Known as the “Cradle of Texas Independence” for the 1835 “Come and Take It” skirmish, Gonzales County has Gonzales as its seat. Other communities include Nixon, Waelder, and Smiley. Established in 1836, it has deep agricultural roots and historic pride. The county is rural-small town, though it lies only about an hour from both Austin and San Antonio. Housing includes historic cottages, mid-century ranchers, and rural farmhouses. Prices for existing homes typically run $180,000–$280,000, while land averages $7,000–$15,000 per acre, with development pressure raising values near highways. Buyers appreciate its history, affordability, and location between two metros.