This Week in New Braunfels
Tropical Storm Bertha Puts South Central Texas on Alert
Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in southeast Louisiana before re-entering the Gulf and tracking toward Texas, with a second landfall expected Thursday afternoon. The National Weather Service has been forecasting heavy rains across South Central Texas, including New Braunfels, with flash flooding a stated concern through the weekend. Residents near the Comal and Guadalupe river corridors should monitor conditions closely — flood warnings have also been active farther downstream along the Frio and Nueces basins.
Fatal Worksite Accident Under Investigation in New Braunfels
The Comal County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal trenching accident that occurred Tuesday morning in New Braunfels, claiming the life of a 34-year-old Somerset man. Deputies responded to the scene and the victim's family has been notified. No additional details have been released as the investigation continues.
Marvin Roberts Receives Key to the City at Age 90
Mayor Michael French and the City of New Braunfels presented Marvin Roberts — a longtime host at Muck & Fuss restaurant — with a key to the city in recognition of his impact on the community since the restaurant opened in 2018. Roberts, 90, is also active with the Canyon Lake Square Dancers and Canyon Lake United Methodist Church. The Herald-Zeitung described him as someone who has never met a person he didn't consider a friend.
Party for the Planet Draws Families to Fischer Park
The second annual Party for the Planet took place July 17 at Fischer Park, featuring a DJ, foam party, splash pad activities, environmental education, and food trucks. Community partners included New Braunfels Utilities, Headwaters at the Comal, Waste Management, Texas Master Naturalists, Comal Conservation, Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, and the New Braunfels Food Bank. The event reflects an ongoing local investment in environmental awareness programming for families.
Heritage Oak Removal at Former Sonic Site Draws Local Criticism
Local leaders expressed disappointment after 7 Brew removed a large Heritage Oak Tree at the former Sonic property in New Braunfels — a tree that had been considered a community landmark. The removal has prompted broader conversation about tree preservation as commercial development continues across the city. No city ordinance enforcement details have been reported at this time.
Real Estate Market
The New Braunfels housing market is showing modest price appreciation without the urgency that defined earlier years. Redfin data puts the median sale price at $338,000 over the last three months — up 2.7% year-over-year — while Homes.com cites median single-family prices closer to $365,000, a difference likely reflecting listing price versus closed sale price. Either way, the trajectory is upward, but incrementally so. Homes are averaging around 104 days on market and receiving roughly one offer, which is a meaningful shift from the compressed, multi-offer environment buyers faced a few years ago.
For buyers, the current conditions offer something that was scarce not long ago: time. With homes sitting longer and competition relatively muted, there is more room to negotiate, conduct thorough inspections, and make deliberate decisions. At the luxury end, Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard provides a reference point — an estimated market value of $1.18 million, or approximately $357 per square foot, for a property in that community. That figure gives some grounding for what premium Hill Country acreage product is trading at right now.
For sellers, the 2.7% annual price gain suggests the market isn't giving ground, but pricing discipline still matters. Homes that are priced accurately for current conditions are moving; those chasing peak comps are sitting. The rental market deserves a mention as well — with 891 newly constructed apartment units listed and average rents around $1,172 per month, there is substantial rental inventory competing for the same population that might otherwise be entering the for-sale market. That dynamic puts quiet but real pressure on entry-level ownership demand, and it's worth watching.