A city with a strong heritage, San Antonio is located in the stunning south-central Texas hill country with a population of 1.5 million.
The blend of Mexican and Texan cultures make it a truly unique place to live. Nicknamed the Alamo City because of the iconic Alamo Mission, the city played a role in some of the most important parts of Texas history.
From the River Walk to Seaworld, World Heritage Sites to amusement parks, there is always something to do in the city. The city has a relaxed, friendly vibe and is an affordable place to live, so it’s easy to understand why this historic city is one of the top 50 best cities in the country.
San Antonio Area Communities
New Braunfels
New Braunfels, just a 35 minute drive from San Antonio, has a strong German history that dates back to German settlers in the 1800s. The city is situated on the Guadalupe River and is surrounded by Texas Hill Country, and has a population of 36,000, making it a great place to live.
Alamo Heights
Situated just north of downtown San Antonio, Alamo Heights is a charming, tree-lined neighborhood where residents live in cottages and enjoy wandering along the main street lined with local boutiques, restaurants, and museums.
Olmos Park
The City of Olmos Park is centrally located in San Antonio, and offers a blend of small-town charm with the convenience of being surrounded by the big city. A range of architecture can be found in this neighborhood, making it a unique place to live.
Westside
San Antonio’s Westside neighborhood is the origin of the city’s Tex-Mex scene, and is full of interesting art, culture, and history. In addition to fantastic restaurants, the area offers a blend of home types ranging from Victorian to Spanish-style architecture.
Fair Oaks Ranch
North of San Antonio is the small city of Fair Oaks Ranch, where residents enjoy more land, good schools, and a great small-town vibe.
Boerne
Boerne is a small city about 35 miles north of San Antonio, easily accessible by the interstate. With a population of 17,000, a distinct German heritage, a fun downtown area, and stunning hill country surroundings, Boerne has a lot to offer.
Castle Hills
Castle Hills, in northern San Antonio, is a small but vibrant city, with good schools, local businesses, green spaces, and a variety of housing types.
Cibolo Canyons
Cibolo is a newer community northeast of San Antonio, offering amenities including a golf course, pools, good schools, and a variety of sizes of homes to suit your needs.
Hollywood Park
15 miles north of San Antonio but still easily accessible by interstate, the small town of Hollywood Park has a more rural vibe without compromising on access to amenities. The town has a focus on building a strong community, making it a great place to live.
Top San Antonio School Districts
Finding the right school district for your children has a major impact on their quality of life and path to success. These are the top rated school districts in the San Antonio Area; if you want to delve deeper into school records and standards for the State of Texas, NewHomeSource has a guide to all the resources you need to find the right school for your child.
Alamo Heights ISD
Students Served: 4,857
School Breakdown: 2 elementary schools, 1 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 14
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
Communities Served: Alamo Heights, Olmos Park, most of Terrell Hills
Fort Sam Houston ISD
Students Served: 1,597
School Breakdown: 1 elementary schools, 1 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 12
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis
Lackland ISD
Students Served: 1,038
School Breakdown: 1 elementary schools, 1 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 12
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
Communities Served: Lackland AFB
Randolph Field ISD
Students Served: 1,429
School Breakdown: 1 elementary schools, 1 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 14
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
Communities Served: Randolph Field AFB
Boerne ISD
Students Served: 8,300
School Breakdown: 6 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 3 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 16
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: The city of Boerne
Great Hearts Texas
Students Served: 2,312
School Breakdown: 3 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 19
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
Communities Served: Downtown San Antonio
North East ISD
Students Served: 67,531
School Breakdown: 47 elementary schools, 16 middle schools, and 11 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 16
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
Communities Served: North Central and North East Bexar County
Schertz Cibolo Universal City ISD
Students Served: 15,497
School Breakdown: 8 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 3 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 17
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
Communities Served: Schertz, Cibolo, and Universal City
Northside ISD
Students Served: 106,145
School Breakdown: 85 elementary schools, 27 middle schools, and 19 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 15
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
Communities Served: Leon Valley
Comal ISD
Students Served: 22,240
School Breakdown: 19 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 6 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 17
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: New Braunfels
Top Employers in San Antonio
The US military, insurance sector and various local government employers play a major role in the San Antonio employment scene.
Joint Base San Antonio
San Antonio’s three military bases, Lackland AFB, Randolph AFB, and Fort Sam Houston, employ over 80,000 people in the area.
USAA
USAA is one of the nation’s top insurance and financial service institutions, and it has their headquarters in San Antonio, providing jobs to around 15,000 people.
HEB
HEB is a Texas based grocery store chain that has a major presence in San Antonio. This great retail store employs nearly 15,000 people in the area.
San Antonio School Districts
Just three of San Antonio’s largest school districts employ over 30,500 people, offering a wide range of jobs to professionals in the area.
The City of San Antonio
Even outside of local school districts, the City of San Antonio employs a lot of people. Municipal employees make up over 9,000 workers in the area.
San Antonio Area Museums
McNay Art Museum
The McNay Art Museum, the first modern art museum in Texas, is housed in a Spanish Colonial Revival-style large historic mansion and is surrounded by 23 acres of stunning Spanish-style fountains and green spaces. The museum focuses on 19th and 20th-century artists, and its collection includes works from Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, Henri Matisse, and many other famous artists.
The DoSeum
Kids love the DoSeum, San Antonio’s most popular children’s museum that focuses on learning through play. Kids can become a secret agent at the Spy Academy, adventure through a 39,000 square foot outdoor zone, and be in charge of kid-sized businesses.
UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures
There’s no better place to learn about the unique history of Texas and the many cultures that meld in the Alamo City than the Institute of Texas Cultures. In downtown San Antonio, the museum teaches visitors about the cultures that have helped shape Texas.
The Witte Museum
Travel back to the prehistoric ages at the Witte Museum in Brackenridge Park. The museum examines the history of Texas through historic artifacts, art, fossils, photographs, and textiles, going all the way back to the age of the dinosaurs.
Briscoe Western Art Museum
The Briscoe Western Art Museum, in a prime location on the River Walk, teaches its visitors about the history of the American West. From Native American art to wagons from settlers, the museum is packed full of interesting western artifacts.
The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
Visit the Wild West at the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum. The saloon has been in operation since the late 1800s. Still serving guests to this day, the historic saloon is a museum within itself. There are also two actual museums – the Buckhorn, which holds over 520 different wildlife species from across the world, and the Texas Ranger Museum, which has a large collection of artifacts from the days of the Texas Rangers.
Centro de Artes
Located in downtown San Antonio, the Centro de Artes celebrates and exhibits Latino art, history, and culture, with a focus on South Texas. The Centro de Artes is free to visit and its exhibits change throughout the year, so it’s worth visiting more than once.
Great Parks in the San Antonio Area
Travis Park
Situated in downtown San Antonio, Travis Park is one of the oldest parks in the country. With food trucks, colorful seating, giant chess, regularly scheduled events, and an interesting history, Travis Park is a great place to enjoy nature in the middle of the city.
Government Canyon State Natural Area
Just a short drive outside of San Antonio is a stunning nature escape that shows the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. 12,244 acres of protected wilderness includes over 40 miles of trails, camping, picnic spots, bird watching opportunities, dinosaur footprints that are 110 million years old, and much more
Brackenridge Park
In the middle of San Antonio, Brackenridge Park offers an escape from the city. Its 343 acres include the San Antonio Zoo, a museum, Sunken Garden Theatre, train ride, and Japanese Tea Gardens, in addition to baseball fields, playgrounds, and trails.
Pearsall Park
Southwest San Antonio’s Pearsall Park is the perfect place to take the kids – or wannabe kids – for a fun afternoon. The park is packed full of recreation activities, including a splash pad, skate park, the largest playground in the city, art installations, and an outdoor fitness challenge zone.
San Pedro Springs Park
San Pedro Park is the oldest park in the state of Texas. The park grounds are the former site of the Payaya Indian Village, and is also the site where the city of San Antonio was founded. The park is named for its natural hot springs.
Woodlawn Lake Park
Woodlawn Lake Park offers a variety of outdoor amenities, including a fishing lake, swimming pool, outdoor pavilion, gym, and walking trail. The park also hosts the city’s annual 4th of July fireworks and parade.
San Antonio Sports Teams
The Alamo City is home to a unique history and a blend of cultures, but it also has a fun sports scene.
You’ll find most San Antonians cheering on the Spurs, an NBA team that is the only top professional sports team in the city. Fans watch the Spurs at the state-of-the-art AT&T Center near downtown San Antonio.
Another iconic sports arena in San Antonio is the Alamodome, which is impossible to miss in the heart of the city. The stadium hosts the Alamo Bowl, where college football teams face off in playoff games.
Another popular sports team, the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners football, also plays at the Alamodome, and attendance at their games continually sets records.
For those looking for more unique sports, San Antonio also has a Major League Quidditch team and two rugby teams.
Living in San Antonio
In addition to big-name tourist attractions like the River Walk and the Alamo, San Antonio is a diverse, comfortable city that is proud of its heritage. San Antonio’s relaxed vibe, warm climate, and wide range of amenities frequently put it in the top 50 best places to live in the United States.
A blend of historic and new neighborhoods make for a lot of options when you’re looking for a place to live. The cost of living is 10.3% lower than the national average, ao it’s an affordable city to live in.
San Antonio Housing Trends
San Antonio’s housing market is very buyer-friendly. Although housing prices have increased over the last decade and are expected to continue growing, San Antonio is still a very affordable city.
San Antonio also sees a higher percentage of renters than the national average, so if you want some added income, consider renting out that garage apartment.
Median Home Price: $184,322
San Antonio is a very affordable city. The median home price is much lower than the national average, making it easier for homebuyers to find the home of their dreams.
Growing Communities in Central San Antonio
Stay close to everything you love about San Antonio when you build your new home in Central San Antonio. Enjoy the city’s unique flavor, and its great attractions, without having to live out in the boonies!
Live a life you love in a new home community like Royal Oak or Bradbury Court.
Growing Communities in the Northeast Side
Northeast San Antonio is a fun place to live! Satelite cities like Converse give residents easy access to Downtown, while still providing safe and comfortable communities like Paloma and Knox Ridge.
Growing Communities in New Braunfels
New Braunfels has the best of all possible worlds! Living in New Braunfels means enjoy a conveniently located community that gives you easy access to San Antonio, San Marcos, and Austin, making it a great town for people with college aged kids!
If you want to call New Braunfels home, new home communities like Creekside and Mockingbird Heights are waiting for you to build your new home!
Growing Communities in Boerne
Boerne is booming, and for good reason! This beautiful commuter city, nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country has some of the best schools in the San Antonio Area, making it a fantastic place for growing families to put down roots.
New home communities in Boerne include Southglen and Balcones Creek. You can find the perfect home and the perfect neighborhood in Boerne today!
Amazing San Antonio Restaurants
San Antonio is well-known for its fantastic Mexican and Tex-Mex food, and any list of great restaurants in the Alamo City is incomplete without it. San Antonio also offers a variety of other cuisines that will appeal to everyone – from Asian fusion to Italian and everything in between.
Enjoy a Texas Trio: shrimp, lime, and a margarita in Houston!
Rosario’s Mexican Cafe Y Cantina
Rosario’s is one of the most popular restaurants in the city and is frequently named the top place to eat Mexican food. With two locations in downtown and north San Antonio, Rosario’s should be on everyone’s list for places to eat in the city.
La Panaderia
Locally owned and operated, La Panaderia is a well-known Mexican bakery that has been featured on popular food TV shows and magazines. They serve a variety of pastries, breakfast sandwiches, salads, and more.
Boudro’s on the River Walk
Boudro’s is an upscale New American and seafood restaurant located right on the San Antonio River Walk. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal along the river.
Sichuan House
Sichuan House’s Asian Fusion menu focuses on shareable dishes and unique flavors in the western part of the city.
Gino’s Deli Stop N Buy
Look no further than Gino’s Deli for an authentic New York-style deli experience in the middle of the Texas Hill Country. Mouthwatering deli sandwiches, front the Philly cheesesteak to an Italian cold cut, make Gino’s one of the top restaurants in the area.
Pancake Joe’s
Pancake Joe’s, in northwest San Antonio, serves a large breakfast and brunch menu and is an inexpensive local favorite.
Zinc Bistro & Wine Bar
Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, Zinc Bistro & Wine Bar offers an extensive wine list, burgers, and more.
Sangria on the Burg
Northeast San Antonio’s Sangria On the Burg is a great place to enjoy a modern blend of Mexican and American, with specialties that include sangria, tacos, and BBQ.
Smashin Crab
Get your Cajun fix at Smashin Crab, which focuses on authentic and delicious seafood. Don’t worry – they provide plastic bibs and lots of napkins!
Dough Pizzeria
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana, in the Castle Hills neighborhood of San Antonio, serves handmade Neapolitan style pizza baked in ovens that were specially shipped from Italy for a truly authentic Italian pizza experience.
Bliss
Bliss is an upscale American restaurant in downtown San Antonio, serving a varied menu in a romantic, inviting atmosphere.
Guajillo’s
Guajillo’s describes its menu as “The Mex without the Tex”, and they focus on homemade Mexican food with fresh ingredients and delicious flavor.
Tycoon Flats
Tycoon Flats serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner just north of downtown San Antonio. Their menu includes a variety of burgers, appetizers, and desserts, and their outdoor patio is a great place to enjoy your meal on a nice day.
Sweet Yams
The soul-food inspired menu at Sweet Yams near downtown San Antonio includes inexpensive gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options, making it a great place for everyone.
The Smoke Sack or the Big Big BBQ
It’s not Texas without barbeque, and the Smoke Shack is one of the most popular BBQ joints in San Antonio.
Gogi Street
Gogi Street, in northern San Antonio, offers delicious and inexpensive Korean food. Menu highlights include Korean BBQ bowls, pot stickers, and cucumber kimchi.
Schilo’s Delicatessen
Schilo’s is the oldest restaurant in San Antonio, founded in 1917. They’ve been serving German-Texan food ever since, including their famous root beer, which they created during Prohibition.
Tlahco Mexican Kitchen
Tlahco serves inexpensive, authentic Mexican food in northern San Antonio. Try their popular Chilaquiles, Conchas, or tacos and experience true south-of-the-border flavors.
Great Attractions for San Antonio Stay-cations
The Alamo
The Alamo is undoubtedly the most iconic landmark in San Antonio and even in the state of Texas. People come from around the world to take in the history of the Spanish mission and fortress, which was the site of the infamous Battle of the Alamo, the turning point in the Texas Revolution. Today, the Alamo is a museum and World Heritage Site, with around 3 million visitors each year.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
For even more history of the Spanish frontier, visit the Missions National Historical Park, where four Spanish missions have been preserved that date back to the 1600s. Alongside the fifth mission in the group, the Alamo, the four missions in this park are a World Heritage Site. Visitors can learn about the history of the San Antonio area and marvel as the stunning mission buildings.
San Antonio River Walk
One level below the street alongside the San Antonio River is the iconic San Antonio River Walk, a system of walkways and bridges along the riverbank. Restaurants, shopping, public artwork, the historic missions, bars, and entertainment line the River Walk. Make your way down the river on an open river cruise, grab a bite to eat, discover pockets of stunning architecture, and enjoy parades of flower-covered floats.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark
chlitterbahn, located in New Braunfels 35 miles outside of San Antonio, is one of the most popular water parks in the state. The park has four different sections, including the original spring-fed river water section. With tons of water rides, a huge lazy river, and a resort, this is a great place to spend the weekend.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
If you’re looking for a thrill, Six Flags Fiesta Texas is the place for you. With 39 different attractions, including 10 roller coasters, Six Flags is fun for the whole family. The park has five themed areas celebrating the blend of cultures in San Antonio. If you’re really feeling brave, ride the Scream – a colorful tower that drops riders from 20 stories high.
Seaworld
Seaworld is one of the most popular attractions in San Antonio, and is one of the largest marine-life theme parks in the world. The park has theme park rides, marine animal shows, opportunities to learn about marine conservation, and is home to the famous killer whales.
Natural Bridge Caverns
For a truly unique adventure, visit the Natural Bridge Caverns northeast of San Antonio. The huge limestone cavern is constantly changing – although very slowly – and tours take the public up to 180 feet below ground. Visitors can choose from a variety of tours, including a tour of hidden passages, an early morning tour where the only light is from your lantern, and an adventure tour with climbing, crawling, and rappelling in the caves.
Majestic Theater
The Majestic Theatre is well-named, as the National Historic Landmark has truly majestic Spanish-Mediterranean details. The theatre seats 2,264 people and is conveniently located just off the River Walk. Movies, musicals, concerts, and much more are regularly held here.
Shopping
In addition to many traditional shopping malls, shoppers can also find historic shopping areas that celebrate the heritage of the San Antonio area.
Historic Market Square
Historic Market Square in downtown San Antonio is an outdoor shopping and dining plaza, spanning three blocks. It’s the largest Mexican market in the country, with over 100 shops and restaurants. San Antonio’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations are held here, along with other fiestas throughout the year.
Alamo Quarry Market
In the northern part of the city, the Alamo Quarry Market was once a cement factory that has been remodeled into a unique open air shopping market. You can find all of your favorite stores here, as well as great dining options, and the four smokestacks on the building make it a landmark in the area.
Pearl Farmers Market
Pearl Farmers Market is a hip, producers-only market just north of downtown San Antonio, where shoppers can find locally grown and made produce, metas, cheese, and bakeries.
Shops at Rivercenter
Right across from the Alamo and accessible by the River Walk, the Shops at Rivercenter are a great place to shop while you’re enjoying everything downtown San Antonio has to offer. With 80 stores and four floors, you’re sure to find something here.
Places of Worship
San Antonio is one of the most diverse cities in the United States, and has numerous places of worship that represent a wide range of faiths and religions.
St. Joseph Parish
St. Joseph Parish is a beautiful and historic church in San Antonio’s downtown loop. This lovely Catholic Church has a convenient location and an intimate atmosphere.
Alfalah Society of Greater San Antonio
The Alfalah Society of Greater San Antonio provides a wide range of services to the Northside Muslim community ranging from family support, marriage counsling, and relgious services.
Temple Beth-El
Temple Beth-El is the historic heart of Reform Judaism in San Antonio. This vibrant congregation provides a framework for people to cultivate Jewish lives.
Rissho Kosei-Kai Buddhist Center of San Antonio
The Rissho Kosei-Kai Buddhist Center provides a range of Buddhist meditation classes and other events, so the people of San Antonio can engage with Buddhist principles.
Hindu Temple of San Antonio
The Hindu Temple of San Antonio is convniently located in Helotes, TX. This lovely temple offers a wide range of relgious events and services for the Hindu communtiy in San Antonio.
Congregation Rodfei Sholom
The Congregation Rodfei Sholom is an Orthodox community of over 250 families in Northern San Antonio. It offers a wide range of social and family services.
The Islamic Center of San Antonio
The Islamic Center of San Antonio is the only Islamic Center in the greater San Antonio Area, that strives to serve the increasingly diverse needs of the Muslim Community.
Summit Christian Center
The Summit Christian Center gives residents of Northern San Antonio a warm and welcoming place of worship and a community that lists you up.
Interested in other areas in Texas? Check out these other relocation guides if you are:
Other San Antonio Area Resources
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Lara Herreid has a BA in English and Sociology from Southwestern University and a Master of Public Administration from The Ohio State University. She currently works in higher education and enjoys writing in her free time.
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