About Fredericksburg

The beautiful rolling hills and pleasant weather coupled with the comfort of a small, yet progressive town have created a magnet for people of all ages – from the retiree to the young couple desiring to raise their children in a safe, wholesome environment. First time visitors to the Texas Hill Country are impressed with the scenic hills, clear running creeks and the warm and friendly people. At over 1700’ above sea level, Fredericksburg (pop.9,667) and Gillespie County (pop.21,784) offer crisp, clear skies and moderate temperatures and humidity. Gillespie County’s low crime rate, low taxes, central Texas location and its proximity to both Austin and San Antonio, all make it an ideal location in which to live and do business. It is no wonder that Fredericksburg is frequently cited as one of the very best places to live in all of small town America.

Healthcare

Fredericksburg is rapidly growing into a center for healthcare related industries. Hill Country Memorial Hospital (HCMH) serves Gillespie County and seven surrounding counties. HCMH has more than 130 physicians on staff representing over 30 medical specialties. The Hill Country Memorial Health System is Gillespie County’s largest employer and attracts the area’s greatest volunteer effort. Solucient, a leading source of healthcare business information, has named HCMH to its list of 100 Top Hospitals in the nation based on performance in the areas of clinical excellence, operating efficiency/financial health and responsiveness to the community. A 14,000 square foot Women's Pavilion birthing center opened in 2003, and the 10-bed, state-of-the-art Don and Julie Holden Intensive Care Unit opened in June 2006. The hospital’s leading-edge radiology department offers x-ray, mammograms, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, CT scans, MRIs and heart catheterizations. Gillespie County also offers many other health related services including nursing and rehabilitation centers, fitness and health clubs, spas and assisted living facilities.

Education

Fredericksburg and Gillespie County offer a wide range of excellent public and private educational opportunities for you and your family – from pre-K to graduate degrees to community education for the lifelong learner. Special programs are available at public school campuses that include Special Education, Bilingual, Title I, and Advanced/ Gifted/Talented instruction. Gillespie County students are continually recognized as National Merit Scholar finalists and semi-finalists. Austin Community College (ACC) offers dual credit courses and core curriculum for students seeking a college degree and LVN, RN, and ADN nursing programs. Texas Tech University (TTU) at Fredericksburg, a recognized higher education teaching site, offers upper division undergraduate courses leading to a Bachelor of General Studies and graduate degree programs in Educational Leadership. The School of Nursing at TTU Health Science Center offers online undergraduate and graduate degree programs in nursing. Planning is underway for a dedicated academic facility to house these programs.

Dining

Fredericksburg has an amazing array of restaurants from biergarten casual to fine dining and gourmet cuisine. Enjoy authentic German fare or regional favorites like Tex-Mex and barbecue. From bistros specializing in wines, to dinner and drinks while betting on the ponies, the cuisine of Fredericksburg is part of your cultural experience in the heart of the Texas Hill Country!

Shopping

With over 150 shops, galleries, boutiques and emporiums, shopping remains one of the primary reasons visitors come to Fredericksburg. Many of the shops are concentrated on or near Main Street. However, other shopping opportunities can be discovered around every corner in town and along major highways leading into Fredericksburg. From antiques to wines, Fredericksburg is your Hill Country shopping paradise.

How's the Weather?

Fredericksburg and Gillespie County are in the heart of the Texas Hill Country that enjoys abundant sunshine and mild winters. Gillespie County boundaries include approximately 1,055 miles and 675,200 acres. Elevations range from 1,100 to 2,250 feet above sea level with the higher elevation bringing County residents cooler summer nights. The County is primarily plateaus and hills covered with cedar, oaks and other timber with the landscape broken by the spring-fed Pedernales River. There are 57 types of soils ranging from shallow soil to deep sand with 573,000 acres used for agriculture and 82 percent of that dedicated to rangeland. The winters are mild with the average January maximum temperature 60 degrees Fahrenheit while the average daily August temperature is 95 degrees. The annual average rainfall in Gillespie County is 28 inches. The humidity is moderate throughout the year, and prevailing winds are southerly with smog relatively unknown.

Bear Valley Ranch is a proud member of the
Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce.