Living in New Braunfels, TX
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More
Why You’ll Love Living in New Braunfels, TX
Nestled on the edge of Texas Hill Country between San Antonio and Austin, New Braunfels, TX, is a fast-growing city with a population of just over 100,000. Boasting a great quality of life that blends small-town charm with big-city amenities, New Braunfels offers a slower pace of life without compromising on dining, entertainment and services.
Settled by German immigrants in 1845, New Braunfels is known for its German Texan heritage, which is celebrated at annual festivals like Wassailfest and Wurstfest, a 10-day salute to sausage held every November. You’ll find German cuisine and culture throughout New Braunfels, particularly in the Gruene National Historic District, where 15 acres of preserved township buildings now offer shopping, dining and even dancing at Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas.
In addition to the cultural offerings downtown, New Braunfels boasts beautiful countryside dotted with plentiful parks, and natural attractions like Canyon Lake and the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers.
New Braunfels, TX Quality of Life LivScore
New Braunfels, TX Top Categories
Housing & Cost of Living
Transportation
Environment
New Braunfels ranks highest for housing, transportation and environment.
Where is New Braunfels, TX?
New Braunfels is perfectly positioned about 30 miles northeast of San Antonio and 50 miles southwest of Austin, blending small-town coziness with easy access to big-city fun. Interstate 35 connects residents to local pursuits, and the closest airport, San Antonio International Airport, is just 30 miles away. New Braunfels is nestled among the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country. The Comal and Guadalupe Rivers offer refreshing spots for tubing or soaking in the scenery. And when you’re ready to explore beyond, here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:
- San Antonio is just 30 miles southwest, where you can stroll the famous River Walk, visit the historic Alamo, or dive into shopping and culture.
- Austin, known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” sits 50 miles northeast, packed with live music, quirky vibes, and unique shopping spots.
- Houston is about 175 miles east, a doable trip for checking out top-notch museums, NASA’s Space Center, or even a quick peek at the Gulf Coast.
Weather in New Braunfels
New Braunfels Weather
222 days
Average Annual Sun
32 inches
Average Annual Rain
2 inches
Average Annual Snow
New Braunfels has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Skies are often cloudy year-round.
Economy and Jobs in New Braunfels, TX
Top employers, sales tax rate and state income tax info from Top 100
Home price + income from AGS spreadsheet
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What makes New Braunfels, TX unique?
Settled by German immigrants in 1845, New Braunfels is known for its German Texan heritage, which is celebrated at annual festivals like Wassailfest and Wurstfest, a 10-day German-style sausage fest held every November. You’ll find German cuisine and culture throughout New Braunfels, including the Gruene National Historic District, 15 acres of preserved township buildings that now offer shopping and dining — plus dancing at Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas.
Things to do in New Braunfels, TX
Historic downtown New Braunfels is lined with shops and restaurants. Don’t pass up the opportunity to sample authentic German fare at Krause’s Cafe or the upscale Alpine Haus, which features a wine and beer garden.
Cultural attractions include McKenna Children’s Museum and Alamo Classic Car Museum, and the 1940s-style Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre offers everything from stand-up comedy to ballet and symphony performances.
With 41 local parks, there’s plenty of options for fresh air and sunshine. Head to nearby Canyon Lake for boating and fishing.
If you’re looking for adventure, you’re sure to find it at Natural Bridge Caverns & Wildlife Ranch, where you can marvel at exotic animals on a drive-thru safari and explore two underground cave systems, an outdoor maze, ropes courses and more.
During the summer months, visitors and locals alike flock to the Schlitterbahn Water Park & Resort, an expansive water park featuring miles of lazy and not-so-lazy rivers powered by natural spring water from the Comal River. Considered one of the top water parks in the country, Schlitterbahn is packed with play areas, lagoons, body slides, tube chutes and thrill rides such as the Dragon’s Revenge and the Master Blaster Uphill Water Coaster.
When 5 o’clock rolls around, stroll over to the Gruene Historic District, where the Gruene River Grill offers casual river dining. Grab an Italian margarita or a blackberry smash and some shrimp wontons and head to the deck to watch the sun set over the Guadalupe River.
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Weather in New Braunfels, TX
Average Temperatures
79 high / 56 low
Average Annual Rainfall
34 in
Average Annual Snowfall
0 in
Quick Facts about New Braunfels, Texas
- Median Home Value
- $291,603
- Median Property Tax
- $2,873
- Total Population
- 102,077
- Average Commute
- 20 min
- Median Household Income
- $85,508
- Median Monthly Rent
- $1,117
Map of New Braunfels, TX
Experiences & Adventures in New Braunfels, TX
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