Where to live in SA?

jlsimon56 · December 2009

Hello, I am from the RI board. My new husband has been talking with his company to get relocated to San Antonio. We are planning on visiting the area in February sometime, once the new facility is up and running.

We'd like to start looking at houses there. What I am wondering is, where to look? We don't know where the company will be setting up since it will be temporary at first, for training - then they'll look into getting a permanent location.

I understand traffic is crazy there.

Could any one give me the names of towns to look into? We'd like to be in a safer area with good schools and sort of in the direction of Dallas, since my sister lives there and it would be nice to have a shorter drive for visits. I read that New Braunfels is nice? Any input? Any other towns? Thanks. :-)

-Jennifer

Jolililas · December 2009

I mostly agree with the above post regarding the neighborhoods, but everything else seems a bit biased. Yes, San Antonio is largely Hispanic. Customer service is a nightmare? Not sure what that means, but if that means things aren't done as fast as in NYC, then yeah, people don't rush you in and out.

The schools are atrocious? For the most part, the school districts of Alamo Heights, Northeast, and Northside are the best districts in San Antonio. Some of the schools in these districts are even ranked the best in Texas.

I grew up in San Antonio and then lived in Austin for 7 years. San Antonio by far is a much better place to raise small children. Austin is great for the college-aged, urbanite, trendy population with the "let's go downtown and party every night" mentality.

jlsimon56 · December 2009

Thank you for the input! It's all so interesting. Like a different world. I am ok with a slower lifestyle. We are very laid-back people. My husband is an artist (in his free time, not for his job job). I think we will enjoy our time in SA.

We are looking to find a house under $150K. Think that's possible? I will do some internet searching on the towns listed.

I know everyone has their opinion on everything, so I do appreciate the honesty. :-) "Y'all" are great.

slharbi94 · December 2009

You can find some great Houses for 150K. Cost of living here is much less than other parts of the country. If you want to be close to IH35 so you can jump on and go see your sister I would recomend Universal City, Selma and Schertz. Schertz was actually named one of the best places to live by money magazine. Keep in mind that Dallad is a 4 or 5 hour drive from San Antonio.

I used to live in RI and Philly Traffic here is nothing compared to major cities.

MBLove · December 2009

I leave for a couple days and come back to find snarkiness on the SA Knot board?! Say it ain't so!!!

I 100% disagree with the notion that there is a "widespread 'manana' mentality." As much as I get a kick out of sweeping generalizations, I have to disagree with that one. And as someone who has lived in NYC, I think you will find there is a lot to enjoy about southern hospitality.

Sarah does bring up a good point about the schools. They absolutely are below par but I blame that more on "no child left behaind" than the lack of finances. I've seen poor schools work wonders, but teachers here are compelled to teach TAKS only--there does not appear to be room to teach anything else.

As someone who works in criminal justice, I can also validate Sarah's assessment that you should steer clear of the Eastside, Southside and Central Westside. There is heavy gang and other criminal activity in those areas. The northside, north central, alamo heights, monte vista and olmos park are great places to live. Southtown can be sketchy in parts. HTH!

novio2010 · December 2009

To answer the original question; I agree look into the Shertz, Universal City, Selma, Cibilo areas of town. I lived in Universal City and loved it. These areas of town have easy access 1-35N to Dallas and they are all beautiful and affordable places to live. I have heard since I moved into the "city" that the shopping to include plenty of HEB's is awesome. I'm sure you can find a house in your price range. Oh and yes, be cautious of the areas of town mentioned above. Overall, I moved to San Antonio 9 years ago and love it. I am positive you will too! Good luck!

jlsimon56 · December 2009

Hello and thanks again! I don't think anyone was being snarky at all. Like I said, there are going to be opinions and not everyone is going to agree with them, but that's what makes the world turn.

I have to say, my husband poked fun at me for asking this on the knot. He says, We are done with the knot! Then I read him the replies and he was listening intently. So I hope you know what a valuable resource this is!!

We are confident we'll find something in the areas mentioned. It's nice to know what places to be aware of when we visit, as well.

For what it's worth, I do think there is a slower pace in the more southern states, but not to a fault. My husband and I both lived in Georgia (separately - this was before we met) and we agree that people talk a bit slower, etc. It's nice compared to the auctioneer-speeds up here! I can actually hear the words. :-) We are both looking forward to a relaxing pace of life.

Thank you again. Glad to know you!

jenb1205 · December 2009

this thread is starting to make my blood boil. the public school system in TX is infinitely better than where I currently live, in Chicago.

i think you are going to be surprised (hopefully pleasantly) with what you can get for $150K in San Antonio. the cost of living is much, much lower than what my family in New England deals with.

i think you'll love the city.... it was once called one of the four most unique cities in America (along with Boston, San Franciso and New Orleans, pretty nice comparisons). it's my hometown and i really hope i can get closer to home someday. the grass is not always greener just because you are living in a fast paced city. the traffic in stone oak has nothing on the freeways here in Chicago. and there are lots of other people besides white that happen to live in the "all white" areas mentioned above.

MBLove · December 2009

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-san-antonio_live-sa?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:103Discussion:bb6ecb5c-f5d5-4f91-bcf0-17a63e541b99Post:afc78b9e-c2f8-4f15-b92b-075d06f8b83f">Re: Where to live in SA?</a>:
[QUOTE]I don't think I'm being snarky, but sorry if I am. Anyway, I love this town but you have to admit things move slooow here.
Posted by sarahrhernandez[/QUOTE]

Sarah I'm sorry if I implied it was just you being snarky!! I just meant things sounded like they were getting just a wee tiny bit heated (in the most polite knottie way possible). I guess I need to watch how I use the snark word...Just had to clear that up because I love your strong opinions I truly do!!! In fact I agreed with most everything you said. <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-embarassed.gif" border="0" alt="Embarassed" title="Embarassed" />

salbert79 · December 2009

I live in Schertz (on the far NE side) and love it. New Braunfels would also be a great town to live in if you are willing to commute. The home prices in that area don't seem to be nearly as inflated as the rest of the city sometimes can be. My suggestion to you would be to rent first. If you end up buying a house on one side of the city, then end up working on the other, you could easily have an hour commute. It's pretty hard to deal with. You might also post this on the Nest. If you have any questions about the Schertz area (or want to meet up when you come visit out here!) page me on the Nest. I rarely check in here anymore. Good luck!

Steph

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