Best Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in San Antonio

San Antonio may be best known for its rich history, culture, and favorable warm climate, but this large Texas city is also a great place for families to put down their roots. There’s a strong sense of community present in the city, with a plethora of family-friendly attractions to explore — not to mention highly ranked schools.

Thinking about making the move to San Antonio and wondering which areas are the best for you and your brood? Here’s our list of the best family-friendly neighborhoods in San Antonio (with a few bonus suburbs thrown in there, too).

San Antonio at a Glance

Best Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in San Antonio – FAQs

Q: Is San Antonio a good place to live for families?
A: With excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and lots of fun attractions, San Antonio is an excellent location for families to settle down.

Q: What is the nicest neighborhood in San Antonio?
A: With its unique local architecture, Monte Vista is considered one of the nicest neighborhoods in San Antonio.

Q: What is the safest area to live in San Antonio?
A: According to Neighborhood Scout, Timberwood Park is one of the safest areas in San Antonio.

Q: What is the best up-and-coming neighborhood in San Antonio?
A: North Central is considered to have vast growing potential due to its location and likelihood for expansion.

Best Neighborhoods in San Antonio

With low crime rates, access to good schools, public parks, fun attractions, and more, these are the best family-friendly neighborhoods in San Antonio.

Source: RentCafe.com

1. Northeast Inner Loop

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,425
• Median home value: $413,100
• Great for: Outdoor activities, schools, commuters

The Northeast Inner Loop neighborhood of San Antonio tops the list for the best neighborhoods to live in San Antonio, according to Niche. And it’s easy to see why. There are plenty of outdoor opportunities in this neighborhood, such as hiking along the Salado Creek Greenway or golfing at the nearby driving range. The Northeast Inner Loop is also situated near some of the city's best schools. What’s more, it’s just a short drive away from Quarry Market, a hotspot for great shopping and restaurants. And because this neighborhood is situated on the edge of I-410, it's easy for people to commute to the city without a hassle. 

2. Monte Vista

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $975
• Average home value: $613,100
• Great for: Unique architecture, proximity to River Walk and other attractions of downtown

The Monte Vista district is one of the oldest and largest historic districts in the entire state, in addition to being one of the nicest neighborhoods in San Antonio for families. 

There are a variety of architectural styles that can be found in the area, such as the Tudor, Queen Anne, and Hollywood Bungalow. Its tree-lined streets provide a unique feel to the neighborhood. And it’s situated close to the River Walk, the #1 attraction in Texas. 

3. North Central

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,150
• Average home value: $189,200
• Great for: Entertainment, family-friendly activities

North Central is located near the San Antonio International Airport, making it an ideal location for people who travel often. It also has easy access to three major highways (I-10, I-410, and I-35).

Described as an entertainer's neighborhood, there are plenty of things to do in North Central. The Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club, for example, is a resident favorite that features local and touring comedians. There’s also the Olmos Basin Golf Course. And, of course, the kids can’t get enough of Urban Air Adventure Park. The area also has several parks and playgrounds, including Kids Empire, Olympia Park, and Buckeye Park.

4. Northwest

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,500
• Average home value: $241,100
• Great for: Affordable homes, public schools, fitness programs

The Northwest area of San Antonio has become a prominent area for innovation and growth. It’s minutes away from the main campus for the University of Texas San Antonio, a Tier One research university with over 34,000 students. And there are prominent businesses in the region, such as USAA, Valero, NuStar Energy, and Camp Bullis.

The Shops at La Cantera and Six Flags Fiesta Texas are some of the popular attractions in the Northwest area. And fun fact: It features the homes of prominent individuals such as David Robinson, a former Spurs player, and George Strait, a musician. 

5. Tanglewood Ridge

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,575
• Median home sale price: $325,000
• Great for: Friendly atmosphere, restaurants, shopping

Known for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere, the charming Tanglewood Ridge neighborhood is located between the Leon Creek Greenway and Loop 410. It’s just a short drive from Lackland AFB and is close to the medical center area.

Situated near SeaWorld San Antonio, Tanglewood Ridge is a great choice for families looking for fun activities close by. It's also close to Ingram Park Mall. And Downtown San Antonio, which has numerous restaurants, bars, and attractions, is only a 10-minute drive away.

6. Mahncke Park 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $925
• Average home value: $419,100
• Great for: Outdoor beauty, local cultural attractions, dining, shopping

The Mahncke Park neighborhood is an ideal location for families who want a combination of city life convenience and serenity. With the beautiful Brackenridge Park and the San Antonio Botanical Gardens nearby, the area provides residents with a variety of activities and natural beauty to admire.

Living in Mahncke Park, you'll also be able to enjoy San Antonio's history and culture without having to go far, with easy access to some of the city's most popular attractions, such as The DoSeum, the Witte Museum, and the Pearl District. You'll also have the opportunity to dine and shop along the popular Broadway Street Corridor.

Source: Homes.com

Best Family-Friendly Suburbs Near San Antonio

1. Alamo Heights, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,425
• Average home value: $690,900
• Great for: Schools, restaurants, family-friendly activities

Alamo Heights is ranked by Niche as the top choice for suburbs to live in the San Antonio area. It has plenty of great schools, including Alamo Heights High School and Cambridge Elementary, and it’s also a great location for working parents and military families. The best part? Because of  its close proximity to both Fort Sam Houston and Downtown San Antonio, there’s a plethora of great restaurants and activities nearby to keep the family entertained.

2. Olmos Park, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,175
• Average home value: $945,200
• Great for: Fun local attractions, parks

Want to feel like you're living in a small town without compromising on the luxuries of the city? Only 15 minutes from downtown, Olmos Park may be the perfect place for you. The residents are welcoming and hospitable, and the parks and avenues are lined with trees, creating a quaint and tranquil atmosphere. The best part? The area hosts various social events throughout the year, including a July 4th parade. Pro Tip: Visit the nearby San Antonio Botanical Garden for some spectacular views!

3. Timberwood Park, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Average home value: $512,400
• Great for: Outdoor activities, quiet atmosphere, new construction

Located north of Stone Oak, Timberwood Park is one of the safest areas to live in San Antonio. In fact, it’s one of the top 5 safest neighborhoods in San Antonio, according to Neighborhood Scout.

The community has plenty of outdoor spaces to appeal to families, as its 2,200-acre property features a community pool, tennis courts, and a 7-acre fishing lake. Residents can also enjoy walking and running paths, among other amenities.

4. Terrell Hills, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,425
• Average home value: $834,000
• Great for: Schools, parks, cultural attractions

Located on San Antonio's northeast side, the Terrell Hills neighborhood is known for its high-end homes and peaceful environment. It also has excellent schools and a low crime rate, as well as well-maintained parks and a community atmosphere.

One of the main advantages of living in Terrell Hills is its proximity to various high-quality educational institutions, such as the Alamo Heights ISD. It’s also near some of San Antonio's top cultural attractions, such as the Witte Museum, the San Antonio Botanical Garden, and the McNay Art Museum. 

PODS Can Make Your Move to a Family-Friendly Neighborhood in San Antonio an Easy One

When you’re ready to move into your new home in San Antonio, let PODS help you get there. They’ll deliver a portable storage container right to your driveway, where you can pack and load at your own pace. And because one month of storage is included in the deal, you can easily take your time unloading when you get to your new San Antonio home, as well.

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.