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| Neighborhoods and Communities |
Location, Location, Location
It is often the case that location will dictate where you choose to purchase or rent a home. Perhaps it is a particular school district that attracts you to an area or maybe a close proximity to your job is important. Are you the type who prefers the hustle and bustle of city life or does a quiet suburban atmosphere appeal to you? Whatever the case may be, when determining where to live, location is paramount.
The economics of where you purchase a home is another consideration. You may find the most value per dollar by purchasing a home north of the city. If you are working on the west side of the city, it may prove economical to purchase a home nearby and save money on gas. However, if you prefer vertical living then the Downtown area may be a good option, as it is home to many new high-rise developments.
If you are looking for multifamily housing, then the south part of San Antonio may be your most economical option. There has been a recent spurt in apartment building construction in that area. Conversely, if you are in the market for lots of acreage then the areas to the north of San Antonio may be just what you’re looking for. Situated on the edge of the Texas Hill Country, North San Antonio living offers houses with large yards surrounded by nature and breathtaking views.
With so many different areas in San Antonio, determining what location is best for you can be an arduous task. Especially when you consider that as San Antonio continues to grow, more areas are incorporated on the outskirts of town. These areas are becoming “incorporated cities,” often with their own civic services such as police and fire departments. The following pages of this chapter will provide you with a glimpse of what San Antonio has to offer. It will serve as an introduction to many of San Antonio’s communities with detailed information on select neighborhoods, as well as information on new subdivisions or multifamily developments in the area.
Downtown
The Downtown area is at the heart of San Antonio, surrounded by three freeways, I-35, I-37, and I-10. Downtown is a very popular tourist destination with attractions including the Alamo, Historic Riverwalk and the Tower of the Americas. It is also home to the popular Rivercenter Mall. The Downtown area is within the San Antonio Independent School District.
The Downtown area is comprised of many districts, including the Alamo District, Alamodome District, Central Business District, Convention Center District, Historic Civic District, Houston Street District, King William Historic District, Lavaca District, La Villita District, Market Square District, North Downtown, River North District, San Antonio CO-OP District, River Bend District, South Flores Warehouse District, SoSo (South of Southtown), Southtown, Eastbourough and the University District.
— King William Historic District
The King William Historic District is located immediately south of downtown San Antonio on the east bank of the San Antonio River. The area has a rich cultural landscape, which includes some of the oldest homes in the city. The neighborhood is rich with culture including art galleries, restaurants and quaint lodging. The Blue Star Arts Complex sits on the outskirts of the district offering a significant contribution to the area’s cultural heritage. Southtown, the area’s commercial section, is a flourishing epicenter for local businesses.
Residential properties in the King William Historic District range in size from small bungalows to mansion-level proportions. There are variety of architectural styles, including Greek cottages and 16th century Italian imitations. Many of the lavish homes were built in the 1800s and represent an opulence and ornate style symbolic of the period.
Residents in the area come from a variety of backgrounds, yet, are united by an “urban-village” lifestyle. The similarity in lifestyle and heritage has compelled residents to form a 300-member neighborhood group called the King William Association. The association has been “designed to address urban neighborhood issues, communicate ideas to city officials and provide information to residents and visitors.” For more information on the King William Historical District or Association visit www.kingwilliamassociation.org.
— River North District
Recently a master plan has been developed to transform the River North District into an “urban village” with a sound residential constituent. The River North District Master Plan results from the realization that, while the Downtown District has a significant population of residents and businesses, the River North area is underdeveloped. The River North District consists of 377 acres between the Downtown District and the I-35 and I-37 expressways.
The master plan calls for the creation of new residential units, storefront retail space, office space, infrastructure improvements, structured and on-street parking, landscaping and the formation of public spaces connecting to the River. In addition, the plan proposes the development of meandering sidewalks, a new streetcar line, a vibrant new performing arts district and the construction of a major new plaza at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Once completed, the master plan will help reduce congestion and sprawl, promote managed growth, enhance neighborhood identity, utilize existing infrastructure, reduce energy consumption and produce a more sustainable economy for the River North District. For more information on the River North District, visit the City of San Antonio Planning and Development Services Department: www.sanantonio.gov.
It is often the case that location will dictate where you choose to purchase or rent a home. Perhaps it is a particular school district that attracts you to an area or maybe a close proximity to your job is important. Are you the type who prefers the hustle and bustle of city life or does a quiet suburban atmosphere appeal to you? Whatever the case may be, when determining where to live, location is paramount.
The economics of where you purchase a home is another consideration. You may find the most value per dollar by purchasing a home north of the city. If you are working on the west side of the city, it may prove economical to purchase a home nearby and save money on gas. However, if you prefer vertical living then the Downtown area may be a good option, as it is home to many new high-rise developments.
If you are looking for multifamily housing, then the south part of San Antonio may be your most economical option. There has been a recent spurt in apartment building construction in that area. Conversely, if you are in the market for lots of acreage then the areas to the north of San Antonio may be just what you’re looking for. Situated on the edge of the Texas Hill Country, North San Antonio living offers houses with large yards surrounded by nature and breathtaking views.
With so many different areas in San Antonio, determining what location is best for you can be an arduous task. Especially when you consider that as San Antonio continues to grow, more areas are incorporated on the outskirts of town. These areas are becoming “incorporated cities,” often with their own civic services such as police and fire departments. The following pages of this chapter will provide you with a glimpse of what San Antonio has to offer. It will serve as an introduction to many of San Antonio’s communities with detailed information on select neighborhoods, as well as information on new subdivisions or multifamily developments in the area.
Downtown
The Downtown area is at the heart of San Antonio, surrounded by three freeways, I-35, I-37, and I-10. Downtown is a very popular tourist destination with attractions including the Alamo, Historic Riverwalk and the Tower of the Americas. It is also home to the popular Rivercenter Mall. The Downtown area is within the San Antonio Independent School District.
The Downtown area is comprised of many districts, including the Alamo District, Alamodome District, Central Business District, Convention Center District, Historic Civic District, Houston Street District, King William Historic District, Lavaca District, La Villita District, Market Square District, North Downtown, River North District, San Antonio CO-OP District, River Bend District, South Flores Warehouse District, SoSo (South of Southtown), Southtown, Eastbourough and the University District.
— King William Historic District
The King William Historic District is located immediately south of downtown San Antonio on the east bank of the San Antonio River. The area has a rich cultural landscape, which includes some of the oldest homes in the city. The neighborhood is rich with culture including art galleries, restaurants and quaint lodging. The Blue Star Arts Complex sits on the outskirts of the district offering a significant contribution to the area’s cultural heritage. Southtown, the area’s commercial section, is a flourishing epicenter for local businesses.
Residential properties in the King William Historic District range in size from small bungalows to mansion-level proportions. There are variety of architectural styles, including Greek cottages and 16th century Italian imitations. Many of the lavish homes were built in the 1800s and represent an opulence and ornate style symbolic of the period.
Residents in the area come from a variety of backgrounds, yet, are united by an “urban-village” lifestyle. The similarity in lifestyle and heritage has compelled residents to form a 300-member neighborhood group called the King William Association. The association has been “designed to address urban neighborhood issues, communicate ideas to city officials and provide information to residents and visitors.” For more information on the King William Historical District or Association visit www.kingwilliamassociation.org.
— River North District
Recently a master plan has been developed to transform the River North District into an “urban village” with a sound residential constituent. The River North District Master Plan results from the realization that, while the Downtown District has a significant population of residents and businesses, the River North area is underdeveloped. The River North District consists of 377 acres between the Downtown District and the I-35 and I-37 expressways.
The master plan calls for the creation of new residential units, storefront retail space, office space, infrastructure improvements, structured and on-street parking, landscaping and the formation of public spaces connecting to the River. In addition, the plan proposes the development of meandering sidewalks, a new streetcar line, a vibrant new performing arts district and the construction of a major new plaza at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Once completed, the master plan will help reduce congestion and sprawl, promote managed growth, enhance neighborhood identity, utilize existing infrastructure, reduce energy consumption and produce a more sustainable economy for the River North District. For more information on the River North District, visit the City of San Antonio Planning and Development Services Department: www.sanantonio.gov.
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