San Antonio is the fastest growing city in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. Warm weather, a stable job market, and affordable housing are just some of the biggest draws, especially for people moving from a high-cost area. Are you ready to settle down in San Antonio but aren’t sure where? The best neighborhoods in San Antonio below offer something for everyone, from trendy, walkable communities to safe, family-friendly subdivisions.
Tobin Hill – Trendy Up and Coming Neighborhood in San Antonio for Young Professionals & Singles
Population: 4,100
Average rent: $1,435
Median home price: $460,000
Tobin Hill is one of the most exciting San Antonio neighborhoods for singles, millennials, and young professionals. Located just north of downtown, this up and coming neighborhood is quickly becoming the go-to entertainment district ahead of the San Antonio River Walk. Home to the San Antonio College, Tobin Hill is always bustling with community events and activities. North Main Avenue is a popular nightlife destination with gay-friendly clubs and bars, while the Pearl complex is the go-to destination for boutique shopping and dining. The River Walk, one of San Antonio’s top attractions, is also nearby.
One of the most charming aspects of this historic district is the beautiful architecture with Tudor and Colonial Revival homes, turn-of-the-century Craftsmen bungalows, and four squares.
Tobin Hill is home to the 22-acre Pearl complex, San Antonio’s hottest destination for shopping and dining. Spanning 16 square blocks, the heart of the Pearl district is the Pearl Brewery which has been transformed into the chic Hotel Emma. The neighborhood hosts the regular Pearl Farmers Market with live music, cooking demonstrations, and fresh produce and artisanal goods.
Alamo Heights – One of the Best Places to Live in San Antonio for Outdoor & Cultural Attractions
Population: 7,000
Average rent: $1,480
Median home price: $679,000
Alamo Heights isn’t actually a neighborhood of San Antonio: it’s an independent city surrounded by San Antonio. However, the Alamo Heights area can also be used to refer broadly to not only Alamo Heights but also the city of Terrell Heights and San the Antonio neighborhoods of Brackenridge Park and Oak Park – Northwood.
Alamo Heights is one of the safest neighborhoods in San Antonio and perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and retirees. To the south, you’ll find the San Antonio Zoo, the San Antonio Botanical Garden, and the picturesque riverside Brackenridge Park.
It may be only ten minutes outside downtown, but it’s one of the quietest San Antonio neighborhoods. The area is filled with young families and retirees who appreciate the many attractions, safety, and quality schools.
Renters will find many options in the Alamo Heights area ranging from budget-friendly apartments to luxury apartments and townhomes. Homebuyers will pay a premium to live in the community, but it’s worth it to be close to the best San Antonio has to offer.
Monte Vista – Affluent & Historic Area of San Antonio Known for its Architecture
Population: 3,800
Average rent: $1,320
Median home price: $680,000
North of downtown and Tobin Hill is the charming Monte Vista Historic District. This affluent neighborhood comes at a cost, with a median home price about $280,000 above the San Antonio median, but it boasts some of the most beautiful homes in the city. For more than a century, Monte Vista, San Antonio has balanced the preservation of its historic homes with mixed land use. It remains one of the best neighborhoods in San Antonio for families and home buyers with its gorgeous tree-lined streets and historic entry gates.
The Monte Vista Historical Association (MVHA) has worked since 1973 to maintain the community’s character and preserve the 19th and early 20th century buildings. Monte Vista today is one of America’s largest historic districts, with 14 subdivisions covering 100 city blocks.
Mahncke Park – Best Area to Live in San Antonio for Nature Lovers
Population: 3,000
Average rent: $1,480
Median home price: $487,000
Mahncke Park is one of the nicest neighborhoods in San Antonio if you value diversity, a sense of community, and nature. It’s often thought of as an old hippie neighborhood and has long attracted everything from entrepreneurs and nonprofit founders to artists, chefs, teachers, and architects. You’re close to everything the city has to offer, with the zoo, botanical garden, Witte Museum, and the DoSeum children’s museum within biking or walking distance. This ideal location near Lions Field and the gorgeous Brackenridge Park, plus the neighborhood’s namesake Mahncke Park with its community garden, make the neighborhood a big draw for families.
Southtown – One of the Best Neighborhoods in San Antonio for Millennials & Artists
Population: 19,000
Average rent: $1,910
Median home price: $300,000
The King William/Southtown neighborhood is far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city and the crowds of tourists just north at The Alamo and River Walk. Southtown is the arts district of San Antonio known for its grassroots communities of artists and historic architecture. Today, Southtown is a large region that encompasses five different neighborhoods: King William, Lone Star, Lavaca, Collins Garden, and Roosevelt Park.
There are countless art galleries, studios, and small museums in the area. The Blue Star Arts Complex straddling the river is a cool spot for artists and visitors with an art gallery, theater, craft beer and wine, and regular events. You’ll find other art spots scattered throughout the neighborhood, like the Presa House Gallery and the San Antonio Art League and Museum.
If you love urban exploration without the throngs of people, you’ll love living in one of the best neighborhoods in San Antonio near downtown. Spend your afternoons walking along the San Antonio River, visit microbreweries and local parks, and catch up with friends at dozens of local bars and coffee shops.
Stone Oak – Several Gated San Antonio Rich Neighborhoods
Population: 75,000
Average rent: $1,569
Median home price: $455,000
Stone Oak is a sprawling San Antonio Northside neighborhood originally developed in the 1980s. Envisioned as a luxurious bedroom community, it’s still one of the most desirable neighborhoods in San Antonio.
There are nearly two dozen subdivisions in Stone Oak. Some neighborhoods have more modest homes built in the 1990s, while prestigious gated communities like The Heights at Stone Oak and The Forest at Stone Oak have homes that sell for $450,000 to more than $1 million. There’s even a 55+ community in Stone Oak and upscale apartments at Cypress at Stone Oak and The Club at Stone Oak.
Residents enjoy a range of upscale amenities, including a heated Junior Olympic pool, clubhouse, and several neighborhood parks. The community is designed around the Canyon Springs Golf Club, named one of the best new public golf courses when it was built.
Alta Vista – Historic Neighborhood Minutes from Downtown San Antonio
Population: 3,000
Median home price: $290,000
Alta Vista is one of the oldest San Antonio neighborhoods with a rich history. Because many homes in the neighborhood are older, the community fell into decline for years, but the homes are slowly being renovated by new residents. That means you’ll find varied housing options and potentially great deals as a buyer with homes built in the 30s and 40s that have a lot of character. As a renter, you’ll find older homes converted into fourplexes and duplexes with a handful of apartments.
Alta Vista is popular with young professionals thanks to its close proximity to downtown, but it’s also home to Trinity University college students and young families who want an affordable starter home.
San Pedro Springs Park is the largest community park in the neighborhood with a softball complex and a tennis center. It’s the second oldest public part in the United States!
Great Northwest – One of the Best Family Neighborhoods in San Antonio with Great Schools & Amenities
Population: 13,250
Median home price: $255,000
The sprawling Great Northwest community has practically everything families are looking for: affordable homes, plenty of space, family-friendly amenities, and excellent schools. It’s the state’s second largest HOA with seven unique subdivisions and amenities for residents, like swimming pools, playgrounds, two clubhouses, and lighted game courts. The Great Northwest HOA also arranges tons of community events and activities ranging from garage sales, a holiday market, and a summer movie series to book club, group fitness, and youth swimming, soccer, and basketball teams. You can see the community welcome packet for tons of information about living in Great Northwest.
Great Northwest is the best neighborhood in San Antonio if you want to live in the Northside Independent School District (NISD). Northside ISD’s Health Careers High School isranked #1 among San Antonio high schools, and it’s the only school in the San Antonio area to rank in the top 10 for Texas.
Best Neighborhoods in San Antonio Map
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Erik Scheetz is founder of Texas Best Moving and Storage. Erik has over 15 years of experience in the moving business and has built Texas Best Moving and Storage with pride and integrity in San Antonio, Texas. He is also a Licensed Real Estate Broker with many years of experience. Texas Best Moving and Storage has strived to offer the best customer service and moving experience for every customer on every move.
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