If you’ve ever visited the Texas Hill Country, you understand why people choose to make it their home. Between the Texas wine trail, the scenic views, and the vibrant culture, you should know a few things before making the move.
The property tax rate in Kerr County is higher than in other areas in the Texas Hill Country
Kerr County's median property tax rate is 1.22 percent, above the national median rate of 1.02 percent. Tax rate is a huge factor when deciding on a budget for your new home! A trusted lender can help you break down all the costs of homeownership before purchase. The counties surrounding Kerr can offer some relief in the way of property tax rate, and so can finding a home outside city limits. For more information on the Kerr County tax rate, visit https://www.kerrvilletx.gov/1526/Tax-Information
Housing prices have not declined (much) in the Texas Hill Country
The COVID-19 craziness skyrocketed the housing prices across the U.S., and while a lot of areas have seen price reductions, the Texas Hill Country prices have been holding steadier than most. While we are currently in a buyer’s market, with around eight months of inventory (April 2025), we see homes selling within 90% of the list price.
Kerrville has a top-tier hospital
Peterson Health, 551 Hill Country Drive, was named “Top Rural Hospital” by The Leapfrog Group in 2023, and it has since ranked in the Top 100 Rural Hospitals in Texas. A new surgical center was completed in 2024, increasing the surgical suites by 25% and the procedure rooms by 50%. For more information on Peterson, visit petersonhealth.com
Kerrville is not Fredericksburg (And it doesn’t aim to be)
If you’ve found yourself in the Texas Hill Country, there is a great chance you’ve been to Fredericksburg to experience the shopping, culture, and wine tastings. It seems like Fredericksburg grows three times its size from Thursday to Monday, every week, with people. Kerrville has its fun downtown, but it is rarely overrun with visitors. You can take advantage of the free parking at the garage downtown and meander along the shops and restaurants without worrying about bumping into hundreds of people. After you’ve shopped, mosey down to Louise Hays Park and take a little stroll on the Kerrville River Trail.
Kerrville is not just a retirement town
When I took a job in Kerrville 15 years ago, my mother was worried I was a 20-something moving to a retirement town and couldn’t find anyone within my age range. The recently reported median age is 41 in Kerrville, and many people found their way to the area during COVID because of flexibility with remote jobs.
The Texas Hill Country is no stranger to weird weather
The Texas Hill Country has seen its fair share of bad weather, including some severe hailstorms that come around occasionally. The wind blows steadily in the spring, and we’ve been battling drought conditions for years. Add flood insurance to your housing budget if you want to live along the beautiful Guadalupe River.
Living in the Texas Hill Country—especially in Kerrville—means embracing the beauty and the quirks. It's not for everyone, but for those who fall in love with its slower pace, strong sense of community, and scenic views, it's hard to imagine calling anywhere else home. If you're considering a move, ensure you’ve got a local expert to guide you through the ins and outs (like that property tax rate). I'm always happy to answer questions, share neighborhood insights, or chat about what makes life in the Texas Hill Country special.
Thinking about making the move? Let’s talk.