Have you been dipping your toes into the idea of moving to New Braunfels? You certainly aren’t alone! From vibrant traditional festivals and strong sense of heritage to quaint communities and a picturesque landscape, we locals can’t speak highly enough about our little Hill Country town.
Here are just a few of our favorite things about New Braunfels, TX!
Image Courtesy of Krause Cafe
1. The food is out of this world.
Given New Braunfels’ diverse heritage (from German to Tejano), the local food scene is packed with both traditional flavors and adventurous new concepts. From spicy Tex Mex to Hill Country barbecue to Southern comfort food, New Braunfels is certainly a foodie destination. A few local favorites include the Buttermilk Cafe, Naegelin’s Bakery, Huisache Grill, and Krause’s Cafe (pictured above).
Image Courtesy of Jon Wolfe's Facebook Page
2. The music scene is growing.
For a small Hill Country town, New Braunfels draws in a surprising lineup of major acts! Gruene Hall (a vital piece of country music history) continues to draw in big-name artists, while the spacious and scenic Whitewater Amphitheater allows for bigger crowds. Beyond these venues, the local music scene continues to grow, featuring both exciting new acts and old favorites.
Image Courtesy of New Braunfels Brewing Company
3. Breweries and wineries are popping up everywhere.
Craft beer and locally-made wine have been exploding in popularity around Texas, and our little town is keeping up. New Braunfels Brewing Company and Guadalupe Brewing are always dreaming up innovative new recipes and techniques, while Dry Comal Creek Vineyards offers fun events, wine classes, and (of course) delicious wine. And don’t forget the vintage Faust Hotel and Brewing Co! This local gem offers a full bar and beer-inspired menu.
Image Courtesy of Utopiafest
4. We know how to throw a festival.
Besides classic, nostalgic celebrations like Quiltfest and the Texas Woodcarvers Guild, city-wide parties and concerts like Folkfe st, Utopiafest, and Wein and Saengerfest have become favorites among the younger crowd. No matter your age, interests, or bedtime, New Braunfels probably hosts a festival perfect for you and your crowd.
5. The Hill Country scenery is breathtaking.
Our cozy little town is an entrance point into the Texas Hill Country! Spots like River Road, Canyon Lake, and Historic Gruene highlight the area’s natural beauty, featuring winding roads lined with beautiful cypress trees and a rustic wooden dance hall that makes you feel like you’re on a movie set. Scenic hikes are only a short drive away, and our sparkling rivers are the icing on the cake!
Image Courtesy of Alamo Drafthouse New Braunfels
6. We’ve got some big-city perks.
With the I-35 corridor gaining popularity, our town has gained convenient access to big-city amenities along the highway. New additions include an Alamo Drafthouse (a cinema experience unlike anything else), name-brand shopping plazas, well-known restaurants, and that famous Texas beaver stop: Buc-ee’s.
2325 Broken Wheel Ln: $279,900
7. The housing market is on the rise.
It’s a good time to buy in New Braunfels! Home appreciation is up, and the median home price is around $282k. Overall, now is a great time to invest in New Braunfels real estate.
8. It’s a great place to raise a family.
Several neighborhoods in New Braunfels practically scream “idyllic family home.” Landa Park Highlands, Havenwood at Hunter's Crossing, and Castle Ridge all offer beautiful houses, friendly neighbors, and spacious yards. Additionally, the local schools boast top-notch education and strong college readiness skills.
Image Courtesy of the Wein & Saengerfest Photo Gallery
9. It’s a good place to be a young adult.
At first glance, New Braunfels might not seem like a “happening” place for young adults...but spend one night downtown, and that view is sure to change! A rising number of 20 and 30-somethings have discovered the joys of New Braunfels. Local gems like The Phoenix Saloon and Pour Haus get the social spark going, and venues like Whitewater Amphitheater and River Roa d Ice House offer dancing and Hill Country fun.
Image Courtesy of the NB Journal
10. The art scene is amazing.
The art scene has grown so much here that we have dedicated an entire month to it: Artober! The New Braunfels Art League has been fostering new programs and growing the passions of artists of all ages. They have events and exhibits regularly, including First Friday, a downtown art celebration that takes place (you guessed it) on the first Friday of the month.
Image Courtesy of Wurstfest
11. Wurstfest is the actual greatest.
Our little town practically doubles in size during Wurstfest! Tourists flock to the “River City” for good beer, good food, and plenty of German culture. Living in New Braunfels, you’re just down the road from one of the nation’s best Oktoberfest celebrations. Plus, if you aren’t in town for the celebration, renting out your place for a few days could prove to be quite lucrative.
12. We’ve got lakes and rivers galore.
New Braunfels is right between Lake McQueeney and Canyon Lake, both perfect spots for waterfront vacations, lake homes, weekend getaways, or even just a few hours of fishing. Plus, th e possibilities for waterfront living are incredible! Obviously, New Braunfels is also home to two beautiful rivers: the Guadalupe and the Comal. The Guadalupe River flows into Canyon Lake and runs along River Road (which incidentally makes for a great Sunday drive). The Comal (a spring-fed river) flows through Landa Park and passes downtown before merging with the Guadalupe, making it a go-to spot for summer fun and our favorite sport: tubing!
Image Courtesy of Instagram user @marie_nicolee
13. We’ve got below-ground fun.
Given the natural beauty of the Hill Country’s topography, it’s no surprise that an equally beautiful landscape lies beneath the surface. Touring the wide-open caves of the Hill Country feels like setting foot into another world. Over long periods of time, a steady flow of water hollowed out the natural limestone to create these rather mysterious formations. New Braunfels’ local favorite is Natural Bridge Caverns...an underground adventure that you truly can’t find in the city.
Image Courtesy of innewbraunfels.com
14. It still feels like a small town.
Despite New Braunfels’ recent growth, the small-town vibes are still alive and well. At your local coffee shop, you can still enjoy a nice cup of joe, read the paper, and have a hearty breakfast while you chat with the friendly waitresses and bartenders. And that won’t ever go away.
Cheers to you, New Braunfels.
If you’re ready to live in our favorite Hill Country town, we’d be honored to be the ones to help guide you through the whole process, from connecting with a lender to signing the closing papers. Plus, we’ve created an exclusive guide just for the New Braunfels buyer! Let us know how we can help your search for the right home as seamless as possible!