Lower home prices are the main reason buyers look at New Braunfels, Texas instead of Austin or San Antonio. The main hesitation is the commute. Buyers want to know how long the drive really takes and whether the savings on a house make up for the time on the road.
Yitzchak Pierson, an eXp Realty Broker Associate who helps buyers relocate along the I-35 Corridor, says the answer depends largely on how much the buyer earns at the job they are commuting to.
What the Daily Drive Looks Like
According to Pierson, the commute from New Braunfels to either major city is similar.
“It’s typically going to be 45 minutes to an hour to downtown Austin, and the same with San Antonio,” he says.
Commuters have a few routes to choose from. Toll roads are an option for reaching Austin, and drivers heading to San Antonio can take either I-10 or I-35. Buyers should test the drive at the time of day they would actually be commuting, since traffic can change the picture.
How Your Salary Changes the Math
Pierson says the clearest way to decide whether the commute makes sense is to weigh it against income.
“If they’re making maybe an $80,000 salary, 80 to 100, 150, then the drive time may be worth it,” he says. “If they’re only earning 50 to $60,000 a year, then the drive time may not be worth it for them anymore.”
The reasoning is practical. At a higher salary, the job pays enough to justify two hours a day on the road, and the housing savings in New Braunfels add real value. At a lower salary, the cost of fuel, vehicle wear, and time can eat into those savings. A buyer in that range may be better off finding work closer to home.
“The amount that they get paid going and driving to a higher salary kind of is going to be what dictates that drive time,” Pierson says.
Remote Workers Have the Most Flexibility
The commute question matters less for buyers who work remotely or only go into the office a few days a week. Pierson says many buyers moving to the cities between Austin and San Antonio are in this group.
For them, New Braunfels offers lower prices, more land for the money, and access to both metro areas when they need it. The occasional drive becomes a small trade-off rather than a daily cost.
Questions to Ask Before You Commit to the Commute
Pierson spends time with relocating buyers learning how they actually live before recommending an area. He says a commute that works for one spouse may not work for the other, so both people’s routines should be part of the decision.
Before buying, it helps to answer a few questions. How many days a week will you drive into the city? Does your salary justify the time and cost of that drive? Is your employer likely to change its remote work policy? Could you or your partner find work closer to New Braunfels if needed? And how much does being close to schools, family, or daily errands matter to your household?
Buyers who answer these honestly usually know quickly whether the commute is a fair trade for a lower home price. Pierson answers more common questions from relocating buyers on his FAQ page.
Yitzchak Pierson is a Broker Associate with eXp Realty in New Braunfels, Texas, serving buyers, sellers, and investors across the I-35 Corridor, including Canyon Lake, San Marcos, and Seguin. He has been named Best Real Estate Agent in New Braunfels three years in a row and hosts the YouTube channel Living in New Braunfels.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information provided by the expert source cited above. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult qualified professionals before making any real estate or financial decisions.
