San Antonio has a few nicknames, including River City, Alamo City, and, of course, Military City USA due to its having the highest concentration of military bases in the U.S., including Joint Base San Antonio. But one of our favorite nicknames from Visit San Antonio is “the city of authenticity,” due to the area’s natural wonders, rich history, and great experiences reflecting centuries of Spanish settlement and Southern hospitality.
Not only is the city full of diverse culture, beauty, and great eats, including Tex-Mex cuisine, it’s also the most affordable major city center in Texas. To top it off, despite being the second most populous city in the Lone Star state, it’s considered a safe, family-friendly metropolitan area with plenty of neighborhoods that give off a more suburban or small-town vibe.
It’s no surprise that Zillow recently named the city one of the hottest real estate markets in the U.S.! This relocation guide will help you navigate your move.
A Confluence of Cultures in a City of Hidden Gems
There’s more to the city than its stunning River Walk and the Alamo—site of the Battle of the Alamo at Mission San Antonio de Valero—although those are both worth a visit and a stroll!
Brimming with diverse cultures and influence from Spanish settlement, Mexican, Tejano, Irish, German, and Czechoslovakian traditions, and more, the city celebrates what makes its people different while also bringing them together. Living here means becoming part of a melting pot and experiencing Southern hospitality, whether it’s celebrating Native American culture during the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival, visiting the Spanish Frontier Missions at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, supporting multicultural communities through DreamWeek, or enjoying Tex-Mex cuisine at the Guenther House Museum.
The city is also home to some lesser-known activities that you’ll want to get to know once you’re a resident. Enjoy the Japanese Tea Gardens, catch a San Antonio Missions game at Wolff Stadium, visit the McNay Art Museum, or picnic in one of the city’s many parks.
Increasing Opportunities in a Thriving Job Market
With the number of visitors coming into the city, it’s no surprise that the tourism and hospitality industry is going strong here. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities among the bioscience, renewable energy, and manufacturing industries, with companies such as Southwest Research Institute, Valero Energy Corp., and Toyota throughout the metro area.
Being part of a military region, other large employers in and around the city at Joint Base San Antonio include Lackland Air Force Base, Fort Sam Houston, Camp Bullis, and Randolph Air Force Base.
As of January 2023, the unemployment rate had dropped to just 3.3 percent, a tie for its lowest rate since 2020.
Enjoy Big City Life at a Lower Cost
If you’re looking for big-city opportunities without having to spend big bucks, moving here could be the right choice—and this relocation guide will show you how. The city’s cost of living falls about 10 percent below the U.S. national average and about 5 percent below the Texas state average.
Incomes here have been trending upward, with 2022 marking a significant jump for the area median income. The median household income for a two-person household was $66,800 last year. And remember: Texas is one of the few states without income tax.
Although the housing market has been trending upward, the city is still experiencing a buyer’s market as of December 2022, with competitive property taxes. The median home listing was $299,000, less than what you’re likely to find in Houston or Dallas, and property taxes remain lower than in many neighboring cities.
As of the start of 2023, rent here is also trending lower than national averages. The median rent is just $1,052 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,300 for a two-bedroom. These numbers do reflect a year-over-year increase of 4.1, but December 2022 saw a dip in rent prices, meaning this trend may be changing.
Great Neighborhoods for Families, Professionals, and Retirees
Living near the Riverwalk is great, but San Antonio is made up of eclectic neighborhoods, each full of plenty to do. Check out these highly recommended neighborhoods for those relocating here, as featured in this relocation guide:
ALTA VISTA
As one of the older neighborhoods in San Antonio, this well-kept gem is protected as a Neighborhood Conservation District. You won’t find much nightlife, but you’ll enjoy the San Pedro Playhouse and plenty of neighborhood events, like PorchFEST, Neighborhood Night Out, and potluck picnics.
TOBIN HILL
Young couples and professionals will love this neighborhood for its fun, diverse community. There is plenty to do between weekend farmers’ markets, outdoor concerts, boutiques, eclectic eateries, and a plethora of pubs and breweries.
ALAMO HEIGHTS
This unique, family-friendly neighborhood appeals to parents, retirees, and young professionals alike. Alamo Heights is located only five miles outside of downtown, where you’ll enjoy a dense suburban feel with a variety of restaurants serving Tex-Mex cuisine, the zoo, and the botanical garden all nearby. Alamo Heights residents enjoy excellent schools and Southern hospitality.
TERRELL HILLS
This historic, safe neighborhood is full of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and parks. Whether you’re moving with your family, to grow your career, or to retire, this could be the neighborhood for you.
OAKLAND ESTATES
With a mix of suburban and urban living and above-average schools, Oakland Estates is considered one of the best places to live in the city. With plenty of entertainment and great restaurants, it’s no wonder that families, professionals, and retirees love it.
STONE OAK
Upscale master-planned community in northern San Antonio with shopping, dining, and family-friendly amenities. Stone Oak offers newer construction and excellent schools.
KING WILLIAM DISTRICT
Historic King William neighborhood south of downtown featuring Victorian-era homes, the King William Fair, and walkable streets lined with cafes and galleries.
Other neighborhoods to include in your San Antonio home search:
- Downtown
- Monte Vista
- Tanglewood Ridge
- Mahncke Park
- Olmos Park
Getting Around San Antonio is Somewhat Easy
While downtown is more walkable and bike-friendly, the preferred means of getting around the city is by car, although you should know that the streets can be narrow, and parking is limited.
If you prefer public transportation, you’ll be hopping aboard the VIA Metropolitan Transit, the city’s main network. The system’s newest service line, VIVA, connects all the most popular landmarks and attractions in the city. A pass for the month is just $38.00.
If you’re relocating here and expect lots of visitors, you’re in luck. San Antonio International Airport is just 10 miles outside of the city center.
Plenty of Quality Schools to Choose From
Moving here with your children or looking to start a family? The city has 539 public schools and charter schools, as well as 111 private schools. The city’s public school system offers Dual Language Programs for Spanish and English, allowing children who are English-language learners and native speakers to become multilingual from a young age.
Living here, you’ll also have several colleges and universities to choose from, including University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, Trinity University, and more.
Mild Winters Balance the Hot Summers
Texas brings the heat no matter which city you hunker down in. As a humid subtropical climate, the city is no different with hot summers, summer heat, and plenty of humidity—temperatures could average 90 or above for nearly a third of the year. The good news is that you’ll also enjoy mild winters with only the occasional ice storm.
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 94 degrees Fahrenheit; the coldest is January, with an average low of 41 degrees.
Be aware that with only 140 miles to the Gulf of Mexico, the area also sees its share of tropical storms. Thankfully, the city is located outside of Tornado Alley, so residents experience fewer tornado warnings than nearby cities.
Can’t-Miss Things to Do in San Antonio
The city is steeped in beauty, culture, and history, great dining, and the rodeo. Here’s a list of 10 must-dos in and around the Alamo City:
- At the center of the city is the River Walk. This 15-mile urban walkway is surrounded by restaurants serving Tex-Mex cuisine, cafes, and boutique hotels.
- Check out the zoo for one of the largest animal collections in the U.S., SeaWorld San Antonio for marine life shows, or the nearby Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch for a safari experience.
- You can’t forget to check out the historical site of the Alamo. Visitors can opt for guided battlefield tours or self-guided walking tours.
- Enjoy free admission to the gorgeous Japanese Tea Garden, a former limestone quarry that has been renovated into this favorite spot for photos.
- Grab your groceries at the Pearl Farmers Market, recently named one of the top ten farmers markets in the U.S.
- Visit Six Flags Fiesta Texas (Six Flags) for thrilling roller coasters and family entertainment, or take kids to Morgan’s Wonderland, an accessible theme park for all abilities.
- Catch the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo during Fiesta San Antonio, the city’s biggest celebration with parades, food, and cultural events throughout April.
- Explore the San Fernando Cathedral in downtown, where light shows illuminate the historic Spanish settlement architecture on weekend evenings.
- Grab authentic barbecue at Curry Boys BBQ, drinks at the historic The Menger Bar, or Mexican food at El Luchador for a taste of local flavor.
- Catch a concert or event, such as Monster Jam or Disney on Ice, at the Alamodome.
- Root for the Spurs during a home game at the AT&T Center, or catch the San Antonio Missions at Wolff Stadium.
- Take in some culture at the Museum of Art, where you’ll find excellent exhibitions of Native American, Spanish, Latin American, and Asian art reflecting the city’s Spanish settlement heritage.
- While on the hunt for museums, check out the educational Witte Museum, which offers a look into natural science, anthropology, and Texas history.
- Get active at the Natural Bridge Caverns. Explore lantern-lit tours of the caverns themselves, or stay above ground for zip lining, the rope course, shopping, and dining.
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