Tech Projects Reshaping San Antonio-Austin Housing: What Tesla and Meta Mean for Your Investment

Listen, I've been driving the I-35 corridor between San Antonio and Austin for years now, and I'm telling you—what's happening right now isn't just another business cycle. Tech projects reshaping San Antonio-Austin housing are creating opportunities that most buyers won't see until it's too late.

Tesla's dropping $10.4 million on a massive service center in New Braunfels. Meta just locked in a $900 million solar farm deal near San Antonio to power their data centers.

I'm Anthony Sharp, US Air Force veteran and San Antonio Realtor who's helped hundreds of military families and investors make smart moves in this market. I've seen tech infrastructure transform neighborhoods, and what's happening along I-35 right now is exactly that kind of inflection point.

Watch My Full Breakdown: How I-35 Tech Projects Will Reshape Housing

Before we dive deep into the data, I want you to see the full picture. I recorded a detailed video walking through Tesla's expansion, Meta's energy play, and the specific neighborhoods that stand to benefit most from these infrastructure moves.

Watch the full video here to see my analysis of the corridor, risk considerations, and the exact strategy I'd use if I were buying today:

In that video, I map out the neighborhoods, timeline projections, and builder strategies that could make or break your investment. Don't skip it—this is where the real tactical breakdown happens.

Ready to explore I-35 corridor opportunities? Contact Sharp Realty Group and let's map out your strategy based on these infrastructure plays.

Tesla's $10.4 Million New Braunfels Hub: More Than Just EV Repair

Let's start with Tesla. In March 2026, construction begins on a 47,000-square-foot sales and service center right off I-35 in New Braunfels, near the Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo.

This isn't some small charging station—this is a full-scale service hub with technicians, EV specialists, admin staff, and logistics support. Tesla doesn't build these facilities for short-term plays.

They're signaling long-term commitment to the I-35 corridor, which means stable employment anchors. And stable employment means housing demand that doesn't disappear when the market softens.

The ripple effect is what most people miss. When a global company like Tesla plants roots, related businesses follow—parts suppliers, logistics firms, EV charging developers.

That economic gravity pulls residential demand toward neighborhoods within 15 to 30 minutes of the highway, not right on top of it. New Braunfels median home prices already hit $425,000 in December 2024, up 8.5% year-over-year.

What This Means for Buyers

If you're looking at New Braunfels or the northern San Antonio suburbs, you're buying into a market where infrastructure is maturing, not speculating. The sweet spot neighborhoods are those just off I-35—close enough to capture job growth, far enough to avoid traffic congestion and industrial noise.

I'm talking about areas like the new subdivisions north of New Braunfels (median $385,000) or the Gruene area (median $475,000). You get Hill Country living with corridor access.

Meta's $900 Million Solar Play: Green Energy Anchoring Housing Demand

Now let's talk about Meta. They just signed a power purchase agreement with Enbridge for 600 megawatts of solar power from the Clear Fork project near San Antonio.

This is a $900 million investment with 100% of the output going to Meta's data centers under a long-term contract. Construction is underway, and the facility goes live in summer 2027.

Solar farms and data centers create job anchors just like manufacturing plants. Construction jobs first, then operations and maintenance roles that need local housing.

But the bigger play is the sustainability signal. Meta's commitment to renewable energy positions San Antonio as a green infrastructure hub, which attracts buyers who prioritize environmental responsibility.

Meta's total renewable energy commitment in Texas now exceeds 1.3 gigawatts across multiple projects. That means long-term investment confidence in this region's grid, power stability, and economic foundation.

The I-35 Corridor: Where Austin Meets San Antonio

Pull up a map and look at I-35 from San Antonio to Austin. That 60-mile stretch isn't just a commute route anymore—it's becoming a unified metroplex.

By 2050, the population along this corridor is projected to grow from 5.3 million to 8.3 million. San Antonio alone added nearly 24,000 residents between 2023 and 2024.

What does that growth look like on the ground? Nearly 6,000 new apartment units in San Antonio in 2025, ranking it 17th nationwide for multifamily construction.

The National Association of Realtors just named the San Antonio-New Braunfels metro area one of the top 10 hot spots for 2025. The Austin-San Antonio corridor along I-35 is heating up as the two metros gradually grow toward each other.

Why Investors Are Circling This Corridor

Industrial land along I-35 is significantly cheaper than Austin, and infrastructure investments are improving access across San Antonio. For residential investors, that commercial and industrial momentum signals sustained job growth, which underpins housing demand.

Here's my take: the corridor is still undervalued relative to where it's headed. Austin buyers are getting priced out and looking south; San Antonio buyers are looking north for newer builds and better schools.

The sweet spot is the middle—New Braunfels, Schertz, Cibolo, Selma—where you're capturing growth from both directions. Want to run the numbers on corridor properties? Reach out to Sharp Realty Group and I'll help you model returns based on Tesla/Meta infrastructure growth.

Risk Factors Every Smart Buyer Should Consider

Now let's keep it real. Not every neighborhood along I-35 is a winner, and not every investment timeline works the same way.

Proximity risk: Homes too close to industrial infrastructure, service centers, or highway interchanges suffer from noise, traffic congestion, and air quality concerns. You want to be near the corridor, not on top of it.

Speculative timing: Some of these projects are in early to mid-phases. Tesla's New Braunfels facility doesn't open until late 2026, and Meta's Clear Fork solar farm goes live in summer 2027.

That means the upside could play out over 5 to 7 years, maybe longer. If you're buying for a quick flip, this isn't your play.

Infrastructure uncertainty: I-35 itself is congested, and planned improvements could take years to fully materialize. Water resources, housing affordability, and traffic congestion are the three biggest challenges facing corridor growth.

Lifestyle fit: Not everyone moves for job anchors alone. Schools, commute times, community character, and livability matter just as much as the spreadsheet.

Strategic Playbook: How to Invest in the I-35 Corridor Right Now

If you're serious about capitalizing on Tesla and Meta's moves, here's the playbook I'd follow. Map the corridor: Identify neighborhoods along I-35 that are 10 to 30 minutes from major employment anchors.

Track announcements: Use local news, city planning documents, and economic development reports to follow Tesla, Meta, and related energy/EV investments. When a major project gets greenlit, nearby property values often lag behind the news by 6 to 12 months—that's your window.

Talk to builders: Ask which subdivisions are being positioned for future infrastructure growth versus short-term speculation. Builders with skin in the game know where utilities, roads, and services are headed.

Model scenarios: Run base case, bull case, and bear case returns. Know your downside to protect yourself.

Hold smart: Even if you're holding for 5-plus years, make sure you're buying for both value and vision. The best wealth-building plays in real estate happen at infrastructure inflection points.

Neighborhoods to Watch: Where the Smart Money Is Moving

Based on everything I've outlined, here are the specific areas I'd be looking at if I were buying today. New Braunfels: Historic Downtown for appreciation potential ($350,000 median), new subdivisions for affordability ($385,000 median), and Gruene/Canyon Lake for lifestyle ($475,000 to $525,000 median).

Schertz/Cibolo/Selma corridor: Northeast San Antonio suburbs capturing growth from both San Antonio job expansion and Austin spillover. Industrial tenant activity is strong here, signaling commercial momentum that supports residential demand.

Buda/Kyle area: Median prices between $360,000 and $410,000, with planned I-35 infrastructure improvements set to transform accessibility. Currently undervalued relative to growth potential, especially for buyers willing to wait 3 to 5 years.

San Marcos: Sitting between Austin and San Antonio on I-35, San Marcos is seeing rapid apartment and residential growth. Inventory is expanding, which creates buyer opportunities before the next wave of infrastructure completion.

FAQ: Your I-35 Corridor Questions Answered

Q: When will Tesla's New Braunfels service center open?

Construction begins in March 2026 and is expected to complete by December 2026. Plan for late 2026 or early 2027 for full operations.

Q: How will Meta's solar farm affect San Antonio housing?

Meta's $900 million Clear Fork solar project creates construction jobs first, then long-term operations and maintenance roles. It also signals green infrastructure investment, which attracts sustainability-focused employers and buyers.

Q: What's the best location along I-35 for real estate investment?

The sweet spot is 10 to 30 minutes off the main highway—close enough to capture job growth from Tesla, Meta, and related businesses, but far enough to avoid traffic congestion and industrial noise.

Q: Is the I-35 corridor overpriced already?

Not yet. New Braunfels median prices are at $425,000, up 8.5% year-over-year, which is strong but not overheated. The corridor is still undervalued relative to projected population growth and infrastructure investment.

Q: How long should I plan to hold property along I-35?

Minimum 5 to 7 years to capture the full upside from Tesla's service center maturation, Meta's solar farm completion, and related infrastructure development. These are long-term plays, not quick flips.

Q: What are the biggest risks of investing in the I-35 corridor?

Proximity to industrial zones (noise/traffic), speculative timing (projects are multi-year buildouts), infrastructure delays, and lifestyle fit. Mitigate by working with a Realtor who understands infrastructure plays and by modeling conservative scenarios.

Q: Are there VA loan opportunities along the I-35 corridor for military families?

Absolutely. As a Military Relocation Expert and Air Force veteran, I help military families leverage VA loans to buy in growth corridors like I-35. Contact me to discuss your PCS timeline and VA loan strategy.

Q: Should I wait for I-35 infrastructure improvements to complete before buying?

If you wait for full completion, you'll pay the premium. Smart buyers get in before infrastructure fully matures, capturing appreciation during the buildout phase.

Why This Matters for Military Families Relocating to San Antonio

If you're military and you're PCSing to Joint Base San Antonio, Randolph, Fort Sam Houston, or Lackland, this I-35 corridor growth directly affects your housing strategy. Tesla and Meta aren't just corporate news—they're job anchors that stabilize neighborhoods and support resale values.

I've helped hundreds of military families navigate San Antonio real estate, and the #1 mistake I see is buying only for proximity to base without considering long-term value. The I-35 corridor offers both: reasonable commutes to JBSA installations and exposure to infrastructure growth.

VA loans give you zero down, which means you can buy in growth corridors like New Braunfels or Schertz without draining your savings. And if you're an investor using a VA loan for a primary residence, you're building equity in a market where job growth and corporate investment are moving in the same direction.

Military family relocating to San Antonio? Let's talk strategy. I'll show you how to use your VA loan and position yourself in neighborhoods that benefit from Tesla and Meta infrastructure plays.

Final Thoughts: Infrastructure Inflection Points Don't Wait

I've been in real estate long enough to recognize when infrastructure investment creates generational opportunities. Tesla's $10.4 million service hub in New Braunfels isn't just about fixing EVs—it's about anchoring long-term employment.

Meta's $900 million solar farm near San Antonio isn't just about powering data centers—it's about positioning this region as a green infrastructure leader. And the I-35 corridor's projected population growth from 5.3 million to 8.3 million by 2050 isn't just a number—it's the foundation for decades of housing demand.

Smart buyers and investors are already mapping neighborhoods, modeling scenarios, and positioning themselves before the next wave of appreciation. The question isn't whether I-35 will grow—it's whether you'll be positioned to benefit when it does.

If you're ready to stop watching and start moving, reach out to Sharp Realty Group. I'll help you analyze neighborhoods, time your purchase, and build a strategy that aligns with your goals.

This is Anthony Sharp, and I'd love to be the first to say to you and your family: "Welcome to San Antonio. Let's make your move a sharp one."