There are so many great places to live in San Antonio that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Kuper Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.

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“I'm a country girl at heart,” says real estate agent Kathy Bearden. “Most people don’t know that beneath my country exterior lies a fervent passion for fashion, where I weave together textures and colors and objects to express my unique style. Amidst the glitz and glamour of entertainment there’s a quieter joy found in the presence of horses, their majestic grace a testament to the beauty of nature. I find solace in the company of livestock, rustic farms, and ranches. Amidst it all, furry friends hold a special place in my heart, their unwavering companionship a source of comfort and joy in every adventure."

It’s one of the reasons she has been living and working in New Braunfels’ Gruene Historic District for more than 27 years. “The views of the rolling hills, lush landscapes, and scenic vistas still take my breath away,” she says.

Located about an hour outside of Austin in the Hill Country, the German-Texas town was originally settled in 1872 and boasts a hearty blend of history, culture, wine and food, music, shopping, and more — in addition to its great outdoors. Gruene also has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that instantly touched Kathy’s heart.

She is deeply involved in the local community, where she volunteers for various groups and serves as a lifetime member and ambassador for the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Rotary Club of New Braunfels.

Kathy offered up some of her personal favorites about life in Gruene. Here's her guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
“Eating in this area is a delightful experience with a range of options,” says Kathy. Among her top picks is the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, which is located in a historic 1878 cotton gin overlooking the Guadalupe River.

For a great margarita and authentic Mexican flavors to match, she heads to La Cosecha Mexican Table or Las Fontanas Kitchen.

Other favorites include Huisache Grill, a charming bistro, and Mozie’s; it’s a casual bar with the best sliders around.

Where to play
“Water recreation!” says Kathy. “The city is known for its two major rivers — the Guadalupe and the Comal — and you can enjoy tubing, kayaking, canoeing, or simply relaxing.”

She also points out that the world-famous Schlitterbahn Waterpark is nearby. It’s a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers with a range of water rides, slides, and lazy rivers for a full day of splashing around.

What to see
“Because Gruene has such a rich history, there are so many well-preserved, 19th-century buildings in the area to see,” says Kathy. But Gruene Hall is at the top of her list. It is Texas’ oldest continuously operating dancehall and was originally built in 1878. There’s a show almost every single night there, and for Kathy, who used to have her own band, it's the perfect place to sing along to country music.

Where to live
“This area offers a range of housing styles, including traditional, one-story ranch homes that often include a covered front porch and Hill Country homes that incorporate natural materials like stone and wood, metal roofs, and large windows to take in the views,” says Kathy. “You’ll also find modern and contemporary homes with clean lines, open floorplans, large expanses of glass, sleek finishes, and innovative design elements.”

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Kathy Bearden works and plays in Gruene, New Braunfels, and the Hill Country. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email kathy.bearden@kupersir.com, or call 830-708-4500.