NEW BRAUNFELS – Three years ago, the Mayfair development was little more than a concept, with vast stretches of flat land and a vision for what would become a major new community.

Today, that vision is taking shape, with homes now rising on the site, part of a broader plan to build more than 6,000 homes along with schools, office spaces, and shopping centers to keep pace with the region’s growing population.

Read More: News 4 San Antonio

As fall sets in and another winter fast approaches, your body naturally responds to the changing seasons. You may not hibernate, but millions of years of well-honed instincts tell you to slow down, bulk up, and conserve your energy to better deal with the winter months. In a modern world full of on-demand food and well-heated homes, however, this natural impulse to pack on weight and lounge around is not necessary. For many, it’s completely undesirable.

For those who try to stick to a more structured workout routine, this “winter slump” can be even more noticeable–and even more frustrating. Your muscles may start to feel less responsive as the temperatures dip, and the psychological challenges can be even worse than the physical. As winter rolls around, you may find you’re having a difficult time flipping that adrenaline switch from “blegh” to “beast mode,” even with your heaviest workout playlist going full blast.

Add to these natural responses the temptation of holiday feasts and sweets, and you have a troubling formula for undoing all of last year’s exercise efforts in the span of a few cold months. Thankfully, there are some simple things you can do to keep yourself on track, raise your winter energy levels, and stay feeling great–physically and mentally–throughout the colder months.

3 Tips for Beating the Winter Slump

Overcoming your human nature is not as simple as setting a few phone alarms to remind you that it’s workout time, and there is no secret workout supplement that can completely flip your attitude and make you impervious to the weather at the same time. Even if you thoughtfully implement the following three tips, it will still require dedication and effort on your end, the same as any other worthwhile fitness plan.

It’s impossible to offer a magic solution to the challenges of winter fitness, but you can use these tips to better adjust your fitness routine to the dropping temperatures and gloomier weather. By doing this successfully, you can maintain your momentum, keep the winter weight gain manageable, and go into each day feeling energized, no matter what the forecast has to say about it.

1. Adapt Your Gear (Layer Up!)

Late fall and winter weather around the New Braunfels, TX area isn’t simply chillier but more unpredictable. Here in the heart of Texas, the onset of winter doesn’t mean guaranteed snowstorms, but it can mean that you don’t know whether to plan for 35 degrees or 70 degrees when you leave the house. As temperatures and humidity levels drop, shift, and dance around like the instructor in that jazzercise class you tried once, changing up your workout gear can make a huge difference.

Many people who love outdoor exercise–think running, hiking, team sports, or outdoor strength training–actually prefer the cooler temperatures for high-impact activity. However, the line between “refreshing” and “too cold” can be a very narrow one, especially when you’re in that sweaty, post-workout cooldown phase. Being able to quickly add–or remove–a layer is always a win for active lifestyles, but it becomes even more important in colder temperatures.

Try the following:

• Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away.
• Incorporate a warmer mid-layer, like a fleece vest or lightweight sweatshirt, that can be tied around your waist or stowed in your backpack when not needed.
• Have a windproof outer shell available for days when it’s necessary.
• Keep light gloves, thicker sock options, and a winter hat or headband in your workout bag.

2. Adjust Your Warm-Up Routine

When the temperature goes down, you’ll want to warm yourself up a bit more than usual before you really start working out. In particular, cold weather affects your muscles, making them less flexible and, in turn, more prone to injury. Warming up thoroughly before exercise is always important but becomes absolutely crucial for those colder autumn and winter workouts.

When designing your own winter warm-up routine, consider:

• Start with dynamic, low-impact stretches: arm circles, toe-touches, and other basics can help you get your larger muscle groups loosened up on a cold morning without the risk of straining or shocking them.
• Once you’re starting to feel well-stretched, incorporate some full-body movements with a mild cardio element, like jumping jacks or lunges, as an intermediate warm-up. This continues to stretch and warm your muscles and joints while also increasing blood flow throughout your body.
• Give yourself ample time to warm up, and very gradually increase the intensity of pre-workout stretches and calisthenics (rather than doing a few quick stretches and then jumping right into your main workout).

3. Mix it Up

For some folks, one particularly difficult element of the winter slump is that it can feel never-ending. To overcome this psychological hurdle, try mixing up your workouts with new exercises and experiences. Plan a cross-training style workout with combined indoor and outdoor elements.

If you feel like your workout routine has fallen into an icy rut this winter, try to change it up with:

• Taking Classes – If the cold weather is ruining your exercise routine by making you want to stay inside, head to your gym and sign up for an (indoor) class you’ve never taken before. Trying a whole new type of workout in a structured setting will keep your mind engaged, keep your body warm, and maybe even work some muscle groups you didn’t realize you were neglecting.
• Strength Training – The cold weather can make it hard to get into the proper mindset for long runs and other intense cardio activities. Instead of beating yourself up about this and forcing yourself to complete activities that are uncomfortable and not enjoyable, it’s okay to shift more of your focus to strength training and weightlifting during the colder months. You don’t need to give up cardio completely and start making every day bicep day, but give yourself a little flexibility (and a little change of pace) so that your winter workouts are something you look forward to instead of something you grow to dread.
• Home Workouts – There are a ton of websites, videos, and even whole apps packed with exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home. The at-home workout has truly become a fitness category unto itself. You can find something worthwhile, with minimal equipment required, whether you’re trying to work major muscle groups on a day you can’t get to the gym because of a bad storm, or you just want to get your blood flowing with a 15-minute mini-workout.

Feeling Under the Weather? Try Ours Instead

If you’re really feeling those winter workout blues, have you considered that maybe it’s time to move yourself to a more temperate location? Mayfair is a vibrant and modern residential community in beautiful New Braunfels, TX. We are conveniently located near some of the state’s best gyms, trails, and parks, and are nestled up against the legendary Texas Hill Country with its many acres of outdoor recreation opportunities. New units are available regularly, so be sure to bookmark the Mayfair website and visit often.

The holiday season is all about joy, warmth, festive get-togethers, and, of course, delicious food. In the spirit of celebrating the festive season by way of our taste buds, the team at Mayfair is delighted to share some of our favorite holiday recipes and local New Braunfels dining and shopping secrets so you can find the perfect ingredient to elevate your holiday feast or a last-minute stocking stuffer for the fellow foodie in your life. 

Sharing food around the holidays is a great way to connect with loved ones and create lasting memories that carry into the new year and beyond. Whether it’s a “Friendsgiving” potluck, a traditional dinner with your extended family, or your neighborhood cookie exchange, preparing and enjoying food as a family or community holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for many people.

Here in New Braunfels, TX, we’re fortunate to have access to so many fresh, local ingredients from farmers’ markets and specialty shops to make our holiday dishes even more special. We are also inspired by the intricately interwoven threads of cultural traditions, from old-world Bavarian sausages to some of the best Tex-Mex we’ve ever tasted to our very own wine and olive oil producers in the adjacent Texas Hill Country.

Join us on this culinary journey through mouth-watering recipes, cherished holiday traditions, and the best New Braunfels has to offer.

The Mayfair Team’s Favorite Holiday Recipes

From our hearts and families to your own, we hope these recipes are gifts that keep giving year after year. Whether you’re looking for feasting staples, unique ideas, or sweet treats, the Mayfair team has got you covered this holiday season.

Green Bean Casserole

Todd Richert, Broker

Let’s start it off with Todd’s perfected version of a must-have Thanksgiving side dish: green bean casserole. Cream of mushroom soup and milk (use whole milk or even whipping cream for maximum thickness) come together to form a rich medium for succulent green beans and crispy onions.

Ingredients: 

• 2 cans of green beans (substitute fresh if desired) 
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup 
• ½ cup milk 
• 1 tsp soy sauce 
• Black pepper as desired 
• 1 1/3 cups french fried onion rings 

Instructions: 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Stir soup mix, soy sauce, milk, black pepper, green beans, and 2/3 of the onion rings together in a 1 ½ quart casserole dish. 
• Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbling. 
• Remove and stir; add the remaining onion rings on top. 
• Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until onions are golden brown.

Butter Bundt Bread

Thad Rutherford, President & CEO

What could be better than a steaming bundt bread fresh from the oven on a holiday morning? Thad’s recipe makes it easy for a busy family to treat themselves on Christmas morning (or any morning) by allowing packaged biscuits to do the heavy lifting.

Ingredients: 

• 1 stick butter 
• 3 packages of Hungry Jack biscuits (10 oz) 

Instructions: 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Melt one stick of butter in a bundt pan. 
• Arrange the biscuits in the pan without separating them. 
• Bake for 25-35 minutes. 
• Use a rack to cool.

Grandma’s Simple Sage Cornbread Stuffing

Terry Ramirez, Vice President of Operations

Real Thanksgiving connoisseurs know that stuffing can make or break a meal. Terry has us covered with this savory classic stuffing.

Ingredients: 

• 6 cups of pre-prepared cornbread, slightly stale/dry and broken into chunks 
• ½ stick of butter 
• 3-4 stalks of celery, chopped 
• 1 large onion, diced 
• 1 cup turkey, chicken, or vegetable stock 

• 2 tablespoons sage (fresh chopped if available, dried if not) 

Instructions: 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Melt your butter in a large skillet, ideally cast iron. 
• Cook onion and celery until they just start to soften and become translucent. 
• Add half of your stock and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, uncovered. 
• Turn off the heat. Stir in the cornbread, sage, and the rest of the stock. 
• Dump the stuffing mix into a baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top layer of stuffing begins to brown and crisp.

Green Stuff Recipe 

Noelle Hemphill, Lifestye Coordinator

This make-ahead recipe from Noelle takes some of the stress out of Thanksgiving day food preparation!

Ingredients:

• 3.4 ounce package instant pistachio pudding mix
• 20 ounce can crushed pineapple 
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup pecans chopped
• 8 ounce container Cool Whip thawed

Instructions:

Start by mixing together the dry pudding mix, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and chopped pecans. 

Next, fold in the thawed Cool Whip until well combined.

Chill overnight and have it ready to serve the next day.

Thanksgiving Dressing

James Tipton, Development Manager

No matter how you lean in the stuffing-dressing debate, James has got you covered with this wonderfully savory Thanksgiving dressing.

Ingredients: 

• 1 bag Pepperidge Farm cornbread stuffing 
• 1 bag Pepperidge Farm herb-seasoned stuffing 
• 1 lb breakfast sausage 
• 1 cup onion, chopped 
• 1 cup celery, chopped 

• 3 eggs 
• ¼ cup butter, melted 
• 4 cups chicken broth 

Instructions: 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Mix stuffing, eggs, and butter. 
• In a skillet, brown the sausage, then add the celery and onion. Cook until translucent. 
• Add the sausage and vegetables to the stuffing mix. 
• Add chicken broth until the stuffing is very moist. 
• Bake for 30 minutes or until fully heated through.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding

Kristi Robinson, Director of Marketing & Community Relations

Bread puddings and pecan-based treats make for hearty, wholesome favorites for many families this time of year, and Kristi’s pumpkin-fueled take maximizes those holiday vibes. This slow cooker recipe allows you to set it and forget it while you work on your wrapping and decorating.

Ingredients: 

• 8 cups stale (or oven-dried) bread, cut into cubes 
• ½ cup toasted pecans, chopped 
• ½ cup cinnamon chips 

• 4 eggs 
• 1 cup canned pumpkin (pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling) 
• 1 cup heavy cream 
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed 
• ½ cup butter, melted 
• 1 tsp vanilla 
• ½ tsp cinnamon 
• ½ tsp nutmeg 
• ¼ tsp ground ginger 
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves 

Instructions: 

• Grease your slow cooker and place your bread cubes, cinnamon chips, and toasted pecans inside. 
• Whisk your eggs with the pumpkin, cream, sugar, butter, and spices. 
• Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes; if necessary, stir very gently to ensure complete coating. 
• Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook on low heat for around 4 hours. 
• Optional: Serve with vanilla ice cream!

Mayfair’s Favorite Holiday Traditions and Decor 

What good is an epic Christmas feast if you don’t have the decor to go with it and great people to join the celebration? The crew at Mayfair also has some thoughts about those all-important holiday aesthetics and the beloved family traditions that stand the test of time: 

• Tree decorating (James Tipton). “Whenever our tree goes up (usually the first week of November), everyone in the house takes turns hanging their personal Christmas ornaments until the tree is full. It’s a simple but fun time to get together and watch that year’s tree come to life.” 
• Advent calendars (Kristi Robinson). “My favorite home decoration is our advent calendar. My mom made it when our daughter was born, and we count down the days until Christmas by pinning fabric items to the holiday scene. As she got older, we started racing to see who could mark the most—it helps my record greatly now that she’s a teenager and sleeps in half the month!” 
• Cut-your-own Christmas tree (Thad Rutherford). “I loved when I used to take the kids to Elgin and cut down a Christmas tree, even in Texas! (Although it was small…)” 
• Christmas morning stockings (Terry Ramirez). “I love having the stockings hanging empty all month long. In our house, Santa fills the stockings, so it’s always a joy to watch the kids (at any age) come down Christmas morning to see their stockings filled.” 
• Christmas light cruise (Todd Richert). “My favorite Christmas tradition is driving around on Christmas Eve looking at Christmas lights, then heading to midnight mass.”
• Hidden Pickle Ornament (Noelle Hemphill). “On Christmas morning, we search for a hidden pickle ornament in the Christmas tree. The first person to find it gets a prize. I believe this is an old German tradition.”

Mayfair’s Favorite Holiday Hotspots for Shopping

New Braunfels’ charming downtown offers a unique opportunity to get out and experience the magic of the holiday season firsthand. Stroll down the beautifully decorated streets, explore one-of-a-kind boutiques, and find local treasures you won’t discover anywhere else. From cozy shops with locally made gifts to specialty stores brimming with festive vibes, holiday shopping in New Braunfels is about the experience as much as it’s about your gift list.

If you still need some gift ideas, these New Braunfels restaurants and gift shops are Holiday game-changers. Here are some of our favorite local shopping (and eating) secrets: 

• Farmer’s Market & 2tarts (James Tipton). “We’re big fans of the farmers market that sets up in the Krause parking lot every Saturday. There are so many different vendors and random things you can buy, from food to houseplants. We are also guaranteed to make our way through 2tarts at least once over the holidays for a fun treat.” 
• The Local & Huisache Grill (Noelle Hemphill). “We love shopping at The Local in New Braunfels for Christmas presents because it offers unique, custom finds while supporting small vendors of New Braunfels. Afterward, we love stopping by Huisache Grill for their tortilla soup, especially on colder days.”
• New Braunfels Smokehouse & Stahlman’s at Bear Creek (Kristi Robinson). “I always stop by New Braunfels Smokehouse during the holidays for Pecan and Raspberry Kringle. They are delicious! Then Stahlman’s at Bear Creek has amazing local jams, jellies, sauces, and even cute fresh holiday décor.” 
• New Braunfels Candle Company. Everyone loves a nice candle for a Christmas present, and you won’t find any finer than the handmade offerings right here in New Braunfels at the New Braunfels Candle Company on Castell Avenue. In addition to some of the highest quality candles in Texas, they also have candle-making classes and a lovely line of bath and body products. 
• New Braunfels Art League. For a truly one-of-a-kind gift, there’s no better source than your friendly local artists—and the New Braunfels Art League has the work of hundreds of them curated in one convenient location for shopping or just a little art appreciation. Put the New Braunfels Art League on your list of destinations for holiday shopping this year, and you’re sure to find something brand new for that person who truly has everything. 

We always love a chance to shout out some of our New Braunfels favorites; our hometown has a vibrant economy, with new businesses trying their hand every year. However, temporary events like art shows and craft fairs also offer unique opportunities for picking up meaningful gifts with local flavor. Sometimes, our favorite shopping experiences in New Braunfels happen when we simply take a walk and see what we can find.

Mayfair – Your Home for the Holidays and New Braunfels Dining

The whole team at Mayfair would like to wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season this year, and we look forward to seeing you in the new year. However you choose to celebrate this time of year with your family and your community, we hope it will involve lots of laughs, hugs, and memories made (plus some great food). For more great tips on New Braunfels living, and to stay up to date on all developments at Mayfair, including new units available, please bookmark our website and visit often.

Mayfair’s development team is dedicated to supporting New Braunfels through partnerships with various local charities and volunteers who are making the city a better place to live and work. The New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce recently recognized this commitment by naming Southstar, developer of Mayfair, as a 2024 NBgives Honoree.

NBgives is an initiative showcasing local businesses making a difference in and around New Braunfels through charitable giving, volunteerism, and community engagement – setting the standard for others to follow. At the 2024 NBgives Awards on Oct. 22, the Chamber celebrated Southstar for its meaningful impact on New Braunfels. As Mayfair becomes a thriving new addition to the city, Southstar’s pledge to community engagement has proven instrumental in fostering local connections and supporting area nonprofits.

The Southstar team, with deep expertise in mixed-use and master-planned communities, brings a visionary approach to Mayfair, a 1,900-acre development taking shape in New Braunfels. The project is designed to offer diverse housing options, extensive public parks, and a lively Midtown Mayfair district for shopping, dining, recreation, and business, making it a unique asset to the region. While Mayfair’s size and design are impressive, its true distinction comes from its active role in the New Braunfels community.

Mayfair has actively supported several local organizations, participating in and sponsoring events with the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (NBEDC), the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, and the Comal Education Foundation, among others. The community’s dedication to environmental conservation is evident in its involvement with projects like the Texas Sponsor a Highway program, where Mayfair sponsors cleanup efforts along I-35.

A standout initiative for Mayfair is its recently introduced Mayfair Promise program, a long-term pledge to make a tangible impact in the New Braunfels community. For every single-family home sold within Mayfair, Southstar has committed to donating $100 to three impactful local nonprofits: the Comal Education Foundation, Headwaters at the Comal, and the New Braunfels Parks Foundation. These donations are projected to reach over $1.6 million throughout the life of the project. The selection of these three charities reflects Mayfair’s core values, supporting quality education, promoting healthy and active lifestyles, and enhancing environmental conservation.

Beyond financial contributions, Mayfair’s design prioritizes public spaces that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. The first public park, Fairway Park, is set to open soon and will feature an 18-hole disc golf course, a bike pump track, trails, and a playscape. Additionally, through partnerships with organizations like the Great Springs Project and Comal Trails Alliance, Mayfair is committed to creating 35 miles of community trails that connect to regional projects promoting health and walkability.

Through its projects and promises, Southstar demonstrates a vision that goes beyond development, fostering a legacy of giving back and building a foundation for a more connected, thriving New Braunfels community. To learn more about the Mayfair Promise, visit our website.

Welcome to Mayfair, New Braunfels’ newest destination for inspired living. Just down the road from the charm of historic Gruene, Mayfair offers beautiful new homes and a lifestyle built around community connection and convenience. Thoughtfully designed parks, scenic trails, and year-round events bring homeowners together, while Midtown Mayfair serves as the heart of it all, offering a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and workplaces.

New homes in Mayfair, starting from the $400s, are designed to fit your lifestyle—and we always have quick move-in options as well as new homes underway to fit your moving timeframe. Click here to explore our inventory and be sure to check out our builders’ year-end promotions to take advantage of great pricing and rate opportunities before 2024 ends!

Coventry Homes

Model Addresses:
322 Cleveland Way
New Braunfels, TX 78130
210-887-8632

350 Cleveland Way
New Braunfels, TX 78130
210-887-8632

Year-End Incentive:2/1 Buydown Program: Coventry will pay to lower your interest rate by 2% the first year and 1% the second year before returning to your fixed rate of 4.99% in year three and beyond. Contact the Coventry team for all the details and restrictions.

Highland Homes

Model Addresses:
346 Cleveland Way
New Braunfels, TX 78130
512-834-8971

310 Cleveland Way
New Braunfels, TX 78130
512-834-8444

Year-End Incentive:Now through December 31,purchase an inventory home in San Antonio and receive $20,000 to lower your interest rate. Learn about all the details and restrictions by contacting the Highland Homes team at Mayfair.

Perry Homes

Model Addresses:

342 Cleveland Way
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830-313-9598

314 Cleveland Way
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830-313-9516

Year-End Incentive:Now through December 31, save up to $30,000 your way – Sales Price Discount or 4.49% Interest Rate / 4.653% APR on 30-Year Fixed Rate or Closing Costs Savings. Contact the Perry Homes team at Mayfair to learn about restrictions.

Toll Brothers

Model Addresses:

338 Cleveland Way
New Braunfels, TX 78130
877-500-0508

318 Cleveland Way
New Braunfels, TX 78130
877-500-0508

Year-End Incentive:50% off up to $50,000 in design options for both collections. For more information and to learn about restrictions, contact Toll Brothers at Mayfair.

Whether you’re ready to move now or prefer a home at an earlier stage of construction, we have options to fit your timeline. Explore Mayfair today and find the perfect home to suit your needs—and don’t forget to ask about our current promotions!

In the heart of New Braunfels, TX, the Mayfair neighborhood stands out as one of the most smartly planned, ambitious, and highly livable residential development projects in recent memory. It’s also noteworthy for its commitment to helping residents achieve more sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyles. From water conservation to energy efficiency, Mayfair has been committed to a reduced environmental footprint (and an increased quality of life for residents) from day one, and it shows.

Mayfair’s residents and neighbors can point proudly to their commitments to water conservation, energy efficiency, sustainable construction practices, and the greater New Braunfels community. From its beautiful outdoor community spaces to its water-saving toilets and financial support of local environmental organizations, Mayfair stands out as one of the “greenest” new residential developments to be found in Texas–or anywhere in the United States.

While each individual person’s relationship with sustainability will look a bit different depending on their personal goals, beliefs, and means, all of Mayfair’s residents are contributing to a more sustainable world simply by living here.

Mayfair’s Green Practices and Features

Making your home at a brand-new Mayfair address can make it easier than ever before for you and your family to live a “greener” and more sustainable lifestyle. Here’s how:

Water Conservation

Water conservation can be a major issue during hot Texas summers, and that’s why it’s a cornerstone of Mayfair’s commitment to sustainable living. For example, Mayfair implements EPA-recognized WaterSense programs and top-of-the-line, highly efficient appliances and fixtures throughout the community, reducing water use without compromising performance.

From water-saving toilets to comprehensive pressure testing that can identify and stop leaks, Mayfair and the builders we partner with are committed to helping New Braunfels save thousands of gallons of water each year.

Energy Efficiency

Mayfair’s dedication to greener living extends to its use of the most energy-efficient appliances on the market, as well as its partnerships with local utility providers. These partnerships give us access to cutting-edge initiatives like smart grid technology and renewable energy integration. This not only stabilizes and diversifies Mayfair’s local power supply, but it also reduces the overall carbon footprint of the community.

Conscious Construction

Sustainable practices at a Mayfair home begin long before a resident ever moves in because they work with top local builders who are leaders in the field of sustainable home construction. Their builders employ many techniques to minimize the community’s environmental impact, including using paints and finishing materials that are more environmentally and health-friendly, the strategic use of recycled materials, and the installation of energy-efficient insulation, windows, and roofing.

Community Involvement

Mayfair’s commitment to sustainability and the environment extends beyond the development and into the greater New Braunfels community. To be a great neighbor to the rest of New Braunfels, it’s important to get involved with local environmental initiatives.

To that end, Mayfair makes ongoing donations to organizations like Headwaters at the Comal, the New Braunfels Parks Foundation, and the Comal Education Foundation as the community continues to grow. By supporting these organizations, Mayfair not only strengthens its bond with the larger New Braunfels community but also helps to foster a citywide culture of environmental stewardship.

Living Green at Mayfair: Practical Tips for New Braunfels Residents

Of course, sustainable living at Mayfair isn’t all about state-of-the-art appliances and donations to community groups. Each one of Mayfair’s residents can play their own crucial role in maintaining the community’s eco-friendly reputation. If you’re just beginning your sustainable living journey and aren’t quite sure where to start, here are a few quick tips:

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – You might have first heard this one in Kindergarten, but now that you’re a homeowner, it’s a great time to get back to the fundamentals. Think carefully about what you discard, and practice the three R’s to minimize waste and conserve useful resources.
• Energy Efficient Appliances – When furnishing or upgrading your home, make sure you’re investing in appliances with high energy efficiency ratings to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. If you’re tempted by a less efficient appliance with a slightly lower price tag, be sure to consider the long-term energy savings involved in your decision.
• Native Plants and Grasses – Residents are encouraged to experiment with the use of native plants in their gardens and landscapes. Native plants are already adapted to local weather patterns, pests, and soil conditions, so they require very little in the way of water and chemical treatments. Traditional grass lawns require huge amounts of water, and the Texas heat means they’re especially unsustainable in New Braunfels. They also require frequent mowing, while native grasses require less upkeep. [***LINK TO NEW NATIVE PLANT BLOG***]
• Carpooling – Carpooling, when it’s a viable option, is another great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Biking – Biking to places of work, home, or even the grocery store is not only a good way to live green, but also healthy and a viable way of exercising.
• Walking – Walking is an excellent option for getting around and allows for extra socialization along with a way to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Minimize single-use plastic purchases: Using reusable rather than plastic water bottles might seem like a small change, but it makes an incredible difference in the amount of waste you generate each week. For leftovers and packed lunches, you could also make the switch from plastic baggies to reusable containers.

Remember, every small action you take to live more sustainably contributes to a greater change. For example, re-using a plastic mayonnaise jar as a container for hardware odds and ends might seem insignificant, but an incredible amount of waste would be prevented if every household found a way to re-use just one packaging item every week.

The Future of Sustainable Living in Mayfair

As the Mayfair development and the vibrant community it hosts continue to grow and thrive, so does its collective commitment to sustainability. Long-term plans for the community include the inclusion of more green spaces, enhanced water- and energy-efficiency technologies, and continuing to foster connections with the community and natural beauty of the New Braunfels area. In sticking to this greener path, Mayfair hopes to create a thriving, eco-friendly space that sets the standard for modern, sustainable living.

To learn more about sustainable living in Texas, bookmark the Mayfair website and check back often. Be sure to inquire about available units if you’re looking for a new home in New Braunfels.

Excitement is building as construction is underway on Comal Independent School District’s newest elementary school located in Mayfair. Scheduled to open in 2025, this state-of-the-art facility will serve Pre-K through 5th-grade students, offering a dynamic and enriching educational experience.

Constructed by Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, one of the standout features of the new school is its design, which includes classroom wings dedicated to each grade level. This thoughtful layout, designed by LPA Design Studios, not only fosters a sense of community among students but also allows for tailored educational approaches specific to each age group. The emphasis on creative and flexible collaboration spaces ensures that students can engage in innovative learning activities, preparing them for future academic and personal success.

Outdoor learning and play areas are another highlight of the new school. These spaces provide students with the opportunity to explore and learn in a natural environment, which has been shown to enhance cognitive development and overall well-being.

The school is also committed to providing tailored, engaging, and safe learning environments. Each classroom and common area are designed to stimulate curiosity and foster a love of learning.

Mayfair homeowners benefit from being part of the highly rated, fast-growing Comal ISD, which currently boasts 34 elementary, middle, and high schools. Parents appreciate the district’s impressive 97.5% graduation rate, as well as its comprehensive extracurricular programs, including Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL) athletics, fine arts, and advanced academics. With two advanced honors high schools in the district, students have access to exceptional educational opportunities that prepare them for higher education and beyond.

In addition to the many perks of living walking distance from a new school, Mayfair homeowners will be pleased to learn the school will also benefit from the Mayfair Promise. Through this initiative, the Comal Education Foundation is one of three charities selected to receive $100 for each new home sold in Mayfair throughout the life of the community. This generous program supports local education and conservation efforts in New Braunfels, making Mayfair a truly special place to live and learn.

As anticipation builds for the opening of Comal ISD’s newest elementary school, the community looks forward to the positive impact it will have on Mayfair’s young learners. With its innovative design and focus on creative and collaborative education, the school promises to be a cornerstone of our community, nurturing the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders.

The Empire Group of Companies will be the latest developer to capitalize on a current surge of rental home growth in New Braunfels.

Representatives with the Arizona-based developer announced in early June that they secured $47 million in financing through another firm, Tower Capital, to build Village at Mayfair.

Article: June 21, 2024, Community Impact

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