Best Small Cities

What makes San Antonio’s nearby cities like New Braunfels and Cibolo some of the best small cities in America—and how do these rankings shape the local real estate market?

A recent 2025 WalletHub study named two San Antonio suburbs—New Braunfels and Cibolo—among the best small cities in the United States. This recognition continues to shine a spotlight on the greater San Antonio region as one of the most desirable areas in Texas for lifestyle, affordability, and real estate growth.

While both cities saw slight dips from their 2024 rankings, they remain standout examples of what’s driving the San Antonio real estate market: balanced living, expanding job opportunities, and a steady influx of residents seeking space, charm, and community.

What the WalletHub Rankings Reveal

WalletHub analyzed over 1,300 U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000, comparing 45 livability metrics across five key dimensions:

• Affordability

• Economic health

• Education and health

• Quality of life

• Overall safety

Each city was ranked by percentile, with the 99th percentile representing the most livable small cities in the country.

Among the 19 cities in that top percentile, Carmel, Indiana; Brookfield, Washington; and Apex, North Carolina took the lead. But closer to home, New Braunfels ranked in the 83rd percentile and Cibolo in the 56th percentile, continuing their streak as two of Texas’ most appealing suburban destinations.

New Braunfels: A Thriving Small City with Big Growth

Located about 33 miles northeast of downtown San Antonio, New Braunfels continues to experience one of the fastest growth rates in Texas. Known for its mix of small-town charm, strong economy, and access to the I-35 corridor, the city has become a magnet for families and professionals alike.

In WalletHub’s report, New Braunfels ranked No. 34 nationally for economic health, a testament to its thriving business environment and job market. The city also ranked:

• No. 205 for quality of life

• No. 452 for safety

• No. 481 for affordability

• No. 755 for education and health

While its affordability and safety scores were modest, New Braunfels still earned national recognition as one of the top 20 best places to live in the U.S. Its ZIP code, 78130, also ranked as the second-hottest ZIP code to move to in America for 2025.

This surge in popularity is easy to see on the ground. Over the past few years, New Braunfels has welcomed a wave of new restaurants, retail centers, and residential developments—all of which are helping shape a more connected and dynamic community.

Real Estate Impact

For the New Braunfels housing market, this attention means continued demand and appreciation potential. Buyers looking for space and newer construction are drawn to its master-planned communities, while investors see long-term upside thanks to its strong economic fundamentals and proximity to San Antonio and Austin.

Local Realtors are noting consistent interest from out-of-state buyers and San Antonio residents alike who want a quieter pace of life but don’t want to sacrifice amenities or accessibility.

Cibolo: San Antonio’s Fast-Rising Suburb

Just 16 miles southwest of New Braunfels, Cibolo is another suburb redefining the meaning of small-city living. Once considered a hidden gem, Cibolo has grown rapidly into a community full of new businesses, dining options, and residential opportunities.

Cibolo’s affordability ranking (No. 37 nationally) was its strongest category, confirming what locals already know—it’s one of the most budget-friendly small cities near San Antonio. Its other category rankings included:

• No. 456 – Safety

• No. 591 – Economic health

• No. 1061 – Education and health

• No. 1283 – Quality of life

While the rankings highlight room for growth, they don’t tell the full story. Cibolo has been on a steady upward trend, particularly as families and first-time buyers seek out neighborhoods that offer newer homes, shorter commutes, and a sense of community.

Real Estate and Lifestyle Trends

The Cibolo real estate market has seen a healthy balance of affordability and appreciation. Its location—within 30 minutes of both San Antonio and New Braunfels—makes it ideal for professionals who commute while still enjoying suburban living.

The area is also seeing a burst of local investment, including new restaurant openings like Crepeccino Café, Crust Pizza Co., and soon Max & Louie’s, an East Coast-style diner beloved in San Antonio. These developments add both lifestyle value and market appeal.

As more buyers discover Cibolo’s potential, it continues to grow as part of the broader downtown San Antonio growth corridor, connecting the metro area with smaller communities that offer strong long-term real estate prospects.

Canyon Lake and Other Small Cities in Context

The 2025 report also showed some shifts across Texas’ smaller cities. Canyon Lake, for example, dropped from the 73rd percentile in 2024 to the 46th percentile in 2025—a reminder that rankings can fluctuate year to year based on economic and demographic changes.

Elsewhere, several Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth suburbs—including Leander, Cedar Park, Allen, and Flower Mound—held steady in the top 90th-percentile range. Still, New Braunfels and Cibolo remain standouts in South Central Texas, offering a blend of accessibility, opportunity, and small-city appeal that few markets can match.

Why Small Cities Matter for San Antonio’s Real Estate Market

According to WalletHub, nearly 47% of Americans prefer to live in a suburb, compared to just 24% who favor urban areas and 23% who prefer rural life. That statistic underscores a powerful trend shaping San Antonio’s regional real estate market—the steady migration toward suburban comfort with urban proximity.

For homebuyers, small cities like New Braunfels and Cibolo provide a best-of-both-worlds scenario:

• More space and newer homes

• Access to major employers and city amenities

• Lower cost of living compared to major metros

• Strong community ties and cultural events

For investors, these areas represent long-term stability. As downtown San Antonio continues to develop and attract business investment, nearby suburbs benefit from the economic ripple effect—creating steady housing demand and appreciating values.

The Future of Growth Around San Antonio

The success of small cities like New Braunfels and Cibolo is part of a larger story—the ongoing expansion and integration of San Antonio’s metropolitan area. With improved infrastructure, regional job creation, and quality-of-life enhancements, the area’s suburbs are no longer simply bedroom communities; they’re becoming destinations of their own.

As more Texans and out-of-state buyers discover the affordability and charm of these communities, San Antonio real estate remains one of the most balanced and opportunity-rich markets in the state.

New Braunfels and Cibolo’s recognition as two of America’s best small cities highlights what makes the greater San Antonio region so unique. It’s a place where tradition meets growth—where history, affordability, and opportunity combine to create thriving communities that attract families, investors, and entrepreneurs alike.

As the 2025 rankings show, the appeal of small-city living continues to rise—and few regions capture that better than the neighborhoods surrounding San Antonio.

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