Is New Braunfels, TX a good place to live?

For many buyers, yes. New Braunfels gives you river-town character, two well-known school districts and quick access to both San Antonio and Austin, and it has grown by roughly a third since 2020. The trade -offs are traffic on I-35, prices that vary a lot by ZIP code, and a market that is changing month to month, so the right neighborhood depends on your budget and your commute.

How fast is New Braunfels growing?

Fast. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates New Braunfels had 122,492 residents on July 1, 2025, up from 90,403 in the April 2020 census. That is more than 30,000 new residents in about five years. Growth brings new shopping, restaurants and subdivisions, but it also means more traffic and more construction, especially along the I-35 and State Highway 46 corridors.

What do homes cost in New Braunfels right now?

It depends on the ZIP code. According to Four Rivers Association of REALTORS data reported by Community Impact on October 15, 2026, September 2026 looked like this:

• 78130 (central and eastern New Braunfels): the median home price was down 3% from a year earlier, closed sales were down 17.2%, active listings were up 31%, and homes under contract were up nearly 70%.
• 78132 (western New Braunfels toward the Hill Country): the median home price was up 14.7% from a year earlier, while closed sales were down 19.1%.
• Homes took longer to sell in both ZIP codes than a year earlier.

For context, the Census Bureau puts the median value of owner-occupied homes in New Braunfels at $339,400 (2020-2024 estimate), and about 65% of homes are owner-occupied. More listings and longer market times usually give buyers more room to negotiate on price, repairs or closing costs, especially in 78130.

What are property taxes like in New Braunfels?

The City of New Braunfels lists a 2025 total city tax rate of $0.408936 per $100 of value. That is only the city's share. Your total bill also includes your county, school district and any other taxing units, and those differ depending on where in town the home sits. Before you make an offer, ask for the full tax rate for that exact address and budget for it in your monthly payment, not just the city rate.

Which schools serve New Braunfels?

The city says two primary school districts serve New Braunfels: New Braunfels ISD and Comal ISD. Some areas in the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction fall into Marion, Navarro or Seguin ISD instead. School boundaries do not follow city limits or ZIP codes, so always confirm the assigned schools for a specific address with the district before you buy.

What is the commute like?

The Census Bureau puts the average commute for New Braunfels workers at 27.1 minutes (2020-2024). New Braunfels sits on I-35 between San Antonio and Austin, so it works well for people who split time between the two cities or work on the northeast side of San Antonio, including Randolph and the Schertz-Cibolo area. Rush hour on I-35 can stretch drive times, so test your commute at the hours you will actually drive before choosing a neighborhood.

Who is New Braunfels a good fit for?

• Buyers who want a smaller-city feel with the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, the historic Gruene district and a walkable downtown.
• Two-city households with one person working toward San Antonio and another toward Austin or San Marcos.
• Buyers who want choices, from established central neighborhoods to newer master-planned communities and larger Hill Country lots on the west side.

It may be a harder fit if you need a short, predictable drive into central or west San Antonio every day. For more detail, see our New Braunfels home buying guide.

How a local agent helps

With prices rising in one New Braunfels ZIP code and falling in another, the comparable sales for the exact street matter more than citywide headlines. Chris Dudley pulls the recent sales for each home you are serious about, checks the full tax rate and school assignment, and negotiates with the current inventory in mind. His closed sales: 76 in 2024 ($25.1M), 39 in 2025 ($12.2M) and 26 in 2026 through August 28 ($9.0M), for 141 closed sales and $46.3M since January 2024 (Real Broker transaction records). He has 5.0 stars from 480+ Google reviews. Learn more about working with Chris as your New Braunfels realtor.

FAQ

Is New Braunfels cheaper than San Antonio?

Not always. Prices vary widely by ZIP code. In September 2026, the median price in 78130 was down 3% year over year while 78132 was up 14.7% (Four Rivers Association of REALTORS via Community Impact). Compare specific neighborhoods and total monthly costs, including taxes and HOA dues, rather than city averages.

What school districts are in New Braunfels?

New Braunfels ISD and Comal ISD are the two primary districts. Parts of the surrounding area are served by Marion, Navarro or Seguin ISD. Confirm the school assignment for each address with the district.

Is now a good time to buy in New Braunfels?

Buyers have more to choose from than a year ago: in 78130, active listings were up 31% in September 2026 and homes took longer to sell. That can mean better negotiating room, but the right timing depends on your budget, your rate and how long you plan to stay.

By Chris Dudley, San Antonio REALTOR®, Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC (TREC #731381). Call (210) 838-6099.

Sources

• U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, New Braunfels city, Texas: census.gov
• Community Impact, "Median home prices rise in the 78132 ZIP code" (Oct 15, 2026; Four Rivers Association of REALTORS data): communityimpact.com
• City of New Braunfels, Tax Information: newbraunfels.gov
• City of New Braunfels, Education and Youth: newbraunfels.gov