There are many factors at play when choosing between the best neighborhoods in San Antonio — accessibility, entertainment, comfort, good schools and green spaces being just a few. However, the good news is that San Antonio has many great neighborhoods that check all the boxes. From the vibrant downtown to more serene communities up north, everyone can find a place to call home in this beautiful metro.
If you’re considering renting an apartment in San Antonio and still debating the exact location, here’s a list of the top neighborhoods that will help you make the best decision.
Stone Oak
One of the most beloved neighborhoods in San Antonio, Stone Oak is known as a safe and tranquil place to live. In fact, the multitude of gated communities in this neighborhood make it one of the safest in Texas. Located on San Antonio’s north side, Stone Oak is filled with beautiful houses, excellent schools, and plenty of nature to explore and enjoy. And, considering all of the perks and benefits of living in this serene and highly developed neighborhood, it’s only natural that Stone Oak is one of the most sought-after areas.
Downtown San Antonio
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The heart and soul of San Antonio is filled with hip new attractions — but also historical ones, like The Alamo. Contrary to what you might think, downtown is not just the lively neighborhood of the young. Rather, many San Antonio residents are known to relocate to this hotspot after retirement. Here, walkability is a major factor in that decision and the gorgeous River Walk doesn’t hurt, either. With a dense population, historical corners, and countless options for entertainment and cuisine — as well as a booming business district and nightlife — downtown San Antonio is the place to be.
Vance Jackson
Surrounded by Interstate 10 (which makes commuting easy and accessible), Vance Jackson is a top neighborhood about 10 miles northwest of downtown San Antonio. With a median age of 32 and a balanced ratio of male and female residents, this neighborhood is perfect for young individuals or families. Plus, you can also find many excellent schools in Vance Jackson, as well as daycare centers, restaurants and plenty of vibrant nightlife options.
Northwest San Antonio
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Home to Six Flags Fiesta, the South Texas Medical Center, and the University of Texas at San Antonio, the northwest neighborhood is a seamless combination of suburbia and an up-and-coming leisure and shopping hub. Generally known as a safe neighborhood with low crime rates, the northwest area is a perfect place for families and students, with above-average schools and universities. The neighborhood also has a small-town feel with big-city amenities, which means you get the best of both worlds.
Thousand Oaks
If you’re a fan of silence and privacy — and maybe dogs, as well — Thousand Oaks is the neighborhood for you. With a median age of 39, Thousand Oaks residents praise their neighborhood for its peace and quiet, as well as the dog-friendly environment. This area is perfect for relaxing walks, jogging, outdoor exercising and picnics in the sun.
North Central San Antonio
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Just north of downtown San Antonio, this popular neighborhood has all the perks of big-city life, while still maintaining a more tranquil and suburban feel. The area is known for safe, gated communities, excellent schools, and a wide variety of bars, restaurants and coffee shops. The north central area is also the perfect place to grow a family, but also one that suits young professionals who are up for a short commute to downtown in order to live in a more serene and airy environment.
The Dominion
Recognized as the high-end neighborhood in San Antonio, The Dominion is a wealthy, master-planned community on the city’s growing northwest side. Housing around 3,000 residents mostly from the upper class, The Dominion is one of the metro’s most expensive areas. This fancy neighborhood is known as being extremely safe and clean, while enforcing a feeling a privacy. Perks of living in The Dominion include access to security guards, golf courses and various private social activities.
Fort Sam Houston
With San Antonio known as “Military City USA”, it’s no surprise that a popular neighborhood revolves around one of the many military bases near the city. Named after Texas’ first state president, Sam Houston, this highly desirable neighborhood is a perfect hub for active-duty military and their families, as well as retirees. Plus, as the “home of army medicine”, Fort Sam Houston also has renowned medical centers and education campuses.
Highland Park
Before becoming a community, the land where Highland Park now stands was previously used as pasture land for local dairy farms. The neighborhood was then populated by San Antonio residents and their homes, many of which were turned into apartment buildings in the mid-1970s. Today, Highland Park is a popular neighborhood with great infrastructure that allows for quick access to downtown and other areas of San Antonio. It also has a tight community of families who have been in the area for decades.
Heritage
Close to two major highways and the San Antonio Sea World, Heritage residents benefit from easy access to transportation and a relatively quiet environment. The neighborhood is best known for its famous duck pond, a beautiful outdoor park where families can spend quality time together. Located west of downtown San Antonio, this tranquil neighborhood is perfect for those who want to put a little bit of distance between themselves and the busy, city-center lifestyle.
