If you’re weighing a move to the Comal County side of I-35, you’re not alone — more renters priced out of San Antonio and Austin are looking at New Braunfels for the same reasons: shorter commutes than they expect, a more relaxed pace, and rents that go further. Here’s what to know about neighborhoods, getting to work, and schools before you sign a lease.
Why Renters Are Choosing New Braunfels Over San Antonio or Austin Proper
New Braunfels sits almost exactly between San Antonio and Austin on I-35, which means renters here aren’t choosing between the two metros — they’re commuting distance from both. Add in the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, a walkable historic downtown, and rent levels that haven’t caught up to Austin or the closer-in parts of San Antonio, and it’s easy to see why the city has become a landing spot for renters who want small-town feel without giving up big-city job access.
Neighborhood Overview: River District vs. Outlying Areas
Near the river district (downtown/Gruene area): Walkable, closer to shopping and the Guadalupe/Comal river tubing scene, older housing stock with more character. Expect a livelier, more tourist-trafficked feel, especially in summer.
Outlying areas (west toward Fischer, east toward Zuehl and FM 306): Newer construction, larger lots, quieter streets, and typically a shorter commute if your job is toward San Antonio or Austin depending on which side of town you’re on. This is where most of HONR Capital’s renovated single-family rentals are located.
Commute Times to San Antonio and Austin Job Centers
New Braunfels is about 31 miles from downtown San Antonio — roughly 35-40 minutes via I-35 under normal conditions. Austin is about 48 miles away, running 46 minutes in light traffic but 60-75 minutes during rush hour. If your job is in either metro, New Braunfels puts you close enough to commute daily without paying San Antonio or Austin rent prices, though it’s worth test-driving your specific commute at rush hour before committing to a lease.
School District Notes
New Braunfels is split between two districts depending on address: Comal ISD covers most of the city and a large stretch of the surrounding county, while New Braunfels ISD covers the core of the city itself. The two districts are separate with their own school zones, so if schools are a factor in your decision, confirm which district a specific rental falls into before applying — your leasing agent can check this for any HONR Capital listing.
Ready to See What’s Available?
HONR Capital offers renovated rental homes throughout Comal County, and we work with the New Braunfels Housing Authority so Section 8 and other voucher holders can apply through the same straightforward process as any other renter. Learn more on our Section 8 & Housing Voucher Friendly Rentals page.
