Is Gruene Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Gruene Historic District in New Braunfels, Texas, is a captivating blend of history and vibrant culture, consistently ranked as one of the best small towns in America.

Established in the mid-19th century by German immigrant Ernst Gruene, the district quickly became a bustling cotton-producing community.

By 1950, the city went belly up and was abandoned.

It would be 1974 before its new potential was realized.

Many of its original buildings, constructed from locally sourced materials, have been meticulously preserved, offering a window into Texas’s past.

This is despite an effort by developers to raze the historic buildings and rebuild something else.

What makes Gruene (“Green”) worthy of its historic designation is its remarkable preservation of architecture and community spirit.

The centerpiece, Gruene Hall, built in 1878, is the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas.

This storied venue has hosted legendary musicians and remains a cultural touchstone.

It can be where future artists are discovered, and some of the old favorites come back to play.

People are drawn to Gruene not only for its historical significance but also for its unique charm and lively atmosphere.

The cobblestone streets and period architecture create an inviting environment that feels both timeless and welcoming.

Festivals and events throughout the year add to the appeal, bringing the community together and attracting visitors from far and wide.

It’s also a family-friendly town, with plenty of activities for kids to do.

The Guadalupe River activities aren’t just unique to New Braunfels; some rafting and fishing access points are located in Gruene, too.

While Gruene is part of New Braunfels, it also stands alone and is worthy of this article.

You can learn more about New Braunfels in our article “How Safe Is New Braunfels for Travel?”

Warnings & Dangers in Gruene

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Gruene and enough to do to fill a day. Mixed with the other things to do in New Braunfels, you can easily fill a three-day weekend.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

You'll need a rental vehicle or rely on rideshares/taxis to get around as there isn't public transportation here. Any option is low-risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

The risk is low, with about two pickpockets or purse snatching each year in all of New Braunfels. People here are more likely to tell you that you dropped your wallet than take it, but don't let that give you a false sense of security.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

The biggest risk is flash flooding due to the low-lying area that encompasses New Braunfels by the rivers. Outdoor sirens can alert you to these weather risks while also offering a siren for severe thunderstorms or tornadoes when an imminent threat is on the way. Extreme heat in the summer can also be an issue if you don't stay hydrated.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

With a robbery rate that's 73% lower than the national average and only 18% of robberies involved muggings over the past five years, it's another low risk!

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

International terrorism isn't a concern here, but mass shootings and domestic terrorism can happen anywhere in the U.S. You can help by reporting any suspicious activity.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The most recent scam involved someone spoofing law enforcement numbers and threatening to arrest people if they didn't pay a bogus bill. Just know that's not something law enforcement would ever do. Before your trip, check local law enforcement social media sites for the latest scams. The local Better Business Bureau office and the state Attorney General’s office will have common scam tactics and protection advice. The risk is low, but keep it that way by being a smart consumer.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women have the same low risk as anyone else, but please stay with people you know if you're drinking and take care of your friends and family, as crowds can get large here. Don't let anyone leave with a stranger. You can always call for a ride home if you've had too much to drink.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1.

Safest Places to Visit in Gruene

The tourism website is gruenetexas.com. Keep in mind that this will just cover the historic district.

“Play In New Braunfels” is the name of the tourism website for New Braunfels.

Follow the tourism bureau on Facebook @gruenetx to get timely event and activity notices.

If you’re looking for things to do in New Braunfels outside Gruene, please see our article about New Braunfels.

We’ll keep this section to just Gruene.

While there’s a lot to do in Gruene, don’t miss the chance to check out the architecture.

Hardly any buildings have been changed since 1920.

The architecture is a mix of Victorian and German designs.

Gruene Hall is an iconic dance hall dating back to 1878 and is the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas.

It’s a must-visit for live music enthusiasts.

The hall has hosted legendary performers like Willie Nelson and George Strait.

Catch a live show and enjoy the vintage ambiance.

More than two dozen shops fill the district, all locally owned and operated.

You can find souvenirs, clothing, outdoor supplies, candy, holiday items (year-round), and even an olive oil sampling room.

The General Store is a must-see, ranked as one of the 40 Best Places in Texas.

If you’re looking for a cowboy hat, the Gruene Hat Company makes them as authentic as they come.

Add a pair of boots for line dancing at the Gruene Boot Company.

Antique lovers will enjoy the shops here as well.

About 15 miles up the interstate, you can shop at name-brand stores with slashed prices.

San Marcos Premium Outlets is a treasure trove of shops, from Pottery Barn to North Face.

You’ll get a nice selection of restaurants, too, but don’t think there will be German food due to the heritage here.

There’s a mix of American, Tex-Mex, quick bites, and fried chicken.

The Guadalupe River offers a picturesque setting for a range of outdoor activities.

Rent a tube or kayak for a leisurely float, or try your hand at fishing.

Vendors are available with all the supplies you need to enjoy the day on or by the water.

The riverbanks are perfect for picnics and enjoying the natural scenery.

If you head up the river to Canyon Lake, you’ll find more outfitters and attractions along the limestone cliffs.

Places to Avoid in Gruene

You don’t have to worry about dangerous neighborhoods or bad parts of town in Gruene.

If you don’t like big crowds, you’ll want to avoid Gruene on weekends.

Just about every review I’ve seen mentions crowds, lack of parking, and long lines on weekends.

Visiting during the weekdays is ideal.

The morning or afternoons have the smallest crowds.

For those coming here to float the river, the activity is highly dependent on the weather conditions of the day and the past few months.

An ongoing drought can leave river levels too low to float.

Heavy rainfall can make the water too dangerous to float or even lead to flash flooding.

If a flash flood watch or warning is underway, you want to get to higher ground just to be safe.

New Braunfels and Gruene are in a location known as Flash Flood Alley.

Finally, the Gruene travel website makes it look like there’s just one hotel around.

In fact, there are plenty of places to stay overnight.

It’s just that Gruene Mansion Inn is the only one in the boundaries of the National Historic District.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Gruene

So... How Safe Is Gruene Really?

Gruene might have several distinctions from New Braunfels, but safety rankings aren’t one of them.

Since the historic district is in New Braunfels, they have the same crime rates.

New Braunfels gets many accolades, including places to live and places to visit.

In fact, it was the Destination of the Year in the 2024 Texas Travel Awards.

Gruene shares the accolades but also gets some of its own, including being ranked as one of the Most Underrated Winer Destinations.

To recap New Braunfels and Gruene, the violent crime rate is 65% lower than the national average and 68% lower than the state average.

Violent crime has increased 66% since 2010, but the city has also grown 92% in that time frame.

That means, technically, the crime rate is down compared to 2021.

Even theft is 33% below the national average.

Car break-ins and accessory thefts make up 44% of thefts, with about 10 happening each week.

With the fast-growing population and increasing number of tourists, Gruene remains one of the safest places to visit in the San Antonio region.

How Does Gruene Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

A visa or visa waiver is required for all international visitors. You can start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. Also, keep in mind that your passport must be valid for at least six months after our trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

San Antonio International Airport has currency exchange services in Terminal A at Marcy's Business Travel Center. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee before you start racking up charges. Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States.

Weather

No matter what time of year, comfortable walking shoes are necessary to explore the many places to see here. Winters are mild, with highs in the 60s but lows getting into the 30s. A gradual warm-up in spring peaks in summer with highs in the mid-90s and lows in the 70s. Pack comfortable, casual clothing, but bring a jacket for cooler evenings or mornings. Bring bug spray and sunscreen, too.

Airports

New Braunfels National Airport is only for charter flights, but you can get to San Antonio International Airport in 35 minutes without traffic. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is less than an hour north.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive insurance offers the best protection and peace of mind. If you're renting a car, make sure you have coverage for uninsured motorists and roadside assistance.

Gruene Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Texas - Safety by City