Living in New Braunfels, TX
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to New Braunfels, TX? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in New Braunfels, TX

The secret’s out about New Braunfels, TX. Located in the heart of the San Antonio-Austin corridor, this community is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, yet it maintains its small-town charm and German roots.

Those moving to New Braunfels, which has a population of 105,592, appreciate the blend of small-town charm and big-city access. Nestled in the gorgeous Texas Hill Country and at the confluence of the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, the city ranks highly in the environment category, thanks to factors like air quality and climate suitability.

People who live here appreciate the natural beauty in a number of ways, from strolling among the oak trees at the 51-acre Landa Park to enjoying floats along the river and slipping away to Canyon Lake, which beckons with its 80 miles of shoreline and is known as “the jewel of Texas Hill Country.”

The city is also a bridge between the old and new. The city was founded by a German prince in 1845, and “Ist das Leben schön” – life is beautiful – has been the city’s motto ever since. History is on every corner, and New Braunfels is home to some of Texas’s oldest churches. Naeglin’s Bakery, the state’s oldest continuously operating bakery, and Gruene Hall, a legendary dance hall, are also both located here. 

The city celebrates its German heritage at Wurstfest, the annual “10-day Salute to Sausage” that draws thousands of visitors to the banks of the Comal River for polka, German beer and, you guessed it, sausage. Residents honor the city’s large Hispanic population, coming together for celebrations like Dia de los Muertos. 

As the city grows, there are also new and exciting projects in the pipeline, like the Zipp Family Sports Park, which is being built on a 153-acre ranch that the family donated, as well as a new surf park scheduled to open this summer at the Texas Ski Ranch. 

5 Reasons to Move to New Braunfels, TX

Top Reasons to Move to New Braunfels

• New Braunfels is a melting pot where German traditions meet Texas living.
• With its proximity to the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers, New Braunfels is a paradise for water enthusiasts.
• New Braunfels offers family-friendly fun thanks to Schlitterbahn Waterpark and other kid-friendly attractions.
• Located between Austin and San Antonio, New Braunfels offers the best of Hill Country living. 

New Braunfels, TX, is a charming city 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 keeps residents connected, and the closest airport, San Antonio International Airport, is just 30 miles away. 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 River Walk, visit the Alamo or dive into shopping and culture.
• Austin sits 50 miles northeast; the Texas capital is packed with live music, quirky vibes and unique shops and restaurants to check out along South Congress Avenue.
• Houston is about 175 miles east, a doable trip for checking out museums, NASA’s Space Center or even the Gulf Coast.

The area has a subtropical climate with hot, humid sThe area has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Skies are often cloudy year-round.ummers and generally mild winters. Skies are often cloudy year-round.

The area has a dynamic and rapidly growing economy thanks to its location. The major industries here are health care, retail and food services. Significant employers include the Comal Independent School District, Resolute Health Hospital and HEB. Thanks to the Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort, tourism is also an economic driver here. 

The cost of living in New Braunfels is below the national average. The median home value in New Braunfels is $357,203, and the average household income is $94,067.

There is no state income tax in Texas. In 2026, the combined sales tax rate in New Braunfels is 8.25%.

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Living in New Braunfels is an absolute blast, with plenty of year-round fun. Texans are pros when it comes to beating the heat. Floating in tubes down the spring-fed Comal River or along the scenic Guadalupe River is a beloved pastime. The city is also home to Schlitterbahn, a top water park in the country. It is unique because it features throwback rides like tube chutes and modern water roller coasters. You could even rent a treehouse to spend the night inside the waterpark for the coolest staycation. 

No coastline, no problem. At Texas Ski Ranch, locals can wakeboard, water ski and play on giant inflatables in the water. Summer 2025 will bring the addition of the Stoke Factory Wave Pool to the Ranch, churning out waves for surfers of all levels. Theme park lovers will have a blast riding the rollercoasters like “Batman: The Ride” and splashing around at the Six Flags Fiesta Texas waterpark in nearby San Antonio. 

For something a little less action-packed, arrange for a tour of the New Braunfels Fire Museum, which is set in the old firehouse and has antique fire trucks. On the weekends, catch a flick at Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre. There are nearly a dozen different museums in town, too.

This Texas Town is Home to the Best Water Park in the Country

Texans beat the heat by floating on the Comal River, a summertime tradition. For a smooth ride, work with a local outfitter who can rent you a tube and provide a shuttle service. The Guadalupe River is known for its trout fishing and attracts anglers from all over the country.

Feeling adventurous? You can tour the underground caverns at Natural Bridge Caverns or try out the Twisted Trails zip rail and ropes course in a six-story-tall complex.

There are more than 40 parks here. At 62 acres, Fischer Park is the city’s largest public park, and this hilltop spot features wide-open green spaces, fishing ponds, hiking trails, splash pads, a playground and a Nature Education Center. Landa Park is another favorite, offering ample outdoor activities like hiking, playgrounds, picnic areas and even a mini golf course!

Of course, New Braunfels has great Texas barbecue. Try the legendary homemade sausage and Norma Jean’s beans at Black’s Barbecue. But you might be surprised by what else is on the culinary circuit here, including standout German spots like Alpine Haus and Krause’s Cafe, which has a Biergarten and 100 beers on tap. For a fun evening out, enjoy live music while you chow down on a burger at Freiheit Country Store or catch a band at Guadalupe Brewing Company, where you can enjoy craft beer paired with pizza (your pick if you want Detroit or New York style). Wine lovers can get an introduction to Texas wine in nearby Fredericksburg, a cute town with German roots that boasts over 75 wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms. 

Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the number of educational institutions located here. The New Braunfels Independent School District (NBISD) and the Comal Independent School District (CISD) primarily serve 40,000 students in the area and have above-average graduation rates. There are plenty of private schools to pick from, too. Grace Preparatory Academy, for example, is a 6-12 school focusing on multimodal instruction in a blended learning environment.