Solid, Established 55+ Community Outside San Antonio, Texas Offers Surprisingly Affordable Homes

HTML clipboardHTML clipboardCibolo (population 3,500) is an affluent bedroom community on the outskirts of San Antonio, Texas.  Originally home to Apache and Comanche Native Americans and later settled by German immigrants, the town did not see much growth until the 1980s when San Antonio began to expand.   Today, Cibolo is the site of Scenic Hills, a gated 55+ community with affordable single family homes. 

Established in the mid-1980s, Scenic Hills has roughly 250 homes, each on a large lot with mature landscaping and nicely manicured lawns.  Each residence is single-story, brick and unique so there is no cookie-cutter feeling here.  All homes have attached garages. Prices are very reasonable, and of current homes for sale, prices start in the low-$100,000s for 1,600+ sq. ft., two to three bedrooms, and one bath and top out at $198,000 for 2,323 sq. ft., three bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths.  There are a couple of homes for sale in the $50,000-$70,000 range, but these need some work.  Currently, two rental homes are for lease for $1,050 to $1,150 per month, and others will most likely come available throughout the year.  Community HOA dues average $250 per month. 

This is a clean, well-maintained development with wide streets and professionally maintained green spaces.   The 13,000 sq. ft. Lodge is the social hub of the community and is where residents enjoy swimming, tennis and many activities including socials, Bible study, card games, potlucks, dances and art classes.  There is no golf course on site, but Scenic Hills is adjacent to an 18-hole, 72-par public golf course.  Secure, lighted  RV and boat storage is included in the HOA fee.  The community has a guard on duty 24/7 and has roving night time patrols. 

Military installations, medical facilities, restaurants, shopping and pharmacies are all nearby.  And northeast of Cibolo is New Braunfels, a town with a lot of German heritage, fun antique shops and river recreation.  Not to be missed is its annual 10 day Wurstfest, Texas' take on Octoberfest.  Just beyond New Braunfels is the beginning of Texas Hill Country, a region of rugged, rolling hills.

It gets hot here with summer temperatures reaching into the 90s.  Winters are mild with temperatures in the 40s, 50s and 60s.  Humidity averages between 60% and 80%, and the area receives 2 to 5 inches of precipitation per month, virtually none of it snow.  The sun shines 50% to 70% of the time.