I left New Braunfels last September. I lived there for 22 months. It was great, but I had no place to live and the summers were extremely hot. Currently living in Stowe, VT. It's even more beautiful, less urban, cozier, and more affordable. Without the heat. I miss it, but you gotta be rich to enjoy it. If you have kids and great jobs, go, but, otherwise, it may be a failed experiment like mine.
We moved from San Antonio to New Braunfels and are originally from New England. I love the quaintness of N.B., anything that you want or need can be found here. Love our parks, and our downtown. We have lovely restaurants, lots of unique shops, an incredible Art Gallery. It has a small town feel. I love that Gruene is a short ride away and has nice restaurants, shops. New Braunfels has a lot to offer, I still miss New England though, especially in the summer.
My husband and I have owned our property off of 306 since 1997 and we lived there for about 14 years. We are in the process of moving back. I have kept up with the current events in NB because we've always planned on moving back. The biggest problem I have seen is the population of New Braunfels and Comal county in general is growing faster than the infrastructure. With the development of all the masive apartment complexes and new subdivisions our population density has exploded and our roads cannot keep up. I understand that you can not stop growth nor would I want to but it must be done in a responsible manner. We have a very unique ecosystem in Comal county with a large portion of the county being in the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. The more land that is developed with concrete and asphalt the less rain that is absorbed into the aquifer. This affects not only drinking water but our beautiful springs in Landa park and the Comal river. I'm not trying to rant I just hope that the City Council, developers and people moving to the area understand and respect our unique environment. New Braunfels is a beautiful place and really does have a lot to offer families.
Hi Kimberly this comment is probably one of the most well thought out I've read. Have you contacted the city or emailed the city this very comment? Some valid points here
None of this matters till it's too late,,, right now it's all about the $$$. I love how in NB they always say were adding parks. Only parks anyone in NB adds is shit flood land lol
I agree with all your Pro’s, especially about the friendly people. I’ve lived here 40 years, but the expense in property taxes and utilities is unsustainable in a retirement income. Even though I’m homesteaded, the value of my home was increased by 100,000. Increasing the taxes and NBU was just granted an increase. Unfortunately I’ll be moving upon retirement.
Thank you for watching and your feedback Lynette. You're not alone. And this is the bittersweet of what's happening, it really is. Curious, how much have your taxes increased in the time that you've been a homeowner, percentage wise? How much has your home value increased, percentage wise?
@@raadalawanrealtor I have an older home built in 1908, added onto in 1918 when comal town was absorbed by New Braunfels. Indoor plumbing in the 30’s and enclosed side porch. In 70’s enclosed front porch, (which we tore out and opened it back up). A master suit added 50’s. We purchased our home here in 1985 the taxes were $900./ year, we added a deck the following year, taxes increased because of deck. Increased roughly $100./yr till 2009. Got 3 consecutive “re-assessments”, more the doubling tax burden. Increase of $150-200 after that annually until 2020. They raised the value of our home by $100,000.00. I think this hike is because of 1). anticipated budget shortfalls, 2). recent legislation concerning or limiting increased and 3) my husband turns 65 this year. We are homesteaded, not supposed to go up more than 10% annually, unless I make some major renovation. Which I haven’t. Breaks my heart, I spent 30 years building a life and renovating a home here only to not be able to afford to live and die in the home I love.
@@lynetteclauser3551 this pulls at my heart reading this, it really does. You've spent a lifetime in the town you love, and now this. Do you receive an exemption for 65 or older homeowner? If so, some of your school taxes forgiven? your taxes now close to 3-4 thousand/year right now? Unless I'm not reading that right. There must be a solution for this. The long timers are the ones that give this town its character and charm. The friendliness of the people come from...the people who have lived here.
@@raadalawanrealtor if I read the assessment correctly it’ll be $4500. next year. Give or take a few dollars. My husband turns 65 this year 2021. I could tell you so much about this house and it’s history. My neighbor’s (now deceased) great uncle built this house and hers, originally they were mirror images before additions. This was a homestead. It had a chicken coop, a milk cow and stall for it behind the carriage/horse barn. (Now my studio). A summer kitchen. A doctor lived here in the 20’s. The man that bought our catamaran broke his leg when his horse spooked on his way to school at the tree across the street. And the the doctor came out and set it for him and then loaded him in the wagon and brought him home. A Sink hole 8’wide 6’ deep that toppled the cistern in the 40’s. It was a daycare for several years in the 60’s. One day a county sheriff came by, it was his boyhood home. He told me about the sink hole and the conversion of the summer kitchen into the laundry room and how he got his hand caught and damaged in the ringer. About the apple trees out back that were still alive when we bought the house and were invaded and killed by ants. As my husband and I have refurbished the rooms and outbuildings we used to call the guy who lived Heinz. Because if one nail would due, ten would be better. The house has an echo of lives well lived. There isn’t a brick, or wall, board or floor we haven’t touched. I hope who ever has it after us, feels that we have added well to to the echoes of this house.
@@lynetteclauser3551 such a great line, "the house has an echo of lives well lived." So defining. Now, I am eager to see the house, this memory holder.
We are moving to the San Antonio are in October and are looking for an area. How’s the diversity in NB? Diversity was one of my favorite things about SanAn
The diversity is weird. It’s super diverse when you go out but for some reason whoever you go inside anywhere it’s packed full of white people and then you go back outside and it’s diverse.
New Braunfels is very white. Been there a few times, but while it’s a nice place to live if you’re a white family, I wouldn’t live there because I don’t feel comfortable there.
I am about 4 years away from retirement but i am now concerned thst i will be priced ouy of the market with the way it is being built up are there other small town feel towns that havent been diacovered near the hill country?
I understand your concerns Cheryl. It's hard to forecast that far in advance because we don't know what rates will be. So much of what the government does is a catalyst on the housing market. If rates go up, then buyers can afford less home and we'll see more inventory and prices will decline. More homes on the market, more competition, sellers get less. There are other areas. Depending on your needs. For example, do you need to be close to certain things?
@@raadalawanrealtor i really want a walkable small town feel with friendly neighbors. I like the outdoors and trees and water, and the gym you described in one of your other videos. Being close to health care and grocery stores and Hobby Lobby would be a plus. I currently live in Southeastern PA. Suburb of Philadelphia and have access to lots of culture but i won’t step a foot in that city anymore. It isnt safe.
@@Rocking_the_Mimi_life A little familiar with east coast, had cousins in Toms River, Jersey, and friend in Philly. I'd say for what you're looking for, NB is the place, objectively speaking based on your criteria. There are smaller towns, further out. The house is 50% of the equation. What's outside the house is the other 50. Let's revisit this as you get closer. We don't know where the market will be in four years.
I decided to move to the "San Antonio Area," and had not even heard of New Braunfels. I'm retired from the military, so I liked the idea of access to so many bases in the area. I spent time with my Realtor looking through MLS and we almost ruled out New Braunfels because I hadn't done any research. I decided to go look at a new construction, and purchased it. First time in the town, being originally from Orange County, Ca., and also having lived in Riverside, Ca., but I fell in love with the slowness (comparatively). I just started doing research on the area, after realizing I had made a huge investment without researching. I just trusted my gut. I'm happy I found your channel.
@@jtex9412 sorry you feel that way, but how can you say that when you haven’t met the “y’all,” you’re referring to? I’m sure native Americans would say the same about the “German settled town.” It may serve you better to “wait and see,” as it’s far less stressful when the only thing constant in life, is change.
@@jtex9412 If the Mexicans were from the land originally, that still makes them “Native American.” You are aware of the fact the America I not just the U.S.A., correct? It’s funny you mention they bought it because I also bought my home and the land it’s on. So please, tell me what is the difference, exactly? I served this county and believe I have the right to reside here I choose. Apparently, the state of Texas feels the same because they have great veteran benefits. So again, I’m sorry you feel the way you feel, but it’s not changing anything.
Sad because of people like you that New Braunfels is no longer a beautiful little town. Over populated over priced bad traffic, construction 24/7. All the farm land is being bought up and replaced with cheap cookie cutter homes. New Braunfels is nothing more than one big housing area now.
@@forwardthinkingtrucker Do you even have a dog in this fight sir ? Where are you from ? I l grew up in this city . . why should I move ? And believe it or not most people can't just get up and move so you grow up
@@jackbrown959 I grew up here as well. Been in this area for 46 years. I'm good with the population growth. It allows my child to have a higher paying job when she returns from the Military. I'll leave her property to have a head start at life.
Bit of advice: stay where you are. You’re going to regret living here , and my family has lived here for over a century, we have seen it only get worse around here.
I left New Braunfels last September. I lived there for 22 months. It was great, but I had no place to live and the summers were extremely hot. Currently living in Stowe, VT. It's even more beautiful, less urban, cozier, and more affordable. Without the heat. I miss it, but you gotta be rich to enjoy it. If you have kids and great jobs, go, but, otherwise, it may be a failed experiment like mine.
Interesting. I'd like to hear more about your experience. You regret moving to New Braunfels ?
We moved from San Antonio to New Braunfels and are originally from New England. I love the quaintness of N.B., anything that you want or need can be found here. Love our parks, and our downtown. We have lovely restaurants, lots of unique shops, an incredible Art Gallery. It has a small town feel. I love that Gruene is a short ride away and has nice restaurants, shops. New Braunfels has a lot to offer, I still miss New England though, especially in the summer.
Thanks Deb. I can see how the transition into NB was easier. I hear great things about New England especially during summer
My husband and I have owned our property off of 306 since 1997 and we lived there for about 14 years. We are in the process of moving back. I have kept up with the current events in NB because we've always planned on moving back. The biggest problem I have seen is the population of New Braunfels and Comal county in general is growing faster than the infrastructure. With the development of all the masive apartment complexes and new subdivisions our population density has exploded and our roads cannot keep up. I understand that you can not stop growth nor would I want to but it must be done in a responsible manner. We have a very unique ecosystem in Comal county with a large portion of the county being in the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. The more land that is developed with concrete and asphalt the less rain that is absorbed into the aquifer. This affects not only drinking water but our beautiful springs in Landa park and the Comal river. I'm not trying to rant I just hope that the City Council, developers and people moving to the area understand and respect our unique environment. New Braunfels is a beautiful place and really does have a lot to offer families.
Hi Kimberly this comment is probably one of the most well thought out I've read. Have you contacted the city or emailed the city this very comment? Some valid points here
None of this matters till it's too late,,, right now it's all about the $$$. I love how in NB they always say were adding parks. Only parks anyone in NB adds is shit flood land lol
So glad to see your video. Going in about a month, haven’t visited since college, 70’s
Thank you Enough. Yea, it's changed a bit since then ;)
I agree with all your Pro’s, especially about the friendly people. I’ve lived here 40 years, but the expense in property taxes and utilities is unsustainable in a retirement income. Even though I’m homesteaded, the value of my home was increased by 100,000. Increasing the taxes and NBU was just granted an increase. Unfortunately I’ll be moving upon retirement.
Thank you for watching and your feedback Lynette. You're not alone. And this is the bittersweet of what's happening, it really is. Curious, how much have your taxes increased in the time that you've been a homeowner, percentage wise? How much has your home value increased, percentage wise?
@@raadalawanrealtor I have an older home built in 1908, added onto in 1918 when comal town was absorbed by New Braunfels. Indoor plumbing in the 30’s and enclosed side porch. In 70’s enclosed front porch, (which we tore out and opened it back up). A master suit added 50’s. We purchased our home here in 1985 the taxes were $900./ year, we added a deck the following year, taxes increased because of deck. Increased roughly $100./yr till 2009. Got 3 consecutive “re-assessments”, more the doubling tax burden. Increase of $150-200 after that annually until 2020. They raised the value of our home by $100,000.00. I think this hike is because of 1). anticipated budget shortfalls, 2). recent legislation concerning or limiting increased and 3) my husband turns 65 this year. We are homesteaded, not supposed to go up more than 10% annually, unless I make some major renovation. Which I haven’t. Breaks my heart, I spent 30 years building a life and renovating a home here only to not be able to afford to live and die in the home I love.
@@lynetteclauser3551 this pulls at my heart reading this, it really does. You've spent a lifetime in the town you love, and now this. Do you receive an exemption for 65 or older homeowner? If so, some of your school taxes forgiven? your taxes now close to 3-4 thousand/year right now? Unless I'm not reading that right. There must be a solution for this. The long timers are the ones that give this town its character and charm. The friendliness of the people come from...the people who have lived here.
@@raadalawanrealtor if I read the assessment correctly it’ll be $4500. next year. Give or take a few dollars. My husband turns 65 this year 2021. I could tell you so much about this house and it’s history. My neighbor’s (now deceased) great uncle built this house and hers, originally they were mirror images before additions. This was a homestead. It had a chicken coop, a milk cow and stall for it behind the carriage/horse barn. (Now my studio). A summer kitchen. A doctor lived here in the 20’s. The man that bought our catamaran broke his leg when his horse spooked on his way to school at the tree across the street. And the the doctor came out and set it for him and then loaded him in the wagon and brought him home. A Sink hole 8’wide 6’ deep that toppled the cistern in the 40’s. It was a daycare for several years in the 60’s. One day a county sheriff came by, it was his boyhood home. He told me about the sink hole and the conversion of the summer kitchen into the laundry room and how he got his hand caught and damaged in the ringer. About the apple trees out back that were still alive when we bought the house and were invaded and killed by ants. As my husband and I have refurbished the rooms and outbuildings we used to call the guy who lived Heinz. Because if one nail would due, ten would be better. The house has an echo of lives well lived. There isn’t a brick, or wall, board or floor we haven’t touched. I hope who ever has it after us, feels that we have added well to to the echoes of this house.
@@lynetteclauser3551 such a great line, "the house has an echo of lives well lived." So defining. Now, I am eager to see the house, this memory holder.
Once again outstanding video Raad. Also, thanks for the valuable information. 👍
Thanks for your continued support and feedback Terry!
Great video!
Thanks Charlotte
I couldn’t wait to leave NB
Hey ZG, I'd like to hear about that. Shoot me an email: raadalawan@gmail.com always looking for different perspectives. thanks
Is anyone on here from the Seattle area? Thinking about moving to Texas from Seattle.
I know a family from Seattle. Let me know if you want to connect
@@raadalawanrealtor Yes, I would love to connect.
@@TuanNguyen-mu8ml shoot me an email: raadalawan@gmail.com
@@TuanNguyen-mu8ml email me your contact info
We are moving to the San Antonio are in October and are looking for an area. How’s the diversity in NB? Diversity was one of my favorite things about SanAn
Have you already visited? If not, I'd recommend visiting before committing to any area to get a feel for the area.
The diversity is weird. It’s super diverse when you go out but for some reason whoever you go inside anywhere it’s packed full of white people and then you go back outside and it’s diverse.
New Braunfels is very white. Been there a few times, but while it’s a nice place to live if you’re a white family, I wouldn’t live there because I don’t feel comfortable there.
I am about 4 years away from retirement but i am now concerned thst i will be priced ouy of the market with the way it is being built up are there other small town feel towns that havent been diacovered near the hill country?
I understand your concerns Cheryl. It's hard to forecast that far in advance because we don't know what rates will be. So much of what the government does is a catalyst on the housing market. If rates go up, then buyers can afford less home and we'll see more inventory and prices will decline. More homes on the market, more competition, sellers get less. There are other areas. Depending on your needs. For example, do you need to be close to certain things?
@@raadalawanrealtor i really want a walkable small town feel with friendly neighbors. I like the outdoors and trees and water, and the gym you described in one of your other videos. Being close to health care and grocery stores and Hobby Lobby would be a plus. I currently live in Southeastern PA. Suburb of Philadelphia and have access to lots of culture but i won’t step a foot in that city anymore. It isnt safe.
@@Rocking_the_Mimi_life A little familiar with east coast, had cousins in Toms River, Jersey, and friend in Philly. I'd say for what you're looking for, NB is the place, objectively speaking based on your criteria. There are smaller towns, further out. The house is 50% of the equation. What's outside the house is the other 50. Let's revisit this as you get closer. We don't know where the market will be in four years.
No place in the hill country is affordable anymore .
I decided to move to the "San Antonio Area," and had not even heard of New Braunfels. I'm retired from the military, so I liked the idea of access to so many bases in the area. I spent time with my Realtor looking through MLS and we almost ruled out New Braunfels because I hadn't done any research. I decided to go look at a new construction, and purchased it. First time in the town, being originally from Orange County, Ca., and also having lived in Riverside, Ca., but I fell in love with the slowness (comparatively). I just started doing research on the area, after realizing I had made a huge investment without researching. I just trusted my gut. I'm happy I found your channel.
Happy for you. Always trust your gut. Thank you for finding the channel :)
Y’all honestly destroyed our town
@@jtex9412 sorry you feel that way, but how can you say that when you haven’t met the “y’all,” you’re referring to? I’m sure native Americans would say the same about the “German settled town.” It may serve you better to “wait and see,” as it’s far less stressful when the only thing constant in life, is change.
@@miraid06 Germans bought this land from the original Mexican owners . Do some research before spouting BS about a town you aren’t even from
@@jtex9412 If the Mexicans were from the land originally, that still makes them “Native American.” You are aware of the fact the America I not just the U.S.A., correct? It’s funny you mention they bought it because I also bought my home and the land it’s on. So please, tell me what is the difference, exactly? I served this county and believe I have the right to reside here I choose. Apparently, the state of Texas feels the same because they have great veteran benefits. So again, I’m sorry you feel the way you feel, but it’s not changing anything.
Sad because of people like you that New Braunfels is no longer a beautiful little town. Over populated over priced bad traffic, construction 24/7. All the farm land is being bought up and replaced with cheap cookie cutter homes. New Braunfels is nothing more than one big housing area now.
Just move. This is a free country. You're free to move wherever you want. Grow up
@@forwardthinkingtrucker Do you even have a dog in this fight sir ? Where are you from ? I l grew up in this city . . why should I move ? And believe it or not most people can't just get up and move so you grow up
@@jackbrown959 I grew up here as well. Been in this area for 46 years. I'm good with the population growth. It allows my child to have a higher paying job when she returns from the Military. I'll leave her property to have a head start at life.
Your videos are the reason we are flying to TX next month to visit NB in search of a new home.
Thank you Lynette. Appreciate that. Will it be your first trip here?
@@raadalawanrealtor Yes it will. 🙂
@@lynettelewis86 Great. I'm dropping a video this coming week on MUST things to do in New Braunfels. Coming w/family?
Bit of advice: stay where you are. You’re going to regret living here , and my family has lived here for over a century, we have seen it only get worse around here.
@@jtex9412 what is wrong with it? Do tell. Ty sir.
I hate seeing the masks. Take the masks off, be free!
Thanks for watching Sarah
People like you are why we still have COVID. Cover your face Sarah, no one wants to see it! Have a wonderful day :)
@@jas6095 it's perfectly fine to disagree, but no personal attacks, please. Thanks :)