The number of homes sold decreased year over year by 7.7% in the 78130 ZIP code. In the 78132 ZIP code, the number of homes sold decreased by 20.2%, according to the most recent data compiled by the Four Rivers Association of Realtors.

More details: The average price of homes listed for sale in the two New Braunfels ZIP codes over the past six months were in the $341,200-$617,500 range.

In July, year-over-year median home prices increased by 3.2% in the 78130 ZIP code, and 0.1% in the 78132 ZIP code.

The number of homes under contract increased year over year in both New Braunfels ZIP codes.

Locally owned miniature golf course, Sip-N-Putt, is relocating within New Braunfels.

The overview: Sip-N-Putt will close its current location at 7420 I-35 N. frontage road in December due to increasing rent costs, Owner Bret Shallenberger said. The miniature golf course will reopen across the highway at 225 Watson Lane W. in February.

Sip-N-Putt currently operates as an 18-hole miniature golf course that serves pizza, wings, beer and other drink options. The new location will give Shallenberger the opportunity to offer additional amenities, such as new courses and food and beverage options. Shallenberger said they also plan to work with local youth programs and make the new complex eco-friendly with water recycling and potentially solar panel systems.

Shallenberger said he is happy that they were able to relocate within New Braunfels.

"We are blessed to be able to stay here," Shallenberger said.

• 225 Watson Ln. W., New Braunfels

Many businesses in San Marcos have made major recent progress, from large-scale rest stops opening to large grocers nearing the end of construction. Check out 12 city business updates.
Now open
Alvin Ord’s Sandwich Shop

• Opened August 4

• 204 University Drive, San Marcos

Blackbird Brims

• Opened August 10

• 232 N. LBJ Drive, Ste, 101 San Marcos

Brunello Cucinelli

• Opened July

• 3939 I-35 frontage road, Ste. 955A, San Marcos

Buc-ee’s

• Opened August 12

• 3245 N. I-35 frontage road, San Marcos

Kolacny’s Kolaches

• Opened June 6

• 801 Chestnut St., San Marcos

Coming soon

H-E-B

• Opening fall 2026

• 1074 E. McCarty Lane, San Marcos

Hoka

• Opening TBD

• San Marcos Premium Outlets, 3939 N. I-35, San Marcos

Legacy Arts

• Opening December 5

• 400 S. LBJ Drive, San Marcos

Closings

The Sweet Spot

• Closed July 29

• 232 N. LBJ Drive, San Marcos

From 2020-25, more than 45,000 wildfires burned over 2.7 million acres of Texas land, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Ahead of the 2027 state legislative session, lawmakers are looking into ways to better prevent wildfires from happening and prepare communities to respond when fires do start.

The background: In 2025, state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 34, which required the Texas A&M Forest Service to create a statewide database of firefighting equipment; established a council to improve emergency communications between local, state and federal agencies; and increased funding to help rural volunteer fire departments purchase equipment from $30 million to $40 million.

Quote of note: Sen. Kevin Sparks, a Midland Republican who authored the law, said more work needs to be done to increase wildfire preparedness across the state.

"As we move forward, our focus should be on a more proactive approach that prioritizes prevention and mitigation alongside response preparedness," Sparks said during an Aug. 11 hearing of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, which he chairs.