Making the Move: Why Texas Offers Families More Space, Affordability, and Community

Introduction

After nearly 40 years in the high-tech industry and 30 years in Silicon Valley, my wife and I decided it was time to leave Los Gatos, California, and make a new start in Boerne, Texas. Although Los Gatos is nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where we once believed we’d give our sons the best chance at a quality education and an ideal lifestyle, we gradually realized that wasn’t our reality. California’s housing market had us in a home that didn’t meet our needs, but moving to a more suitable property was financially out of reach. The pandemic revealed even more when we saw firsthand the true state of our school system, learning our son’s Spanish teacher was instructing students to use “Google Translate.” That was the “straw that broke the camel’s back,” finally spurring us to make the move.

We were fed up with the rising crime, high taxes, costly real estate, and frustrating policies of Silicon Valley. Boerne, Texas, offered a real alternative. To show what’s possible here, I’d like to compare three properties, two real and one hypothetical, that demonstrate the dramatic differences in what families get for their money in Texas.

**Click on the image to see it’s Zillow listing.**

House One: The California Option

House One, located at 126 Calle Estoria in Los Gatos, CA, sold recently for a jaw-dropping $1.9 million. Built in 1962, this small home offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a compact 1,076 square feet of living space. The lot itself is just 8,500 square feet, and with its older style and lack of updates, it feels like a relic compared to the spacious and modern homes you’d expect at this price point.

Financial Overview for House One:

Purchase Price: $1,900,000
Monthly Payment (PITI): $5,733.26
Required Household Income: $229,330
Annual Property Tax: $23,750
Annual Homeowner’s Insurance: $7,125

For this considerable financial commitment, what the buyer receives is extremely limited: a small, outdated home on a modest lot, with a hefty price tag that reflects the exclusivity of the area rather than the home’s true value. This example shows how California families are paying premium prices without getting premium benefits—a major factor behind many Californians’ decision to leave.

House Two: The Texas Equivalent – A World of Difference

The second property, at 315 Upper Balcones Rd in Boerne, TX, demonstrates what the same $1.9 million can buy in Texas. This three-bedroom, three-bathroom home built in 2016 is a spacious 3,183 square feet, and it sits on an expansive 11.62-acre lot. For the same down payment and mortgage amount as House One, the difference in value is astounding.

Financial Overview for House Two (Theoretical):

List Price: $1,900,000
Monthly Payment (PITI): $6,676.39
Required Household Income: $267,056
Annual Property Tax: $35,392.50
Annual Homeowner’s Insurance: $6,800

With the same financial input, this Boerne home provides a level of space and privacy unimaginable in Silicon Valley. The difference isn’t just about square footage; it’s about lifestyle. Here, families have the freedom to enjoy expansive land, room for outdoor activities, and the peace of a larger property, all while being part of a welcoming community with a reputable school district. Boerne’s schools have gained such popularity that enrollment has grown by about 500 students per year over the past few years, a testament to the area’s commitment to quality education—a sharp contrast to our experience in Los Gatos.

House Three: Affordability in Texas Without Sacrifice

For those who want even more affordability, House Three offers a compelling example. This theoretical comparison uses only 20% of the mortgage amount for House One as the loan amount, showing what a lower-cost property can provide. Located at 25618 Presidio Alley in Boerne, this home was priced at $350,000 and features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and 2,196 square feet of living space on a 5,401-square-foot lot.

Financial Overview for House Three (Theoretical Example):

List Price: $350,000
Monthly Payment (PITI): $2,452.41
Required Household Income: $98,096
Annual Property Tax: $4,497.50
Annual Homeowner’s Insurance: $3,694

For a fraction of the cost of House One, House Three provides all the essentials and more: comfortable living in a spacious, modern home with access to top-notch schools. This home is the kind of property that would be unattainable in Silicon Valley for a similar price.

The Journey to a Better Life

Our move from Los Gatos to Boerne wasn’t just about finding a house; it was about finding a better quality of life. The transition allowed us to trade cramped quarters and financial strain for a spacious, affordable home in a community that values education and family. After making this move, I left high-tech and became a Realtor, helping others who are looking to find a better life for their families too.

For those feeling priced out of California or worn down by the state’s high costs, Texas offers a refreshing alternative. Boerne, in particular, gives families access to larger, newer homes, expansive land, and quality schools without the high price tag. Whether looking for space, affordability, or simply a chance to build a life with fewer compromises, Texas proves to be a place where real value—and real community—are still within reach.

Is Texas Hill Country the right place for you?

Between 2018 and 2023 over 3,500,000 people left California, my wife and me. If you are looking for a place to raise your family in a nice neighborhood, with good schools and nice homes, get in touch with me. I’ll try to give you the information you need to determine if this is the right place for you.