the NBPD Citizens Police Academy.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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