Kissing Tree in San Marcos, TX: Is This 55+ Community Worth It?
- Drake Carter
- Apr 29
- 5 min read
What Is Kissing Tree in San Marcos, TX?
Kissing Tree is a 1,300-acre gated master-planned community in San Marcos, TX built specifically for adults 55 and better. It sits along the I-35 corridor near Texas State University, and the lifestyle amenities are the main selling point: an 18-hole semi-private golf course, The Mix — a roughly 20-acre amenity campus — resort-style pools, fitness facilities, a full-service restaurant and sports bar, and a packed calendar of social programming. Homes are built by Brookfield Residential and start in the upper $300s, with two primary collections that cover everything from lock-and-leave cottages to larger single-story homes on 70-foot-wide lots.
By Drake and Michelle Carter | April 15, 2026
If you've spent any time researching 55+ communities along the I-35 corridor, you've almost certainly come across Kissing Tree. Drake and Michelle have toured and compared communities across the region, and this one comes up constantly — for good reason. Here's the full breakdown of what it actually offers, what it costs, and who it's the right fit for.
If you're also comparing active adult options against traditional neighborhoods in the broader region, this guide to communities in New Braunfels gives you a useful frame of reference along the same corridor.
The Location: San Marcos on the I-35 Corridor
Kissing Tree sits in San Marcos, Texas — not New Braunfels, though it draws buyers from across the Central Texas and Hill Country region. San Marcos brings its own energy: Texas State University is right there, which means the city has a younger pulse, a diverse restaurant scene, and more activity than a lot of other 55+ community locations. The I-35 position means Austin and San Antonio are both within comfortable driving distance, which matters for people with family or medical needs pulling them in either direction.
The community is fully gated with a guard. Drake and Michelle walk through the entry and layout at 1:43 — the golf course and amenity campus flow together in a way that feels planned and cohesive, not like something that got added in phases without a master vision.
The Amenities: The Mix and the Golf Course
The headline feature is The Mix, a roughly 20-acre amenity campus at the center of the community. See the full amenity breakdown at 1:54. It brings together an 18-hole semi-private golf course designed by Gary Stevenson, a driving range, a 9-hole putting course, short game practice areas, resort-style pools, a fitness center, pickleball courts, and multi-purpose rooms for clubs and events. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner alongside a sports bar — so leaving the neighborhood for a meal is optional, not necessary.
Beyond the physical facilities, lifestyle programming is a major part of what makes Kissing Tree run. Residents have access to regularly scheduled classes, clubs, fitness offerings, golf leagues, game nights, and holiday events. It's structured enough that there's always something happening, but not so regimented that it feels like a schedule you have to keep. For buyers coming from a suburban neighborhood without this kind of built-in social infrastructure, the difference is significant.
The Homes: Two Collections, 20+ Floor Plans
All homes at Kissing Tree are built by Brookfield Residential. Jump to the home breakdown at 3:31. There are two primary collections: the Cottages and the Traditional Collection.
The Cottages run roughly 1,400 to 2,000 sq ft on zero-lot-line configurations. These are the lock-and-leave option — the HOA covers landscaping and exterior maintenance, which makes them ideal for people who travel frequently, own multiple homes, or simply don't want to deal with yard work. The Traditional Collection ranges from 1,400 to 2,900 sq ft on lots 40 to 70 feet wide. Both emphasize single-story living, open floor plans, large kitchens, outdoor living areas, and low-maintenance design throughout. Between the two series, there are over 20 floor plans available.
Thinking about Kissing Tree or comparing it against other 55+ and master-planned options across Central Texas? Drake and Michelle tour these communities regularly and can help you figure out which one actually fits your lifestyle and budget. Schedule a free conversation with The Carter Team here.
The Numbers: Pricing, HOA, and Taxes
Watch the full pricing breakdown at 4:36. New and resale homes in the traditional series start in the upper $300s and go into the $700s and above depending on size, finishes, and proximity to the golf course. HOA fees are $255 per month for traditional homes. Cottages carry a higher HOA — around $442 per month — because that fee covers landscaping and exterior maintenance in addition to the standard amenity and gate coverage. Property taxes at Kissing Tree are under 2%, which Drake and Michelle specifically flag as a notable plus for buyers coming from higher-tax markets.
For the most current numbers — pricing, HOA sheets, and tax figures — reach out to Drake and Michelle directly. Published numbers shift with inventory and new phases, and having an accurate, up-to-date picture matters before you make a decision.
Who Is Kissing Tree the Right Fit For?
Kissing Tree isn't for everyone — and that's not a criticism. The lifestyle and amenity package here is genuinely distinctive. You can find a house with an age restriction in several communities along the I-35 corridor. What you can't replicate elsewhere is The Mix, the golf course, the lock-and-leave cottage option, and the level of social programming this community runs. Drake and Michelle make that case directly at 6:25.
It makes the most sense for buyers who moved specifically for the lifestyle — the golf, the social calendar, the resort feel without leaving home — and for whom the HOA investment feels proportional to what they're getting. If you're looking for a quieter, more independent setup with minimal fees and no structured programming, there are other options that will be a better fit. But if the amenity package is something you'll actually use, Kissing Tree is hard to beat in this part of Texas.
If you want help comparing Kissing Tree against other communities in San Marcos, New Braunfels, or the broader Hill Country, Drake and Michelle work across the region and can put together a real comparison based on your priorities. Reach out here to start that conversation.
About Drake and Michelle Carter Drake and Michelle Carter are licensed Texas real estate agents and the founders of The Carter Team at Keller Williams Heritage in New Braunfels. They specialize in helping buyers and sellers navigate the South and Central Texas Hill Country, serving New Braunfels, San Marcos, Canyon Lake, Seguin, Spring Branch, Bulverde, and North San Antonio. Follow along on their YouTube channel for honest, no-fluff advice on living and buying in the Hill Country.
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