Relocation · New Braunfels, TX
Why Move to New Braunfels, TX?
The U.S. Census estimates New Braunfels at 122,492 residents as of July 1, 2025, up sharply from its 2020 base. Here is why buyers keep comparing it.
New Braunfels grew from a 2020 Census population base of 91,683 to an estimated 122,492 residents as of July 1, 2025. Texas's 0% state income tax, I-35 access, school-by-address decisions, two rivers, Hill Country culture, and a deep employer base all matter when buyers compare the area.
Census Growth
Growth
How fast is New Braunfels, TX growing?
New Braunfels grew from a 2020 Census population base of 91,683 residents to an estimated 122,492 by July 1, 2025. The broader San Antonio-New Braunfels metro reached 2,813,140 (San Antonio-New Braunfels metro, 2025), giving the city both small-city appeal and access to a large regional economy.
For buyers, the important takeaway is not just the growth rate. It is how growth changes the search: new master-planned communities, infill in the historic core, larger-lot Hill Country homes, and established resale neighborhoods can all behave differently in the same city.
Sources: U.S. Census QuickFacts, FRED metro population
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0% Income Tax
Tax Savings
How much do Texas taxes save relocators?
Texas charges 0% state income tax. Sales tax in New Braunfels reaches the Texas maximum 8.25% combined rate, with 6.25% from the state and local portions added on top, including the city portion shown by the City of New Braunfels.
Texas does have higher property taxes than many states because it has no income tax, so the comparison is not apples-to-apples. Before choosing a home, buyers should compare the actual tax estimate for that address, not a county average or a rule of thumb.
Sources: Texas Comptroller Sales Tax, City of New Braunfels Tax Information
See the Full Tax Math
Between Two Metros
Location
Where is New Braunfels? Between Austin and San Antonio.
New Braunfels sits directly on I-35 between Austin and San Antonio, with Austin-Bergstrom International Airport about ~52 miles, ~53 minutes from the city core. That location works best for buyers who want Hill Country daily life while still keeping access to both metro areas. The tradeoff should be checked by address: drive time, toll routes, school zone, tax rate, and how often you need to be in Austin or San Antonio.
Buyers comparing Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, Dripping Springs, or San Antonio suburbs should compare actual listings, not just city names. Lot size, age of home, HOA rules, commute pattern, and property taxes can change the answer from one neighborhood to the next.
Source: Rome2Rio
Things to Do
Since 1878
Lifestyle
What does Hill Country lifestyle in New Braunfels look like?
Two rivers shape New Braunfels: the spring-fed Comal and the longer Guadalupe, which runs out of Canyon Lake and is central to Hill Country tubing culture. Schlitterbahn sits on the Comal, and Gruene Hall, built in 1878, remains one of the best-known historic dance halls in Texas.
Beyond the postcard items, daily life usually comes down to neighborhood choice. Some buyers want downtown access, some want newer subdivisions near I-35, and others want Canyon Lake, acreage, or a quieter Hill Country setting. Pete helps relocators compare those tradeoffs before a weekend visit turns into a rushed offer.
Explore Things to Do
Strong Economy
Employment
What's the New Braunfels job market and economy?
Top employers include CHRISTUS Santa Rosa, City of New Braunfels, Comal County, Comal ISD, New Braunfels ISD, New Braunfels Utilities, along with HD Supply, Hunter Industries, IBEX Global, and Resolute Health Hospital. Healthcare, the public sector, manufacturing, utilities, and hospitality all matter here, with tourism activity tied to Schlitterbahn, the rivers, and the Gruene corridor.
Remote and hybrid work have changed how many relocators compare the area. If your income is not tied to the local job market, the search usually shifts to internet access, workspace needs, commute days, airport access, school zones, and whether the neighborhood still works during the regular weekday routine.
Source: NB Chamber
Talk to PeterRelocation FAQ
Frequently asked questions: moving to New Braunfels, TX.
The questions Peter hears most often from relocators considering a move to New Braunfels.
Is New Braunfels really one of the fastest-growing cities in the country?
Yes. The U.S. Census estimates New Braunfels at 122,492 residents as of July 1, 2025, up from a 2020 population base of 91,683. The broader San Antonio-New Braunfels metro now sits at 2,813,140 (San Antonio-New Braunfels metro, 2025).
Sources: U.S. Census QuickFacts , FRED
How much would I save on state income tax moving from California?
Texas has 0% state income tax. California's top marginal rate is 12.3%, and climbs to 13.3% once the 1% mental-health surtax on income above $1M is included. A household earning $200,000 in taxable income could keep roughly $15,000 to $20,000 more per year by relocating, depending on bracket and deductions. That savings often offsets the higher Texas property tax bill, and after the homestead exemption it usually still nets out positive for relocating buyers.
Sources: Texas Comptroller Sales Tax
Is New Braunfels a better option than Austin suburbs?
For buyers comparing Buda, Kyle, Dripping Springs, or San Marcos, New Braunfels usually delivers more square footage and more land per dollar, plus access to two rivers, Canyon Lake, and the Hill Country. Austin-Bergstrom is ~52 miles, ~53 minutes away, and you also gain a second major metro (San Antonio) within easy reach. Many California and Illinois relocators end up here specifically because Austin suburbs felt overpriced and overbuilt.
Sources: Rome2Rio
What kinds of jobs are in New Braunfels?
The economy is anchored by healthcare (CHRISTUS Santa Rosa, Resolute Health), public sector (City, County, and both ISDs), utilities, and a strong manufacturing base including Hunter Industries and HD Supply. Hospitality is also a major employer thanks to Schlitterbahn and the river tourism economy. Many remote workers from California, Illinois and the Pacific Northwest are simply keeping their jobs and moving here for the lifestyle.
Sources: NB Chamber
How does the cost of living compare to where I am now?
The honest answer is to compare the full monthly picture: housing, property taxes, insurance, commute costs, utilities, and state income tax. New Braunfels can look much less expensive than Austin, coastal California, the Northeast, or Chicago, but it is not automatically cheaper than San Antonio or smaller Texas cities.
Sources: Payscale
When is the best time of year to buy here?
spring and early summer typically offers the widest inventory and the most active relocation traffic. often bring more listing activity, while late fall and winter can reduce buyer competition. Buyers who want negotiation leverage often look at late fall and early winter, when seller motivation tends to climb and builder incentives appear on standing inventory.
Sources: Sunrise Realty Group
Why are so many Californians moving to New Braunfels?
Texas has no state income tax, and New Braunfels gives relocators a Hill Country lifestyle between Austin and San Antonio. The city has also grown quickly since 2020, according to U.S. Census estimates, so buyers should compare neighborhoods, schools, taxes, and commute patterns before choosing an address.
Sources: U.S. Census QuickFacts , Texas Comptroller Sales Tax
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Compare Cost, Schools, and Neighborhoods.
Planning a move to New Braunfels, TX?
Peter helps relocators from out of state navigate the New Braunfels market remotely and in person.
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