Several months ago, The Men’s Journal, April 2007, named Bandera as one of the top commuting cities in the United States. And, it is no wonder considering how easy the commute is from Bandera to San Antonio using Hwy. 16, compared to coming in on I–10 or 281 or any of the other main arteries into San Antonio. Hwy. 16 is just an easy drive into the circle – Anderson Loop 1604, as well as being both relaxing and scenic.
Bandera is one of the most beautiful and easy living cities in the Texas Hill Country. It’s called the Cowboy Capital of the World, but city folk are naturally drawn to its panoramic views and its quiet way of living. Everyone wants the opportunity to be a cowboy, even if just for a weekend.
Over the last several years, many San Antonians have purchased property and moved out to areas like Helotes and Boerne, now to only find themselves back in the middle of urban life. A good number of these people are taking the next step and relocating to the Hills of Bandera, just a short drive from San Antonio. It is predicted that within a few years, Hwy. 46 will be the next Anderson Loop, there again drawing Bandera closer to San Antonio.
Just outside of Bandera, on Highway 1077, is the Hill Country Natural Area State Park, 5,400 acres with approximately 50 miles of hiking, biking and horse trails. The area around the state park is speckled with guest and dude ranches, such as the Running R, Rancho Cortez and the Silver Spur.
Adjacent to the state park, is the old Reinhart Ranch that is approximately 650 acres, and rumored to have been purchased in 1941, for about $12.00 an acre. This ranch is now known as the Hills of Bandera Ranch, a private, gated subdivision featuring 77 five–to–eighteen acre tracts. The ranch has a running creek fed by a number of springs located throughout the ranch, and features two nice bass– and catfish–filled fishing lakes surrounded by a 16 acre reserve. All along the creeks are native pecan trees. The ranch offers two distinctive life styles – one very horse friendly and one extremely view friendly. At the highest elevation of approximately 1,700 feet plus, on a clear night, you can see the lights of Hondo.
The ranch offers a gated community with private, paved roads at very affordable pricing. It is the only place near the state park where you can buy small acreage. Other parcels in the area range from 100 to approximately 20,000 acres. The Hills of Bandera is surrounded by these large parcels, making it a commuter’s dream.
One recent new land owner phoned her husband on her cell phone from the top of one of the vista lots and said, “living here would be like being on vacation all the time.” Views, trees, wildlife and the peace and quiet of the hill country. It does not get any better than this.
