I'm a remote worker and Median household income is $88,257, which feels pretty solid for the area. Household incomes average around $88,257 in New Braunfels. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
30 upvotes
17 Replies
Wesley
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 15 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Samuel Lewis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 37, moved here 8 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in South and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- East: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from San Francisco, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
40 upvotes
Brian A.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
34 upvotes
Jaxon Morgan
preach
28 upvotes
Grayson Cooper
good to know, thanks
28 upvotes
Gloria H.
100%
28 upvotes
Gabriella Flores
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
23 upvotes
Amelia Reed
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely underrated and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
22 upvotes
sf_ezra
thanks for sharing
21 upvotes
Ruby B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 1 years. Moved from Baltimore for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Maple Ridge schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Chain restaurants dominate. Road conditions need improvement. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Landon Price
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Seattle about 7 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
11 upvotes
Adeline Ward
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from LA about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is improving.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
Audrey Wilson
The food scene here is average. Tons of great BBQ places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
6 upvotes
Nova Turner
not my experience at all
5 upvotes
Stephen W.
facts
5 upvotes
Audrey H.
I work in government here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is improving. Happy to answer more specific questions..
3 upvotes
Jayden Turner
I've lived in Highland for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- The dating scene scene is average
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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