Written by Mike Beutler
Moving to San Antonio? Not only is Alamo City one of the most affordable cities to live in and one of the best places for remote work, but San Antonio also has incredible military bases for families in one of the best cities for the military. If you’re looking for safe, affordable Southern living, give one of these five San Antonio neighborhoods a try!
- Alamo Heights
- Downtown San Antonio
- Monte Vista
- Oak Park-Northwood
- Tobin Hill
Alamo Heights
Photo via @rogerfuentesrealestate
- Home Price: $513,900 median purchase price; $1,307 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 52% of Texas cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Looking for the best places to live in San Antonio? Consider Alamo Heights! This Southern Texas suburb is one of the best places to buy a home in San Antonio because it features affordable Craftsman-style homes and cozy Tudor cottages along tree-lined streets. Alamo Heights is family-centered, with kid-friendly activities at places like Heights Pool and AH Bike Park. Families living in Alamo Heights can send their kids to highly-rated schools like Cambridge Elementary School and Alamo Heights High School. Alamo Heights is also an ideal spot for military families wishing to live off base, as this safe San Antonio suburb is just a short drive from Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. And for those who need to commute to Downtown San Antonio, Alamo Heights is bordered by US-281, making it an easy 13-minute drive to the city center.
Things to Do in Alamo Heights
Play a game of soccer, sign your baseball stars up for Alamo Heights Little League, or have a family picnic at Olmos Basin Park. Walk the trails while marveling at the beauty of Headwaters Sanctuary at the University of the Incarnate Word. View Modern and Contemporary sculptures, paintings, and multimedia pieces at McNay Art Museum. Chip onto the greens or taste creations from local celebrity Chef Jason Dady at The Quarry Restaurant and The Quarry Golf Course. Indulge in French Toast or Twins Breakfast with a glass of Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice at Twin Sisters Bakery & Cafe. Dig into some of the best burgers in San Antonio like the 50/50 Butter Burger, Pimento Cheese Burger, or Shroom at The Broadway 5050. Sample Southeast Asian-inspired food like Pork Egg Rolls, a Kap’s Chicken Curry rice bowl, or make your own Fresh Seafood Boils at Pinch Boil House. Or treat yourself to seasonal cheesecakes in a jar like Coco Daddy, Strawberry Fields Forever, or Chocolate w/ Chocolate Mousse at Laika Cheesecake & Espresso.
Downtown San Antonio
Photo via @hemisview
- Home Price: $113,875 median purchase price; $671 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 48% of Texas cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
As the heart of the city, Downtown San Antonio is great for residents who want to be near the action. In fact, Downtown attracts singles and young professionals in particular because of its highly-walkable streets, historical theaters, eclectic restaurants, and fun things to do along the San Antonio Riverwalk and The Historic Market Square. Families will love living Downtown, too, because of the area’s great public schools like James Bonham Academy or Andrew Briscoe Elementary. Those looking for affordable housing options in Downtown San Antonio can find plenty of budget-friendly apartments and single-family homes. And if you work in the medical field, you may enjoy living Downtown even more, since this safe San Antonio neighborhood is home to Baptist Medical Center.
Things to Do in Downtown San Antonio
Learn about the 1836 Texas Revolution with a guided tour or by visiting the Living History Encampment at The Alamo. Take in the gorgeous panoramic view of the San Antonio skyline on the observation deck or dine at the revolving Chart House restaurant inside Tower of the Americas. See everything from Ancient Greek and Roman, to Ancient Egyptian artwork at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Attend the latest Broadway production or live concert at the Majestic & Empire Theatres or Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Do Southern brunch right with Churro Waffles, Green Chile & Chicken Enchiladas, or a Breakfast Burrito at Domingo. Grab a seat on the patio with your furry friend and enjoy Fried Avocados, Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos, or the Friendly Chicken’wich at The Friendly Spot. Catch up with friends over Bavarian Salted Pretzels, Curry Wurst, Oktoberfest Sausage Platters, and German brews like Spatlese or Gluhwein at the open-air patio Bier Garten. Or stop by for Tex-Mex grub like Chile Con Queso, Shrimp Nachos, or Empanadas with a Prickly Pear Flavored Frozen Margarita or Guava Daiquiri at Pete’s Tako House
Monte Vista
Photo via @phyllisbrowningco
- Home Price:$294,683 median purchase price; $974 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate:Safer than 53% of Texas cities
- Perfect For:Students, singles, young professionals,families, retirees
Home to Trinity University and a quick, ten-minute drive from the University of the Incarnate Word, Monte Vista is one of the liveliest and safest places in Midtown San Antonio—particularly for students, recent grads, and university staff. That said, families looking for a fun and safe neighborhood can find a home in Monte Vista’s carefully-preserved Craftsman and Classical Revival bungalows, as well as Tudor, Mid-Century Modern, and Spanish Eclectic homes near expansive Brackenridge Park and the San Antonio Zoo. Plus, quality education is easy to find at nearby San Antonio public and private schools, like Great Hearts Monte Vista, St. Anthony Catholic School, and San Antonio Academy. If you’re looking for a tight-knit community with trendy restaurants and bike-friendly streets, Monte Vista is perfect for you!
Things to Do in Monte Vista
Work on your putting game at Brackenridge Park Golf Course or visit any of the historic sites in Brackenridge Park. Watch monkeys swing from trees, feed the giraffes, ride the Zoo Train, or attend events like Jungle Boogie Nights or The Great (Little) Train Robbery at the San Antonio Zoo. Attend a rock concert or Shakespearean drama at the historical amphitheater, Sunken Garden Theater. Pick up a new book, attend children’s storytime, or take Queer Crafternoon classes atLanda Library. Munch on a Biscuit & Gravy, Irishman’s Breakfast, or Waste Not, Want Not Bread Pudding during brunch in San Antonio at Scratch Kitchen. Sample The OG Chicken Sandwich, Jumbo Bone-In Peanut Butter & Jelly Wings, or Hurry Hurry Chimichurri at Cullum’s Attagirl. Order classic Tex-Mex dishes such as Oak Grilled Fajitas, Chile Relleno, or Suizas Enchiladas at La Fonda on Main, the oldest Mexican restaurant in San Antonio. Or start happy hour with a Charcuterie Board or Garlic Knots and a handcrafted co*cktail like a Pineapple Mule or Basil Julep atBarbaro
Oak Park-Northwood
Photo via @mcoleyrealestate
- Home Price: $278,430 median purchase price; $431 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 47% of Texas cities
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Just a short drive to the San Antonio International Airport and right off I-410, Oak Park-Northwood offers easy access to the city but is far enough from Downtown San Antonio to give residents a true suburban feel. Oak Park-Northwood is considered one of the best neighborhoods in San Antonio for families, and not just because parents can send their kids to quality schools in the Alamo Heights School District—like Woodridge Elementary, Alamo Heights Junior School. This residential San Antonio neighborhood is also one of the most affordable places to live in San Antonio, offering budget-friendly, renovated Ranches and Mid-Century Modern houses with large backyards for kids to play in.
Things to Do in Oak Park-Northwood
Practice your swing at the driving range, sign up for private lessons, or attend one of the fun events at R II M Golf Academy & Driving Range. Admire cave formations and unique underground species inside Robber Baron Cave. Watch the kids play on the playground or have a romantic picnic with your partner at Haskin Park. Attend storytime with the kiddos or check out a new read at Tobin Libary. Start the day at Theory Coffee Company with a Cortado, Americano, or Cappuccino. Sit on the patio over lunch for house specials like Flautas de Pollo, Ceviche Soluna, or Pescado al Ajillo atSoluna. Sample Brisket & Sausage or Pulled Pork Plates with sides of Creamed Corn, Jalapeno Mac & Cheese, or Potato Salad at The Barbecue Station. Or dine on a Club Sandwich with Fries, Blackened Chicken Artichoke with Veggies, or Hand-Breaded Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy at 410 Diner.
Tobin Hill
Photo via @bought_with_brit
- Home Price: $178,125 median purchase price; $724 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 55% of Texas cities
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Just north of Downtown San Antonio, Tobin Hill is a favorite among college students attending San Antonio College and healthcare workers working at Methodist Hospital Metropolitan. This safe, affordable San Antonio neighborhood isa renter-friendly area with many classic Bungalows, restored lofts, and budget-friendly apartments. Residents love being close to the hustle and bustle of downtown, while also still having plenty of outdoor activities and culture within walking distance like The Weekend Market at Pearl. Plus, Tobin Hill hosts annual neighborhood events like THCA Book Club, San Antonio Neighbors Together, and other fun activities for you to get to know your neighbors.
Things to Do in Tobin Hill
Shop vintage clothing and accessories at Montage. Attend a local production or concert at The Josephine Theatre. Take an evening stroll through Crockett Park or view the springs at San Pedro Springs Park, the second-oldest park in the U.S.! Experience a cave-like area with realistic stalagmites, stalactites, gorgeous waterfalls, and passageways when you visit the San Antonio Riverwalk’s Grotto. Put down Queso Fundido, Ceviche Verde, and Pollo con Mole sopes atLa Gloria. Order Greek and Mediterranean dishes like Spicy Feta Spread, Greek Lentil Soup, or Pastit*io, and be sure to save room for Finikia or Baklava at Demo’s Greek Food. Savor Fettuccine Chicken Alfredo, Spinach Lasagna, or Calzones at Italian mom-and-pop eatery, Main Streek Pizza & Pasta. Sip on Lone Stars, Texas Vodkas, or signature Micheladas while listening to local music with friends at The Mix. Or unwind with a craft co*cktail like a Jutsu Juice or Midnight Maurader at Blue Box Bar.
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Neighborhood and suburb data from AreaVibes
About Mike Beutler
Mike Beutler is a writer and digital content specialist who transitioned to self storage in 2020 after several years in the airline industry. His travels cultivated a passion for exploring cities across the U.S. and abroad and inspired him to learn more about practical insights for urban living. With 14 moves under his belt, both locally and cross-country, he also has a passion for minimalism and organization, and sharing tips to help others make any space feel like home while staying organized.
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