Aerial view of the Town Center at Creekside in New Braunfels, Texas.
Courtesy of NewQuest Properties
New Braunfels has become one of Central Texas’ fastest-growing cities, with major retailers, restaurants and entertainment concepts expanding into the city as growth continues between Austin and San Antonio.
Recent additions and announcements, including Costco Wholesale, Topgolf and other developments along the Interstate 35 corridor, have brought new options for residents and visitors.
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New Braunfels’ growth has been reflected in its population numbers as well. The city has added tens of thousands of residents in recent years, creating new demand for the businesses, services and amenities needed to support a rapidly expanding community. But as the city grows, residents say there are still some businesses and attractions they would like to see arrive.
MySA asked New Braunfels residents on Nextdoor which businesses they’d like to see come to the city and which types they think it already has enough of, from retailers and restaurants to entertainment venues and services.
The most common requests centered around grocery stores, with several residents naming Aldi and Trader Joe’s.
Residents also mentioned Whole Foods Market as a store they would like to see added locally.
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Mary Mueller, a Royal Forrest resident, said she would like to see Sam’s Club come closer to New Braunfels, though other residents noted the nearest location is in San Marcos.
Beyond retail, residents shared interest in more entertainment and cultural options as the city continues attracting new families and visitors.
Carlos Cortez said he would like to see Dave & Buster’s open in New Braunfels. A skating rink was also mentioned multiple times by residents looking for more family-friendly activities.
Hailey Perez pointed to a California entertainment concept with attractions such as mini golf, arcades, water rides and laser tag. Perez said something similar would be a good addition for New Braunfels.
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Residents also called for more public recreation spaces.
Rikkita Hughes said she would like to see a larger walking trail with benches and exercise equipment.
“I would love to see a beautiful walking trail with benches and exercise stand alone equipment,” Hughes wrote. “At least a 3 mile trail.”
Jan Soechting said she would like to see more public swimming pools available for residents.
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Not every response focused on bringing more businesses to New Braunfels. Some residents said future growth should include more local businesses, green space and community-focused development.
Dee D., a Central New Braunfels resident, said the city should avoid becoming dominated by national chains and continue supporting small businesses. The resident said New Braunfels should maintain the local character that helped attract people to the city.
Nora Rainey called for more parks, museums and theaters while asking for less retail-focused development.
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“More parks, museums, theaters LESS retail and restaurant CHAINS, less sub-par housing builders, less parking lots, less cars, more green space,” Rainey wrote.
As New Braunfels continues attracting businesses and new residents, the responses highlight a larger conversation about what the city’s next chapter should look like.