KENDALL COUNTY
County Offices
201 E. San Antonio Avenue
Boerne 830-249-9343
http://www.co.kendall.tx.us/
Chamber of Commerce
121 S. Main
Boerne 830-249-8000
https://boerne.org/
Kendall County known for its lush farm land and gorgeous hill country scenery. It is named for George Wilkins Kendall, a journalist and Mexican-American War correspondent. The county is home to more than 38,000 residents. Boerne, the county seat and largest city, has a population of 12,314. Kendall County is about 30 miles northwest of San Antonio on IH-10. The only incorporated cities in the County are Boerne, and Fair Oaks Ranch. The balance of the communities in the county are unincorporated and primarily rural areas. These consist of Alamo Springs, Bergheim, Comfort, Kendalia, Sisterdale, Waring, and Welfare. In addition Kendall cCounty is home to several unique and historic ghost towns.
Lifestyle
The county is primarily a rural county with a strong history in ranching. Its earliest settlers were german immigrants, as with a large part of the area. Kendall County retains much of its German heritage, this is reflected in the last names of many of its residents, as well as in the atmosphere of its communities. Residents enjoy celebrating their local history, holding the annual Abendskanzart summer evening concert series, the Berges Fest in June, and the Kendall County Fair on Labor Day weekend. These events, in addition to the Guadalupe River State Park, the local rivers and natural beauty, attract many visitors to the area and provide the county with a very robust tourist industry. The county offers residents a chance to enjoy a rural community lifestyle, with all of the amenities that they could need. Local cities and communities offer a chance for those seeking a sense of neighborhood to settle in a community that is centered on preserving its past, while embracing the future.
Services
Comprehensive health care services are available in Kendall County. It was, in fact, the weather that brought early settlers and visitors to Boerne in search of better health. Boerne is home to dozens of primary and specialty care physicians, clinics and diagnostic laboratories. The city also has dentists who offer treatment in the areas of family, pediatric, orthodontic, periodontal, and cosmetic dentistry. A variety of health care alternatives are available including chiropractic, acupuncture and more. Kendall County emergency medical service (EMS) is currently staffed by full-time and part time employees to help cover the county’s EMS needs. Methodist Healthcare offers a 24/7 freestanding Emergency Department. The Emergency Department offers a higher level of emergency care with a broad depth of resources of an acute care hospital for long-term illness or serious injury. And of course all of the medical facilities of San Antonio are not far from home either.
This supportive Boerne community places a high priority on education, reflected in the reputation for excellence that Boerne ISD has built and sustained through the years. Boerne ISD has an enrollment of over 8,600 students who attend class at five elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools and an alternative campus. Boerne ISD is one of the fastest growing school districts in Texas. With more than 1,000 faculty and staff, Boerne ISD is the largest employer in the community. Local teachers are dedicated professionals whose commitment to excellence is recognized consistently on regional, state and national levels.
Boerne
City Offices
402 E. Blanco
Boerne 830-249-9511
www.ci.boerne.tx.us
Chamber of Commerce
830-249-8000
https://boerne.org/
Boerne (pronounced “Bernie”) is only minutes north of San Antonio, via Interstate 10. Boerne is a popular place for residents and visitors to scavenge for antiques, view historic buildings, and relax in a small town. Boerne is home to more than 12,000 resident who enjoy an enviable lifestyle. With Boerne’s central location, it is an ideal destination. Boerne is a convenient drive from several major Texas cities such as San Antonio, Austin, Houston and Dallas via interstate or scenic back roads. The back roads are especially lovely in the spring when wildflowers bloom.
German immigrants first settled this area near Cibolo Creek over 150 years ago. These historic beginnings are evident in the stone buildings, gabled roofs, outside stairways and side yard gardens. There are more than 140 historic buildings in the city that still stand today. A stroll down the main street through Boerne’s historic district offers a world of specialty shops including great antiques, fine home accessories, unique gift items, trendy boutiques, jewelry and art galleries. Locals enjoy catching up with each other at one of the local coffee shops, bakery or wine bar, there is something for every taste in the city. Boerne’s Hill Country Mile is a stretch along Main Street of locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants right through the historic heart of downtown Boerne. Shoppers along the Hill Country Mile will find everything from on-trend boutique clothing and home décor to treasured antique pieces. Dining is an experience time-tested recipes and down home cooking along with modern Hill Country fare and wine selections. The Hill Country Mile, spanning north from the Patrick Heath Public Library to Oak Park Drive on the south.
For those looking to the great outdoors, Cibolo Creek flows through downtown Boerne and continues on to the nationally recognized Cibolo Nature Center. Hiking trails and a boardwalk allow residents and visitors to explore 100 acres with four distinct ecosystems – grassland, marshland, woodland and river bottom. Year-round parades, festivals and cultural events fill the calendar in the city. The Kendall County Fair, Chocolate Walk, Berges Fest, Wings Over Boerne, Parade of Artists, Cibolo Songs & Stories, Harvest Moon Celebration, Abendkonzerte, Weihnachts Fest, Dickens on Main, Boerne Market Days and the Key to the Hills Rod Run are some of the activities that draw people from all over the region. Housing choices abound with choices that range from historic properties right through to brand new sub-divisions. Boerne really is a fantastic community to call home.
Fair Oaks Ranch
City Offices
210-698-0900
http://fairoaksranchtx.org
Fair Oaks Ranch is located in three different counties of Texas: Bexar County, Kendall County and Comal County. The city is home to approximately 5,000 residents. It is located about 22 miles from San Antonio and is close to several small communities in the area. Fair Oaks Ranch was originally a 5,000 acre cattle ranch, founded in the 1930’s by Ralph E. Fair. In the late 60’s through the 1970’s the ranch began to be developed into a community, which was ultimately incorporated into the quiet community that it is today. As with many small communities of this type – residents enjoy a peaceful community with many amenities designed to make being at home more enjoyable. Shopping, recreation, dining and adventure are all available close to home with San Antonio a short drive away. Education is supported in the community by the Borne Independent School district in Kendall County. While predominately a residential area, the economy of Fair Oaks Ranch is supported by education, health and social services along with finance, insurance, real estate and rental and leasing industries. A smaller percentage of the economy is supported by professional, scientific, management, administrative and waste management services. This is a community that welcomes new residents with open arms and offers a great quality of life.
Comfort
Chamber of Commerce
830-995-3131
https://www.comfortchamber.com/
Comfort is located between Fredericksburg, Boerne, and Kerrville, and is only a few minutes from San Antonio. Comfort is considered a census designated place, so it does not have a city or town government. It is, however, home to more than 3200 residents. It is a very popular area with residents and visitors who enjoy the great outdoors. Comfort offers camping, fishing, and swimming during the summer months, and hunting is very popular during the colder months of fall and winter. The downtown area is possibly one of the most well-preserved historic business districts in Texas. There are well over 100 structures in the area dating back to the 19th century, and seven of them were designed by the noted architect Alfred Giles. Mr. Giles lived in San Antonio, and he would ride horses, the stagecoach, and later the train to check his building sites in Comfort. Much of the original townsite is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The city is also known for its antique shopping, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and the local winery. Comfort is home to Flat Rock Ranch which has mountain biking and the Buckhorn Golf Course. The area is home to one of the 22 Texas Hill Country wineries. One of Comfort’s most popular events is their Scarecrow Invasion, which is from October 15th to October 31st. During this time scarecrows of all sorts fill the yards of residents and businesses. Some of these scarecrows feature nursery rhymes and other popular themes. The community also has several other popular events throughout the year including; Christmas in Comfort and the Fourth of July Parade. Comfort has something for everyone all wrapped up in a small-town community feel.
