Positioned on I-35 between San Antonio and Austin, New Braunfels has Comal County's lowest property tax rates in the Hill Country corridor, the Guadalupe River, and Del Webb at Veramendi arriving in 2026. Here's the full picture for buyers evaluating the area now and planning for what's coming.
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Talk to a Specialist →Buyers comparing Hill Country options often lump New Braunfels and Boerne together as "north of San Antonio Hill Country communities." They are materially different places.
Boerne is 35 miles northwest — a small town of 12,000, Hill Country character, genuinely rural-adjacent, one 55+ community (Regency at Esperanza), high Kendall County MUD taxes. New Braunfels is 30 miles northeast — a fast-growing city of 105,000+, I-35 corridor, Guadalupe River recreation destination, Comal County (lower tax rate), and soon to have Del Webb at Veramendi.
New Braunfels is growing significantly faster than Boerne. It has more commercial infrastructure (retail, restaurants, medical), a larger population base, and better positioned for residents who still want SA or Austin access. The tradeoff: it's more suburban and less "Hill Country quiet" than Boerne.
Comal County's effective property tax rate is approximately 1.5–1.8% — the lowest of any county in the San Antonio 55+ corridor, including Bexar, Kendall, and Guadalupe.
On a $500,000 home in Comal County, annual property taxes run approximately $7,500–$9,000 before senior exemptions. With Texas's over-65 exemptions applied (same statewide school district exemption structure as elsewhere in Texas), a 65+ buyer could see effective rates in the 1.2–1.5% range.
Compare this to Kendall County MUD at 2.4–2.7% (Regency at Esperanza). On a $500K home, the Comal County savings vs. Kendall MUD are approximately $4,500–$5,500/year, or $375–$460/month.
| County | $500K Home — Effective Rate | Annual Tax (65+ est.) | Monthly Tax (65+ est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comal (New Braunfels) | 1.5–1.8% base | ~$6,000–$7,000 | ~$500–$583 |
| Guadalupe (Schertz/Scenic Hills) | 1.6–1.9% base | ~$6,500–$7,500 | ~$542–$625 |
| Bexar (SA communities, 65+) | 1.8–2.3% base, heavily reduced by 2025 exemptions | ~$9,232 | ~$769 |
| Kendall base (Boerne, non-MUD) | 1.8–2.0% base | ~$7,500–$8,500 | ~$625–$708 |
| Kendall MUD #1 (Regency at Esperanza) | 2.4–2.7% effective | ~$12,750 | ~$1,063 |
Comal County wins on base tax rate in this corridor. However, the Bexar County 2025 senior exemptions ($200K combined school exemption + school tax freeze + City of SA $85K) can bring the effective Bexar rate for 65+ buyers below Comal's base rate in the first few years of ownership. Over a 15–20 year horizon with the school tax freeze in place, Bexar and Comal can approach comparability — the freeze is that powerful.
As of 2025–2026, New Braunfels does not have a large, purpose-built gated 55+ resort community comparable to Hill Country Retreat or Regency at Esperanza. Scenic Hills in Schertz (204 homes, 1982–2007 built) is the closest established option in the I-35 corridor — in Guadalupe County rather than Comal, and 15 miles south.
Active adult buyers in New Braunfels today have several realistic paths:
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Del Webb has announced Veramendi in New Braunfels as an active adult community in the Veramendi master-planned development. The Veramendi master plan covers a large mixed-use area on the northeast side of New Braunfels near SH 46 and I-35. Community delivery has been targeted for 2026 with ongoing phases.
What we know: Comal County location (the lowest tax rate in the corridor), Del Webb brand with standard amenity model (resort clubhouse, pool, pickleball, fitness), and proximity to Guadalupe River recreation and downtown New Braunfels.
What we don't yet know: Final home prices, HOA structure, total home count, and whether MUD or other special district taxes will apply. New construction in fast-growth areas frequently uses MUD financing — buyers should specifically verify whether Veramendi carries MUD tax before purchasing.
Nova55Living will publish full coverage — true cost math, tax structure, community profile — once Veramendi opens models and pricing stabilizes.
The Guadalupe River. Tubing, kayaking, and river recreation on the Guadalupe is New Braunfels's defining outdoor feature. Outfitters on the Comal River (which runs through downtown) and the Guadalupe upstream provide guided and independent float trips April through October. This is genuine, accessible outdoor recreation — not a scenic drive past water.
Downtown New Braunfels. The historic district has independent restaurants, local shops, and a genuine community character. Gruene Historic District (incorporated into New Braunfels) has Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas, plus dining and shopping. The downtown area is smaller than San Antonio's tourist infrastructure but authentic.
Growth infrastructure. New Braunfels has grown from 60,000 to 105,000+ in the last decade — the second-fastest growing city in Texas. The commercial corridor along I-35 has Costco, full hospital services (Resolute Health Hospital, now part of Methodist Healthcare), major retail, and expanding dining. This is a real city, not a retirement enclave.
The I-35 corridor. 30 miles to San Antonio, 45 miles to Austin, with express commute feasible. For retirees with family in both cities or who want occasional urban access without living urban, the I-35 positioning is genuinely useful.
Growth-related congestion. I-35 through New Braunfels and the surrounding area carries significant tourist and commuter traffic on summer weekends. If river tubing season (May–September) draws you to the area, expect weekend gridlock on SH 46, FM 306, and the river access roads.
MUD exposure at Veramendi. As noted above — Del Webb at Veramendi is new construction in a new master plan. New master plans frequently use MUD financing. Verify explicitly before making any purchasing decision.
Limited current 55+ inventory. If you want to buy in New Braunfels in 2025–2026 in a dedicated 55+ community, your options are thin until Veramendi delivers.
Connect with a specialist who knows this market from the inside — real cost math, honest community comparisons, and what's actually happening right now. Every agent is personally vetted by the Nova55Living founder.
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