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Aerial view of San Antonio, Texas, on a sunny day

Top San Antonio Suburbs for 2025

San Antonio Texas

by Matt Lyons Posted on November 26, 2024

San Antonio is well known for being a cultural hub that has plenty to offer residents from all walks of life — especially those looking for job opportunities or better education for their children. When you settle down in one of the top San Antonio suburbs, in particular, you can take advantage of all that the city has to offer without being in the middle of the hustle and bustle. And because you’re centrally located, you can easily take quick getaway trips to areas like Canyon Lake and Garner State Park

Planning a move to the San Antonio area? Start by getting a quote from PODS.

It's hard to get bored as a resident of the San Antonio area, as the city offers a wide range of activities, including evenings spent along the River Walk and afternoons in the McNay Art Museum. Residents can also enjoy festivals and events throughout the year (Fiesta San Antonio is a local favorite).

The food scene in San Antonio is also a delight for both locals and visitors due to its vibrant cultural mix of Southern, Mexican, and Tex-Mex flavors. And even if you've been a resident of for years, there's always somewhere new to try in one of the suburbs around San Antonio.

San Antonio at a Glance

  • San Antonio’s population is just over 1,495,000.
  • Young families and students are the main demographics typically drawn to the city, due to the highly regarded local schools and job opportunities across the city.
  • The average home price of around $251,900 in San Antonio is cheaper than both the state average of around $300,300 and national average of around $359,100.
  • The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San Antonio is around $1,275, which is less than the national average of around $1,750.
  • The San Antonio area is great for culture, arts, local events, festivals, outdoor recreation, dining, schools, jobs, and more.

Best Suburbs San Antonio — FAQs

Q: What is the best suburb of San Antonio to live in?
A:
According to Niche, Alamo Heights is ranked as the best suburb in San Antonio.

Q: What are the safest suburbs in San Antonio Texas?
A:
According to NeighborhoodScout, Timberwood Park is one of the safest suburbs to settle down in San Antonio. 

Q: What is the fancy side of San Antonio?
A:
The areas of Alamo Heights and Shavano Park are considered some of the most fancy suburbs in San Antonio. 

12 Best San Antonio Suburbs

Moving to a new city is one thing, but choosing a suburb to settle down is another. If you don’t live near San Antonio or even in the state, it can be quite challenging to visit on your own time. Luckily, we’re here to help you out. What are the suburbs of San Antonio to consider moving to? Here are our top picks.

Aerial sunrise view of Schertz, Texas, a suburb of San Antonio

Schertz is known for its vibrant yet laid-back feel and tight-knit community atmosphere. 
(Source: City of Schertz via Facebook)

1. Schertz, TX

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,300
  • Average home value: $328,500
  • Great for: Families, young professionals, local events, festivals, recreation, job opportunities
  • Commute to Downtown San Antonio: 30 minutes

In this vibrant yet laid-back suburb of San Antonio, residents have a strong sense of community spirit. They’re proud of their local culture, which includes festivals and community events like Music & Movies in the Park and Holidazzle. The tight-knit community atmosphere of Schertz is truly desirable for any walk of life.

In addition to tee time at the Randolph Oaks Golf Course, residents can also enjoy recreational activities, like swimming at the Schertz Aquatic Center. And due to its proximity to Austin and San Antonio, Schertz is able to offer numerous job opportunities in different sectors. Some of the major companies located in the area include Amazon and FedEx. The Randolph Air Force Base is also nearby.

2. Timberwood Park, TX

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,500
  • Average home value: $509,500
  • Great for: Families, golfing, outdoor recreation
  • Commute to Downtown San Antonio: 30 minutes

North of San Antonio, near Highway 281, is Timberwood Park. The total area spans 2,200 acres and features modern homes built from the late 1970s to today. There are plenty of empty lots for sale, too, making it an ideal spot for those looking to build new.

If you’re looking for a great golf course that’s also close to Wilderness Oak, then the Canyon Springs Golf Club is a must-visit. This 18-hole course features historic structures surrounded by nature and wildlife dedicated to keeping the original homestead feel of the area.

One of the area's most popular parks is Bullis County Park, which is near the highly regarded Timberwood Park Elementary School. It features a large playground and pavilion, perfect for the kids’ birthday parties.

3. Live Oak, TX

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,225
  • Average home value: $253,900
  • Great for: Families, young professionals, shopping, entertainment, outdoor recreation
  • Commute to Downtown San Antonio: 20 minutes

Located within 30 minutes of Downtown, Live Oak is one of the nicest suburbs of San Antonio — best known for its proximity to Interstate 35 and The Forum at Olympia. It's fairly young compared to other nearby communities, as it split from the neighboring community of Selma in 1960.

The Live Oak area is a hotspot for all your shopping and entertainment needs, and residents can enjoy The Forum at Olympia Parkway, which features a variety of big box stores, including Best Buy and Target, along with Regal Cinemas.

The popular Main City Park has 75 acres of land that includes facilities like a football field, a basketball court, and a skate park. It also has three baseball fields and an 18-hole disc golf course.

A large two-story, brick home in Helotes, Texas — one of the best San Antonio suburbs

Well known for its exciting local festivals, fun activities, and quality public schools, the suburb of Helotes is a great area to raise a family. 

4. Helotes, TX

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,300
  • Average home value: $467,000
  • Great for: Families, local festivals, events, outdoor recreation, small-town feel
  • Commute to Downtown San Antonio: 30 minutes

Positioned 22 miles northwest of Downtown, Helotes is one of the top San Antonio suburbs. Its good schools, small-town feel, and close-knit community vibes make it another one of the best neighborhoods in San Antonio for families. But this is a good spot for anyone who wants to be far enough removed from the city to get that rural/suburban feel (complete with small wildlife and lots of fresh air) without being too far from the amenities of the big city.

Folks who live in Helotes, Texas, spend their time participating in community events, like movie nights in the park and local festivals. One of the biggest events is the annual Cornyval — think of it as a carnival-meets-harvest festival, celebrating the town’s corn crop heritage. And for year-round excitement, strap in and zip over Hill Country on the Helotes Hill Country Ziplines, go wine tasting at Helotes Creek Winery, and take in the views with a hike or bike through the Government Canyon State Natural Area

5. Universal City, TX

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,100
  • Average home value: $273,000
  • Great for: Families, young professionals, jobs, outdoor recreation, golf, local events
  • Commute to Downtown San Antonio: 26 minutes

Situated between Texas Hill Country and San Antonio, Universal City is one of the best suburbs in San Antonio that offers more of a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle. However, it is just north of San Antonio and easily accessible to the city's cultural amenities and conveniences.

The strategic location of Universal City allows it to be close to some of the area's major employment and education hubs, including Fort Sam Houston and Randolph AFB. Its diverse leisure options include parks and recreation areas, and those looking to get active can explore the surrounding nature trails and waterways at spots like Universal City Park. The city's only golf course, Olympia Hills, offers a challenging way of playing golf along with the most picturesque views.

Universal City also has a strong sense of community, and it hosts various events throughout the year. Some of these include the mayor's tree lighting ceremony and the Easter Egg Drop.

6. Shavano Park, TX

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,400
  • Average home value: $951,400
  • Great for: Young professionals, beautiful landscapes, easy commutes, shopping, dining
  • Commute to Downtown San Antonio: 22 minutes

Shavano Park is a tranquil suburb that offers residents the opportunity to live in a country setting while enjoying the conveniences of an urban lifestyle. Its beautiful landscape, which features a multitude of mature oak trees, is a great place for anyone looking to reside somewhere near plenty of natural beauty.

Shavano Park’s central location allows residents to easily commute to various areas using the Northwest Military Highway and Loop 1604. It’s close to major employment hubs, like the San Antonio International Airport, and to various lifestyle amenities. With places like La Cantera shopping center and Piatti nearby, it’s easy to go shopping and grab a bite to eat afterward.

A happy, young couple is holding hands and taking a walk through San Antonio’s Alamo Heights suburb on a sunny day.

With some of the best homes you can find in the entire San Antonio area, the suburb of Alamo Heights offers a charming atmosphere like none other with fabulous cultural activities and picturesque leafy streets.

7. Alamo Heights, TX

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,500
  • Average home value: $727,300
  • Great for: Families, young professionals, retirees, arts, culture, great schools
  • Commute to Downtown San Antonio: 15 minutes

Six miles north of Downtown San Antonio lies the affluent suburb of Alamo Heights, where decent-sized yards, great schools, and a strong community vibe make this one of the best places in San Antonio for families. Residents here live among leafy, tree-lined streets, a variety of housing styles, and an easy yet upscale suburban feel. Of course, the fact that it’s also super walkable, sports a hip vibe, and is conveniently located less than 15 minutes from both Downtown and San Antonio International Airport only sweetens the deal!

Homes here truly run the gamut and feature restored, renovated, or newly built houses, ranging in size from cozy cottages to massive mansions. And locals here have easy access to the Witte Museum’s art, natural history, and science exhibits; more than 5,000 years of art and culture via the collections at the San Antonio Museum of Art; and interactive discoveries at The DoSeum, a family-friendly favorite. Public schools here are top notch, as well, and receive an impressive overall A+ from Niche

8. Windcrest, TX

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,100
  • Average home value: $321,000
  • Great for: Young professionals, families, beautiful homes, local recreation, dining
  • Commute to Downtown San Antonio: 20 minutes

Just 20 minutes northeast of San Antonio, the suburb of Windcrest is situated between Randolph Air Force Base and Fort Sam Houston Army Base. Most of its homes are the ranch style, and they feature a traditional brick facade. However, some have modern finishes, including wood paneling and painted brick.

Takas Park is a great place to spend time with family and friends. There, kids can play baseball and other games while adults can enjoy tennis and jogging. The public Windcrest Golf Club is also available for golf enthusiasts.

Some of the area's most popular restaurants are Benny’s Tacos — known for their breakfast tacos — and Pollos Asados los Norteños, the perfect place to grab chicken fajitas. 

9. Castle Hills, TX

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,075
  • Average home value: $452,000
  • Great for: Families, young professionals, outdoor recreation, top-notch dining
  • Commute to Downtown San Antonio: 15 minutes

Although Castle Hills has seen many changes since it was incorporated, it still remains an ideal location for families. Due to the former military base's transformation into an airport in 1953, it became a commercial hub. Today, it’s full of award-winning restaurants and is close to some of San Antonio's best hiking areas, including the Government Canyon State Natural Area and Canyon Lake Gorge.

Hungry? James Beard Finalist John Russ is the owner and head chef of Clementine, a restaurant in Castle Hills that specializes in providing global food options in a comfortable and casual setting.  

View of the Cibolo, Texas, water tower and surrounding fields and residential developments outside of San Antonio, Texas.

The suburb of Cibolo is just 30 minutes from San Antonio and features plenty of green spaces and parks.
(Source: City of Cibolo via Facebook)

10. Cibolo, TX

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,525
  • Average home value: $336,800
  • Great for: Young professionals, dining, outdoor recreation
  • Commute to Downtown San Antonio: 35 minutes

Like many of the other San Antonio, Texas, suburbs, Cibolo was originally inhabited by the Comanche tribe. It officially became recognized as a town in 1876 and is still considered a flourishing community just 30 minutes outside Downtown San Antonio.

The town's Main Street serves as a historic district and is filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops. Some of the area's favorite local restaurants are Kindling Texas Kitchen and Scoop at the Mill, which serve up farm-fresh Texas cuisines and homemade ice cream, respectively.

The suburb of Cibolo has plenty of green spaces and parks, as well, including the Crescent Bend Nature Park, about 10 minutes away from Schertz. 

11. Cross Mountain, TX

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
  • Average home value: $585,600
  • Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, commuters, beautiful scenery, outdoor recreation, bird watching
  • Commute to Downtown San Antonio: 30 minutes

Cross Mountain is a beautiful hill country community that offers a variety of residential areas and rolling acres that are ideal for spotting wildlife among the mature trees. Despite its tranquil setting, though, Cross Mountain still remains accessible to local attractions and amenities like shopping and dining.

Cross Mountain's strategic location is close to Loop 1604 and Interstate 10, making it easy to commute to major employment hubs, like Valero and USAA’s corporate offices.

And Friedrich Wilderness Park, a nature preserve and public park local to the community, is home to various rare birds. It's also known for its deep canyons, vast hills, and beautiful orchids. Not to mention, the park also has 10 miles of hiking trails available for any experience level. 

12. Fair Oaks Ranch, TX

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,300
  • Average home value: $693,200
  • Great for: Young professionals, retirees, rich history, golfing, top-notch dining
  • Commute to Downtown San Antonio: 30 minutes

The convenience of nearby facilities and the charm of San Antonio's Hill Country living make Fair Oaks Ranch one of the nicest suburbs of San Antonio. The community was originally established in the 1930s by Ralph Fair, an oil man. Interestingly, it started as a racehorse operation and eventually became a residential area.

The Fair Oaks Ranch community features a massive 18-hole championship golf course that was designed by the legendary Gary Player. And if you’re craving Italian after hitting the nine, you can check out Capparelli Bros. In the mood for Mexican instead? You don’t want to miss El Poblano

PODS Can Help You Move to One of the Best San Antonio Suburbs

When you’re ready to move into your new place in one of the best suburbs around San Antonio, let the professionals at PODS help you get there. They will deliver a portable moving and storage container  to your driveway, where you can pack and load it at your own pace. They’ll then take it to your new home in one of the San Antonio best suburbs once you are ready. One month of storage is included in the deal, so you can easily move on your own schedule without a rush. 

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe; 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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