If you’re looking for a community where you can let your kids explore and have more freedom without having to worry, look no further than Meyer Ranch in New Braunfels. The city has recently been recognized as one of the Top U.S. Towns for Raising “Free-Range” Kids, standing out for its unique blend of community and nature. 

Motion shot of three kids competing with cycles outdoors.

“Free-range kids” refers to a parenting style which promotes independence by giving children more freedom while maintaining safe boundaries. This can vary from walking to school to playing outside without constant supervision. This parenting style creates a strong sense of exploration and has a goal of building confidence and self-reliance. If you remember riding bikes around the neighborhood until dark and want that nature-filled childhood for your children, Meyer Ranch is here to make that happen. 

Meyer Ranch Amenities 

Life at Meyer Ranch is not just about your home. Thoughtfully designed to connect residents with nature, Meyer Ranch offers the perfect place for your kids to explore freely and safely. Parents can trust their kids are safe and sound riding bikes around the neighborhood or enjoying any of the Meyer Ranch amenities. 

Exterior image of The Hall, amenity center for Meyer Ranch.

Community Green
Parents can enjoy an evening concert at the Community Green event lawn while kids make friends at the playground close by. With monthly events for all residents, children always have something fun to do. 

The Haus
If your kids are tired of being indoors, The Haus provides plenty of outdoor activities. From the resort-style swimming pool to the splash pad, your kids have plenty of options for water activities. The Haus also features plenty of green spaces for kids to make their own games, or enjoy the playground with slides and swings. 

Green Spaces & Trail System
Here, your kid’s imagination can run wild. The Meyer Ranch trail system is not just perfect for an afternoon walk but also for your kids to run bikes or practice their track star dreams. With trails going from one side of Meyer Ranch to the other, there is plenty to explore, all without having to leave Meyer Ranch. 

Meyer Ranch trail.

The Heimer House
One of Meyer Ranch’s newest amenities, The Heimer House, offers a glimpse of the Meyer Ranch history while becoming a gathering place for residents. Offering plenty of Hill Country landscaping, your kids can relax on the benches or in the shaded areas to read a book or enjoy a picnic. 

Note: Families and children must follow all community rules when using amenities. 

Comal ISD 

Comal ISD’s mission is to enrich learning and expand educational opportunities so all students can excel, and the district has been working hard to make that happen. Comal ISD has recently completed playground updates for 18 elementary schools, including Bill Brown Elementary. This ensures your children have a safe and upgraded playground to explore and learn physical and social skills.

In September, the Comal ISD theatre arts program won a 2025 Exemplary Award of Distinction Program by the Texas Educational Theatre Association (TxETA). This award highlights districts who go above and beyond and demonstrate commitment to fostering theatre education. 

Promoting “free-range” parenting, Comal ISD Board of Trustees has approved the purchase of a property within Meyer Ranch for a new elementary school. This will be the first on-site school, allowing kids the freedom to walk to class with friends from the neighborhood. Stay tuned for more details coming soon. 

Shot of an unrecognizable group of children sitting in their school classroom and raising their hands to answer a question

Located within Comal Independent School District, children living at Meyer Ranch have easy access to quality schools with outstanding academic curriculums, competitive athletic programs, and comprehensive extracurricular activities. 

Schools in Meyer Ranch

Bill Brown Elementary School
Serving grades PK through 5, Bill Brown Elementary School serves around 700 students with a student teacher ratio of 16:1. Special programs offered at the school include chess, art, and strings.

Smithson Valley Middle School
Named after Benjamin Smithson, one of the first Texas Rangers, Smithson Valley Middle School serves grades 6 through 8. Programs include golf, track and field, baseball, and football. This campus has also been recognized as one of the most beautiful campus sites in the state, with views of the hills and valleys.

Smithson Valley High School
A 5-A campus located in Spring Branch, Smithson Valley High offers three graduation plans including Dual Credit courses, Pre-AP and AP classes. Students also have access to Comal ISD’s Career and Technical Education programs. Serving approximately 2,250 students with a student/teacher ratio of 18:1, Smithson Valley High prepares students for life after high school. 

Visit Us Today 

If you’re ready to learn more about all that Meyer Ranch has to offer, contact us today to schedule a personalized tour of the community. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Crown Community Development

Crown Community Development was founded on the same premise of excellence that began with Henry Crown, one of Chicago's most notable civic leaders of the 20th century. Learn more about Crown Community Development here.