Hill country relocation - looking for town suggestions (Austin, Fredericksburg: home, good schools)

[cinnamon_toast]

My parents and grandparents live in Fredericksburg, so we are looking to relocate somewhere closer to them. I have considered both SA and Austin since we would be moving from a major metro area, but now am leaning toward a small town. We have 3 kids - 5, 3, and 6 mos. An excellent school system with many grads going on to college is important. We are active and love to be outdoors - camping, biking, swimming, etc. I would like to be able to walk to shops and restaurants. We are extremely social and love to host dinner parties so a place that is open and friendly is important. We are not church-goers, so we would need another avenue for meeting people. We are also fairly liberal, but are open to all types and are looking for a community that would have a similar mentality. We would be able to afford a home in the $500 - $750K range. Any towns come to mind? F'burg is obviously on the list, but I'd love to hear if there are any other places I should consider.

[askinnybuddy]

Sounds like your family belongs in Boerne. Busting at the seams presently but has good schools, social opportunities, and ready access to outdoor life. Medina is expected to be the "next" Boerne but a bit further from Fredericksburg and schools are not equal yet.

[lesliegrace]

Have you considered Bandera? It may be smaller than what you are trying to find; I think it has a little less than a thousand people. In my opinion, it is a beautiful little town. I must admit that I am partial to it; I have kinfolks who live there, and I've visited there all my life.

I'm not sure about its politics; I imagine it is a pretty conservative place, but I may be wrong.

Pipe Creek, Lakehills, and Medina are little towns that are also located in Bandera County, but they are smaller than Bandera.