Best Cities in Texas Near San Antonio

One of the fastest growing cities in the entire country, San Antonio isn’t just famous for its rich history; it’s also known for its beauty and lively culture — among many other things. But while living directly in San Antonio may seem desirable, some of the best cities in Texas near San Antonio offer perks like more affordable housing costs and increased safety without sacrificing an easy commute directly into the city. But what are the best cities near San Antonio? Here’s our list of the top 10.

Best Cities in Texas Near San Antonio — FAQs

Q: What city is close to San Antonio, Texas?
A: The city of Olmos Park is one of the small cities near San Antonio that’s just a 15-minute drive away.

Q: What towns are on the outskirts of San Antonio?
A: Canyon Lake is one of the best towns you can choose to live in on the outskirts of San Antonio.

Q: What small towns are near San Antonio, TX?
A: Garden Ridge and Fair Oaks Ranch are the best places to live in San Antonio with the perfect small-town atmosphere. 

Q: What city is 30 miles from San Antonio?
A: The cities of Boerne and New Braunfels are both about 30 miles away from San Antonio.

10 Best Cities and Towns Near San Antonio

Offering perks for people of all walks of life, here are our choices for the best cities in Texas near San Antonio.

Alamo Heights, TX
Source: San Antonio Magazine

1. Alamo Heights, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,425
• Average home value: $700,400
• Great for: Unique homes, cultural institutions, family-friendly attractions
• Commute into San Antonio: 15-minute drive

Known for its wide streets and beautiful rolling hills, the city of Alamo Heights is one of the small cities near San Antonio that features a wide variety of architectural styles, including English country houses, Spanish colonials, ranch houses, and modern homes.

Alamo Heights is in close proximity to various cultural institutions, such as the McNay Art Museum and the University of the Incarnate Word. Although the university is technically located on the other side of Alamo Heights' eastern boundary, it's still considered to be a part of the community.

There are also several attractions nearby that are popular with families, such as the San Antonio Zoo, the DoSeum Museum, the Witte Museum, and the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. 

2. Olmos Park, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,175
• Average home value: $940,700
• Great for: Historic architecture, family-friendly events
• Commute into San Antonio: 15-minute drive

If you looked at a map of cities near San Antonio, Texas, with the closest commute times, Olmos Park would definitely be a top choice. Dating all the way back to the mid-1920s, it’s one of the best small cities near San Antonio that prides itself on its history. The architectural styles found in this area are also stunning, and the large trees shading the homes add the perfect touch of natural beauty.

Outdoor enthusiasts living in Olmos Park have several spots to visit when they feel like getting active, including Alameda Circle — the largest of the city’s four parks known for its fun social events that help connect the community together. Some of the most exciting events include the 4th of July parade and King Antonio Party. 

3. Terrell Hills, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,425
• Average home value: $843,300
• Great for: Dining options, outdoor recreation
• Commute into San Antonio: 15-minute drive

Situated within Loop 410 near downtown San Antonio, the affluent Terrell Hills community is part of the Uptown Central District and is another great place for people who need to commute into San Antonio.

The residents of Terrell Hills enjoy a variety of dining and shopping options, with establishments catering to varying preferences and tastes, all the way from Tex-Mex to Italian cuisine.

Those living in Terrell Hills also enjoy several parks and trails that provide a peaceful yet active environment. Some of the most popular areas include the Harry B. Orem Stadium and the Terrell Hills Park, which are both great for families with children.

New Braunfels, TX 
Source: New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce

4. New Braunfels, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,475
• Average home value: $354,900
• Great for: Festivals, German cuisine
• Commute into San Antonio: 38-minute drive

The beautiful city of New Braunfels is ideal for any walk of life relocating close to the San Antonio area, as the food, entertainment, and one-of-a-kind landmarks are hard to beat! The Wurstfest, in particular, draws in quite the crowd — residents love celebrating the city’s German heritage with plenty of beer, Gemütlichkeit, and music. 

And there are great year-round dining establishments to be sure to visit. Freisenhaus Restaurant serves up some of the best German cuisine, while other spots like the Buttermilk Cafe are perfect for standard American dishes, for example. 

5. Cibolo, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,625
• Average home value: $336,900
• Great for: Dining establishments, parks, bird watching
• Commute into San Antonio: 35-minute drive

With a population of more than 34,000, Cibolo is one of the major cities near San Antonio, Texas, you can choose from that’s close enough for a commute. It’s known for its small-town atmosphere with top-notch amenities perfect for young professionals, including a variety of dining options and outdoor recreation. 

Whether you’re in the mood for some traditional cuisine or you want entertainment along with your meal, you’re sure to find a place that fits your tastes. If you’re in the mood for some downhome Texas cuisine, for example, head to Kindling. Love live music? Check out Old Main Ice House. 

The City of Cibolo also has 85 acres of park land, and the nature park situated just minutes away in Schertz called Crescent Bend Nature Park is the ideal place to go for bird watching.

The best part? With affordable home and rent prices, Cibolo is one of the most affordable cities near San Antonio. 

6. Schertz, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,375
• Average home value: $325,200
• Great for: Military families, shopping, local events
• Commute into San Antonio: 30-minute drive

San Antonio is often referred to as “Military City USA,” due to the amount of bases and military families that reside in the city. In the military or have a partner who’s active? Consider the city of Schertz when looking for a place to move near San Antonio, as it’s just a 10-minute commute to the Randolph Air Force Base. Along with military families, however, retirees also make up a considerable portion of Schertz. 

Wondering what there is to do in the area? Shop at Bussey’s Flea Market, enjoy some festival food at the annual 4th of July Jubilee, or head to one of the local chamber events and celebrate a holiday, dance to music, and engage with other friendly residents — just to name a few things.

And for such a lively community, you may be surprised to find out that Schertz is also one of the most affordable cities near San Antonio, due to its low average home value and rents. 

7. Boerne, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,325
• Average home value: $544,200
• Great for: German heritage, theater performances
• Commute into San Antonio: 35-minute drive

Similar to New Braunfels, Boerne is a city close to San Antonio that has the classic German heritage charm. In fact, the Village Band and local shooting club were first established by German immigrants that still serve the community today. 

The local Berges Fest takes place every year on Father's Day weekend. And other family-friendly activities take place during the months of November and December, including Dickens on Main, which features various activities and performances, including "A Christmas Carol."

Garden Ridge, TX 
Source: Realtor.com

8. Garden Ridge, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $691,500
• Great for: Outdoor beauty, fun attractions
• Commute into San Antonio: 30-minute drive

The small city of Garden Ridge is another area that’s ideal for those looking for more of a quiet atmosphere, as it offers plenty of beautiful outdoor scenery to explore. (It is within close proximity to some fun attractions, though, including the Natural Bridge Caverns.) So it probably comes as no surprise that there are lots of local parks to explore in the area, including Paul Davis Park, which includes pavilions, picnic tables, and lots of playground equipment ideal for kids. Other nearby parks include Eagle Scout Park, Harvey B. Bell Park, and Regency Oaks Park. 

9. Canyon Lake, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,300
• Average home value: $443,500
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, variety of restaurants
• Commute into San Antonio: 55-minute drive

Looking for a lakefront property close to San Antonio? The town of Canyon Lake has just about everything you could ask for. Situated in Comal County, Canyon Lake offers a variety of recreational activities and amenities ideal for active young professionals. And if you're looking for a place where you can spend your days and nights swimming, fishing, or golfing, specifically, then Canyon Lake might be the ideal choice.

Craving authentic Italian food after a day on the lake? Head over to Gennaro's Trattoria for their lasagna and spaghetti con Polette. Prefer the taste of beloved Texas BBQ instead? The Baja BBQ Shack at Canyon Lake Marina offers that, as well as a variety of seafood, burgers, and tacos.

10. Fair Oaks Ranch, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,300
• Average home value: $677,800
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, nature trails
• Commute into San Antonio: 30-minute drive

Although Fair Oaks Ranch is mainly composed of smaller communities, it’s an especially ideal city for retirees looking to stay active. The city center is home to the popular Fair Oaks Ranch Golf & Country Club, which features various facilities, such as tennis courts, pools, a clubhouse, and more. In addition, you can find plenty of nature trails to stay active on, including those at Norman F. Vestal Park and Boots Gaubatz Park. 

Moves to San Antonio Are Done the Right Way With PODS

Once you're ready to make that San Antonio move, consider using a portable moving container from PODS to help you get there. It can be delivered right to your doorstep, where you can load and pack it on your own schedule. And with one month of storage included, you can easily store all of your belongings if needed until you’re ready to unload. 

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.