Living in New Braunfels is unlike living anywhere else! Various Indigenous communities lived in the New Braunfels area for thousands of years before German settlers arrived in 1845. The state government incorporated the city of New Braunfels that same year. The community gets its name from Braunfels, Germany, with “Braunfels” meaning “brown rock” in German. The settlers built a fort and established farms and plantations. New Braunfels grew quickly, with thousands of people moving to New Braunfels TX in the 1850s.
The community continued to expand in the 1900s, becoming a railroad depot and a textile hub. During the second half of the 20th century, it became a tourist hub. New Braunfels is now a growing and vibrant city with tourist attractions, quaint neighborhoods, and convenient access to outdoor things to do.
What is New Braunfels known for? New Braunfels is well known for its German heritage, with many attractions having roots in German immigrants and culture, including the Alpine Haus Restaurant. The New Braunfels motto is “In Neu Braunfels ist das leben schƶne” (German for “In New Braunfels, life is beautiful”).
Is New Braunfels a good place to live? Yes, New Braunfels is a great place to live! You can enjoy some of the best things to do, homes for sale, and weather conditions in Texas. But you need to read more about living in New Braunfels before you start moving to New Braunfels TX. Here’s what to know about living in New Braunfels.
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Where Is New Braunfels Texas?
Where is New Braunfels Texas, and what county is New Braunfels in? New Braunfels is in Comal and Guadalupe counties, inside the Greater San Antonio area. It’s close to the Texas Hill Country, but it’s not inside it. It is 32.2 miles from San Antonio to New Braunfels, so New Braunfels is a suburb of San Antonio.
The Comal and Guadalupe Rivers run through New Braunfels, snaking through the center and southern areas of the community. Lake Dunlap, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin, and San Marcos border New Braunfels. Interstate 35 runs through the community and provides access to cities near San Antonio, including Alamo Heights. Most people moving to New Braunfels TX use Interstate 35.
New Braunfels is a diverse city, containing residential cul-de-sacs and commercial areas. The city is currently revamping its public transportation system. In the fall of 2025, the city will launch Rio Transit, an on-demand microtransit service for all residents living in New Braunfels. For now, residents living in New Braunfels can use Alamo Regional Transit, which offers curb-to-curb transportation services, including for moving to New Braunfels TX.
New Braunfels Population and Demographics
According to the US Census, the New Braunfels population in 2023 was 110,958, up by 92.2% since 2010. According to the Austin American-Statesman, New Braunfels is the second-fastest-growing city in America. Between 2020 and 2023, the population of New Braunfels increased by 22.7%. The New Braunfels population density is 2,001.0 people living in New Braunfels per square mile.
Notable people living in New Braunfels include Lance Berkman, Kliff Kingsbury, and James McArthur. New Braunfels TX demographics include:
- 50.5% female, 49.5% male
- Median age of residents living in New Braunfels: 36.1
- Racial and ethnic composition of people living in New Braunfels: 73.0% White (60.2% non-Hispanic), 33.9% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% two or more races, 2.3% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
- Median household income of residents living in New Braunfels: $88,257 (16.5% higher than the Texas median)
- Educational attainment of people living in New Braunfels: 92.6% of residents older than 25 have graduated from high school, 38.6% have a bachelor’s degree
- Foreign-born population of residents living in New Braunfels: 6.6%
New Braunfels is one of the wealthiest San Antonio suburbs. 44% of households living in New Braunfels make at least $100,000 a year, with 13.2% making over $200,000 a year. Only 6.2% of residents living in New Braunfels live below the poverty line, less than half the Texas poverty rate. 9.3% of people living in New Braunfels are veterans, with over 3,000 veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
New Braunfels is a very safe place to live. Here are the latest crime rates from the FBI in 2022:
- Overall crime rate: 1,602 offenses per 100,000 people living in New Braunfels (73.1% lower than the San Antonio crime rate, 41.4% lower than the Texas rate, 31.1% lower than the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 188 crimes per 100,000 residents living in New Braunfels (56.5% lower than the Texas rate, 49.2% lower than the national average)
- Property crime rate: 1,414 offenses per 100,000 residents living in New Braunfels (38.5% lower than the Texas average, 27.7% lower than the national rate)
The New Braunfels Police Department employs 134 officers who respond to all emergencies.
Cost of Living in New Braunfels TX
New Braunfels cost of living statistics can be hard to find, but San Antonio cost of living statistics provide reliable figures for the cost of living in New Braunfels TX. The San Antonio cost of living index compares the cost of common items in San Antonio to the cost of those same items nationwide. The index is 91.2, meaning items in the area cost 8.8% lower than the national average.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in the San Antonio metro area needs $97,467 a year to cover their cost of living. Child care is the most expensive part of living in New Braunfels, costing $1,471 a month and $17,652 a year. Housing costs are more modest. San Antonio is one of the most affordable major cities in America, so you should be able to afford the cost of living in New Braunfels TX.
New Braunfels real estate is affordable, even if you’re buying a home. According to Redfin, the median cost of homes for sale in New Braunfels is $324,000. The average home price in New Braunfels TX per square foot is $184. According to RentCafe, the average rent in New Braunfels apartments is $1,467 a month. The average rent in New Braunfels TX is nearly $300 a month lower than the national average.
Typical New Braunfels Living Expenses
- 1 pound of white rice: $0.96
- 1 pound of chicken fillets: $4.49
- 1 pound of bananas: $0.49
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $2.90
- Average New Braunfels utilities per month: $203.04
- 1 pair of jeans: $47.70
Source: Numbeo
Neighborhoods in New Braunfels TX | Where to Live In New Braunfels
Neighborhoods in New Braunfels TX have a lot to offer. You can find quaint residential communities and bustling neighborhoods that are close to or contain major attractions. Here are the best places to live in New Braunfels.
Gruene | Historic New Braunfels Neighborhood With Top Restaurants in New Braunfels
Gruene is a historic district in northern New Braunfels. It’s a compact and walkable community well known as a hub for tourists, and it’s one of the best neighborhoods for top restaurants. You can visit the Gruene River Grill, the Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar, and the Gruene Coffee Haus. It’s also a top New Braunfels neighborhood for condos. The real estate market in Gruene is small, but you can move to three-bedroom condos covering 1,000 square feet for around $600,000.
Mockingbird Heights | Best New Braunfels Neighborhood for Home Buyers
Mockingbird Heights is one of the best New Braunfels neighborhoods for people who want to get away from tourist hubs. It’s small yet walkable, and it’s close to Interstate 35, making it desirable for commuters. According to Redfin, Mockingbird Heights is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in New Braunfels, with a median cost of housing at $369,000 and an average cost per square foot of $131. The real estate market in Mockingbird Heights consists primarily of single-family homes, many of which have three bedrooms and cover at least 1,700 square feet. These homes make Mockingbird Heights perfect for large families.
New Braunfels Weather and Climate
The New Braunfels climate is humid subtropical, with hot and humid summers and mild winters, similar to the San Antonio climate. August is the hottest month of the year, with an average temperature of 84 degrees and an average high of 95. The New Braunfels average temperature by month peaks in early August, but temperatures are relatively consistent through July and August.
The average temperatures in New Braunfels start to decline in earnest in mid-September. January is the coldest month of the year, with an average temperature of 51 degrees and an average low of 42. Freezing temperatures rarely occur in New Braunfels. You can stay comfortable in a light jacket during the winter and during New Braunfels weather year round.
Does it snow in New Braunfels TX? No, it does not snow in New Braunfels on a regular occasion. The New Braunfels rain total, on average, per year is 26.9 inches of rain. The New Braunfels weather is sunny throughout the year, with each month having at least 50% clear, mostly clear, and partly cloudy days.
However, the rain in the summertime does create extremely high levels of humidity. Nearly every day in the summer and most days in the spring and fall feel muggy, oppressive, or miserable. You can experience severe heat and thunderstorms while living in New Braunfels. Check New Braunfels weather forecasts before going out in the summer.
October is the best month to visit and start moving to New Braunfels TX. The average temperature is 70 degrees, so you can still wear a short-sleeved shirt outside. October has the most sunny days of any month, with 71% clear, mostly clear, and partly cloudy days. Humidity levels drop off significantly, so you won’t feel uncomfortable outside.
Things to Do in New Braunfels
New Braunfels may seem like a small town, but there are many interesting things to do in New Braunfels! Ask a resident living in New Braunfels what to do in New Braunfels, and they’ll tell you to enjoy the local culture and locally run stores. The Downtown Antique Mall covers 16,000 square feet and contains items from over 60 local families and dealers. You can get groceries at the New Braunfels Farmers Market and the Gruene General Store, as well as H-E-B plus!
Schlitterbahn
Schlitterbahn is one of the top waterparks in the country. The park contains over 40 attractions, including a kid-friendly play area and uphill water coasters. Schlitterbahn is the top point of interest in the summer.
400 North Liberty Avenue, New Braunfels, TX, 78130, 830-625-2351
Landa Park
Landa Park is a 51-acre park with numerous unique features, including a miniature train, three kid-friendly playgrounds, and miles of paved walking trails. It’s a family-friendly and dog-friendly place to visit.
164 Landa Park Drive, New Braunfels, TX, 78130, 830-221-4350
Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo
The Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo is a six-acre zoo home to over 500 species of animals. Animal World is well known for its animal encounters where you and your kids can feed, pet, and take photographs with capybaras, lemurs, and foxes.
5640 Interstate 35, New Braunfels, TX, 78132, 830-402-4603
Additional Things to Do in New Braunfels
The New Braunfels Parks and Recreation Department manages parks and public areas in the city limits, including parks along the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers. The department plans programs and special events throughout the year, including kid-friendly educational programs. You can use the New Braunfels events calendar to see when these events will take place.
New Braunfels Restaurants
The San Antonio area has a diverse and unique food scene, with top Mexican restaurants and barbecue eateries. New Braunfels also offers diverse and unique restaurants that celebrate German culture and contribute to the live music scene.
Buttermilk Cafe
The Buttermilk Cafe is a family-friendly cafe that offers one of the best breakfast menus among restaurants in New Braunfels. You can enjoy a wide range of comfort foods, including pancakes, steak and eggs, and fried green tomatoes.
1324 Common Street, New Braunfels, TX, 78130, 830-625-8700
Gruene River Grill
The Gruene River Grill is best known for its homemade desserts like blackberry cobbler and five-layer chocolate cake. You can also enjoy a range of unique fish and chicken dishes, including blackened redfish and shrimp brochettes.
1259 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, TX, 78130, 830-624-2300
Freiheit Country Store
The Freiheit Country Store is the best restaurant in New Braunfels for live music, with several performances from bands throughout the week. You can order burgers, fries, sandwiches, and other casual dishes while listening to the live musical performances.
2157 FM1101, New Braunfels, TX, 78130, 830-358-7148
Jobs in New Braunfels
According to DataUSA, 51,250 people have jobs in New Braunfels, up by 78.9% since 2013. Health care, retail trade, and educational services are the three biggest job sectors in New Braunfels, and each has median earnings of over $75,000 a year. 12.3% of New Braunfels jobs are management jobs with median earnings of over $160,000 a year.
Major employers in New Braunfels include CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital, Comal ISD, and Comal County. According to Payscale, the average salary in New Braunfels is $69,000 a year with an average hourly rate of $18.81. You can apply for New Braunfels jobs using Indeed, and you can apply for City of New Braunfels jobs.
New Braunfels Schools
Many families start moving to New Braunfels TX so their children can attend New Braunfels schools. US News ranks elementary schools in New Braunfels and high schools in New Braunfels highly. The Comal Independent School District (Comal ISD) and the New Braunfels Independent School District (New Braunfels ISD or New Braunfels School District) both serve students living in New Braunfels.
You should use the Comal ISD attendance zones and the New Braunfels ISD attendance zones to see which schools your children living in New Braunfels will be attending. In general, students living in western New Braunfels attend Comal ISD schools. Students living in northern and eastern New Braunfels attend New Braunfels ISD schools.
US News ranks Hoffmann Lane Elementary in Comal ISD as the best elementary school in New Braunfels. 86% of Hoffmann Lane Elementary students test at or above the proficiency level in reading, 35 percentage points higher than the state rate. Hoffmann Lane students then attend Church Hill Middle School, which US News ranks as the best middle school in New Braunfels.
Church Hill Middle School students attend Memorial Early College High School, which US News ranks as the top high school among New Braunfels high schools. US News also ranks it in the top 200 high schools in Texas.
The New Braunfels Christian Academy is the top private school in New Braunfels. It is a Christian school well known for its fine arts and athletics programs. You have a few options for higher education while living in New Braunfels. Texas State Technical College, Howard Payne University, and Northwest Lakeview College have campuses in New Braunfels. The New Braunfels Public Library serves all residents living in New Braunfels.
New Braunfels Statistics and Information
- County: Comal and Guadalupe Counties
- New Braunfels area: 45.57 square miles
- New Braunfels zip code: 78130-78133
- New Braunfels area code: 830
- New Braunfels elevation: 620 feet
- New Braunfels time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC -5 and -6)
- Closest airport to New Braunfels: San Antonio International Airport (SAT), 28.0 miles from New Braunfels
New Braunfels Map
You can use this New Braunfels map to find the best things to do, restaurants in New Braunfels, and urban amenities in New Braunfels!
Start Living in New Braunfels Now
Living in New Braunfels offers something for everyone! Young professionals can enjoy the affordable housing prices, retirees can love the natural beauty, and families can love the great schools and safe streets.
When youāre ready to relocate, our New Braunfels movers live and work right here in Comal County.
Moving to New Braunfels TX isn’t tricky. 2 College Brothers has the top New Braunfels movers, with years of experience in the moving industry. Call 210-874-7010 for a free estimate now.
