Dreaming of Hill Country living without losing easy access to big‑city amenities? If you are weighing a move, you likely want small‑town charm, nature at your doorstep and practical services that make daily life smooth. This guide shows you why Kendall County keeps rising on buyer shortlists, what homes and land look like, how the numbers stack up and what to know before you buy. Let’s dive in.
Hill Country lifestyle, every day
Kendall County blends river‑and‑oak scenery with welcoming small towns. In Boerne, you can stroll Main Street, hike at the Cibolo and spend an afternoon at Boerne City Lake Park. Families and weekenders alike enjoy show‑cave tours at Cascade Caverns and community programming around the Cibolo. In Comfort, a preserved historic core and German‑heritage roots give the town center a distinct identity, highlighted by the Comfort Chamber’s overview of local history.
What that means for you is straightforward: walkable downtowns for coffee and errands, nature trails for a quick reset, and weekend destinations that feel like a staycation.
A fast‑growing county, by the numbers
Kendall County’s population was 44,279 in 2020 and is estimated at 51,828 as of July 1, 2024, a jump of about 17 percent. Median household income sits near 114,962 dollars, with a median owner‑occupied home value around 512,700 dollars and owner occupancy close to 79.5 percent. Commute times average about 28.6 minutes, and 2024 recorded 560 building permits, signaling ongoing construction and investment. You can explore these figures on U.S. Census QuickFacts for Kendall County.
Taken together, these basics point to a stable, owner‑occupied market with higher incomes, steady in‑migration and new housing supply in the pipeline.
Access to San Antonio and Austin
Boerne sits along I‑10, about 30 miles from downtown San Antonio. Typical drive times range from roughly 30 to 45 minutes depending on route and traffic, which keeps daily commuting realistic for many buyers. Austin is farther, commonly 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and origin; use a route planner like Travelmath’s Boerne–San Antonio reference as a starting point.
Migration patterns reflect this geography. Recent economic reports show net inflow from San Antonio’s Bexar County and measurable moves from the Austin area and other Texas counties, supporting Kendall’s role as a lifestyle‑plus‑commute market. See the regional snapshot in the Greater San Antonio Kendall County economic profile.
Homes and land you can find
In‑town Boerne and Comfort
Close to Main Street, you will see restored limestone cottages and bungalow‑scale homes on smaller lots. These areas appeal to buyers who want walkability, a shorter drive to daily services and character architecture. Some properties present renovation or upgrade opportunities.
Master‑planned and gated options
High‑amenity communities such as Cordillera Ranch offer golf, river access, club facilities and larger lots that can range from about one to several acres. These neighborhoods tend to draw higher‑budget buyers, retirees and second‑home owners who value maintenance‑light living and resort‑style amenities.
Small‑acreage and ranchland
Across the county, you can shop 5‑ to 100‑plus‑acre tracts, hobby ranches and large estate parcels. Buyers choose this segment for privacy, equestrian or agricultural use and long‑term land stewardship. Multi‑million‑dollar ranch properties are a steady presence, especially near favored river corridors and view sheds.
What budgets look like today
County‑level trackers tell slightly different stories depending on methodology. Taken together, late‑2024 to 2025 indicators show typical medians in roughly the mid‑500s to mid‑700s. In practice, many mainstream single‑family purchases cluster from the mid‑300s to mid‑600s, with luxury homes in gated communities and ranch properties often closing above 1 million. For neighborhood‑level pricing, local MLS data is your best lens because it captures the exact submarket, home type and features.
Schools, healthcare and connectivity
Families often cite school performance as a factor for moving here. Boerne Independent School District’s accountability ratings have been strong in recent cycles; you can review details on the district’s accountability page. Healthcare access has expanded across the San Antonio region, and local clinics serve day‑to‑day needs, which reduces the perceived tradeoff between rural feel and services. For context on regional hospital growth, see this San Antonio Report overview.
Connectivity also stands out. According to Census estimates, about 94.1 percent of households have broadband service in Kendall County. That figure supports remote and hybrid work, streaming and modern home‑office needs.
Smart due diligence, especially for acreage
Water is the key variable in Hill Country land buys. Kendall County falls under the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District, which regulates well construction, production and drought response. Before you buy rural or small‑acreage property, confirm whether any well is exempt or permitted, current production status and any drought‑stage restrictions. Start with the Cow Creek GCD for rules and drought updates.
Beyond water, take time to verify platting, HOA or POA rules and any conservation or water‑related deed language. If you are purchasing acreage, ask about agricultural exemptions that may affect your property tax treatment. Texas does not levy a state personal income tax, so property and sales taxes carry more weight in household budgets; see this overview of the Texas tax landscape from LegalClarity, then consult local officials or a tax advisor for current rates.
Here is a quick buyer checklist to use during inspections and option periods:
- Water and wells: well type, permit status, production tests, storage and drought‑stage restrictions (Cow Creek GCD rules).
- Septic and utilities: age, capacity, recent service and internet provider confirmation.
- Land use and rules: plat, zoning if applicable, HOA or POA restrictions and any conservation easements.
- Taxes: current appraisal, exemptions in place, and how changes in use could impact valuation.
- Insurance and risk: wildfire defensible space, roof age, and floodplain or riverfront considerations.
Reading the market in 2025
Market trackers vary. MLS‑based series focus on closed sales and can swing month to month, while index measures smooth longer trends. Inventory remains modest in certain segments, and riverfront, 1 to 3 acre estate lots and homes inside high‑amenity gated communities can still see competitive bidding. If you want an accurate picture of a specific neighborhood or property type, ask for the latest 90‑day comps and on‑market tempo.
Is Kendall County a fit for you?
If you want Hill Country scenery, lively yet relaxed small towns and a practical commute to San Antonio, Kendall County checks the boxes. The housing mix serves full‑time residents, second‑home buyers and ranch investors, and the services and connectivity keep pace with growth. With the right due diligence on water, taxes and community rules, you can secure a property that fits your long‑term plans.
If you are exploring homes or acreage across the Hill Country, connect with a brokerage that combines local stewardship with land expertise. Start the conversation with Fredericksburg Realty to review on‑ and off‑market options and focused neighborhood or ranch comps.
FAQs
How far is Boerne from San Antonio and Austin for daily life?
- Boerne is about 30 miles from downtown San Antonio, often 30 to 45 minutes by car, and about 1.5 to 2 hours from Austin depending on traffic and route.
Is Kendall County more expensive than nearby counties?
- Census data shows Kendall’s median owner‑occupied value near 513,000 dollars, above Bexar County’s roughly 262,000 and comparable to Travis County’s roughly 523,000; exact values vary by neighborhood and home type.
Who is moving to Kendall County right now?
- Regional reports show net inflow from San Antonio’s Bexar County along with measurable moves from the Austin area and other Texas counties, with many newcomers keeping ties to metro jobs and amenities.
What should acreage buyers know about wells and water?
- The Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District regulates wells and drought response; confirm permit status, production history and any current restrictions before you close.
What price range should I expect for homes in Kendall County?
- Typical mainstream purchases often fall from the mid‑300s to mid‑600s, while higher‑amenity or ranch properties frequently sell above 1 million; medians vary by tracker and submarket.
Are healthcare services reasonably close to Kendall County homes?
- Yes; local clinics cover routine needs, and the San Antonio medical market provides the nearest large hospital and specialist network, with recent expansions improving regional access.
