Check Out 7 of the Best Neighborhoods in San Antonio
Texas San Antonio
Seeking a charming, historic, delicious, and downright fun place to call home? While Lone Star cities like Austin and Houston have recently become all the rage, San Antonio has long been a Texas darling. You may know San Antonio as the home of the Alamo, the Tower of the Americas, and the River Walk — the 15-mile pedestrian shopping center. Or maybe you consider San Antonio the birthplace of Tex-Mex cuisine. The locals, however? They know there’s much more hiding in plain sight throughout the best neighborhoods in San Antonio and in the history of Alamo City — it’s what makes this Texan stronghold one of the best places to live in Texas.
Come to San Antonio to get your fill of historic Spanish Colonial missions, top contemporary museums, theme parks, great food, nightlife, and friendly locals — everywhere from the bustling downtown area to the outlying neighborhoods. Whether you’re relocating for a short stay or are planning on moving permanently to one of the best places to live in San Antonio, it’s hard not to fall in love.
But not sure what neighborhood is right for you? Want the scoop on our picks for the best places to live in San Antonio? No problem; that’s why we’re here — to give you the official 4-1-1 on the best neighborhoods in San Antonio, Texas.
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Tidy streets and well-kept homes characterize some of the best neighborhoods in San Antonio.
What Are Housing Costs Like in San Antonio?
On the whole, housing costs in San Antonio — and even in some of the best areas of San Antonio — are considerably lower than the national average, making it a pretty affordable place to live. RentCafe lists the average monthly rent in the U.S. at just over $1,725 and the average rent in San Antonio at a little more than $1,275 per month. Zillow puts the average value of a home in the U.S. at around $361,300 (an increase of 2.9 percent over last year) and the average home value in San Antonio at around $255,800 (down 2.8 percent from last year).
Historic homes are the hallmark of many of the best neighborhoods in San Antonio.
7 of the Best San Antonio Neighborhoods and Suburbs To Put on Your Radar
There are at least 150 neighborhoods in San Antonio, giving new and old residents the opportunity to find the perfect community. Here are just a few of our favorites to help give you a head start in the search for your new home in one of the nicest neighborhoods in San Antonio.
For each spot, we’ll cover typical housing types and costs, along with the overall vibe, quality of schools, things to do, and even types of neighbors. And since San Antonio is a car-forward city, we’ve also included some general commute times to factor in as you weigh your options and find the best place to live in San Antonio
1. Tobin Hill
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,150
- Average home value: $371,600
- Great for: Young professionals, families, young people, creatives, DIYers, diversity, community events, outdoor enthusiasts
Just north of downtown San Antonio is Tobin Hill, a neighborhood that’s at once historic and up-and-coming. Its proximity to the urban center and to the Pearl arts and dining complex have made the area a hot spot for revitalization and attracted new development — and with it, young creatives and professionals looking for city life. Housing ranges from charming historic homes, including fixer-uppers, to contemporary apartment complexes with price points that will fit most budgets.
Art lovers will appreciate The Contemporary, founded in 1986 along the San Antonio River as an incubator for local artists. Today the space features 12 exhibitions every year in its four onsite galleries and in offsite locations throughout San Antonio. If the outdoors is more your style, go to San Pedro Springs Park, the oldest in Texas and second-oldest in the U.S., for gorgeous green space, a swimming pool, walking trails, a skate park —- the list goes on.
And like so much of San Antonio, Tobin Hill is a foodie’s delight. Locals love Santa Diabla’s authentic Mexican cuisine and innovative takes on traditional Texas dishes, and for coffee and the dreamy-sounding “moon milk,” Summer Moon Coffee is a must-visit.
The River Walk is a key feature of Downtown San Antonio, one of the best areas of San Antonio.
2. Downtown San Antonio
If you’re looking for San Antonio’s hot spot/melting pot neighborhood, downtown is where it’s at — definitely one of the best places to live in San Antonio. Thanks to a good collection of museums, theaters, music venues, bars, restaurants, clubs, and public transportation options, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a dull moment here — or a reason to own a car, for that matter. Downtown is one of the best neighborhoods in San Antonio for young professionals, students, and fun-loving retirees who want to be in the heart of the city’s action.
Like many typical downtown areas, you’ll find a ton of luxury high-rise condos and apartments. However, you’ll also get a peppering of Victorian mansions and other historic homes here. According to Zillow, the average home value in Downtown San Antonio is around $552,400, making it one of the most expensive places to buy in the city area, though not the most expensive (we’re looking at you, Terrell Hills, with an average home value of around $885,100). Renting in downtown is also higher, with RentCafe listing average rent at around $1,600 per month, nearly a 20% difference from the city average (but only slightly below the national rent average).
Downtown is known for the San Antonio River Walk, a 15-mile, pedestrian-only stretch full of food, fun, and things to do. In fact, it’s the Lone Star State’s most popular attraction, and it winds through one of the best neighborhoods in San Antonio. But folks who live here know the best area to live in San Antonio has more to offer (and we’re not just talking about The Alamo — yes, the Alamo — either). Catch a performance at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, catch up on local history and humanities at the Institute of Texan Cultures, or pre-party with cocktails served on the longest wooden bartop in Texas at The Esquire Tavern before hitting the club.
| Q: What are the wealthiest parts of San Antonio? A: With super-rich celebrity residents over the years boasting the likes of George Strait, Steve “Stone Cold” Austin, and Tommy Lee Jones, The Dominion ranks on any list of the wealthiest neighborhoods in San Antonio. Other affluent areas include some of the best neighborhoods in San Antonio, such as Downtown, Monte Vista, and Elm Creek. |
3. Elm Creek
- Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
- Average home value: $757,000
- Great for: Affluent families, retirees, young professionals
Want a luxury lifestyle that’s quiet, elegant, and close enough to Downtown San Antonio to enjoy all the amenities of urban living? Elm Creek may be for you. Known for upscale custom homes (almost 600 of them) with high-end finishes and lush landscaping, Elm Creek was the first gated community in the San Antonio area. Neighborhood prices start in the $600,000s and soar to well over $1 million — depending on the size, lot, and design.
An active homeowners association helps the community maintain its tidy appearance and keep it a desirable place for affluent families, successful young professionals, and retirees alike. Walking trails throughout its 100-plus acres of green space in a park-like setting also encourage outdoor activities and casual interactions among neighbors.
Though Elm Creek is a quiet, residential neighborhood, it’s conveniently located near several dining and shopping hubs and is consistently considered one of the best neighborhoods in San Antonio. The Dominion Ridge Shopping Center and The RIM are just a short drive away, with shops and restaurants ranging from casual eateries to fine dining — mostly of the chain variety — including TexMex, steakhouse, and sushi.
Everyone, from university students to retirees, loves the centrally located neighborhood of Monte Vista.
4. Monte Vista
Hoping for historic heart with hip attitude? Then X marks the spot in Monte Vista, one of the oldest districts in the country — and one of the most up-and-coming best neighborhoods in San Antonio. Great dining, nightlife options, walkability, and a quick 10-minute ride into downtown are big pluses here. Everyone from university students to retirees loves this centrally located neighborhood and its convenient access to green space, well-balanced urban/suburban feel, larger-sized houses, and good community vibe.
According to Zillow, the average home value in Monte Vista is around $638,900. Listings range from anywhere between around $450,000 for a historic two-bedroom home to $1.7 million for a four-bedroom estate home. According to listings on Apartments.com, rent seems to have less variation, and you can expect to pay around $1,575 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Whether you make Monte Vista your next home or end up elsewhere, you’ll probably find yourself in the ‘hood at some point — if not to visit the San Antonio Zoo then to grab brunch or dinner at one of Monte Vista’s trendy restaurants, like Nola Brunch & Beignets or BARBARO. When night falls, grab drinks and spend a lively evening at the brand-new Neon Moon Saloon for “y’allternative” sounds.
| Q: What is the safest area in San Antonio? A: Timberwood Park West tops the list of the safest areas in San Antonio, according to Neighborhood Scout. About 25 miles north of the city center, this neighborhood has had fewer incidents of crime than the majority of the San Antonio area. Southtown, Monte Vista, and Fort Sam Houston are also some of the safest neighborhoods in San Antonio. But keep in mind that San Antonio as a whole has a higher-than-average crime rate, safer than only 1 percent of cities in the U.S. |
The Southtown area, which includes the King William Historic District, is one of the best San Antonio neighborhoods for artists and other creative types.
5. Southtown (Arts District)
Directly south of downtown, you’ll find heaps of hip and a happening art scene in San Antonio’s Arts District, also known as Southtown (get it? south of downtown?) and one of the best areas to live in San Antonio. It’s kind of like the Brooklyn of the Lone Star State, replete with a creative community anchored at the Blue Star Arts Complex, independent boutiques and eateries, public murals, and cool ways to spend your days and nights.
Southtown is flush with a variety of homes, from vintage bungalows and historic Victorian estates to more modern condos. The area comprises five smaller neighborhoods: King William, Lavaca, Collins Garden, Roosevelt Park, and Lone Star. According to Zillow, the average home values vary, depending on the neighborhood, but range from as low as $140,600 in Collins Garden to as high as $506,900 in historic King William. It’s probably safe to say the lower home values are making that particular part of Southtown more desirable and on track to become one of the best neighborhoods in San Antonio.
Rentals in the area include condos, smaller apartment buildings, and houses. Similar to the home values, rent differs depending on the particular Southtown neighborhood. According to Zumper, you can expect to pay about $1,150 a month for a 1-bedroom in Lavaca, while a similar apartment in King William will run you closer to $1,450 a month. Fun fact: Both of these Southtown areas are two of the safest places to live in San Antonio, according to Neighborhood Scout.
| Curious how San Antonio stacks up against other areas in Texas? Don’t worry, we’ve got the deets: |
Rentals in the district include condos, smaller apartment buildings, and houses. Similar to the home values, rent differs depending on the particular Southtown area. According to Zumper, you can expect to pay about $1,150 a month for a 1-bedroom in Lavaca, while a similar apartment in King William will run you just a smidge less at $1,075 a month.
Tourists haven’t quite “discovered” Southtown just yet, which has kept outings here feeling local and community-oriented — for now. Want to soak up the spirit of the neighborhood? Join the lively First Friday street fest or pop into local galleries and artist studios on the Second Saturday Art Walk. Or just take a stroll along King William Street and ogle the historic mansions after downing a delicious lunch inside the The Guenther House, a beautiful Art Nouveau-era mansion boasting a restaurant, museum, and more. And later on, meet up with all your new friends for cocktails at the aptly named local hangout The Friendly Spot. It doesn’t take much to see why folks say Southtown is one of the best places to live in San Antonio.
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Alamo Ranch is an upscale community residents call one of the best neighborhoods in San Antonio.
6. Alamo Ranch
Alamo Ranch is a master-planned community neighborhood about 20 miles northwest of downtown, near San Antonio SeaWorld. Residents here have practically everything they need right inside the gates (grocery stores, retail shops, dining, entertainment, and more), so they don’t even have to leave unless they want to. But when they do, Alamo Ranch’s proximity to Loop 1604 makes most of the metro area easily accessible. All this means Alamo Ranch is one of the best San Antonio neighborhoods out there.
Expect large homes, lush landscaping, and tranquil surroundings — all wrapped up neatly with an affluent gated-community vibe. Inside the entrance, you’ll find a wide variety of homes and prices within the Alamo Ranch subdivisions. According to Realtor.com, the entry point is still relatively affordable with prices starting as low as $260,000. With a variety of builders and diverse floor plans and upgrades available, though, options are abundant, and you can find homes at various price points, up to $735,000. Renting here isn’t very common, but there are modern one-bedroom apartments (note: 750 square feet and smaller) loaded with conveniences for about $1,150 per month, according to Rent.com.
Alamo Ranch is also stocked with community features. In addition to upscale amenities like playgrounds, jogging trails, and sports courts, this neighborhood offers residents niche extras, such as an aquatic center with an Olympic-sized pool and kids’ waterpark, plus a huge 9,000-square-foot retail complex full of entertainment, shopping, and dining options (also named Alamo Ranch). As for schools, this area is served by the Northside Independent District — highly rated in the San Antonio metro.
| Q: What is the best up and coming neighborhood in San Antonio? A: Government Hill is already one of the best neighborhoods in San Antonio. But thanks to revitalization efforts, investment, and commitment from the city, the former military enclave is also a new hotspot. |
Alamo Heights
7. Government Hill
Ranked No. 10 among Niche’s Best Neighborhoods to Live in San Antonio for 2024, Government Hill was founded as a residential area for military personnel stationed at Fort Sam Houston, a major Army base in San Antonio. The neighborhood originated in the late 19th century just north of the fort, making it an ideal spot for soldiers and staff associated with the military and government — hence the name.
Government Hill expanded along with Fort Sam Houston, with many homes and buildings constructed and the area burgeoning into a diverse, active community even separate from the Army base. Despite changes over the decades, including eras of decline, the neighborhood has seen a resurgence in recent years, with efforts to preserve its history and revitalize the area. It’s become a hotspot for young people and families looking for still-affordable housing in an up-and-coming, convenient area many see as one of the next best neighborhoods in San Antonio.
One of the perks of Government Hill living is its proximity to some of San Antonio’s best dining hubs. Just minutes away is the Pearl District, home to some of the city’s acclaimed bars, restaurants, and cafes. Grab breakfast at Bakery Lorraine or enjoy an evening at the Culinary Institute of America’s student-run restaurant, Savor. And an absolute can’t miss: The Pearl Weekend Market, every Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine.
| Looking for small-town vibes? Check out our rundown of the state’s smaller side with a little howdy from 16 of the best small towns in Texas. |
After you’ve decided where to live in San Antonio, get a head start on your move with PODS.
Planning Your Move to San Antonio
Looking forward to going big (get it?) and getting settled in your new San Antonio home? The PODS Blog can help you with that! We cover all sorts of tips and tricks to help you with your next move — everything from how to pack for a long-distance move to tips for moving with portable containers — and we provide moving and storage containers to help you get there, of course. We’ve even got insight on things to know about living in San Antonio before you get there. When it comes to making moves, big or small, we know it’s never too early to start planning, and there’s always something fun to do in your new home. From tips and tricks to flexible and friendly service, PODS has your back every step of the way.
Alex Keight is a frequent contributor to the PODS Blog who has moved 20+ times because she loves to experience new places.
Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe, Zumper, Rent.com, and Rentable; average home values were obtained from Zillow; and median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.
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