Best areas in san antonio to live

San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, and for good reason.

With more than 1.5 million residents, San Antonio has a variety of neighborhoods for almost every taste and preference. This lovely city in south-central Texas offers the beauty of Texas Hill Country with the best in urban adventure.

This list of 15 best neighborhoods in San Antonio for 2022 includes some tried and true locations, as well as some that don't normally get the spotlight. You've probably heard of Alamo Heights and the Pearl Brewery District (a.k.a. Pearl District), but there are many other San Antonio neighborhoods to choose from. In this list, we've included both popular urban locations, as well as some more obscure suburban spots for people who prefer spacious residential living to dense urban culture.

With a great cost of living (lower than the national average by 7.5 percent), San Antonio is a great place for both families and young professionals. With many top-notch universities, it's also a center for culture, research and innovation.

1. Tobin Hill

• Median 1-BR rent: $750
• Median 2-BR rent: $1,129
• Walk Score: 81/100

Tobin Hill includes the Tobin Hill Historic District and encompasses (or is next to, depending on your map boundaries) the trendy, happening Pearl District.

Located just north of the downtown core on the other side of I-35, this area is popular with young professionals and adventurous people who want access to unique restaurants, craft breweries, boutique shops and nightlife. Despite all the urban things to do, you can also find biking and hiking trails in the area, as well.

2. River Walk

• Median 1-BR rent: N/A
• Median 2-BR rent: N/A
• Walk Score: 92/100

Sure, it's a bit touristy sometimes, but that's also its charm. Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, River Walk has all the great restaurants and nightlife nestled by the scenic riverfront, as well as proximity to the historic Alamo and kitschy tourist attractions like Ripley's Believe It or Not!

This is a fun place to live and work, with some great apartments and condos to choose from.

3. Terrell Heights

• Median 1-BR rent: $695
• Median 1-BR rent: N/A
• Walk Score: 63/100

Terrell Heights is a dense suburban area northeast of downtown with a population of around 10,000. It's located right next to the extremely popular Alamo Heights neighborhood, which usually gets put in almost every list of “best San Antonio neighborhoods." Well, it's time Terrell Heights had its due.

This San Antonio neighborhood is extremely safe and a great place for families and retirees. The Terrell Hill school system also gets good reviews. With clean parks and ample outdoor space, you'll often see people walking, jogging and bike riding. It's also got its fair share of restaurants, cafés and bars.

4. Olmos Park Terrace

• Median 1-BR rent: N/A
• Median 2-BR rent: N/A
• Walk Score: 51/100

Olmos Park Terrace is a local historic district north of downtown San Antonio. Much of the beautiful home architecture hearkens back to the 1930s and '40s. The subdivision was originally founded in 1931 by developer H.C. Thorman. Many of the original houses built by H.C. Thorman have stone veneer facades on reinforced concrete to create a look of an English stone cottage.

5. King William

• Median 1-BR rent: N/A
• Median 2-BR rent: N/A
• Walk Score: 78/100

Depending on who you talk to, King William is either part of Southtown or nearby, and our map doesn't delineate a clear boundary either way. King William is a beautiful historic district and the Southtown area is an arts district, so between the two you get arts and history. This makes King William/Southtown one of the most popular destinations for locals and visitors alike.

First Friday is San Antonio's premier and longest-running artwalk that launched in 1994. It happens every month on, you guessed it, the first Friday.

6. Mahncke Park

• Median 1-BR rent: $995
• Median 2-BR rent: $1,700
• Walk Score: 59/100

Mahncke Park is a park, as well as a neighborhood with the same name. Northeast of Downtown and east of Midtown and Monte Vista, this is a beautiful neighborhood situated next to another, even larger park, Brackenridge Park. You'll also find the San Antonio Botanical Garden here.

If you want the best of urban living with the ability to also enjoy the great outdoors, you'll love Mahncke Park. It's also a safe neighborhood that's a good place to raise children.

7. Downtown

• Median 1-BR rent: $730
• Median 2-BR rent: $1,971
• Walk Score: 77/100

Downtown San Antonio is one place in the city where you can ditch your car and walk, bike or bus to work. Downtown offers many things to do and see, of course. River Walk is here and so is Hemisfair Park.

You can also stop by the San Antonio Museum of Art to enjoy the ambiance, or if you want a more Texas feel, try the Briscoe Western Art Museum.

8. Oak Park – Northwood

• Median 1-BR rent: $980
• Median 2-BR rent: $1,275
• Walk Score: 59/100

Also known as the Northeast Inner Loop, Oak Park – Northwood is (as you'd expect) inside Loop 410, which is to the north. Downtown San Antonio is southwest of the neighborhood, which is also located just north of Terrell Heights and Alamo Heights, two neighborhoods found on many “best of" lists.

Oak Park – Northwood has a historic feel with its '50s and '60s era mid-century ranch homes. It's easy to get around thanks to the grid street layout and offers easy access to downtown, as well as nearby parks like the Oakwell TrailHead Park. Kids in Oak Park – Northwood can attend the highly-rated Alamo Heights without the parents having to pay for more in real estate or rent.

9. Midtown

• Median 1-BR rent: $925
• Median 2-BR rent: $1,100
• Walk Score: 73/100

If you want to live in a diverse and eclectic neighborhood close to Downtown, Midtown is one to consider. You can find many historic apartment buildings in this area, as well as colorful boutiques and restaurants serving creative cuisine.

If you enjoy outdoor recreation, nearby parks include San Pedro Springs Park and Brackenridge Park.

10. Oakland Estates

• Median 1-BR rent: N/A
• Median 2-BR rent: $1,500
• Walk Score: 38/100

Oakland Estates is a suburban neighborhood located northwest of Downtown San Antonio. It offers a few luxury apartment complexes and townhomes but is primarily a single-family residential neighborhood. Sometimes, you can find a great house to rent here, too. It's got great schools and some delicious restaurants in the area.

11. Pipers Meadow

• Median 1-BR rent: $762
• Median 2-BR rent: $977
• Walk Score: 51/100

Pipers Meadow is a small neighborhood west of Downtown that now has a brand-new park. Piper Meadows Park opened on November 3, 2021, and spans three acres. The park is not only designed to mitigate flooding by adding more storm drainage, but also includes a concrete walking trail.

Piper Meadows is also where you'll find another great San Antonio park, Cathedral Rock Park, which offers beautiful limestone bluffs to enjoy.

12. Woodlawn Lake

• Median 1-BR rent: N/A
• Median 2-BR rent: $925
• Walk Score: 63/100

Woodlawn Lake, the neighborhood, anchors Woodlawn Lake Park, home of Woodlawn Lake. Got it? Great!

This friendly neighborhood has a lot of character – no identical McMansions here! Residents love having access to Woodlawn Lake Park, which has a 1.5-mile walking trail and offers gorgeous views at sunrise and sunset. Located west of Midtown, Woodlawn Lake is just a quick 10-minute drive to Downtown and is, thus, a favorite spot for city professionals.

13. Far West Side

• Median 1-BR rent: $912
• Median 2-BR rent: $1,139
• Walk Score: 38/100

The Far West Side is actually a vast area that encompasses many smaller neighborhoods, including Alamo Ranch to the northwest and Rainbow Hills to the southeast. It offers convenient access to Lackland Air Force Base, making it a popular location for military families.

With plenty of things to do and see, such as Sea World San Antonio, the Far West Side is growing and expanding.

14. Monte Vista

• Median 1-BR rent: $695
• Median 2-BR rent: $950
• Walk Score: 38/100

Despite its reputation as an affluent area, Monte Vista actually has some very affordable apartments for rent. This historic area is north of Downtown near San Antonio College.

If you like architecture, you'll appreciate the beautiful historic homes made in a variety of styles, including Tudor, Queen Anne, Classical Revival, Spanish Eclectic and Craftsman.

15. Stone Oak

• Median 1-BR rent: $1,322
• Median 2-BR rent: $1,415
• Walk Score: 35/100

Stone Oak is a peaceful neighborhood located in the Far North Central neighborhood and offers luxury apartments with amenities. Stone Oak also offers proximity to shopping and two hospitals (one for children).

Find the best San Antonio neighborhood for you

Looking for apartments for rent in San Antonio? You're in luck. San Antonio has many beautiful areas to suit every taste, from urban hangouts to quiet suburban subdivisions. Soon, you'll be enjoying the Texas Hill Country in your new San Antonio apartment!

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