Thinking about buying a home in Texas in 2026. Which cities are actually worth considering?

A little due diligence now can save a world of regret later.

Couldn’t agree more. Had a client in a “cheap” HOA community - looked like a steal until they hit everyone with a $15k roof assessment. Transparency and solid reserves are non-negotiable for me now. San Antonio’s steady pace is underrated, honestly.

I hear you on the HOA surprises... I’ve seen friends get burned by “low” dues that suddenly balloon with special assessments. It’s wild how those things can sneak up, especially when the reserve funds aren’t really there. San Antonio’s a solid call - prices haven’t gone off the rails like Austin or Dallas, and you still get a decent job market plus some culture.

Honestly, I’d throw New Braunfels and Schertz into the mix too. They’re close enough to SA for work and amenities, but sometimes you can snag a better deal or avoid the big city headaches. Just gotta watch for those master-planned communities with extra hidden fees. If you’re looking at 2026, it might be worth tracking which cities are keeping property taxes and insurance semi-reasonable. That stuff adds up faster than most folks expect. I’ve seen more than one “affordable” house turn into a budget-buster after closing.

Bottom line, I’m all about digging through those HOA docs and asking awkward questions before signing anything. Better safe than sorry, right?

Bottom line, I’m all about digging through those HOA docs and asking awkward questions before signing anything. Better safe than sorry, right?

Couldn’t agree more - those “awkward” questions are usually the ones that save you from headaches later. I’ve seen buyers get caught off guard by things like mandatory landscaping fees or weird restrictions buried in the fine print. It’s wild how some communities will tout low dues, but then hit you with a special assessment for a new pool or roof repairs.

On the property tax front, New Braunfels and Schertz are solid picks, but I’d add Cibolo and Seguin to the watchlist too. They’re close enough to San Antonio for commuting, but sometimes the taxes and insurance are a bit less brutal. Just depends on the neighborhood and school district.

One thing I always tell folks: don’t just look at the monthly payment. Ask for a breakdown of last year’s tax bill and insurance premium, and check if there were any special assessments in the past five years. If the HOA can’t answer those questions clearly, that’s a red flag. Sometimes it feels like you need a detective’s hat to buy a house around here... but it’s worth it in the end.

Sometimes it feels like you need a detective’s hat to buy a house around here... but it’s worth it in the end.

That’s the truth. I’m smack in the middle of refinancing, and even though I’ve owned for years, I’m still finding random line items that make me shake my head. Last year our HOA tried to sneak in a “community beautification” fee - basically just a fancy name for repainting the entrance sign. If I hadn’t asked, I’d have just paid it without realizing.

Cibolo and Seguin are decent calls, but I’d push back a bit on Seguin - property taxes there can creep up depending on the school district, and insurance is edging higher with all the weather stuff lately. Are y’all seeing that too, or is it just my luck?

One thing I wish someone had told me before buying: check not just for past assessments, but also upcoming projects that haven’t been funded yet. That’s where they get you. Anyone else run into “pending” expenses that weren’t obvious at closing?

One thing I wish someone had told me before buying: check not just for past assessments, but also upcoming projects that haven’t been funded yet. That’s where they get you.

That’s spot on. I’ve seen buyers blindsided by “pending” HOA projects more than once - especially new developments where the budget’s a moving target. Have you ever tried to get a straight answer from an HOA board about future plans? It’s like pulling teeth. Curious, did your lender flag any of those fees during your refi process, or did you have to dig them up yourself?