28 minute read
of the Joint Base San Antonio Relocation Guide are not necessarily the official views
from Relocation Guide
Welcome to the Alamo City!
ounded in 1691 by Spanish missionaries, San Antonio became a military garrison in 1718, and was settled by white settlers in the 1720s and 1730s under Austin’s colonization program. It is most famous for the legendary Battle of the Alamo in 1836, when the Mexican General Santa Anna, seeking to curb the aspirations of the Anglo Americans who had claimed San Antonio from his brother-in-law, wiped out a band of Texan volunteers. San Antonio’s claim to be the “birthplace of the revolution” was borne out by its role during Texas’ ten subsequent years of independence. After the Civil War, it became a hard-drinking, hard-fighting “sin city,” at the heart of the Texas cattle and oil empires.
Advertisement
San Antonio is now the seventh largest city in the U.S., but it retains an unhurried, organic feel, thanks to a winning combination of small-town warmth, respect for diversity and a self confidence rooted in its own history.
San Antonio has major interstate freeways leading into it from every direction. The city is surrounded by two loops, Loop 410 and Loop 1604. All freeways lead into the central business district, which is linked directly to the airport by expressway.
Downtown travel is a breeze on the VIA Streetcar, an open air, authentic reproduction of a rail streetcar, which traveled the streets of San Antonio more than 50 years ago. Four streetcar routes to downtown locations include the Alamo, the Spanish Governor’s Palace, La Villita, Sunset Station, the Southwest School of Art and Craft, the Institute of Texan Cultures, the King William Historic Distric area and downtown shopping. Convenient access to all routes are available from the downtown street car station on Convention Plaza.
One of the city’s top-level professional sports teams is the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association. The San Antonio Spurs have called the Alamo City home for the past 43 years. Over the last 18 years, the Silver and Black have enjoyed a tremendous amount of success on and off the court. Since Tim Duncan joined the team in 1997, the Spurs have captured five NBA Championships and have posted the best regular season winning percentage of any team in the four major sports (MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL). During that time, San Antonio has posted the NBA’s best record five times (1998-99, 2000-01, 200203, 2011-12 & 2013-14) and has won eleven division titles. The Spurs organization has been named the best franchise in professional sports three times (2003, 2005, 2014) in the annual ESPN The Magazine Ultimate Standing survey (each year the Ultimate Standings ranks every professional team in a formula using analysis of team financial data combine with fan feedback in which over 30,000 fans judge teams by eight fac tors including players, bang for the buck, owner ship, and stadium experience).
The Spurs are led by head coach Gregg Popovich, who has been at the helm since 1996 and is the longest tenured coach in the four major sports. Popovich is one of only five coaches in history with five-ormore NBA Championships (along with Red Auerbach, Phil Jackson, John Kundla and Pat Riley). Popovich enters the 2015-16 season with a career record of 1,022-470.
San Antonio is expanding and giving the residents what they are asking for. The city is currently constructing multiple amateur sports facilities and also creating a dedicated performing arts venue. The city spent $4 million in county funds to develop and build the new Dolph and Janey Briscoe Western Art Museum on the River Walk.
The urban core and the East Side are being overhauled to encourage new development in those areas, creating more businesses and a safer environment in which to live and work in. The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce has worked hard on these projects and many others, such as the build ing of Freeman Coliseum, over the past few decades and has plans for many more renewal undertakings.
REAL ESTATE SAN ANTONIO Things to Do in San Antonio The Alamo
300 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 Phone: (210) 225-1391
On the east side of Alamo Plaza is the most famous spot in Texas where 189 defenders fell on March 6, 1836, after repeated attacks by Mexican General Santa Anna’s army. Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo) was established in 1718 as the city’s first mission. The chapel is one of the most photographed facades in the nation. The Long Barracks Museum and Library are near the chapel. The museum contains relics and mementos from the Republic of Texas and offers a narration on the fall of the Alamo. The Alamo is located in the heart of the city, inside beautifully landscaped grounds. Admission is free.
Animal World & Snake Farm
5640 1H 35 South New Braunfels, TX 78132 Phone: (830) 608-9270 www.exoticanimalworld.com
Animal World & Snake Farm (as seen on “Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe”) is located at exit 182 on IH 35 in New Braunfels, Texas. New Braunfels is just 30 minutes north of San Antonio. A three acre park with over 500 animals from around the world, Animal World and Snake Farm has reptiles, birds, tortoises, alligators & crocodiles, primates & lemurs, hoof stock, warthogs & hyenas, a rattle snake pit, a petting zoo and much, much more.
Botanical Gardens
555 Funston San Antonio, TX 78209 Phone: (210) 207-3250 www.sabot.org
Connecting guests with the plant world since 1980, the San Antonio Botanical Garden is a 33-acre urban oasis located just north of down town. Experience a dazzling array of colors in the formal gardens, explore the world of exotic plants in the glass Lucile Halsell Conservatory, and discover the unique plants of Texas along the Texas Native Trail. Join us for year-round family programming, plus art exhibits and summer concerts. Enjoy a delicious meal in the Carriage House Bistro which is open for brunch Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and for lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.. There’s something for everyone in the Garden Gate Gift Shop - creative children’s toys, exquisite clothing and jewelry, home decor and a large variety of gardening books and tools.
HemisFair Park
600 HemisFair Park San Antonio, TX 78205 Phone: (210) 223-3101
Originally built to hold the 1968 World’s Fair, San Antonio’s HemisFair Park has been one of the state’s most popular attractions since its inception.
Located near downtown San Antonio, just a short walk from the Riverwalk, the 15-acre HemisFair Park has undergone extensive renovations and additions over the years.
Among other things, the Park features exhibits remaining from the ‘68 World’s Fair, a labyrinth of cascading waterfalls, a children’s playground, and the landmark of the San Antonio skyline, the 750-foot Tower of the Americas. An attraction in and of itself, the Tower offers an observation deck, cafe, restaurant and a 4-D theatre.
Spurs Sports & Entertainment
One AT&T Parkway San Antonio, TX 78219 Phone: (210) 444-5618 www.spurs.com/jbsaondemand
Spurs Sports & Entertainment is the premier sports and entertainment provider in South Texas. The NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, the AHL’s San Antonio Rampage, and the WNBA’s San Antonio Stars host games at the AT&T Center and Freeman Coliseum a few miles east of downtown. These franchises pro vide a military discount for all games that can be accessed online at www. spurs.com/jbsaon demand. Discounts for additional shows will also be provided at this site as they become available.
Market Square
514 West Commerce Street San Antonio, TX 78207 Phone: (210) 207-8600
From early morning until late at night, Market Square is alive with activity. Visitors browse through the 32 shops at “El Mercado,” an area patterned after an authentic Mexican market. In addition, there are 80 specialty shops in Farmers Market Plaza. Market Square is also the scene of many Hispanic festivals where food and beverage booths spring up alongside the Guadalajara lamps and the strains of mariachi music blend with the excitement of Mexican dances. Admission is free.
Natural Bridge Caverns
26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road Natural Bridge Caverns, TX 78266 Phone: (210) 651-6101 www.naturalbridgecaverns.com
Take the North Cavern Tour and see what millions of others have seen - an incredible underground world of natural beauty. This 75 minute tour travels through a half-mile of the largest and most spectacular show cavern in Texas. Other cavern tours include the Jeremy Room Flashlight Tour and the South Cavern Adventure Tour. Or take the Watchtower Challenge and climb and zip from one of the tallest and longest climbing tower and ziplines in Texas! Also, be sure to visit the Natural Bridge Mining Company, where you can pan for gems and minerals like miners panned for gold. As each tour comes with a different price attached and there are combo-packages, please see the website or call for more information.
26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Road Natural Bridge Caverns, TX 78266 Phone: (830) 438-7400 www.wildliferanchtexas.com
Have you ever dreamed of going on an African Safari? Then Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is your dream come true. The Ranch boasts hundreds of animals from all over the world roam- ing freely in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. Animals are enticed with the complimentary feed given to visitors upon entrance to come up for nose-tonose encounters. The Petting Zoo and Walka Bout areas are included in admission and everyone is invited to travel through the ranch as many times as they would like during their visit. Entrance times vary, so please call or check the website.
Rivercenter Mall
849 East Commerce San Antonio, TX 78205 Phone: (210) 225-0000
The Rivercenter Mall in San Antonio has something for everyone. With over 125 stores including popular men’s and women’s apparel stores, fine jewelry, numerous shoe stores, department stores, specialty stores, accessories, health and beauty, home, music, electronics stores and more, Rivercenter Mall shoppers are sure to find great deals on everything they are looking for. When hunger strikes, whether you are looking for a quick bite to eat or a tasty sitdown meal, visitors to Rivercenter Mall will find great restaurants including Luciano Ristorante Italiano, Morton’s Steakhouse, Tony Roma’s, Steers & Beers and a variety of fast food restaurants and snack stands in the food court. The IMAX and AMC theatres and the Rivercenter Comedy Club in Rivercenter Mall offer some of the finest entertainment in San Antonio.
Riverwalk
110 Broadway, Suite 440 San Antonio, TX 78205 Phone: (210) 227-4262 www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
The Riverwalk, also known as Paseo Del Rio, in the heart of downtown, is the pride of the city. Lush green foliage lines the banks of this peaceful, historic river. Cobblestone walkways lead visitors to the river-level restaurants and shops. The river bubbles to the surface on the grounds of the University of the Incarnate Word and flows to downtown.
It threads its way through the city one level below the hustle and bustle of city streets. It was first called Yanaguana by the Payaya Indians, meaning “Place of Refreshing Waters.” Along the horseshoe shaped riverbend, the river is shaded by towering cypresses, oaks and willows and bordered by gardens of flowering ornamental plants. River cruisers travel the Riverwalk’s three miles past unique retail shops, restaurants and nightclubs. Last year, the City opened up another two miles of the Riverwalk.
San Antonio Missions National Historic Park
2202 Roosevelt Avenue San Antonio, TX 78210 Phone: (210) 534-8833
The chain of missions established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century are reminders of one of Spain’s most successful attempts to extend its New World dominion from Mexico. The park contains the historically and architecturally significant structures of Missions Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan and Espada. Other important cultural resources included are the historic Espada Dam and Aqueduct, acequia (irrigation) systems and the Rancho de las Cabras. The visitor center is located next to Mission San Jose and contains a theater showing a 20-minute depiction of early life at the mission, a museum and book shop.
CITY MORTGAGE RATE AVERAGE COST OF RENT AVERAGE HOME ENERGY COST
SAN ANTONIO 4.81%
Albuquerque Austin 4.93%
4.78%
Boston
Chicago Dallas
Denver
Flagstaff Las Vegas Los Angeles Oklahoma City Phoenix 5.06%
4.96%
4.85%
4.83%
5.03%
4.94%
5.05%
5.02%
4.76%
San Diego St. Louis 4.95%
4.92%
Tucson 4.82%
New York (Brooklyn) 5.13% New York (Manhattan) 5.31% $792
$700
$925
$1,490
$1,450
$700
$782
$1,000
$800
$1,840
$690
$795
$1,650
$740
$785
$2,250 $193
$161
$214
$237
$213
$184
$179
$166
$196
$181
$140
$182
$181
$145
$151
$336
3903 North St. Mary’s Street San Antonio, TX 78212 Phone: (210) 734-7184
Ranked as one of the best zoos in the nation, it exhibits over 3,500 animals of 750 species. At the headwaters of the San Antonio River, the Zoo encompasses 35 landscaped acres and includes one of the largest bird col lections in the world. Kronkosky’s Tiny Tot Nature Spot is a mini-zoo designed specifically for children under five. The Zoo is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
SeaWorld San Antonio/Aquatica
10500 SeaWorld Drive San Antonio, TX 78251 Phone: (800) 700-7786 www.seaworldparks.com
SeaWorld San Antonio’s combination of unique animal attractions, entertaining shows, state-of-the-art coasters and educa tional experiences for all ages make this park an exciting place to visit.
Take the plunge into SeaWorld by geting up close with Shamu. You can see SeaWorld’s biggest star day and night in Believe and Shamu Rocks Texas. Believe is the most ambitious killer whale show in the world with breathtaking visuals, inspiring music, and the beautifully amazing relationship between trainers and these glorious creatures. Take a wild ride on the part water ride, part roller coaster Journey to Atlantis. Brace yourself for thrills on the Steel Eel or the Great White, two signature roller coasters. Formerly known as Lost Lagoon, SeaWorld spruced their former water park with exciting new rides, incorporated your favorite marine animals, adorned the area with tropical plants and a colorful new look, all to bring you Aquatica! The water park opened on May 19, 2012, and features a wide array of attractions for all ages and swimming abilities, some of which pass by or through animal habitats. Aquatica offers a completely original experience filled with plenty of splashing and other watery fun for the whole family.
The 20-acre park offers the usual assortment of slides and other rides but after tackling twisting, turning, over-banked water slides, visitors can meander into a simulated tropical reed for friendly encounters with stingrays.
Perhaps the most intriguing combination of water park rides and animal interactions can be found aboard Stingray Falls. The family raft ride, which accommodates four passengers navigates a harrowing course before depositing riders in an underwater grotto. There they can view tropical fish and other sea creatures in a large tank embedded alongside the ride. Another family raft ride, Walhalla Wave, send its passengers racing up a sheer wall where they experience a moment of weightlessness before falling back to earth. Sea World is a proud participant in the “Here’s to the Heroes” program. For more information on this program, visit www.herosalute.com
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
17000 IH-10 West San Antonio, TX 78257 Phone: (210) 697-5050 www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas/index.aspx
Experience the best in thrilling rides, exciting live entertainment and a free waterpark all at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Begin your adventure by facing your fears on the park’s eighth roller coaster, Goliath. Towering 105 feet, Goliath propels riders down an 80-foot drop, two massive loops and five heart-pounding inversions all at 50 mph! Continue the thrills by soaring high on the Superman Krypton Coaster, taking gut-wrenching turns on Tony Hawk’s Big Spin and enjoying a daring free-fall down on Scream. For added enjoyment, soak up some family fun at Whiter Water Bat, Fiesta Texas’ free waterpark. Get drenched on over 15 wild rides and slides, including Tornado, Big Bender and The Lone Star Lagoon, a wavepool not only shaped like Texas, but almost as big! Wiggles World is complete with children’s rides, an outdoor theater, gift shop and delectable food options all dedicated to the popular children’s show.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas is a visually stunning 200-acre family entertainment theme park located at highway IH-10 and Loop 1604, approximately 20 minutes form downtown San Antonio.
Fiesta Texas features award-winning live entertainment and thrilling rides in six themed areas that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Texas and the Southwest. Park times vary throughout the year, so call or go online for more information.
Splashtown
3600 North IH-35 San Antonio, TX 78219 Phone: (201) 227-1400 www.splashtownpark.com
San Antonio’s family waterpark has something fun for everyone. The incredible Kid’s Kove is an extensive Kiddie Area featuring scaled-down rides, slides and attractions for our youngest guests. Splashtown attractions include the Siesta Del Rio, a relaxing river ride, and the largest Wave Pool in South Texas. Splashtown proudly presents the seven-story Lone Star Luge. This exciting ride will send you twisting down the length of two football fields. And don’t forget Starflight, a soaring double-tube trip through total darkness for a state-ofthe-art thrill! We even have a Jr. Starflight for the kids! As always, we have scheduled a number of fun concerts, contests and special events for the 2013 season, including “Drive In” Movies every Friday night
Witte Museum
3801 Broadway Street San Antonio, TX 78209 Phone: (210) 357-1900
The Witte Museum is San Antonio’s premiere museum of South Texas history, culture and natural science. Located in Brackenridge Park on the banks of the San Antonio River, the Witte offers permanent exhibits that include dinosaur skeletons, cave drawings, wildlife dioramas, and even some live animals. Several historic homes have been reconstructed on the campus, which also features the very popular H.E.B. Science Treehouse. The Witte Museum has for 80 years embodied the almost universal goals of museums: to engage the imaginations of young and old and provide encounters with artifacts and information only available in a museum. The Witte has offered a look at a still natural world, a glimpse at the tenacity of a pioneering community, and a journey into the worlds only high technology can provide.
Coyote Ugly Esquire Tavern
409 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX 78205 155 E. Commerce San Antonio, TX 78205 Coyote Ugly Saloon is the most famous bar in the United States and is now in 14 locations across the country. The Coyote Ugly Saloon officially opened its doors on Jan. 27, 1993. Over the years Coyote Ugly has meant different things to different people. Some come in just to get abused by Lil and drink cheap tequila out of her boots some to watch Jacqui long term bartender-turnedmanager down 151, set it on fire, then shoot the flames down the bar and others come just to drool over the new bartender dancing on the bar. Quick wit, unshakable assurance, and the ability to take your last dollar has made the Coyote Ugly what it is today.
Dick’s Last Resort
406 Navarro (78205) Dick’s Last Resort is a small bar and restaurant chain in the United States, known for its intentional employment of an obnoxious staff. The name consists of seven restaurants, including one near Petco Park, California and another in Las Vegas. The restaurant, which uses picnicstyle tables and no tablecloths, has its origins in the owners’ original opening of a “fine-dining” establishment. The establishment was a failure, which resulted in bankruptcy. Rather than continue with the upscale restaurant motif, the owners retooled their efforts and decided to “go sloppy”.The end result was a success, leading to the creation of six additional locations.
Durty Nelly’s
200 S Alamo St 78205 Despite the name, you don’t have to be Irish to enjoy Durty Nelly’s. This drinking establishment is widely known for having one of the best beer selections in San Antonio. Situated on the Riverwalk, Durty Nelly’s attracts quite a bit of pedestrian traffic ready for a cold one consequently, it can be very busy during the tourist season. It also fills up quickly on regular weekends, so be sure to get there early. But no matter what, put this place on your list of things to do. Crafted cocktails and fine food. Jeret Pena, our award winning bartender creates and serves the best cocktails in the City! Our Chef, Brooke Smith has been named one of the upcoming chefs to watch in San Antonio. Open 7 days a week 11 am until midnight S-TH, 11am-2am Th-Sat.
Howl At The Moon
111 West Crockett St. #201 78205
Howl at the Moon is a highly successful dueling piano concept that has grown to eleven locations since its inception in 1990. By providing its customers with an outstanding entertainment experience reminiscent of the best of New Orleans, Howl at the Moon has attracted a diverse and loyal following in every market that it has entered. The focal point of the nightclub is a stage featuring a pair of baby grand pianos. The piano players are the ringmasters responsible for creating the excitement that characterizes a night at Howl at the Moon. These piano players are hand picked from the finest regional talent and are thoroughly trained to continually thrill and entertain the audience. Howl at the Moon strives to keep their shows fresh with a mainstream and recognizable format that allows their typical customer to sing along with 90% of the songs.
Kremlin
210 College St. San Antonio, TX 78205 Kremlin – San Antonio’s Most Upscale Nightlife Scene on the Riverwalk. With a dance floor that inspires ultimate energy and sensuality, Kremlin is your upscale destination in Downtown San Antonio. Experience Vegas on the Riverwalk.
Lüke
125 E. Houston Street • San Antonio, TX 78205 Chef John Besh welcomes you to Lüke San Antonio, on the city’s famed River Walk. This is Besh’s first restaurant outside of his home state of Louisiana, and it features a menu of authentic Old World cuisine, combining classic German and French cooking techniques with a New Orleans touch. Lüke is conveniently situated in San Antonio’s popular downtown district.
Barriba Cantina
111 W. Crockette, #214, San Antonio, TX 78205 A new spin on an old tradition awaits you at Barriba Cantina. Barriba Cantina serves fresh Mexican food with a flair. Folks come from miles around to sample our slow cooked Mango Pork Carnitas, Baja Pescado and our house specialty Tacos del Ray.
Mad Dogs
123-19 Losoya (78205) Maddogs British Pub – San Antonio Welcome to Maddogs British Pub. We are located on the San Antonio Riverwalk, directly underneath the San Antonio Hyatt Regency Hotel. Unlike other San Antonio Bars and Clubs – Maddogs British Pub is an authentic British Theme Pub. We offer a full range of imported beers, excellent riverwalk dining with a tasty food and drink menu (including an extensive vegetarian menu). Maddogs British Pub is a relaxing place to enjoy the beautiful San Antonio Riverwalk during the day and a great night spot to soak up the San Antonio nightlife. Maddogs British Pub offers a wealth of evening entertainment, including Karaoke, Live Music and a resident DJ & MC. Not to mention we have a pool tables and big screen TV’s to watch all the sporting events live.
The Warm Tequila Bar
123 Losoya St San Antonio, Texas The first and only tequila & mezcal bar on the San Antonio Riverwalk.
Waxy O’Connor’s Irish Pub
234 Riverwalk
The atmosphere of the pub speaks for itself. Whether you are sitting at the rich mahogany back bar, enjoying a pint in one of our many cozy booths or just taking in the tranquil river view outside on our Irish stone patio, you will feel the authenticity of the pub. Every stool, table and chair, every stone in the rustic front bar and all the artwork and lighting fixtures have made the long journey from The Emerald Isle. We feel this is the only way to experience and enjoy the true atmosphere and “craic” of an Irish pub.
Interesting Facts About SAN ANTONIO, Texas
• San Antonio was anmed for the Portuguese saint Anthony, whose “Feast Day” is June 13, the day in 1961 when a Spanish expedition stopped in the area.
• The San Antonio River starts at “Blue Hole” spring, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio.
• The San Antonio River is 240 Miles Long.
• San Antonio has the top tourist attractions in Texas: The Alamo and the River Walk.
• Each year, more than 26 million visitors make their way to San Antonio.
• Except for the Alamo, the five Spanish colonial missions established along the San Antonio River are all active Catholic parishes. • The original River Walk was built from 1938 to 1941 as a WPA (Works Progress Administration) project at a cost of $430,000.
• San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in America and the second-largest city in Texas.
• San Antonio enjoys 300 days of sunshine annually and an average temperature of 70 degrees.
• The Spanish missions were not churches but Indian towns. In the 1700s, native people learning to become Spanish citizens had to be Catholic; that is why the king of Spain sent missionaries to acculturate them.
• Historic “Old Brack” Brackenride Golf Course, constructed in 1915 and one of very few public courses designed by A. W. Tillinghast, opened in 1916. The first public golf course in Texas, it hosted the Texas Open from 1922 to 1959.
Major Regional Employers in San Antonio
EMPLOYER JBSA Lackland JBSA Fort Sam Houston -U.S. Army HEB USAA Northside ISD City of San Antonio Methodist Healthcare System San Antonio ISD Baptist Healthcare Sytem JP Morgan Chase Wells Fargo AT&T Bill Millers Bar-B-Q Christus Santa Rosa Health Care CPS Energy Rackspace Toyota Motoring Manufacturing Clear Channel Communications Boeing Southwest Research Southwest Research Institute Frost Bank Accenture Valero Energy Harland Clarke KCI HVHC WellMed Medical Management Security Service Federal Credit Union SWBC Wal Mart Distribution Center (New Braunfels) Randolf-Brooks Federal Credit Union Caterpillar Gunn Automotive Group
SECTOR
Military Military Super Market Chain Financial Services and Insurance
School District
Military School District
San Antonio
Health Care Services
School District
Financial Services
Financial Services
Phone, Wireless, and Internet Services Fast Food Chain
Health Care Services
Utilities
IT Managed Hosting Solutions Manufacturing TV and Radio Stations, Outdoor Ads Aerospace Manufacturing Applied Research Financial
Professional Services/Technology Services Oil Refiner and Gas Marketing Check Printing Medical Supplies Optical Manufacturing Medical Management Financial Institution
Insurance
Distribution
Financial Institution
Manufacturing Automobile Dealer
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
37,097 32,000 20,000 17,000 12,751 11,068 10,052 9,145 8,118 7,000 6,498 5,200 5,153 4,200 3,540 3,360 3,022 3,300 2,900 2,800 2,800 2,700 2,100 1,800 1,653 1,500 1,400 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,000
928
900
803
REAL ESTATE
Historic Neighborhoods and Districts
San Antonio boasts a large number of locally or nationally designated historic districts, from commercial districts downtown to many significant historic neighborhoods. The rich architectural diversity of San Antonio is reflected in the city’s historic commercial buildings, ornate Victorian-era mansions, and early 20th-century Craftsman bungalows.
Alamo Plaza Historic District
San Antonio’s iconic Alamo Plaza is located at the center of the city and includes the Alamo Chapel and complex, open/public use space formerly part of the courtyard of the Mission San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo), and the commercial resources that developed around the plaza during the late nineteenth and twentieth century.
Hemisfair Park Historic District
HemisFair Park was the site of the 1968 World’s Fair, a planned cultural fair to celebrate “the confluence of civilizations in the Americas” and the City of San Antonio’s cultural diversity.
King William Historic District
The National Register of Historic Places-listed King William Historic District is generally located between the San Antonio River, Cesar Chavez Boulevard, South St. Mary’s Street, and South Alamo Street.
La Villita Historic District
The National Register of Historic Places-listed La Villita Historic District is located a few blocks from Alamo Plaza near downtown San Antonio. It includes twenty-seven nineteenth century dwellings representing unique examples of early residential development in the city.
Lavaca Historic District
The National Register of Historic Placeslisted and locally designated Lavaca Historic District is located southeast of downtown San Antonio about two blocks east of the King William Historic District and south of HemisFair Park.
Mission Parkway National Register District
The National Register of Historic Placeslisted Mission Parkway Historic District encompasses most of the Mission Trails hike-and-bike trail alignment and includes a variety of historic resources including archeological sites, buildings, and structures.
South Alamo Street - South St.Mary’s Street Historic District
The National Register of Historic Placeslisted South Alamo Street-South St. Mary’s Street Historic District is generally located between the San Antonio River, South Alamo Street, and South St. Mary’s Street.
South Presa Street
South Presa Street and South St. Mary’s Street (formerly Garden Street) are parallel roads that begin near the center of San Antonio and travel southeast through the city. These streets bisect two of the oldest residential areas in the city, the National Register of Historic Places listed King William and Lavaca neighborhoods.
Market Trends
San Antonio is one of the hottest housing markets in the United States. The reason behind the city’s recent explosion may be attributed to the strength of its local job market. Accordingly, it is the job market that continues to serve as the main component of local supply and demand. With an unemployment rate of 5.1% (a whole point below the national average), and a one-year job growth rate of 2.5%, employment remains strong compared to that of other markets. Perhaps even more importantly, San Antonio has brought their unemployment rate down 1.5% in the last year. The numbers are encouraging for the housing sector, as more people will be permitted to transfer from renters to buyers. With the recent expansion of the economy and the encouraging job sector, construction is on the rise. Single-family housing permits increased 9.7% over the course of a year, suggesting that local inventory levels have stabilized.
Despite recent appreciation rates, the San Antonio housing market remains affordable. In fact, it is more affordable than most comparable markets. In 2014, the average homeowner in San Antonio has allocated approximately 10.4% of their income to their mortgage payment. On a national level, the average homeowner dedicated 16.1% of their income to a mortgage.
It is no myth that the consumer is the driving force in the real estate industry in Texas. Below are some interesting changes that have occurred and will continue to mold the future of the housing market.
• 35% of buyers are first time home buyers.
JBSAONDEMAND.COM
• Texas sellers stay in their home an average of 9 years
• Homeowners want information about real estate updates and relevant news about their community
• A 2012 poll revealed that sales equal 96% of asking price. This does not include price reductions or seller contributions
• There are 1900 people moving to Texas a day
• 92% of Texas home sellers used a real estate agent to sell their home. Only 8% were For Sale By Owner
• The best day to put a home on the market is on Friday
• The best day to hold an open house is Tuesday
• 74% of consumers believe the economy has gotten better and 71% think the economy will continue to get better in the next year
Big: The population is the 2nd largest in the U.S. with over 25 million people
Young: 27% of the Texas population is under 18 and only 10% is older than 65
Diverse: Approximately 9.5 million or 38% of Texans are of Hispanic descent; 12% are African American; 6% are other (primarily of Asian descent.
Market your business to the thousands of Military Families in the San Antonio Area with the Joint Base San Antonio Military Relocation Guide and Website jbsaondemand.com
PUBLISHING
For advertising info., contact us at (210) 818-7581 or email at info@swtxpublishing.com
North Central
A mix of the suburban and urban, a variety of small communities are a part of this area. Phil Hardberger Park, considered one of the premier parks in San Antonio, is a central part of this area with a variety of recreation options. The former dairy farm includes historic buildings, nature trails and picnic spots over an area that covers three eco-systems.
North Central is home to numerous shops, cafes, and national chain stores and the Sheldon Vexler Theatre. The theater is a community fixture, known for producing innovative, intimate, locally focused performances. Varied dining options dot the area, including established standbys like Green Vegetarian Cuisine or Myron’s Prime Steakhouse. Stellar examples of San Antonio’s Tex-Mex cooking are served at Los Barrios.
Northwest Side
Containing the main campus of University of Texas at San Antonio, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and the Northwest Campus of the University of the Incarnate Word, Northwest is a draw for students in the San Antonio area.
The Medical Center District is also a part of this suburban community, which is the location of the South Texas Medical Center. A bustling business hub as well, USAA, Valero and NuStar Energy are among the major corporations located here.
It’s not all business and academics in this part of town: Six Flags Fiesta Texas is also located here, offering thrill rides and fun. Shopping is anchored by the national chains and local shops at The Shops at La Cantera.
