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RELOCATING?
San Antonio's moderate weather, low-key atmosphere and equally low cost of living make it an attractive place for putting down roots. Population hovers just over the million mark, but indicators predict a continued rise due in part to the city's proximity to the border and increasing prosperity. Hispanics are an ethnic majority and a growing number are foreign-born, resulting in a unique cultural mélange of Tex-Mex and mexicana autentico alongside pure Texan. The Riverwalk has made San Antonio a beloved tourist destination, but beyond the river's banks are a number of excellent housing choices for a variety of price ranges and tastes.
Master Planned Communities
Often referred to as "a city inside a city", Master Planned Communties (MPCs) were conceived in the 70's by developers in response to the bland character of suburban neighborhoods. San Antonio's first MPC is an outlying community called La Cantera (Spanish for "the quarry"). A prime growth area, it's a mix of housing, parks, shopping, dining, schools and community services. La Cantera's higher than average home prices are offset by the plentiful amenities and gorgeous hill country views. A notable enclave is The Dominion, a wealthy, exclusive golf course community where wrestler Steve Austin, singer George Strait and a few San Antonio Spurs basketball players own sprawling estates. New construction abounds outside Loop 1604, making many housing options available. A short commute links La Cantera and the surrounding area to the city's center. Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Sea World amusement parks are part of the landscape. Families and nature lovers will be smitten.
Urban Renewal
Downtown San Antonio bustles with social and commercial activity. Historical buildings, award-winning restaurants, bars and hotels pepper the skyline. Nightlife reigns supreme in this area. High-rise apartments and lofts offer affordable housing options best suited to yuppies. While many locals do venture downtown on weekend to enjoy the myriad dining and entertainment options, most residents prefer to live in less congested parts of the city.
For the best of both worlds, just south of downtown is the place to be. The King William area, settled by wealthy German merchants in the 1800s, has experienced considerable rejuvenation in the last few decades. Property values have skyrocketed, making it the city's new cultural nucleus. On the first Friday of each month, Southtown art galleries, boutiques and restaurants play host to a fun, bohemian event known as Art Walk — a favorite among locals. Majestic homes converted into charming apartments can often be rented inexpensively. Perfect for artsy types.
Wooded Neighborhoods
Despite its rapid growth, San Antonio has preserved many green residential areas. Upscale neighborhoods in Alamo Heights such as Olmos Park, Lincoln Heights, Terrel Hills and Monte Vista are bursting with vegetation and personality. In addition to lush scenery, the Alamo Quarry Shopping Center, the Witte Museum and the Botanical Gardens can be found nearby. Bars and restaurants along Broadway rival those on the Riverwalk. Families, students and retirees populate high-quality existing homes.
For medical students and health care professionals, the Medical Center in Northwest San Antonio is a natural choice. Easy access to the University of Texas at San Antonio and all major freeways, the economical, amenity-filled apartment complexes in this area fill up quickly with students, professionals and young families. The Med Center isn't lauded for being lovely, but its convenience and cost are hard to beat.
Comparative Cost of Living
Housing Costs
San Antonio has a wide variety of homes available in neighborhoods ranging from $70,000-$2,000,000. The average price of a home in San Antonio is $129,265 and the median home price is $104,900.
| City |
Median Home Price |
| San Diego |
$463,000 |
| Los Angeles |
$254,300 |
| Minneapolis/St. Paul |
$172,800 |
| Ft. Lauderdale |
$169,500 |
| Austin |
$151,700 |
| Phoenix |
$138,800 |
| Kansas City |
$135,400 |
| Philadelphia |
$135,000 |
| Houston |
$124,600 |
| New Orleans |
$119,300 |
| Mobile |
$106,900 |
| St. Louis |
$105,800 |
| San Antonio |
$105,000 |
Apartment Rental Costs
Apartments range from efficiencies to two-level townhouses and typically include carpeting, draperies, dishwasher, cable television connection, garbage disposal, central heating and air conditioning, and refrigerators.
No. of
Rooms |
Total
Units |
Occupancy
Rate |
Avg. Size
(Sq. Feet) |
Avg. Rent
per Month |
| One Bedroom |
55,438 |
93.5% |
641 |
$514.08 |
| Two Bedroom |
36.879 |
93.9% |
969 |
$697.68 |
| Three Bedroom |
5,163 |
94.8% |
1213 |
$827.27 |
| Four Bedroom |
198 |
97.5% |
1249 |
$671.96 |
| Source: San Antonio Foreign Investment and Business Guide |
Schools and Higher Education
Quality education is an important factor in relocation. San Antonio has 6 major universities, 4 community colleges, 67 public high schools, 82 public middle schools, and 213 public elementary schools. In addition, there are also 9 private high schools, 7 private middle schools, and 22 private elementary schools.
San Antonio Area Public School Districts
Alamo Heights ISD
7101 Broadway, 78209; Tel. 210.824.2483
Boerne ISD
123 W Johns Rd, Borne, TX 78006; Tel. 830.931.2867
Comal ISD
11421 Hwy 81 East, New Braunfels, TX 78130; (830) 625.8081
East Central ISD
6634 New Sulphur Springs Road, 78263; Tel. 210.648.7861
Edgewood ISD
5358 West Commerce Street, 78237; Tel. 210.433.2361
Fort Sam Houston ISD
1902 Winans Road, 78218; Tel. 210.804.4101
Harlandale ISD
102 Genevieve St., 78204; Tel. 210.921.4300
Judson ISD
8012 Shin Oak Dr., Live Oak, TX 78233; Tel. 210.659.9600
Lackland ISD
2460 Kenly Avenue, 78236; Tel. 210.357.5000
Medina Valley ISD
8449 FM South, Castroville, TX 78009; Tel. 830.931.2867
North East ISD
8961 Tesoro Drive, 78217; Tel. 210.804.7000
Northside ISD
5900 Evers Road, 78238; Tel. 210.706.8500
Randolph Field ISD
P.O. Box 2217, Universal City, Texas, 78148; Tel. 210.357.2300
San Antonio ISD
141 Lavaca Street, 78210; Tel. 210.299.5500
Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD
1060 Elbel Road, Schertz, TX 78154; Tel. 210.945.6200
Somerset ISD
P. O. Box 279, Somerset, TX 78069; Tel. 210.622.3462
Southside ISD
1610 Martinez-Losoya Road, 78221; Tel. 210.626.0600
South San Antonio ISD
2515 Bobcat Lane, 78224; Tel. 210.977.7000
Southwest ISD
11914 Dragon Lane, 78252; Tel. 210.622.3487
Source: San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
Colleges and Universities
Our Lady of the Lake University
St. Mary's University
Southwest Texas State University
Texas Lutheran University
Trinity University
University of the Incarnate Word
University of Texas at San Antonio
University of Texas Health Science Center
Wayland Baptist University
Alamo Community College District (2-year)
— Northwest Vista College
— Palo Alto Community College
— San Antonio College
— St. Philip's College
Source: San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
Source: San Antonio Foreign Investment and Business Guide
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