What do you get when you mix Texas charm with the German heritage? World class wineries and lively festivals. Today we are diving into the heart of the Texas Hill Country, where we're going to explore two of the most captivating towns in all the hill country Fredericksburg and Burney, Texas. And whether you're a history buff, a wine enthusiast, or a nature lover, both of these towns have something special for you. Welcome back to the channel, guys. Ryan Renton, Renton Realty Group, your favorite realtor right here in the Texas Hill Country. If you haven't done so already, make sure you hit the subscribe button, but also that little bell so you can get notified anytime I put out videos just like this one. Okay, so let's go ahead and kick this video off today with Fredericksburg, Texas, which was founded in 1846 by German immigrants and is most well known for its vibrant main street filled with unique shops, art galleries, delicious restaurants, and lots and lots of bars. Now, of course, its 11,000 people are just the residents of Fredericksburg, and on a typical weekend, that number could easily jump up to 70, 80, 90,000 people. And on weekends, like Octoberfest, which we'll talk about here a little bit, that number, Skyler rockets. And one of the biggest highlights here in Fredericksburg is the National Museum of Pacific War, a world class museum that honors the legacy of Admiral Nimitz and the Pacific theater of World War Two. This is an absolute must visit for all you history buffs. And if you're a U.S. veteran who served in any of the armed forces, you'll definitely get a sense of pride when you walk through this museum. And then outside of Main Street and the museum, Fredericksburg is nestled right in the heart of the Texas wine country and boasts over 50 wineries and tasting rooms, making it a premier destination for all you wine lovers. So our region here in the Texas Hill Country's climate and soil is very similar to the central region of Italy and also southern France. It does a great job of supporting a diverse range of grapes, from Cabernet Sauvignon and vinegar. And then, unlike larger, more commercialized regions like Napa Valley, Fredericksburg offers an intimate and relaxed experience, often allowing visitors to meet the winemakers themselves. This blend of old world charm and new world innovation, coupled with a strong sense of community and commitment to quality, truly sets Fredericksburg apart. And of course, we're also hosts numerous wine festival such as the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival, enhancing the overall experience with live music and gourmet food. And in Fredricksburg, wines have also been gaining recognition and winning awards, ensuring visitors taste some of Texas's best. One of the things I've really grown to appreciate is the beautiful vineyards across the Breakspear region, but also the welcoming Texas hospitality, which of course makes Franks Burger an unforgettable destination for all those wine enthusiasts out there, but also anybody that's just starting their wine journey. But also, of course, those people who are looking to move to our area. Now, let's not forget about the German festivals. Now, Fredricksburg isn't just about tasting and drinking wine, it's about the whole experience. And I tell you what, this town really knows how to throw a festival. So throughout the year, Frankfurt hosts numerous events that celebrate the rich German heritage and the wine culture. One of these stand out events that I mentioned earlier in the video is the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Fest. Here you can enjoy live music, gourmet food, and of course, plenty of local wine. It really is a lively celebration that brings together foodies and wine lovers from all over. And then there's the absolutely amazing October Fest, which is a fun filled weekend of traditional German music, dancing, and of course, lots and lots of beer. It's kind of like a slice of Bavaria here in Texas. And then of course, you have the Christmas wine affair, which is another favorite for us locals, but also out of towners. And at this festival you can sip on seasonal wines while enjoying festive holiday lights and decorations. These festivals not only showcase our region's exceptional wines, but also the vibrant community spirit. So whether you're dancing to a live band, sampling delicious food or chatting with local winemakers, the festivals of Fredericksburg add an extra layer of enjoyment to your visit or your overall experience living here. All right, let's go ahead and talk about Bernie, another charming town with deep German roots established in 1849. So Bernie is slightly larger than Fredricksburg, with a population of right around 20,000 people, and of course, its own unique charm and one of my personal favorite parts about this town is Bernie's Hill Country Mile, which offers a perfect blend of the town's old world charm and a modern flair. So this charming little stretch of downtown is home to over 80 shops, boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops. You can find everything from chic clothing stores and antique shops to artist boutiques and, of course, home decor stores. But of course, it's not just about the shopping. There are plenty of cozy cafes and restaurants where you can grab a coffee or a bite to eat, and some of the notable spots include the Dinger Trading Co, Bear Moon Bakery and of course, you can't leave out the Black Rifle Coffee Company. The Hill Country Mile also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, adding to its lively and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're shopping, dining or just enjoying the small town vibe, the Hill Country Mile truly captures the heart of Birmingham. And then one of Bernie's standout features is the beautiful Cibolo Creek, which goes right through the middle of town, providing a perfect escape into nature with its 100 acre Cibolo Nature Center, the creek is surrounded by several miles of walking trails ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying a local wildlife including various bird species, white tailed deer, axes, deer, and other small animals. The nature center offers a variety of educational programs, guided nature walks, and workshops focused on environmental education and conservation, and this creek is also historically significant. It was crucial for the early settlers, but also the Native Americans in the area, and today the area preserves this heritage with historic landmarks and informational signs. The creek and its surrounding frequently host community events like festivals, farmer's markets, and outdoor concerts, making it a natural gathering spot for local residents and visitors. It's really to no surprise that the blend between the natural beauty, the recreational activities and the community spirit makes Cibolo Creek a key part of Bernie's appeal. And of course, I can't leave out all you history enthusiasts. You will love the Agricultural Heritage Museum and the Coleman King Historical House, which provide a glimpse into the life of early German settlers in the area. Bernie also hosts some fantastic events as well, like the annual Dickens on Main, a festival holiday celebration that transforms a town into a Victorian Christmas village. The Bernie Market days are also a highlight, where all the local artists and vendors showcase their talents and their goods. Now let's go ahead and talk about real estate in Fredericksburg and Bern. Now, of course, both towns have the charm like we've talked about, and each one do offer different opportunities for both home buyers and investors. Fredricksburg Real Estate market is definitely unique, featuring old historic homes with old world charm but also exceptional views. And as of right now, the median sales price as of the first quarter of this year, sitting right around 482,000. And the town has really boomed over the years, with the vacation rentals and B&Bs making it ideal for short term rental investing. In contrast, Bernie offers a mix of historic but also a lot of new developments, making it a very popular town for families but also professionals seeking a quieter life within commuting distance of San Antonio. Now, of course, Fredricksburg does have plenty of options when it comes to subdivisions and areas for you and your families to move to, but I would just say that Bernie has more options when it comes to family living, especially at a lower or more affordable price point, or just more first time homebuyer options, then Bernie's median sales price was surprisingly higher than Fredericksburg, sitting at 495 for the first quarter of this year. But again, there is a very diverse range of houses, anywhere from the affordable single family homes to the large luxury estates. Like I said, both towns offer distinct opportunities. Fredericksburg is perfect for those who are maybe seeking more of a historic home and closer to the 290 and the wine industry in general. While Bernie is perfect for the families wanting to be closer to the city life, but also just a bigger community vibe in general. So whether you're drawn to Fredericksburg Charm or Bernie's growing community, both have a lot to offer here in the Texas Hill Country, both towns cherish their German heritage, offer a rich cultural experience, and have a strong sense of community. You'll find warm hospitality, unique shopping, and delicious food in both towns. There you have it folks. Those are the key differences and similarities to living in Bernie and Fredericksburg, Texas. And whether you're looking to move in three days or three years, I would love to be a realtor of choice. All my contact information is above, but also down in the description. And if you liked this video, make sure you watch this next one. The top five Texas Hill Country towns moved to. We'll see you in the next video.
