🏘️Exploring Kerrville TX: The TOP 8 RURAL Subdivisions

Acreage, utilities, access—our top eight picks.

Torn between a move-in-ready charmer and that just-built, energy-smart beauty? Here’s the side-by-side answer—so you can buy with confidence.

A practical guide comparing new construction and pre-existing homes—costs, timelines, warranties, neighborhoods, and how to choose for your family in the Texas Hill Country.

Pre-Existing vs New Construction Homes: Which Is Right for You?

By · Updated · Category: Home Buying Guides

Side-by-side view of a newly built home and a mature neighborhood home in the Texas Hill Country
Key takeaways:
  • New construction shines for efficiency, low maintenance, and builder warranties—but usually costs more and takes longer.
  • Pre-existing homes offer faster closings, character, established neighborhoods, and more room to negotiate on price.
  • Decide by priorities: budget, timeline, neighborhood feel, energy costs, and how much customization you want.

Table of contents

  1. New Construction: Pros & Tradeoffs
  2. Pre-Existing Homes: Pros & Tradeoffs
  3. How to Choose for Your Family (Step-By-Step)
  4. FAQs

New Construction: Pros & Tradeoffs

Quick answer: New builds deliver modern efficiency, minimal upkeep, and warranty coverage—but they often carry a higher sticker price and a longer wait before move-in.

Energy efficiency. Today’s windows, roofs, HVACs, and insulation can lower utility bills and keep temps steady year-round. That’s money back in your pocket—especially during Hill Country summers.

Minimal maintenance. With everything brand-new, your punch list stays short. Instead of weekend repairs, you can enjoy your home or explore Fredericksburg, Kerrville, and nearby trails.

Builder warranties. Many builders back structural and mechanical systems for multiple years, giving you predictable costs and peace of mind if something goes wrong.

Customization. Buy early in the process and you can choose finishes, layouts, and design details to match how your family lives.

Tradeoffs. New construction typically requires a longer timeline (often months) and can come with lot premiums, upgrade costs, and limited room for price negotiation.

Subtopic A

Spec vs. to-be-built. Spec homes (already under construction) can shorten timelines. To-be-built homes maximize customization but take longer and may carry more change-order costs.

Pro tip: Ask the builder for utility cost estimates from similar completed homes and a written warranty booklet before you sign.

Pre-Existing Homes: Pros & Tradeoffs

Bottom line: Existing homes move faster, often cost less up-front, and come in established neighborhoods—though they may need more maintenance and energy upgrades.

  • Negotiating power: Individual sellers are usually more flexible on price and concessions than builders.
  • Established neighborhoods: Mature trees, defined streets, and a built-in community vibe are common in older subdivisions.
  • Faster move-in: You can close in weeks, not months—ideal if your timeline is tight.

Character & charm. Think hardwood floors, crown molding, built-ins, and architectural details that newer tract builds may not include.

Tradeoffs. Expect potential maintenance, higher utility bills until upgrades are made, and possible renovation costs to fit your style.

How to Choose for Your Family (Step-By-Step)

In practice: Rank your priorities, compare total cost of ownership, and match your timeline to the right path—then tour both options to confirm the fit.

1) List priorities. Energy efficiency, budget, neighborhood feel, timeline, or customization? Put them in order.

2) Compare total costs. Add up utilities, maintenance, likely renovations, warranties, and the higher up-front price typical with new construction. Note any HOA/STR rules that matter to your plans.

3) Consider timing. Need to move soon? Focus on existing homes. Able to wait? New builds can deliver exactly what you want.

4) Tour both. Walk model homes and established neighborhoods. Pay attention to street noise, commute times, and how the floor plan actually lives day-to-day.

5) Get local guidance. A Hill Country agent can flag hidden costs, builder reputations, and neighborhood nuances you won’t see online.

Sources

FAQs

Is new construction always more expensive?

Not always, but it often carries higher base prices, lot premiums, and upgrade costs. Compare total cost of ownership (including utilities and maintenance) to see the real difference.

How long does new construction usually take?

Build timelines vary by builder, weather, and materials. Many buyers see 6–12 months from contract to close; spec homes can shorten that.

Can I negotiate with a builder?

Yes—often on closing costs, upgrades, or rate buydowns—though base prices tend to be less flexible than resale homes.

What should I inspect on a pre-existing home?

Roof age, HVAC, foundation, plumbing, electrical, windows, and signs of moisture. Budget for near-term maintenance or upgrades if systems are older.

Which option fits Hill Country living best?

If you want mature trees and established streets, resale may win. If you want energy efficiency, warranties, and custom choices, new builds are strong—tour both to compare.

Have a Hill Country question?

I’m based in Fredericksburg and work across Gillespie, Kerr, Blanco, Kimble, Mason, Llano & Bandera. Let’s talk strategy.

Talk with Ryan
Transcript
If you're looking for rural living outside of the city limits and the hustle and bustle of Kerrville, Texas, well, you're in luck. In today's video, we are covering the top eight rural subdivisions here in Kerrville, Texas. What is going on, guys? Ryan Renton, Renton Realty Group, your favorite realtor right here in the Texas Hill Country. Like I mentioned today's video, we are talking about rural subdivisions here in Kerrville, Texas. But before we get started, if you haven't done so already, make sure you like this video, but also subscribe to the channel and hit that little bell so you can get notified anytime. I put out videos just like this one. Now we aren't going in any particular order today, but we are going to get started with one of the most diverse neighborhoods in all of Kern County. When it comes to the style of home that you can get, but also the price point at which you can get a home at. Located just 15 minutes south of downtown Kerrville off of highway 16, we have Turtle Creek Ranch. So let's go ahead and first talk about the style of homes that you can get in this neighborhood. You can find anything between your manufactured and modular homes to your typical ranch style homes that you find in this area, but also your hill country star homes with rock siding, stucco siding, and also your modern contemporary style home. Now, one of the things that really draws people to this area is the location. Like I said, it's located just 15 minutes south of downtown Kerrville, so you get that sense of being out in the country, but you really aren't that far from all the amenities that you might need, such as a gym, shopping, or just a quick visit to your doctor. And one of the things I personally really like about this neighborhood is the fact that Turtle Creek runs right through the middle of this neighborhood, which gives a lot of these homes great views of the water, but also allowing access to fishing, swimming and kayaking. And then when it comes to home prices in this neighborhood, you can find anything from a $200,000 home up to a home that's close to $2 million. That price really comes down to the size of the home, the quality build of the home, but also the amount of acres that you have. Okay, so moving on to our next neighborhood. Let's dive into the serene beauty of Canyon Springs Ranch. So this neighborhood really is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Coeur County, offering breathtaking views and an abundance of wildlife. So one of the things that really draws people to this neighborhood is being so close to hunt Texas and the Guadalupe River. So Canyon Springs itself is located 20 minutes west of downtown Kerrville, off of highway 39, located again in hunt, Texas. Now, this drive on 39 has to be one of the most popular drives in all of the Texas Hill Country. Known for the horse farms and the picturesque views of the Guadalupe River, providing that very peaceful and beautiful driving experience. Now, in this neighborhood, you can find houses that were built in the early 1960s, when the neighborhood was first being developed to brand new houses. That's right. After all these years, there are still tracks for sale in this neighborhood. So if you want to build a custom home, you can go that route. Or if you want to buy spec home from several of the well-known builders in town, you can do that as well. Now, one of my personal favorites about this neighborhood is the deeded HOA Park, which is specifically restricted to Cannon Spring Ranch property owners. And this is, of course, a great place to barbecues, swim, fish or kayak. Next up we have a neighborhood called Camara, located just 12 minutes north of downtown off of FM 783 towards Harper. Now Kamara. Excuse charm and elegance. With sprawling estates set on ample acreage, the residents of Kamara have told me that they do enjoy the privacy and space without having to sacrifice community. Now, this is a fairly small neighborhood when it comes to the amount of residents. There is only about 20 homes in the entire gated subdivision, and because there are so few homes in this neighborhood, we really don't see a whole lot come up for sale. But within the last few years, most homes sold right at a million or just above $1 million. But with that being said, there's actually one home for sale on the market in the neighborhood, which is this one at 114 Wild Ridge listed for 725,000. So the architectural styles of these homes do vary by quite a bit, but each home is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, making Kamara a coveted location for discerning homeowners. Next on today's list, we have the horizon, which is tucked away off of Shepherd Reese Road, so the horizon is an absolute awesome spot. This part of a huge 1040 acre ranch. And what's really cool about this neighborhood is that it's located on the edge of the Edwards Plateau, making it a prime spot for some awesome views. And this place is all about living in that gated community life with a little twist. It's also a high fenced area with 143 home sharing space with some pretty cool exotic animals. Just imagine axis like, fallow deer, whitetail deer, and not to mention black book antelope and red sheep just wandering around your backyard. It's kind of like having your own zoo, but you're still super close to Kerrville. That means all your shopping, schools, places to eat, and health care are just a hop, skip, and jump away from your front door. Now let's go ahead and talk about these houses. If you're thinking about snagging a home here on the horizon, you're looking at a median sales price of right around 903,000. It's a bit of a premium, sure, but for the type of lifestyle you get and the gorgeous homes you can get here, it's pretty worth it. If. We are now going to continue to travel down Sheppard Reese Road and begin with our next subdivision, which is called Bear Paul Ranch. So Bear Paul Ranch is like taking a step back in the olden days when it comes to Shepherd Reese Road being one of the first neighborhoods to set up shop in this particular area, it's got a great mix of vibes. You have lots ranging anywhere from just a couple acres all the way up to 15 acres, and the houses you've got everything from your traditional ranch style homes to your Adobe style haciendas and of course, the more popular hill country style rock homes. It's kind of like a little slice of your architectural heaven. Now for wildlife. They're really just part of the crew here, wandering around like they own the place. You could find anything from whitetail deer access, deer, turkey and more. But you know, it's not just about your plot of land and what roams around it. The Bear Paul Ranch has a sweet three acre park with picnic tables and a seasonal creek, perfect for the annual neighborhood picnic. Held every single fall. You know, it's the kind of thing that brings everyone together in the neighborhood and makes the place very special. Next, we have the Kerrville High Country Ranch, which is located just to the west of Kerrville, but also on the north side of Interstate ten and what's called the Mountain Home Area. And in this neighborhood, you'll typically find the ranch style home. Occasionally, you'll find the Hill country rock style house that were built in the mid 80s up until about the mid 2000. And what really draws people to this neighborhood is the fact that you can get a really nice home on 5 to 15 acres for right around that mid 500,000 range, and. You can next we're going to head to Shallow Co Estates which is located off Goat Creek Road which is to the northwest side of Kurt County. Now this neighborhood really nails a sweet spot as far as being just on the edge of Kerrville, making it really easy to hit I-10. Now, this is a huge plus. If you're looking to get to San Antonio or Fredricksburg, or even out west towards junction. So whether it's work, some city fun, or just a weekend getaway, living here means you're pretty much primed for a quick escape in any direction. Now, about the neighborhood itself CA estates is it just about convenience? It has this beautiful entrance where you cross over the creek, setting the tone for some scenic living. Now just imagine driving home every day with that view. It's like a daily detox of this city stress. Now the homes here calico sit on large lots that are surrounded by mature oak trees, offering up those killer hill country views that never get old. And with about 37 homes, shower estates maintain a cozy, tight knit community vibe. And then the median home price here sits right around 649,000, which does reflect the premium quality of life. That, of course, the residents do enjoy. The. Now for eight subdivision we are headed to Tierra Linda Ranches, which of course isn't your typical subdivision. It's a full on working ranch subdivision right here in the heart of the Texas Hill country. Think cattle making a profit, horses to ride, and loads of wildlife that you can just sit back and enjoy watching. So this place started back in the early 1970s and now sprawls over 3000 acres, with home sites ranging anywhere from five acres up to about 25 acres in size. So it's nestled snugly between Kerrville and Fredericksburg, giving it that perfect balance of rural peace and easy access to town amenities. Now, if you're wondering what's on offer here at Terra Linda, hold on to your hats, because it's a lot. We're talking horseback riding with stables, a private airport with hangars for lease. If you're into flying, and courts for tennis and pickleball. But that's not it. There's also fishing at the two lakes, creeks, and even spring fed lakes. Do you want more? How about the swimming pool with the kids area, a picnic space, what they covered pavilion and a clubhouse complete with a library. And of course, like you would expect with a place like this, the social scene is buzzing with everything from garden clubs to watercolor painting groups to weekly TGIF hangouts and special annual luncheons. And another very important aspect to know about here, Linda, is that the property owners can fence in up to 20% of their property, with the rest of it being left open range for the livestock but also the wildlife. Which of course means that you'll probably see white tailed deer, black buck antelope, white tailed deer, turkeys, jackrabbits and roadrunners right there from your back porch. Plus, with over 25 miles of private roads, there's plenty of space for driving, walking, hiking, horseback riding. And one of the great things about this neighborhood is that there is a full time, on site ranch manager, but also a staffed HOA office to make sure everything is running smoothly here at Terra Linda living here, it puts you at about six miles from Kerrville, and then less than 20 miles from Fredericksburg, and with over 300 homes in this ranch, the median price has been hovering right around 752,000 over the past two years. So if you're looking for a place, it's all about community, nature, and active living. Tierra Linda Ranches may be the place that you're searching for. So there you have it, folks. The top rural subdivisions here in Kerrville, Texas, each with its own charm and appeal. And whether you're thinking about buying or selling in three days or three years, I would love to be a realtor choice. All my contact information is down in the description, but also up top. And if you're thinking about buying in Fredericksburg, make sure you watch my next video. I think you're really gonna like it. We'll see you in the next video.