Discover the New La Vernia: A Thriving Community in Texas

Remember the La Vernia of years past? The La Vernia of today is a whole new world. Since the pandemic, this small city in Wilson County, Texas has experienced a remarkable transformation. According to the La Vernia government, the city has seen a 31% growth in households from 2010 to 2022.

People are drawn to La Vernia for its small-town charm and its reputation for being a great place to start a small business, especially for individuals under the age of 40. This is why KSAT 12 News decided to shine a spotlight on La Vernia in the latest episode of “Your Voice, South Texas.”

Our team visited the La Vernia Beauty Lounge, a hub of small businesses on Woodbridge Drive. We spoke with independent workers and small business owners about their motivations for voting in the upcoming November elections.

“You feel safe out here for sure. I feel safe…the education system out here in Texas…is so much better than what I have been able to offer [my] kids in California,” shared Ariel Guzman, who recently opened Luna & Sol Coffee inside the La Vernia Beauty Lounge.

Millennials like Guzman are facing unique challenges, such as high levels of student debt, lower homeownership rates, and less net worth than previous generations. Despite these obstacles, Guzman remains optimistic about the future and hopes that the next administration will have a positive impact on the economy.

Ashley Payton, a 35-year-old hairstylist, is also concerned about inflation and its impact on her business. Rising prices have forced her to adjust her service fees to stay competitive in the market.

Dylan Forde, a 23-year-old realtor and La Vernia native, closely monitors interest rates and acknowledges the direct impact of politics on the real estate market. However, he remains determined to help as many people as possible, regardless of political circumstances.

The goal of “Your Voice, South Texas” is to amplify diverse perspectives and encourage constructive dialogue in the community. Stay tuned for more episodes filmed in Uvalde, Seguin, Pleasanton, Kerrville, and New Braunfels.

Explore more stories from “Your Voice, South Texas” here.

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