To be honest, we planned on staying in the house we built in San Antonio until the boys were in college. However, as the area we were in grew we just really longed for something with more space so we started dreaming and thinking ahead. Then, I had a coworker who bought land in Boerne, TX. We looked there but, Boerne was a bit on the spendy side. So we looked further and found New Braunfels and we love it.
Why We Chose To Live In New Braunfels, TX
We chose New Braunfels because we could still commute to our San Antonio jobs, we loved the people, the downtown and all the local shops and eateries and kids activities, the look and feel of the hill country and how everything was within a 15 minute or so drive. It’s also nice to be closer to Austin. Now we can now fly out of San Antonio or Austin airports, which is great.
I’m still a full time pharmacist and we absolutely had to still be able to work where we work now in San Antonio. Russell’s retirement is tied to SAFD, so he definitely won’t be transferring to New Braunfels fire department because he would lose the 11 years he’s put in so far. New Braunfels offered everything we needed with added bonuses as well.
Education
New Braunfels is home to many highly rated and reviewed schools, both private and public. The numerous local elementary schools get amazing ratings, and the teachers strive to build strong STEM skills in the curriculum. We’re pretty sure that our kids will be in private school, but the public options in New Braunfels are for sure encouraging.
In combination with nearby museums and activities, the schools will help drive my boys to achieve their dreams.
This bright and colorful museum cleverly disguises education as play and is sure to have your children begging for return trips.
Fossils and lessons about the geology and biology of the local Texas Hill Country. A must see for dinosaur lovers.
This is a great place for a fantastic look into the geology and natural formation of our earth below the surface. These caverns are full of beautiful and unique stalagmites and stalactites. This attraction also includes a 60-foot obstacle course with a zip line called the Canopy Challenge. You can also drive through the wildlife ranch next door where animals with giant horns will stick their head into your car and eat right out of your hand.
Family Activities and Attractions
Family activities are never lacking in the area. Being a community that values family so highly provides plenty to do for all ages and all seasons. Adventures for the avid outdoors enthusiast or the homebody can be found within an hour drive on most days.
Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theater
This activity harkens back to days of old and can be enjoyed by everyone. The theater regularly shows modern films in the double feature format. On-site you can enjoy the 50s themed diner and get your classic theater snacks.
This is a fantastic experience for families and animal lovers alike. However, it may not be a good fit for those who have a fear of snakes. For a fee, you can experience the animals up close and personal, snuggling fennec foxes, and learn about rare animals like the white lion.
This well-curated museum tells the rugged tale of Prince Carl and his band of German settlers as they found their place in Native territory. Knowing the history of the town you live in gives a special kind of insight into the locations and events.
Brauntex Performing Arts Theater and Circle Arts Theater
Both of these venues support the world of the arts and provide entertainment and an opportunity (should our kids follow the theater path) into performance art. From play productions to ballet recitals, these are locations of sophistication.
A combined spring river fed waterpark and hotel resort to spend a warm afternoon, or a staycation weekend. Texas gets hot in the summer, and this waterpark provides the perfect relief from the grilling sun. Between the tube floats, the water slides and the shady picnic areas, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon making unforgettable memories as a family.
Local Parks
New Braunfels is home to several family-friendly parks and playgrounds. Our boys especially love Fischer Park and Landa Park. These parks are a little friendlier on the budget than some of the larger attractions. They do offer picnic spaces and fun activities to guests entertained on a seasonal basis.
RJ and Will love the miniature train that huffs its way around the 51 acres of Landa Park, and the towering oaks are a blast to walk around and under in the fall.
Community
Beyond the where to go and the what to do, New Braunfels brought us here because of the community. While this bustling town maintains its historic small town ambiance and charm, it’s growing and thriving with an infrastructure plan in place to support the continued growth. The job market is also thriving, with plenty of room for growth. Even the real estate market is fantastic right now, bringing an influx of people to shore up the already thriving economy.
This up and coming community celebrates cultural diversity through active arts events and boasts an extraordinary foodie scene.
Even our microbrewery selection is growing to rival that of the Pacific Northwest. With such a diverse heritage, this city pulls from its Mexican neighbors, its German forefathers, and it’s Native backdrop to create combinations and bold flavors to keep your taste buds begging for more.
New Braunfels Loves a Good Party
Our community enjoys a good festival, and we host several through the year, from classic artisan festivals like Quiltfest to the throwback to our town’s heritage with the Wein and Saengerfest. Nearly every weekend through the year you’ll find a festival or event to bring you together with the community.
Our local scenery is also amazing. With rivers and lakes galore, walking trails, city parks full of playgrounds and beautiful bridges, you’ll never find yourself yearning for a little bit of nature.
Good Weather
As if all the other factors weren’t enough to justify our move to New Braunfels, we love the fabulous weather. Granted, it’s the same in San Antonio but we’re going to roll with it.
Temperatures average in the mid-60s (Fahrenheit) in the spring and winter and don’t typically go much higher than mid-90s in the deep summer. It’s the perfect way to experience all the seasons to some extent, while never being too cold or too hot for comfort.
The combination of factors made this location the perfect Goldilocks fit for my family. You’ll want to research it for your own needs before taking the plunge, but I know you won’t regret it. If you’re still on the fence, visit for a day trip of a weekend getaway.
Connect with Me
If you’re in the area connect with me, I would love to meet in town and get kids together, talk healthy hair, or make some new friends.
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