10 Best Places to Build a Home in Texas Hill Country

There’s no shortage of amazing places to build a custom home in the Texas Hill Country. Do you choose a charming small-town vibe, a lakeside escape, or city life?

Every corner of the Hill Country has its own unique personality. In this guide, we’re focusing on the Northern San Antonio area, where peaceful landscapes meet modern convenience.

If you're looking for the best place to put down roots in Hill Country, this is a great place to start.

The Best Places to Live in Texas Hill Country

You're looking for the perfect spot to call home and you want to get it right. We get it.

Read through our list of the top places to build your custom home and imagine yourself in each location. From the countryside to city-living, your ideal locale is waiting.

1. Spring Branch 

Spring Branch has that “you just know” feeling. It’s one of the best places to live in Texas Hill Country for anyone craving wide-open space and a little more breathing room—without sacrificing the conveniences of nearby city life.

The pace is slower here, but everything you need is just a short drive away. Great schools, scenic backroads, and plenty of room to build the kind of home that actually fits your life. It’s quiet, it’s peaceful, and it’s full of possibility.

Spring Branch-inspired custom home features:

• Drop zone and mudroom with built-in storage (perfect for boots, backpacks, and muddy pups)

• Covered outdoor kitchen and patio for evening grilling under the stars

• Detached garage with workshop space for weekend projects or extra toys

• Vaulted ceilings and large windows to soak in the views and natural light

2. Bulverde

Bulverde is the kind of place where people wave when they pass your driveway—and mean it. Surrounded by natural beauty and tucked along Cibolo Creek, it’s ideal for families looking to slow down and really enjoy life.

You’re close to San Antonio and New Braunfels but far enough to feel the peace and quiet that makes Hill Country living so special. With a strong sense of community and plenty of land to stretch out, it’s no wonder Bulverde is a top pick for building a home.

Ideal finishes and features for a Bulverde custom home:

• Wraparound porch for soaking in sunset views and greeting guests

• Spacious kitchen with a walk-in pantry and oversized island for hosting

• Outdoor living space with a stone fireplace and room for games and gatherings

• Nature-inspired materials like wood, limestone, and metal roofing to reflect the surroundings

3. New Braunfels

New Braunfels blends small-town charm with big Texas energy.

Located right between Austin and San Antonio, it’s an ideal spot for families who want adventure, culture, and convenience all in one place. From lazy river floats to days at Schlitterbahn, life here feels like summer never really ends. It’s also full of rich German heritage, historic neighborhoods, and great schools—plus, there’s no shortage of land for your custom home.

If you're dreaming of a forever home that keeps things fun and family-focused, New Braunfels checks all the boxes.

Smart features to consider:

• An oversized mudroom with built-in storage and a dog wash station

• Outdoor living space with a built-in grill and lounge area for weekend BBQs

• A media room or game room to keep kids (and grownups) entertained

• Durable flooring for sandy feet and poolside traffic

4. San Antonio

San Antonio brings the best of both worlds—Hill Country beauty and big-city soul. If you’re after rich culture, great food, historic charm, and lively neighborhoods, this city has it all.

It’s vibrant, welcoming, and surprisingly spacious, with room to build your dream home and grow into it. Whether you’re raising a family or settling into a new season of life, San Antonio makes it easy to feel right at home.

San Antonio must-haves for your custom build:

• Gourmet kitchen with double ovens and oversized island for entertaining

• Media room or game room for family fun and movie nights

• Indoor-outdoor living space that blends seamlessly with your backyard

• Smart home upgrades and energy-efficient features to keep things easy and modern

5. Boerne

Boerne has that just-right mix of peaceful, artsy, and outdoorsy. It's the kind of place where weekends mean farmers markets, creekside strolls, and live music downtown. There’s a strong sense of community here, with a neighborly feel and space to build a home that reflects your family’s rhythm.

No matter if you're into hiking trails, boutique shopping, or sipping wine at a local vineyard, Boerne is a slice of Texas Hill Country you’ll want to put roots down in. It's not just a place to live—it's a lifestyle you’ll love.

Perfect home additions for Boerne living:

• A quiet home office with plenty of natural light

• A covered patio with a fireplace for year-round outdoor enjoyment

• A climate-controlled wine room (because Boerne’s wineries will inspire you!)

• An art or craft studio space to tap into the creative vibe

6. Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake is where everyday life starts to feel a lot more like vacation. Known for its sparkling water, sweeping views, and peaceful pace, it’s a favorite spot for folks who love nature but still want comfort and connection.

Build your custom home here and enjoy quick access to boating, paddleboarding, hiking, and stargazing—plus, you’re never far from dining and shopping in nearby New Braunfels or Spring Branch. It’s lake life, elevated.

Custom home features perfect for Canyon Lake living:

• Expansive decks and floor-to-ceiling windows to take in those lake views

• Outdoor shower and mudroom for rinsing off after a swim or hike

• Boat garage or gear storage area for lake day essentials

• Breezy open-concept living for easy entertaining year-round

7. River Crossing

River Crossing brings that blend of nature and refinement that’s hard to find.

This peaceful golf course community in Spring Branch offers wide-open views, mature trees, and a slower pace—with a neighborly feel and a little extra elbow room. If you love the sound of birds in the morning and a sunset stroll after dinner, you’ll feel right at home here.

With Hill Haven Homes, you can design a custom home that fits your lifestyle—laid-back, luxe, and totally you.

River Crossing custom home ideas:

• Butler’s pantry and wine storage for effortless entertaining

• Covered patio with fireplace and built-in grill for year-round gatherings

• Golf cart garage or workshop for weekend fun

• Spa-worthy primary suite with serene golf course views

8. Fair Oaks Ranch

Fair Oaks Ranch serves up that sweet spot between country calm and modern convenience. Tucked just outside San Antonio, this upscale community offers scenic beauty, golf course living, and plenty of space to build something truly special.

It’s a neighborhood where neighbors become friends, weekends are for winding down, and your custom home can reflect the way you really want to live—stylish, comfortable, and built for connection.

Ideal custom home features for Fair Oaks Ranch:

• Large covered porches for morning coffee and sunset views

• Chef’s kitchen with open dining for family-style entertaining

• Three-car garage with extra storage for golf carts and gear

• Cozy library or study for quiet moments at home

9. Timberwood Park

Timberwood Park is the kind of place that makes you take a deep breath the minute you arrive. It feels like a hill country hideaway—but you’re still close to the city when you need it. With spacious wooded lots, a community-stocked lake, and neighborhood events that bring everyone together, it's the perfect place to build a home that’s equal parts peaceful and practical.

If you're looking for more space to live, grow, and gather, this could be the place for you.

Custom home ideas perfect for Timberwood Park:

• Mudroom with built-in storage and a dog-washing station for outdoor lovers

• Detached workshop or casita for hobbies or guests

• Wraparound porch to take in the scenery and greet the neighbors

• Vaulted ceilings and large windows to let the outdoors in

10. Garden Ridge

Garden Ridge is a hidden gem that feels like its own little world—tucked away just northeast of San Antonio, but close enough to everything you need.

It’s known for its spacious lots, peaceful atmosphere, and that “can’t-put-your-finger-on-it” charm that makes you feel instantly at home. If you’re dreaming of building a custom home in a place where quiet mornings, starry nights, and friendly neighbors are the norm, Garden Ridge delivers.

Great custom home ideas for Garden Ridge:

• Circular driveway with a welcoming entry and native landscaping

• Spacious back porch with an outdoor fireplace for cozy evenings

• Smart-home integration to keep things running smoothly

• Bonus room or guest suite for visiting friends or family

How to Find the Right Custom Home Builder in the Texas Hill Country

Choosing the right builder is one of the biggest steps you’ll take in your custom home journey. Sure, you're picking someone to build a house, but you’re also choosing a team to help shape your future.

Here’s how to make sure you feel confident every step of the way.

Check Out Portfolios

Start by browsing through builder portfolios like you’re flipping through a favorite home magazine—except this one can actually become your reality.

Look for a wide variety of styles, thoughtful layouts, and craftsmanship that feel timeless and elevated. Bonus points if you see projects that reflect your own vision! A good builder’s portfolio will show off more than just pretty finishes—it’ll prove they can bring ideas to life with care and consistency.

Read Lots of Reviews

We know… scrolling through reviews isn’t glamorous—but it’s gold. Look beyond the five-star ratings and dig into the actual experiences homeowners share.

Are people consistently happy with communication, timelines, budget transparency, and attention to detail? Look for patterns. Happy clients will give you confidence.

And if something went sideways, a great builder’s response will tell you just as much as the praise.

Prepare for Consultations

Once you’ve narrowed down your top choices, schedule consultations—and come prepared! This is your chance to ask real questions, get a feel for their process, and see how well your personalities and expectations align.

Great builders don’t just answer your questions—they ask their own to make sure they’re the right fit for you, too.

Here are a few smart questions to bring to your meeting:

• Can you walk me through your design-build process from start to finish?

• How do you help clients manage budgets during the design phase?

• What types of challenges do you foresee with my lot, wish list, or timeline?

• How often will we communicate during the project?

• Who will be my main point of contact throughout the build?

• How do you handle unexpected issues or change orders?

• Can you share a recent client story or reference I can contact?

Let's Chat!

Feeling inspired yet? We sure are!

No matter what location you choose, Hill Haven Homes would be honored to build your new custom home!

Using our experience and your vision, your new home will not only look luxurious but be custom-built to your liking. If you’re not sure where to begin, contact us and we’ll work together! 

Reach out to get started today!