Living in San Antonio
Let's break down the neighborhoods.
Top neighborhoods in San Antonio
Pearl District
A restored brewery turned food and culture hub.
Best for: Food lovers and professionals who want upscale, walkable living
Novara take
- Walkability5
- Nightlife4
- Coffee & food5
- Shopping3
- Grocery & errands3
- Pet-friendly4
- Parking ease3
- Quiet3
Getting around: Just north of downtown on the River Walk Museum Reach; quick access to US-281 and I-35.
Local favorites: Pearl Farmers Market · Hotel Emma · San Antonio River Walk (Museum Reach)
The Pearl is a former brewery complex now filled with restaurants, shops, a weekend farmers market and the Culinary Institute of America campus. Upscale apartments line the River Walk nearby. It's one of the most walkable areas in San Antonio.
Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Southtown / King William
Historic mansions, galleries and First Friday.
Best for: Renters who love history, art and a local, walkable feel
Novara take
- Walkability4
- Nightlife4
- Coffee & food4
- Shopping3
- Grocery & errands3
- Pet-friendly5
- Parking ease3
- Quiet3
Getting around: Just south of downtown along the River Walk Mission Reach; I-35/I-10 nearby.
Local favorites: Blue Star Arts Complex · Mission Reach of the River Walk · King William Historic District homes
King William is one of Texas's oldest historic districts, with grand 19th-century homes. Southtown around it has galleries, restaurants and the monthly First Friday art walk. Rentals range from historic homes to newer lofts.
Photo: Tony Kent, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Alamo Heights
Established, upscale and close to everything.
Best for: Families and professionals who want top-rated schools and a quieter pace
Novara take
- Walkability3
- Nightlife2
- Coffee & food4
- Shopping4
- Grocery & errands4
- Pet-friendly4
- Parking ease4
- Quiet5
Getting around: About 10 minutes to downtown and the airport via US-281.
Local favorites: Broadway shops and restaurants · H-E-B Lincoln Heights · The Quarry Market (nearby)
Alamo Heights is a small city inside San Antonio known for its tree-lined streets and highly rated schools. Broadway has local shops and restaurants. Rentals are fewer and pricier, but the location near downtown and the airport is hard to beat.
Photo: ahbroadway, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Stone Oak
Newer master-planned living in the Hill Country foothills.
Best for: Families and renters who want space, newer apartments and good schools
Novara take
- Walkability2
- Nightlife2
- Coffee & food3
- Shopping4
- Grocery & errands5
- Pet-friendly4
- Parking ease5
- Quiet5
Getting around: Far north San Antonio along US-281 and Loop 1604; about 25 minutes to downtown.
Local favorites: Stone Oak Park · Village at Stone Oak shops · H-E-B Plus (Stone Oak)
Stone Oak is a fast-growing area of newer subdivisions and apartment communities in north San Antonio. It's car-oriented, with big shopping centers and easy parking. Families like the space, the parks and the newer buildings.
Photo: stexas09er, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Downtown
River Walk living in the heart of the city.
Best for: Renters who want urban living, history and events at their doorstep
Novara take
- Walkability5
- Nightlife4
- Coffee & food4
- Shopping3
- Grocery & errands2
- Pet-friendly3
- Parking ease2
- Quiet2
Getting around: Walk to downtown offices; VIA bus hub; I-35, I-10 and I-37 all meet here.
Local favorites: San Antonio River Walk · The Alamo · Hemisfair Park
Downtown San Antonio centers on the River Walk, with lofts and apartments above restaurants and historic buildings. Hemisfair and the Alamo are steps away. It's busy with tourists and events, and groceries take a short drive.
Photo: Mikael Häggström, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Medical Center
Convenient, practical and close to major hospitals.
Best for: Healthcare workers, students and anyone who wants value and convenience
Novara take
- Walkability2
- Nightlife2
- Coffee & food3
- Shopping4
- Grocery & errands4
- Pet-friendly3
- Parking ease5
- Quiet4
Getting around: Northwest San Antonio near I-10 and Loop 410; home to the South Texas Medical Center and UT Health San Antonio.
Local favorites: South Texas Medical Center · Medical Center area H-E-B · Hardberger Park (nearby)
The Medical Center area has many apartment communities serving the large South Texas Medical Center workforce. It's practical and often good value, with lots of shopping along I-10. Most residents drive, but commutes to the hospitals are short.
Photo: Zereshk, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ratings are the Novara team's own take, out of 5. Spots and details can change, so ask your locator for the latest.
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