About the City of Lavernia
Thursday, August 20, 2020
La Vernia offers a straight shot to San Antonio via Hwy 87. This growing community offers residents the best of both worlds - the ability to live in a friendly town where you know your neighbors, while being able to commute to the big city for work or entertainment. With San Antonio a mere 25 miles southeast, La Vernia’s strategic location makes it a destination for families and developers.
Growing Population
As a bedroom community of the City of San Antonio, La Vernia has attracted a premier housing development with 200 new homes currently being built. The current population is an estimated 1296 but it is projected to rise as new homes attract additional residents. The school district pulls from the surrounding area, causing student enrollment to sit at 3,400 - significantly more than the city’s population.
One of La Vernia’s unique community assets is a beautiful city park in the heart of the city which includes a walking trail, volleyball courts, basketball court, playscape, splash pad, gazebo, pavilion, disc golf and veteren’s memorial. The city also has abundant retail with numerous chain store brands and almost a dozen boutiques and shops that are locally owned.
Main Industries
La Vernia has about 140 businesses. Currently, their main industries are Retail, Multiple Professional Service Industries, and Lodging. They have seen a major influx in retail and healthcare in the past few years. Major employers include La Vernia ISD, HEB Grocery and a nursing home, Country Care Manor.
The City welcomes all business types, while targets include retail, light manufacturing, professional services and medical professionals. The La Vernia Municipal Development District is tasked with promoting economic development within the City of Lavernia. The District and City also provides a variety of incentives through the city and state. Some of which include Tax Abatements, Chapter 377 Agreements, Skills Development Fund and our own Facade Improvement Grant Program which offers up to $5,000 or 50% of the actual cost of the facade improvement.
Local Events
City-wide events have garnered attention in La Vernia and from surrounding cities including their 4th of July Celebration which drew an estimated 3,000 people in 2019. La Vernia also has movie nights in the park and a Christmas tree lighting with activities for the family that include a visit from Santa. The La Vernia Police Department hosts an award winning National Night Out celebration every October. In 2019 their NNO event placed 1st nationwide in communities with a population under 3,000.
A Message from the Director
“Because we are a smaller community, everyone is always ready to lend a helping hand”
The La Vernia MDD has brought services to the area through infrastructure like fiber optic internet via GVEC. We have also assisted our new local public library with donations and assistance on grants. The library is the one place in town where people have access to free internet and computer usage for our community.
This support is displayed through activities and programming for families and the support provided by our local churches. La Vernia MDD is also active and has brought services to the city which would typically only be seen in San Antonio or another bigger municipality. The community has also stepped up to shop and support local small businesses in La Vernia, Texas. Come work, play and live in La Vernia!”
Yvonne Griffin
Executive Director
La Vernia Municipal Development District
(830) 779-4541 Ext. 6
Yvonne.Griffin@lavernia-tx.gov
www.lavernia-tx.gov
Category: La Vernia