A tiny town in the Texas Hill Country is undergoing a more modern transformation. Located 30 miles west of San Antonio, it’s set to get its first major shopping center — complete with an Ulta Beauty and a Burlington — in the summer of 2026. However, several Castroville residents have a few other companies on their wish list.

The Medina County city has long been known for its rolling grasslands, slow-paced rural lifestyle, and Colonial Alsatian-inspired architecture. It welcomed its first national grocer, Walmart, in 2017, and contains only one high school for its population of just over 3,000. Though quiet, the town sometimes sees increased foot traffic due to the emergence of nearby Microsoft data centers and its proximity to State Highway 211.

Late last month, MySA staff asked locals which businesses they’d like to see come to town. The question was published in a private Castroville Facebook group and had received 27 replies as of Friday, October 10. Many of the responses called for larger markets, more recreational activities, and a wider variety of dining options. Requests for the store that does more were especially common.

“H-E-B plus with a garden center and a Buc-ee’s in this area would be amazing,” Corine Howard wrote in a post. 

Another resident, Priscilla Duquette, echoed Howard’s statement, saying A bigger Walmart, H-E-B, A gym, a Main Event, or more activity places for the teens.”

The nearest location sits 20 minutes east at 14325 Potranco Road and State Highway 211. Even this store is relatively new. It hosted its grand opening in October 2020. Another store is planned for 15489 Culebra Road, but it won’t open till late 2025 or early 2026, MySA previously reported. It will also still be a roughly 30-minute drive for Castrovillians.

When it comes to entertainment, it’s safe to say the city still has ways to go. Families can enjoy a regional park, a one-screen movie theater, and a few local boutiques if they have the shopping itch, but any hopes for bowling, skating, or a Main Event run are nil.

Other retail stores locals want to see include 7 Brew Coffee, Waffle House, Laguna Madre, Trader Joe’s, UPS, Academy, and a yoga studio. Fortunately, an Asé Yoga & Pilates Studio is expected to open this fall, taking over the longtime location of Ima’s Antiques and Gifts. But some people believe more change could disrupt the area’s character.

“Honestly, I wish there was less. I miss the quiet town we once had,” LJ Hes said in a post. 

Local Brenda Stein agreed, asking folks why they would like to move to Castroville if they desire the conveniences that come with urban living.

“I feel if you want chain stores, you should move to San Antonio instead of growing our small town,” she said.

Aside from Alsatian Oaks, which is bringing big-name brands to the city next summer, the retail plaza Town East Crossing is also under construction off Highway 90 and FM 471. A spokesperson for Foresite Commercial Real Estate, the agency assisting the developer, previously told MySA that it plans for it to include small businesses, a drive-thru of some sort, and a medical or dental business, among other stores.