San Antonio Neighborhoods

Featured Neighborhoods in San Antonio

1 Northwest Side

Containing the main campus of University of Texas at San Antonio, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and the Northwest Campus of the University of the Incarnate Word, Northwest is a draw for students in the San Antonio area. The Medical Center District is also a part of this suburban community, which is the location of the South Texas Medical Center. A bustling business hub as well, USAA, Valero and NuStar Energy are among the major corporations located here. It’s not all business and academics in this part of town: Six Flags Fiesta Texas is also located here, offering thrill rides and fun. Shopping is anchored by the national chains and local shops at The Shops at La Cantera. [Photo Courtesy of University of Texas at San Antonio]

2 Uptown

Eight miles from downtown, Uptown is home to trendy boutiques, major corporate office space and national chain retail outlets. Bustling North Star mall, San Pedro Town Center, and Park North Plaza offer numerous shopping opportunities Well-regarded indie movie chain Alamo Drafthouse also has an outpost here. The San Antonio International Airport is part of this centrally located community, with both domestic and international flights daily. One of the oldest streets in the city of San Antonio, Fredericksburg Road, a link in the Old Spanish Trail, is a major thoroughfare here. The community includes a number of historic Spanish Colonial-style buildings. The large green fields and walking paths of McAllister Park, and the Texas Transportation Museum are also located here.

3 Southside

Just south of downtown San Antonio, the King William Historic District is just one part of this art-heavy community, packed with galleries, cafes, bars, antique and thrift stores and artist lofts. At the Blue Star Contemporary Art Center, next door to the Blue Star Brewing Company, mixed use residential and business housing is the norm. A showcase of locally made products and art called Second Saturday takes over South Flores Street once and month and an annual art fair, S.M.A.R.T. also supports area artists. The area is also home to Palo Alto College and Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Shopping venues include South Park Mall, with its major national chain stores, and the McCreless Mall, an open-air shopping center that includes a Cinemark Theaters venue. For outdoor recreation, the Medina River Recreation area beckons with trails and picnic spots. [Photo courtesy of King William Fair]

4 Midtown

Historic buildings serve as the backdrop for some of San Antonio’s most cutting edge and creative restaurants and shops in this neighborhood. The former Pearl Brewery is located here, featuring an eclectic farmer’s market, and home to the Culinary Institute of America and Brackenridge Park Golf Course and San Pedro Park offer recreational fun. Urban in density, this community offers a good mix of single-family homes and apartment complexes, many of which are historic. Popular with the LGBT community, colorfully bright buildings house restaurants, bars and boutique shops. It’s a popular area for young professionals, with walking and biking trails along the quieter stretch of the San Antonio River known as the Museum Reach. [Photo courtesy of The Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio]

5 North Central

A mix of the suburban and urban, a variety of small communities are a part of this area. Phil Hardberger Park, considered one of the premier parks in San Antonio, is a central part of this area with a variety of recreation options. The former dairy farm includes historic buildings, nature trails and picnic spots over an area that covers three eco-systems. North Central is home to numerous shops, cafes, and national chain stores and the Sheldon Vexler Theatre. The theater is a community fixture, known for producing innovative, intimate, locally focused performances. Varied dining options dot the area, including established standbys like Green Vegetarian Cuisine or Myron’s Prime Steakhouse. Stellar examples of San Antonio’s Tex-Mex cooking are served at Los Barrios. [Photo courtesy of Phil Hardberger Park]

6 Alamo Heights

Edged by Olmos Basin Park, this San Antonio community is home to the San Antonio Zoo, the Witte Museum, and the McNay Art Museum. Located 4.5 miles north of downtown, this vibrant community has a quaint, suburban vibe. The San Antonio Country Club and Quarry Golf Club are popular with local golfers and Shopping is plentiful, with the Shops at Lincoln Heights and Quarry Village. Broadway, the heart of the community, has many boutique shops, galleries, bars and cafes. Olmos Creek runs through a corner of the community, offering walking paths and a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

7 East Side

Sports fans flock to the East Side to visit the Alamodome, the AT&T Center (home of the San Antonio Spurs), and the Freeman Coliseum. Once home to actress Joan Crawford, this part of San Antontio includes charming Saint Paul Square and the Knob Hill San Antonio Historic District, with its landmark Victorian home the Elizabeth Bowen Nelson House and other Classical Revival architecture. Comanche Park and Salado Creek Greenway offer walking, biking, and outdoor recreation. Neighborhood eateries and national chain options are found close to the centrally located Rigsby Avenue. [Photo courtesy of Alamodome]

8 Near East Side

There’s plenty of history in this community, which is the location of historic Government Hill, built along with Ft. Sam Houston in 1876. Other notable landmarks include the Bullis House Inn, now a bed and breakfast. A neighborhood experiencing exponential growth and renovation, it’s less than 10 minutes from downtown’s core. Renowned BBQ, Mexican, and Chinese restaurants dot the area. Fort Sam Houston and Brooke Army Medical Center are located here, along with the restored Hays Street Bridge, which offers stellar city views of the city.

9 Downtown

Some of San Antonio’s best-known attractions are located here, including the historic Alamo and the beautiful Riverwalk, which wends past restaurants, shops, hotels and museums. Whether strolling along the river or riding a riverboat, Riverwalk is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Texas. Rivercenter Mall is the main shopping enclave here, with more than a hundred shops and three movie theaters. The Majestic Empire Theater host national touring music acts, musical theater and dance companies throughout the year. The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and the 750-foot-tall scenic viewing tower, Tower of the Americas, are also a part of downtown’s cultural scene. [Photo courtesy of San Antonio Riverwalk]

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