If you’re a first-time home buyer in the New Braunfels area, you certainly aren’t alone! Now that more and more families and buyers are moving to the area (and plenty of current residents are making the leap from renting to homeownership), the market has experienced tremendous growth. So what makes New Braunfels stand out from the rest? Keep reading for 7 key reasons why this town is the perfect choice for first-time homebuyers!
1. Location
Just 40 miles south of Austin and 25 miles north of downtown San Antonio, New Braunfels is an easy commute to either of these two very distinct and vibrant Texas cities. These cities offer so much to families living in New Braunfels...from events to museums to theme parks to specialty shopping. Additionally, New Braunfels is close to several major airports and travel routes (such as I-35 and I-10), making family road trips or romantic getaways much more feasible! And did we mention the proximity to the beautiful Texas Hill Country? Essentially, this town offers both the perks and convenience of the big city along with the charm of a Hill Country town.
2. Area Growth
If you’re planning on settling down and raising a family, you'll want to choose your town strategically. For the sake of both your family and your investment, we recommend settling down in a place with a promising future. New Braunfels is such a place! In the past 10 years, the town’s population has increased 58%... and still continues to grow at an annual 4-6% increase. This rapid growth has caused the town to thrive. The local economy and job market are active and successful, and real estate purchasing opportunities are in their prime. Buying a home in New Braunfels is incredibly strategic, and we only expect better and better things to come!
3. Small-Town Charm
While many families feel like they have to choose between the city and the country, the population of New Braunfels has discovered that you can in fact have the best of both worlds! With a population of almost 58,000 residents, New Braunfels offers the charm and allure of a small Texas town. While business have continued to grow and thrive, the township has continued limiting over-the-top retail sprawl. Now that it’s growing in population and amenities, New Braunfels has still managed to retain a charming, small-town ethos that so many families seek.
4. Excellent Education
When considering which towns are the most suitable for first-time buyers, schools are always of high importance. Whether you’re planning on raising a family or raising your investment, a high-quality education system is perhaps the most important factor. Accordingly, New Braunfels has set high standards for the next generation, providing excellent private and public schools. New Braunfels ISD and Comal ISD service the main parts of New Braunfels. Both districts earned “Gold Performance Acknowledgements” based on their most recent test scores, and the town as a whole received an “A-” grade from Niche. As local agent Brenda McClain explained, schools are still relatively small in size, but offer increasingly successful extracurriculars and athletics. This is a dream come true for parents of school-age children! Additionally, the area offers plenty of private schools, including Calvary Baptist Academy, Cross Lutheran School, New Braunfels Christian Academy, and St Peter & Paul Catholic School.
5. Family Friendly
A high percentage of first-time home buyers are either currently or planning to start raising a family in the next several years. Accordingly, one of the most important things to look for in a home is a family-friendly location. Are the school districts favorable? Does the area offer programs, athletics, and opportunities for children and families? Is the community more poised for families rather than retirees or singles? The answer to every above question is, “Yes!” From the McKenna Children’s Museum to local theater and music programs to local sports teams, this town has so much to offer you and your family. In fact, New Braunfels has been labeled the most family-centric town in the area. Over 40% of local households are made up of married families with children (over 5% above the national average).
6. Summer Fun
While New Braunfels offers leisure activities all year, it’s primarily been called a “Summer town.” While this may seem like a minute perk, take it from us: when Summer hits south Texas, staying cool is the one thing on everyone’s mind. Located at the intersection of both the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers, New Braunfels is home to some of the best tubing, boating, and water activities in Texas. Canyon Lake and Landa Lake also contribute to New Braunfels’ distinct aquaculture with beautiful kayaking, canoeing, fishing, scuba diving, etc. Besides the natural waterfronts, fun-filled experiences await at Schlitterbahn, Texas Ski Park, and the Natural Bridge Caverns. No matter how you like to spend your free time, this city will keep you covered and cool.
7. Low Taxes
We can’t talk about real estate in New Braunfels without mentioning the financial perks of such a decision! Compared to Austin and San Antonio, New Braunfels offers very low property tax rates. If you’re considering owning commercial real estate of any significant value, this lower tax rate will save you a good deal of money.
Why hire a Keller Williams REALTOR®?
In accordance with the incredible growth we’re seeing in New Braunfels, the housing market is becoming more and more competitive. The time to buy is now! According to local agent Brenda McClain, affordable homes are going fast, and with an increasing luxury market in New Braunfels, incoming subdivisions have started increasing in price point. We recommend reaching out to a professional to help you find your perfect home!
Don't see the house you want to call your first home here? Check out all home listings in New Braunfels and give us a call to see more!