The Klein Way

by Joe Hurd

The Ultimate Guide to New Construction in SouthEast New Braunfels: 5 Neighborhoods Compared

Last Updated: January 2026

If you've been house hunting in New Braunfels lately, you've probably noticed the explosion of new construction south of town along Klein Road. Cranes everywhere. Model homes popping up faster than kolaches at Naegelin's. And probably a whole lot of confusion about which neighborhood is actually worth your hard-earned money.

I get it. I've spent the past three months walking every model home, talking to actual homeowners, and diving deep into what these neighborhoods really offer beyond the glossy brochures and enthusiastic sales reps.

Here's the complete breakdown of five major new construction neighborhoods in the south Klein Road area—the good, the bad, and what nobody's telling you at the sales office.

Why South Klein Road?

Before we dive into individual neighborhoods, let's talk about why this area is blowing up.

Location advantages:

20 minutes to San Antonio
30 minutes to Austin
5 minutes to downtown New Braunfels
Quick access to Guadalupe and Comal Rivers
I-35 corridor for easy commuting
FM 78 Straight to Randolph AFB

Schools: Most of these neighborhoods feed into New Braunfels ISD but One feeds into Marion ISD—both solid districts with good ratings and plenty of extracurricular options.

Lifestyle: You're in the Hill Country. That means tubing, hiking, Schlitterbahn, Gruene Hall, and endless weekend activities. Plus, no state income tax, which helps when you're crunching mortgage numbers.

The catch: Rapid growth means traffic is getting worse, especially on I-35 during rush hour. And summer heat is real—we're talking 100+ degrees regularly.

Now, let's break down the neighborhoods.

The Neighborhoods: Detailed Breakdown

1. Winding Creek by D.R. Horton

Starting Price: $291,000
Home Sizes: 1,296 – 2,498 sq ft
Standout Feature: Smart home technology included

What Makes It Unique: Winding Creek is betting big on smart home integration. We're talking video doorbells, automated systems, and tech-savvy features baked into every home. If you want a house that feels like it's from 2026, not 2006, this is your spot.

They're also including full landscaping, which saves you from staring at dirt for the first year.

Pros:

Smart home tech included (usually a $2,000+ value)
Up to $8,000 in closing cost incentives
Commuter-friendly location near I-35
Future amenity center with pool, splashpad and pickleball courts

Cons:

Amenities are "coming soon" (they have broken ground, give it a few months)
Mixed reviews on D.R. Horton's build quality—some owners report "meh" durability
You're paying a premium for tech you could technically add yourself later

Toss up:

Marion School district: Its a good school district but it’s far, especially when you consider there are schools right there on Klein road which kind of sucks. But Marion is a smaller school district so may be better for some families.

Best For: Tech-savvy buyers who want move-in-ready convenience and don't mind paying a bit more for modern amenities.

Joe's Take: The smart home angle is cool, but I'd want to see those amenities actually built before pulling the trigger. D.R. Horton is a volume builder—they move fast, which can be good or bad depending on your quality expectations.

2. Voss Farms by Lennar

Starting Price: $249,999
Home Sizes: 1,260 – 2,666 sq ft
Standout Feature: Established master-planned community

What Makes It Unique: Voss Farms is the most established neighborhood on this list. The pool exists. The splash pad is open. The clubhouse is real. You're not buying a vision—you're buying something you can see and touch today.

Lennar offers multiple home collections here (Cottage, Classic, etc.), giving you options without leaving the neighborhood.

Pros:

Best overall value in the area
Amenities are built and operational NOW
Ultra-low HOA at $32/month (seriously, that's nothing)
Multiple home styles to choose from
Closest to Schlitterbahn, downtown, and the rivers

Cons:

Spec homes may lack personality (Lennar builds a lot of inventory homes)
Some complaints about financing processes and build details
Less "wow factor" than higher-end options

Best For: Families who want proven value, established amenities, and don't want to wait 18 months for a community pool.

Joe's Take: This is my pick for best overall value. The $250K price point with actual amenities and a $32 HOA is hard to beat. Yes, Highland Ridge has nicer finishes, but Voss Farms gives you 90% of what you need at a price that lets you sleep at night.

3. Highland Ridge by Hakes Brothers

Starting Price: $325,990
Home Sizes: 1,445 – 2,515 sq ft
Standout Feature: Luxury finishes throughout

What Makes It Unique: Highland Ridge is playing the upscale suburban card. We're talking gourmet kitchens with rain shower heads, stacking doors, and architectural details you don't usually see at this price point. Hakes Brothers has a reputation for quality, and it shows.

Pros:

Premium finishes standard (not upgrades)
Elegant designs with Hill Country charm
Easy I-35 access for Austin/San Antonio commutes
Near 40+ parks and attractions like Natural Bridge Caverns and Gruene Hall
Better long-term resale potential

Cons:

Higher price point ($326K+)
Some homes delayed to 2026
Not much in the "entry-level" range

Best For: Move-up buyers or professionals who want luxury suburban living without sacrificing commute access.

Joe's Take: If you have the budget, Highland Ridge is where quality shines. You're paying for finishes you can't easily add later, and Hakes Brothers generally delivers on build quality. But you're also paying $75K more than Voss Farms—make sure those upgrades matter to YOU.

4. Park Place by Century Communities

Starting Price: High $200,000s
Home Sizes: 1,388 – 2,511 sq ft
Standout Feature: Open-concept layouts near future sports facilities

What Makes It Unique: Park Place is banking on the future Zipp Family Sports Park expansion nearby & the new Long Creek High School across the street. If you have active kids or just love recreational access, the location could be a long-term win.

Modern inclusions like quartz countertops and 42" cabinets come standard, which is nice at this price point.

Pros:

Versatile floor plans with open concepts
Affordable entry for new construction
Short drive to Creekside shopping and rivers
Potential upside from nearby sports park development

Cons:

Community features are pretty basic right now
Still developing (not established like Voss Farms)
Potential traffic/noise from I-35 proximity

Best For: Active families on a budget who want new construction conveniences without breaking the bank.

Joe's Take: Park Place is solid if you're focused on price and location. It's not flashy, but it checks boxes for families who need functional space near good schools and activities. Just manage expectations on community vibes—it's not a resort.

5. Legend Heights by KB Home

Starting Price: $229,995
Home Sizes: 1,042 – 2,527 sq ft
Standout Feature: Full personalization options

What Makes It Unique: KB Home's whole thing is customization. You get to tweak layouts, pick finishes, and make the home yours before it's built. If you hate the cookie-cutter feel of spec homes, Legend Heights lets you put your stamp on things.

Community amenities include a pool, playground, and trails—solid family-friendly perks.

Pros:

High level of personalization (KB Home's strength)
Family-focused amenities NOW
Top-rated school zoning
Move-in-ready options available
Great entry price for customization

Cons:

Standard designs can feel bland without upgrades
Some reviews mention minimal included features (basics only)
Upgrades can add up fast if you're not careful

Best For: First-time buyers or families who want input on their home's design and layout.

Joe's Take: Legend Heights is perfect if you want control over your home's look and feel. Just watch the upgrade costs—KB Home makes it easy to spend more than you planned. Stick to your budget and you'll be happy here.

The Comparison Table

Neighborhood	Builder	Starting Price	Home Sizes	Best Feature	Biggest Drawback
Winding Creek	D.R. Horton	$291,000	1,296–2,498 sq ft	Smart home tech	Amenities not built yet
Voss Farms	Lennar	$208,999	1,260–2,666 sq ft	Established amenities	Spec homes may lack character
Highland Ridge	Hakes Brothers	$325,990	1,445–2,515 sq ft	Luxury finishes	Premium pricing
Park Place	Century Communities	High $200Ks	1,388–2,511 sq ft	Affordable entry	Basic community features
Legend Heights	KB Home	$229,995	1,042–2,527 sq ft	Full customization	Cookie-cutter without upgrades

My Rankings by Category

Best Overall Value:
🏆 Voss Farms – Established amenities, competitive price, low HOA

Best Luxury:
🏆 Highland Ridge – Premium finishes and build quality justify the price

Best Customization:
🏆 Legend Heights – KB Home lets you make it yours

Best Tech Integration:
🏆 Winding Creek – Smart home features included

Best for Families:
🏆 Voss Farms – Established pool, splash pad, and community feel

What Nobody Tells You at the Sales Office

After walking these neighborhoods multiple times and talking to actual residents, here are the things you WON'T hear from the sales team:

1. Builder reputations vary wildly D.R. Horton and Lennar are volume builders. They move fast and keep costs down, but quality can be inconsistent. Hakes Brothers has a better reputation for attention to detail, but you pay for it. KB Home is solid on customization but baseline finishes are basic.

2. "Coming Soon" amenities are promises, not guarantees Construction delays happen. If the pool is "coming in 2026," understand you might be waiting longer. Buy based on what EXISTS today, not what's promised.

3. HOA fees matter more than you think $32/month vs $100/month might not sound like much, but over 30 years that's a $24,480 difference. And HOAs almost always go UP, never down.

4. Traffic is already a problem I-35 is rough during rush hour. If you're commuting to Austin or San Antonio daily, factor in the reality of 45-60 minute drives when traffic's bad.

5. Schools are great, but district boundaries can shift Don't assume your neighborhood feeds into the school you want. Verify with the district, not the sales rep.

6. Resale matters Highland Ridge will likely hold value better than Voss Farms long-term. If you're planning to move in 5-7 years, factor in resale potential.

How to Choose the Right One for YOU

Here's my decision framework:

If your budget is tight ($208K-$230K): → Voss Farms or Legend Heights. Voss Farms gets you in cheaper, Legend Heights gives you customization.

If you want proven value ($250K): → Voss Farms. Established community, amenities NOW, low HOA. This is the sweet spot.

If you want luxury ($326K+): → Highland Ridge. Premium finishes and quality construction justify the price. They really are nice homes.

If you're tech-obsessed ($291K): → Winding Creek. The Amenity center will be very nice when it is complete. I think it’ll be better than the others. Marion School district is something to consider. I personally wouldn’t mind sending my son there. Smart home features baked in from day one.

If you have active kids: → Voss Farms (established amenities) or Park Place (near future sports park).

If you hate cookie-cutter homes: → Legend Heights or Highland Ridge. KB Home lets you customize extensively.

The Bottom Line

New construction in south New Braunfels offers genuine value right now, but you need to do your homework. Builders are offering incentives, prices are competitive, and the location is solid for families or commuters.

My pick for most buyers? Park Place or Winding Creek. They are great neighborhoods—not too expensive, not too basic, and nice amenities.

But "best overall" doesn't mean "best for you." Your budget, lifestyle, and priorities will determine the right fit.