In This Moving Guide:
- San Antonio at-a-glance
- What it’s like to live in San Antonio
- Economy and job outlook in San Antonio
- Real estate, cost of living in San Antonio
- The top neighborhoods in San Antonio
- How to get around in San Antonio
- School and education snapshot
- Weather and climate in San Antonio
- 10 Can’t miss things to do in San Antonio
San Antonio At-A-Glance
San Antonio has a few nicknames, including River City, Alamo City, and of course Military City USA due to it having the highest concentration of military bases in the U.S. 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.
Not only is San Antonio full of diverse culture, beauty, and great eats, it’s also the most affordable major city center in Texas. To top it off, despite being the second most populous city in the Lonestar state, San Antonio is 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 San Antonio one of the hottest real estate markets in the U.S.!
A Confluence of Cultures in a City of Hidden Gems
There’s more to San Antonio than its stunning Riverwalk and the Alamo—although those are both worth a visit and a stroll!
Brimming with diverse cultures and influence, including Mexican, Tejano, Irish, German, Czechoslovakian, and more, San Antonio celebrates what makes its people different while also bringing them together. Living in San Antonio means becoming part of a melting pot, whether it’s celebrating Native American culture during the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival, supporting multicultural communities through DreamWeek, or even just enjoying lunch at the Guenther House Museum.
San Antonio 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 Missions game, 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 San Antonio, it’s no surprise that the leisure 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 in the area.
Being part of a military region, other large employers in and around 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 to San Antonio could be the right choice. 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 in San Antonio have been trending upward, with 2022 marking a significant jump for the area median income. The median household income for a two-person income home was $66,800 last year. And remember: Texas is one of the few states without income tax.
Although the housing market in San Antonio has been trending upward, the city is still experiencing a buyer’s market as of December 2022. The median home listing was $299,000, less than what you’re likely to find in Houston or Dallas.
As of the start of 2023, rent in San Antonio 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 moving to San Antonio:
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 neighbor 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. Located only five miles outside of downtown, you’ll enjoy a dense suburban feel with a variety of restaurants, the zoo, and botanical garden all nearby.
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 San Antonio. With plenty of entertainment and great restaurants, it’s no wonder that families, professionals, and retirees love it.
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 San Antonio 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 main network in San Antonio. 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 moving to San Antonio and expect lots of visitors, you’re in luck. The San Antonio International Airport is just 10 miles outside of the city center.
Plenty of Quality Schools to Choose From
Moving to San Antonio with your children or looking to start a family? San Antonio has 539 public schools and charter schools, as well as 111 private schools. San Antonio’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 in San Antonio, 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, San Antonio is no different with hot summers 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, San Antonio 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.
10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in San Antonio
San Antonio is a city steeped in beauty, culture and history, great dining, and the rodeo. Here’s a list of 10 must-dos in and around San Antonio:
- At the center of the city is the San Antonio River Walk. This 15-mile urban walkway is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and boutique hotels.
- Check out the San Antonio Zoo for one of the largest animal collections in the U.S., 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.
- Catch a concert or event, such as Monster Jam or Disney on Ice, at the Alamodome.
- Root for the San Antonio Spurs during a home game at the AT&T Center.
- Take in some culture at the San Antonio Museum of Art, where you’ll find excellent exhibitions of Native American, Spanish, Latin American, and Asian art.
- 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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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in October 6, 2016 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
