The Ultimate Guide to Living in New Braunfels, Texas

Hill Country soul. River town life. One of the fastest-growing cities in America — and once you get here, you'll understand why.

Get to Know New Braunfels

New Braunfels — locals call it NB or NBTX — was founded in 1845 by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, a German nobleman who led the Adelsverein's colonization of Texas. That German heritage still runs deep: you'll feel it in Wurstfest every fall, in the German bakeries, and in the dance hall culture at Gruene Hall.

Today NB is home to approximately 110,000 people (median age 36), sitting about 35 miles northeast of San Antonio and 45 miles southwest of Austin. It's consistently ranked among the fastest-growing cities in the United States — and the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers running through it have everything to do with why people stay.

Local Adventures

• Schlitterbahn Waterpark — A world-renowned waterpark with a dedicated kids' area and the "Bow Wow Blaster" water coaster built just for younger guests.

• McKenna Children's Museum — Interactive indoor exhibits that engage the senses. Perfect for a rainy day or a break from the heat.

• Landa Park — 51 acres with giant oak trees, playgrounds, paddle boats, a miniature train, wading pool, picnic areas, and trails. A full day without spending much.

• Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo — Up-close time with reptiles, farm animals, and educational encounters kids genuinely love.

• Texas Ski Ranch — Wakeboarding, zip lines, dinner shows, and axe-throwing just a short drive away.

• Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country — A resort-style campground that blends outdoor adventure with real amenities.

Live Music

New Braunfels has one of the best live music scenes in Texas — and that's not an exaggeration.

• Gruene Hall — The oldest dance hall in Texas. Where George Strait got his start and big names still drop in for surprise sets.

• Redbird Listening Room — Quiet, intentional, soulful. For when you want to actually hear the music.

• Freiheit Country Store — Outdoor stage, great food, real crowd. Family-friendly by day, rowdy in the best way at night.

• Whitewater Amphitheater — Big shows on the river. Bring a group, this one's for the bucket list.

• Krause's Café & Biergarten — Sunday afternoon accordion music and bratwurst. Strollers included.

• Pour Haus — The most social spot in town. Outdoor, dog-friendly, always something playing.

Our Go-To Restaurants

• Mexican: Tacos y Tequila, La Cosecha

• Steak Night: Gruene River Grill (order the balsamic ribeye), Myrons

• Burgers: Mozies, Scores, Phoenix Saloon, Tin Top, Lone Star Float House, Muck and Fuss

• BBQ: Blacks, Coopers, HEB True Texas BBQ, Burnt Bean (Seguin)

• Breakfast Tacos: Butcher Boy, NB Tortilleria, Los Gallos

• Bakery: Naegelin's German Bakery (oldest bakery in Texas), 2 Tarts, Wildflour

• Coffee: Kora Kora, 2 Rivers, New Braunfels Coffee, Betty Lou, Kinnor

• Ice Cream: Rhea's

Outdoors

The Comal River — the shortest navigable river in the United States — stays 72 degrees year-round. Summers here have a rhythm that people from Houston and Dallas don't fully believe until they're living it.

• Tubing outfitters: Rockin' R River Rides, Comal Tubes, Landa Falls, The Float In, Tajas Tubes, Shanty Tubes

• Swimming: Hinman Island (Comal River), Landa Park Aquatics Complex, Das Rec, Schlitterbahn, Fischer Park Splash Pad

• Parks: Landa Park (51 acres), Fischer Park (62 acres, hilltop views), Cypress Bend Park (Guadalupe River access)

• Trails: Madrone Trail (7.6 miles, rocky), Purgatory Creek Natural Area (570 acres), Guadalupe River Trail, Guadalupe River State Park (13+ miles)

Festivals & Events

• Spring: Saengerfest, Thru the Chute Cardboard Boat Race, Hill Country Craft Beer Festival

• Summer: Live@Landa free concert series, Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks

• Fall: Wurstfest (10 days of German heritage), Comal County Fair & Parade, Gruene Music & Wine Festival, Día de los Muertos Festival

• Winter: Wassailfest, Downtown Holiday Lighting & Santa's Arrival

Thinking About New Braunfels?

Drake and Michelle Carter are your local resource for everything NB. They live here, raise their three kids here, and know the difference between every neighborhood, every river access point, and every new construction community in Comal County. Call or text 361.720.0340, email drake@carterteamtx.com, or schedule a call at carterteamtx.com.