So hear me out. I'm a 30-year-old retiree who's been in San Antonio for 4 years. Crime rate at 708.5/100K residents is something to {crime_feel}. Honestly the biggest downside is the traffic. Is this just me?
41 upvotes
21 Replies
Aaron Davis
We pay /mo in Monte Vista for a 1-bed and honestly it's worth it. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.
49 upvotes
Jameson Brown
This right here.
48 upvotes
Lydia Jimenez
Homeowner in Alamo Heights since 2016. Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.. Property values have dipped slightly but recovered which is great for equity.
44 upvotes
Brooklyn Gomez
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Terrell Hills vs Stone Oak: completely different vibes. Terrell Hills is more great with walkable streets and local shops. Stone Oak is up-and-coming and better for remote workers.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Terrell Hills. In Stone Oak you can find stuff for /mo.
Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.
43 upvotes
Nicholas Miller
+1
39 upvotes
Kevin R.
Weekend warrior here - San Antonio is great for fishing. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.
36 upvotes
Jacob Gray
As someone who lives in Medical Center, The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. That said, it's not for everyone.
36 upvotes
Stella D.
You're not wrong.
32 upvotes
Hudson A.
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to The Pearl from Austin about 5 years ago. Initially I was overwhelmed. But after settling in, The {industry} scene here is really picking up..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out The Pearl and King William for housing
- Download the local transit app even if you drive
- Visit during different seasons if you can
The biggest adjustment was job market. I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. Overall I'd give San Antonio a 7/10 for singles.
27 upvotes
Carson Miller
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Fair Oaks Ranch, Dominion, and currently in Helotes. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Fair Oaks Ranch: /mo for a 1-bed
- Dominion: about /mo
- Helotes: /mo but improving
The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, San Antonio really clicks.
26 upvotes
Lucy W.
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching San Antonio.
Background: 32, newlywed, moved from Columbus 10 years ago for family. Currently in Terrell Hills.
**Housing:**
The market is underrated right now. We went with Terrell Hills because great school district. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Leon Valley - it's quiet and the value is better.
**Work:**
tech jobs are tough here. I was worried coming from Columbus but the market is mixed. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 15 months were tough. Then I found my people through a running club. Now I have a solid group. San Antonio people are friendly once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: pricey
- Traffic: not as bad as people say
- Dining out: improving rapidly
- Entertainment: great if you like outdoor stuff
**Would I move here again?**
Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.. For young professionals, I'd give it a 9/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
26 upvotes
Chloe Stewart
Depends on the neighborhood.
21 upvotes
sunny_chloe11
My experience has been different actually. I found that The parks system here is underrated.. Maybe it depends on which part of San Antonio you're in.
20 upvotes
Quinn Evans
Great question. Here's my honest take after 2 years:
The good:
- Affordable compared to coastal cities
- Good internet
- Pet-friendly city
The not-so-good:
- Traffic is getting worse
- Water quality concerns
I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. I'd say for singles, San Antonio is improving. Feel free to ask specifics.
19 upvotes
Cora Young
Night shift worker - San Antonio at 3am is pretty good. I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better..
17 upvotes
Alice
Worked in tech here for 3 years. Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.. The market is improving right now if you're in that field.
15 upvotes
Samuel H.
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
King William vs Helotes: completely different vibes. King William is more hit or miss with a suburban feel with urban access. Helotes is up-and-coming and better for retirees.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in King William. In Helotes you can find stuff for /mo.
The parks system here is underrated.. The parks system here is underrated.
15 upvotes
lake_benjamin34
Great question. Here's my honest take after 1 years:
The good:
- Good parks and trails
- Good schools in certain areas
- Pet-friendly city
The not-so-good:
- Traffic is getting worse
- Limited diversity in some areas
Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. I'd say for couples, San Antonio is decent.
15 upvotes
Ruby Wood
Great question. Here's my honest take after 5 years:
The good:
- Good schools in certain areas
- Safe neighborhoods
- Strong arts and culture scene
The not-so-good:
- Hard to date here
- Limited diversity in some areas
Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. I'd say for couples, San Antonio is great. Happy to answer questions.
14 upvotes
Jackson
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching San Antonio.
Background: 40, freelancer, moved from Seattle 4 years ago for a fresh start. Currently in Boerne area.
**Housing:**
The market is decent right now. We went with Boerne area because close to work. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at The Pearl - it's lively and the value is better.
**Work:**
hospitality jobs are decent here. I was worried coming from Seattle but the market is better than expected. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 5 months were tough. Then I found my people through a running club. Now I have a solid group. San Antonio people are friendly once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: about average
- Traffic: honestly terrible
- Dining out: better than you'd expect
- Entertainment: solid local scene
**Would I move here again?**
Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. For singles, I'd give it a 7/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
14 upvotes
Katherine Gutierrez
Parent of two in Olmos Park. Schools are hit or miss here. Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. Would recommend visiting before deciding.
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