Towns in Texas Hill Country You Haven’t Considered ( But Should )

Great value and lifestyle in places off most lists.

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
Are you dreaming of moving to Texas but are really just struggling to find the perfect spot? These towns each have their own unique charm, blending affordability, tight knit community and job opportunities. Stick around because you may just find your next home in one of these hidden. Ryan Renton Renton Road to hear your favorite realtor right here in the Texas Hill Country. If you haven't subscribed to my channel yet, make sure you hit the subscribe button, but also hit that little bell so you can get notified anytime I put out videos just like this one. We're going to be talking about cost of living, schools, job opportunities, lifestyle, community, and state. Fredricksburg, Texas One of the most sought out towns in the Texas Hill Country and for some great reason. The average home price as of the third quarter of this year is sitting right around 465,000, which is relatively high. Comparison to other towns within our region. But you are paying for quality. And if you're thinking more along the lines of a ranch, that may be 5 to 10 acres or 25, 30, 40, 50 acres, really just depends. You're looking at an average price per acre of right around 25 to $30,000 per acre for the Gillespie County region, but specifically closer to the Fredericksburg area. But again, a lot of that depends on the location and its proximity to live water, creeks, rivers, but also how close it is to the 290 wine trail. The cost of living in Fredericksburg might be on the higher side, but it's well worth it for those who enjoy a vibrant cultural lifestyle. The day to day expenses like groceries, dining and health care are slightly above the state average, but Fredericksburg Charm makes it an easy sell for many. And then the Fredericksburg Independent School District comes in at a B plus rate, and it's really well known for its solid academic programs, but also its sports team. Fredericksburg High School, the home of the Battlin Billies, excels in football and track. They have a strong history in both sports, consistently making playoff runs and competing at the state level. So whether your kids are athletes or more academically focused, this town offers the support they need. It's really no secret Fredericksburg is an absolute tourism hub, so there are all kinds of job opportunities for those looking for a retail hospitality, but also in the winery. But it's also a great place for remote workers, but also for those in small businesses. Thanks to the high speed internet and entrepreneurial spirit. If you're looking for a town with a thriving local economy, Fredericksburg has plenty to offer. And then living here in Fredericksburg means you are never too far away from a great restaurant, live music, but also all kinds of events all year round. The town's German heritage shines through festivals like October Fest, and the winery scene is one of the best in Texas. And then outdoor enthusiasts will absolutely love. And rock is just outside of town and perfect for hiking and climbing. In short, you really get the best of both worlds, both cultural amenities, but also outdoor adventure. But then Fredericksburg is also a very community minded town. Whether it's the weekly farmer's market on Thursdays or local parades, this town brings people together. And I also get asked about crime rate all the time. So I did want to touch on that in this video. Here in Fredericksburg, the crime rate is relatively low. You're going to realize or soon realize that the town is very welcoming and has a safe environment. So whether you're wanting to raise a family or just retire here, you're going to realize pretty soon, this is a small Texas town that is is pretty darn safe. And then we have Kerrville, Texas, which does offer more affordability than Fredericksburg does, with an average sales price of 320,000 as of the third quarter of this year, home here. Kerrville do vary quite a bit in style, very similar to Frankfort from ranch houses to modern developments. And then again, if you're looking for more of a ranch with a little more acreage to sit on, you are looking anywhere between 20 to 25,000 per acre. Of course, depending on the minutes and the improvement and also the proximity to town Kerrville, cost of living in general is more moderate, housing is cheaper, and things like utilities, groceries and health care are priced fairly compared to larger cities. And then the Kerrville Independent School District comes in and a rating, with the tidy high school being the star of the district Tyree's football team, the antlers has a rich history and consistently competes at high levels. Kerrville sports team doesn't just stop at football. There are, of course, basketball and baseball teams that also shine in local and state competitions and in academically. The district is well-rounded, offering students plenty of opportunities for success both on the field and in the classroom. And then Kerrville is really well known for its medical jobs, thanks to the Peterson Regional Medical Center, one of the largest employers in all of the area. There's also a growing market in senior care services and local businesses catering to the retirement community. So if you're in the medical or service industries, Kerrville just might be the place for you. And then if you're an artist, Carmel has a thriving arts and crafts, making it an absolute great place for you. Creative. And if for a town of its size, Kerrville does offer a lot of activities. The gorgeous Guadalupe River runs right through the center of town, providing plenty of opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and picnic. And of course, you cannot forget about the Kerrville Folk Festival, which is a major annual event that draws visitors from across Texas. And in terms of amenities, Kerrville has just about everything you might need. There's of course, not just one, but two H-e-b. There's the Walmart courses, the local boutiques. There's great dining options, all without losing that small town feel. And Kerrville is also known for being a family friendly town. Community involvement is absolutely huge here, with events like local parades, markets and music festivals regularly bringing everyone together. And then the crime rate is also pretty low relative to bigger towns cities like San Antonio, Austin and Dallas, making it a very secure place to live, which is obviously a great option when it comes to raising a family or retiring. And then we have Ingram, Texas, which is another great Hill country town to choose from just minutes away from Kerrville. And then the average home price in Ingram is actually pretty close to Kerrville, sitting right around 300,000, making it a pretty affordable option for those of you looking to move to the Texas Hill Country and Texas in general. And again, if you're looking for a little ranch at ten, 15, 20 acres, maybe even worn that over 100 acres, you're looking at an average price per acre, right around 20 to 25,000, similar to Kerrville. We're just kind of considering all of Kerr County at this point, but you can expect to pay anywhere between that 10 to 25,000 per acre again, depending on if there's a well already drilled. Is there a lot of water going through your little ranch? It and how close is it to town in your home, of course, is a pretty small town, so the overall cost of living is pretty low. And according to best places, dot com, everything from property taxes to groceries is more affordable here than in bigger hill country towns, especially the closer you get to Austin. The Ingram Independent School District is a smaller district, of course, because Ingram itself is a pretty small town, but it does come in at AV. Ray Ingram. Tom Moore High School has an especially good reputation in football and track and field, where they frequently send athletes to regional and state level competitions. And of course, with Ingram being a smaller school district, you can expect small school size. And so if you want a school where you have a teacher to student ratio with a more personalized, close knit feel to it, I would say Ingram is definitely a pretty good option to choose from. And then while Ingram itself doesn't really have a booming economy, most of the residents in Ingram travel to Kerrville for job opportunities. And if you're into art, Ingram is a slowly becoming destination for creatives thanks to the Hill Country Arts Foundation. And then Ingram Lifestyle is more laid back and definitely nature oriented. If you do love the outdoors, the town's literally sitting right on the river will be perfect for you, especially if you love to hunt fish, kayak and of course, picnic along the river. And like I mentioned, the town also has a growing art scene with local galleries and live performances bringing a touch of creativity to the town. For those of you trying to escape the city and embrace a quieter life, you really does have a lot to offer. Ingram really is the epitome of a tight knit community. You'll find pretty soon that people really do know each other. They look out for one another, but also love be a part of the community a bit, and then of course, the crime rate here is also very low. Make it a safe place to retire and raise your family. But of course no place is perfect. There's definitely crime out there still, but relatively speaking, the crime rate is definitely low within the Ingram area. Mason, Texas is one of the more affordable towns on today's list, with an average sales price of 235,000 for a single family home within the third quarter of this year. Now, Mason is a very small town, and most of these sales did take place inside the town of Mason, so the 235 doesn't really reflect what most of the sales are, which have land involved 20, 30, 40, 102 hundred acres were obviously in sales. Price goes way up. But if you're looking to move to Mason, Texas, you can find a house in town with an average sales price of under $300,000. Daily cost can be a little bit on the lower side. I would say groceries are higher than Fredericksburg in Kerrville, so if you're looking to get a bunch of groceries, it's probably worth go ahead and making the drive to Fredericksburg, go to the local H-e-b and get the prices a little bit lower because the Lowe's grocery store in Mason tends to be a little bit higher price, and the quality goods really isn't quite there. But really, other than the groceries, the cost of living in Mason is pretty darn low. As I mentioned, Mason is definitely more rural, and quiet is perfect for those who are looking to stretch their dollar further. So whether your kids are into football or other sports like basketball or track, Mason offers a competitive and supportive environment for young athletes who are looking for a smaller school, and it may sense economy is more rural, with a huge focus on agriculture and also ranching. If you're into farming and ranching, or at least want to get started with it, this is a perfect place to settle. So with that being said, there's also opportunities with local businesses, small retail and the local government. And while it doesn't have a booming job market, if you're looking for a quiet place to settle or even work remotely, Mason could be a great option for you. Mason itself is steeped in Texas history, and the town square offers a charming setting with local shops, cafes, and great restaurants. It's really the kind of place where you can stroll around and feel like you step back in time. If you're into outdoor activities, there is no shortage of land to explore around the Mason County. Hunting, obviously is a popular pastime here as the region is home to plenty of wildlife. Mason is also a close knit community with a strong sense of identity, and then the locals regularly get together for events like the Mason roundup, which creates that sense of togetherness and tightknit spirit, but also the crime rate here is extremely low, something you commonly see in small little towns like Mason. So there you have it, folks. Towns here in the Texas Hill Country you may not have considered, but each one of them offering its own unique blend of affordability, community and lifestyle. And whether you're looking to move in three years or three days, I would love to be a realtor of choice. All my contact information is down in the description and make sure you hit the subscribe button. And also that little bell so you can get notified anytime. I put out videos just like this one. We'll see you in the next video.