San Saba blends bold charm with laid-back living
Spanning less than 2 miles and home to about 2,800 people, San Saba is a little city with a big personality. It owns the nickname of “Pecan Capital of the World” and its larger-than-life 86-year-old attractions Regency Bridge, a one-way suspension bridge over the Colorado River, and Harry’s Boots, a huge downtown shop filled with authentic cowboy boots and hats, regularly draw out-of-towners. But San Saba is also a place where people want to hang their hat for good, especially those looking to exchange the commotion of city life for something simpler. Jennifer Huggins, a resident and a Realtor with eXp Realty who sells throughout Central Texas says people are drawn to San Saba because, “They’re looking for less traffic. They want a place where they can get to know their neighbors, and where there are smaller schools and they can get involved with their kids.”
Ranch-style homes, bungalows and pecan-trees on quiet streets
Most homes in San Saba are ranch-style or bungalows, sitting on grass lawns dotted with a mix of mature trees, including pecan. Many properties have driveways with garages or carports. Residential streets are quiet and wide, and street parking is available. Prices range from $125,000 to around $315,000.
Families can homeschool or send their kids to San Saba ISD
Families can teach their kids at home or send them to schools within San Saba Independent School District, which has a B-plus rating on Niche. It offers school choice options that reflect the state’s norms: open enrollment and inter-district transfers are possible when seats are open, but there are no magnet programs locally. Kids can attend San Saba Elementary, San Saba Middle, San Saba High School. All three schools are rated B by Niche. San Saba’s schools have lower enrollment numbers than other public schools typically have, which Huggins says is a plus for many residents. “We have a senior this year and she’s going to graduate with 55 kids,” she says. San Saba High has a dual enrollment program with Angelo State University and Ranger College for students who meet the necessary enrollment and academic requirements.
San Saba has river parks, a golf course and nearby wilderness
Fishing is possible in the San Saba River, but Huggins says many residents enjoy the city’s proximity to Colorado Bend State Park, about 25 miles away from downtown. The sprawling wilderness area is a fishing destination and is popular for hiking and biking, wading in Spicewood Springs and camping. Closer to home, San Saba River Nature Park has a nearly two-mile walking path with lookouts over the river and is a prime birding destination. Risien Park has a walking path through ancient pecan trees and is the location of many of the city’s regular events. Mill Pond Park is another popular spot for walking, with a paved path that circles Mill Pond, plus it features a playground and a picnic pavilion. San Saba River Golf Course offers a public, 18-hole layout and a driving range.
Downtown shops and restaurants fill historic buildings
Residents pick up groceries and essentials at Lowe’s Market and Dollar General. Harry’s Boots has served the city since 1939 and is a community staple, drawing locals and tourists looking for authentic cowboy boots and more. “They have Kendra Scott jewelry and other clothing items. It’s really nice inside, with the hardwood floors and the smell of leather,” Huggins says. Downtown San Saba stretches across several blocks of Wallace Street, with local businesses and restaurants inside historic buildings. Among the popular local restaurants are Pecan House Grill, a hip steakhouse and Pepperbelly’s, a laid-back spot serving a mix of Mexican and American dishes. Services and more dining options, including a few chain restaurants, are scattered throughout the city.
Residents gather for themed dinners, cookoffs and holiday fun
San Saba has multiple events throughout the year. Catkins Ball is in April and is a themed dinner, dance and live auction. Cow Camp Cookoff is a barbecue competition that takes place in May that draws pitmasters from across the region. In December, Sip n’ Stroll takes over downtown with wine tastings, boutique shopping and a lighted Christmas parade when the sun goes down.
Wallace and High streets connect to nearby towns and hospital
Residents get around by car, since the city doesn’t have a fixed bus route. Wallace Street and High Street are the city’s main thoroughfares and connect to nearby communities. AdventHealth Rollins Brook is the closest hospital with an emergency room and is less than 40 miles away via U.S. Route 190 which is accessible from Wallace Street. Killeen Regional Airport is about 65 miles away and offers flights to Dallas.
River location and rainfall make flooding a possibility
San Saba’s location to the river makes it vulnerable to flooding. It also averages almost 30 inches of rain annually and is part of Flash Flood Alley. In July 2025, the city was hit with major flooding that caused damage to homes and other properties. The city’s website has resources for residents to keep them prepared for major storms.
