What should I prioritize if I am moving to New Braunfels and my budget is right at $500K?

Yes, $400K is a workable budget in New Braunfels, but buyers should calibrate expectations carefully. At this price point, you are looking at established resale homes in the range of 1,800 to 2,400 square feet, typically in communities like Hunter's Crossing, Creekside, or older sections of River Chase. You will likely be choosing between a pool and a larger lot, not getting both. The good news is that build quality and neighborhood character remain strong in this range — you are not buying a compromise home, just a home with trade-offs.

Direct, private river frontage on the Comal or Guadalupe is very difficult to find under $600K in 2026 — that segment of the market has been bid up significantly over the past several years and typically requires a budget of $700K or more. However, community river access through an HOA amenity or neighborhood park is achievable in the $500K–$600K range in certain communities. Buyers should clarify exactly what type of river access they want — walking-distance community access versus private frontage — because they are very different products at very different price points.

In 2026, the $500K range offers strong options in River Chase, Copper Ridge, Havenwood, and select sections of Vintage Oaks. River Chase in particular offers a mix of lot sizes, an established community feel, and proximity to both Canyon Lake and the city core. Vintage Oaks is a resort-style community with strong amenities, though its HOA fees are worth factoring into your budget math. Copper Ridge and Havenwood offer newer construction and good Comal ISD school access. The best value depends on your priorities around commute, community style, and outdoor amenities.

A quality in-ground pool in the New Braunfels market typically costs $60,000 to $90,000 to install new in 2026, and homes with existing pools are generally priced to reflect that investment. However, resale homes do not always recover the full cost of a pool in their listing price, which means buying a home with an existing pool can sometimes represent better value than buying a poolless home and adding one. When comparing homes in the $450K–$550K range, Todd recommends running a straightforward comparison: the cost of the home without a pool plus the current install cost versus a comparable home with a pool already in place.