Are you an expert on all things San Antonio? Whether you're a street-smart local or a well-studied newbie, we're willing to bet that San Antonio's frenzied growth might have you reeling with information override. So, to make things a bit easier, we've compiled the details into a need-to-know, easy-to-read field guide to San Antonio's "edgiest" (those lying on the edges of SA) neighborhoods!
Image Courtesy of Katie Haugland
According to new population estimates released earlier this year by the U.S. Census Bureau, San Antonio was ranked #3 in population growth among U.S. cities. Wowee, y’all. The sheer volume of new residents (a net increase of 24,473 over a one-year period!) has been dramatic, to say the least.
Not that we’re surprised. Given San Antonio’s affordable housing, low cost of living, and vibrant sense of diversity and culture (not to mention the tacos), we totally understand the draw of our fabulously understated city.
But the question remains: Where is everyone moving? In a city already known for taking up its fair share of Texas surface area, San Antonio’s population growth is continuing to literally push the city limits. Specifically, the northern and western edges of the city have seen the biggest boom in recent years, for a variety of fairly obvious reasons.
From a wealth of major area employers to an incredibly strategic (and scenic) location to the vast array of shopping and entertainment, we can’t blame anyone for heading to the Hill Country boundaries of San Antonio.
And while many might see a single, sprawling mega-neighborhood, the communities in this area are as distinct and diverse as the residents that call them “home”! We’re here with an official field guide to these “edgy” neighborhoods and the details that make them each unique.
- Location: Northwest San Antonio (near Boerne off of IH-10 West)
- School District: Boerne Independent School District
- Amenities: 11 miles of nature trails, several family-friendly parks, a country club that offers two eighteen-hole golf courses, twelve tennis courts, pools, and countless acres of rural landscaping
- Homes: $300k - over $1 Million
- Neighborhood Vibes: Rustic Resort
- Field Notes: With a population of nearly 7,000 people, the city of Fair Oaks Ranch has the feel of a small town. Overall, residents living in Fair Oaks Ranch enjoy excellent schools, peaceful neighborhoods, and the amenities of San Antonio within close reach.
- Location: Northwest San Antonio (on IH-10 just outside Loop 1604)
- School District: Northside Independent School District: Leon Springs Elementary, Rawlinson Middle School, and Clark High School
- Amenities: 24-hour professional guard, country club, world-class golf course, tennis courts, a spa, a clubhouse, and over 33 acres of man-made lakes
- Homes: $400k - $4Million+
- Neighborhood Vibes: World-Class Luxury
- Field Notes: One of San Antonio’s premier (and most expensive) neighborhoods, The Dominion is home to nearly 3,000 residents, including some of San Antonio’s wealthiest residents and celebrities.
- Location: Northwest San Antonio (off of Loop 1604)
- School District: Northside Independent School District: Bob Beard Elementary, Garcia Middle School, O’Connor High School, and Brandeis High School
- Homes: $200k - $1Million+
- Neighborhood Vibes: Nostalgic Texas Charm
- Field Notes: Originally a stagecoach stop between San Antonio and Bandera, Helotes is made up of over 45 separate neighborhoods and nearly 10,000 residents!
- Location: Northwest San Antonio
- School District: Northside Independent School District: May Elementary, Hector Garcia Middle school, and Brandeis High School
- Homes: $300k - mid-$500k’s
- Neighborhood Vibes: Hill Country Hybrid
- Field Notes: A sort of local anomaly, Crownridge’s location allows residents to enjoy both the serenity of the Hill Country as well as luxury shopping and popular attractions like La Cantera, Fiesta Texas, and Crownridge Canyon Natural Area.
- Location: North San Antonio (off Hwy 281)
- School District: North East ISD and Comal ISD
- Amenities: Community pools, parks, playgrounds, and sports courts
- Homes: $225k - $800k
- Neighborhood Vibes: Golf Course Chic
- Field Notes: With subdivision names like The Enclave, Lakeside, The Reserve, The Villas, and the Waters, and The Estates, you can only assume that the peaceful, curated streets of Canyon Springs exude luxury.
- Location: North San Antonio (close to both Loop 1604 and Highway 281)
- School District: Northeast Independent School District: Cibolo Green Elementary, Tex Hill Middle School, and Johnson High School.
- Amenities: Trails for walking and biking, a Fitness center, Playground, Junior Olympic-size swimming pool, and a water park, complete with a lazy river
- Homes: $300,000’s - $1Million+
- Neighborhood Vibes: Hill Country Epicurean
- Field Notes: A unique master planned community, Cibolo Canyons combines Hill Country views with refined elegance. Next to the acclaimed JW Marriott Hotel and Spa and featuring incredible amenities, the neighborhood has the feel of a luxury resort!
- Location: North San Antonio (off of Loop 1604 and Bitters Road)
- School District: Northside Independent School District and North East Independent School District
- Amenities: Sparkling pools, walking trails, lush greenbelts, a community center, playgrounds, tennis courts, and more
- Homes: $275k - $900k
- Neighborhood Vibes: Distinguished Charm
- Field Notes: With an air of “secluded tranquility,” Rogers Ranch is perfect for families seeking the classic comforts of a luxury home paired with an active lifestyle.
- Location: North San Antonio (on the northeast ridge of Loop 1604)
- School District: Northeast Independent School District: Hardy Oak Elementary School, Lopez Middle School, Reagan Hig h School
- Amenities: Various pools, parks, and plenty of green space
- Homes: $250k - $450k
- Neighborhood Vibes: Accessible Elegance
- Field Notes: One of the first to seize the vast potential for growth in the Northern 281 corridor, Stone Oak now stands as one of the most recognizable neighborhoods on the edge of the city.
- Location: North San Antonio
- School District: Comal Independent School District and Northeast Independent School District
- Amenities: 30-acre park with a lake, pool, clubhouse, weight room, pavilion, playground, picnic and barbecue area, par 3 golf course, greenbelts, tennis courts, and unobstructed views
- Homes: $150k - $1Million+
- Neighborhood Vibes: Upscale Texas Warmth
- Field Notes: Nestled in the foothills of the Texas Hill Country, Timberwood Park is a 2,200-acre custom home development that has been emerging as one of the area’s hidden real estate gems for area families and commuters.
- Location: West San Antonio (far west side of Loop 1604)
- School District: Northside Independent School District: John Hoffmann Elementary School, Judge Andy Mireles Elementary School, Dolph Briscoe Middle School, and William H. Taft High School
- Amenities: Jogging trails, an Olympic-sized pool, an outdoor aquatic center, playgrounds, etc.
- Homes: $180k - $500k
- Neighborhood Vibes: Private Playground
- Field Notes: One of San Antonio’s most recognizable and acclaimed master-planned communities, Alamo Ranch essentially functions as a small, freestanding Hill Country community within city limits.
- Location: West San Antonio (Marbach and S Ellison Dr)
- School District: Northside Independent School District: Ed Cody Elementary, E.M. Pease Middle School, and Stevens High School
- Amenities: Swimming facility, two tennis courts, a park, and a duck pond
- Homes: $75k - $150k
- Neighborhood Vibes: Close-Knit Community
- Field Notes: With a population of nearly 12,000, one of Heritage Park’s top-rated perks is the Neighborhood Association, which has fostered a truly special sense of togetherness among residents.
- Location: West San Antonio (Northwest side of Loop 1604)
- School District: Northside Independent School District: Northwest Crossing Elementary School, Connally Middle School, and Taft High School
- Amenities: 35 acres of parks, walking trails, clubhouses, tennis courts, soccer field, and sports complex
- Homes: $80k - $200k
- Neighborhood Vibes: Cozy Convenience
- Field Notes: Acting as home to nearly 14,000 residents, Northwest Crossing somehow offers both affordable housing and beautiful amenities.
- Location: West San Antonio (Loop 1604 and TX-151)
- School District: Northside Independent School District: Evelyn Scarborough Elementary, Folks Middle School, and Taft High School
- Amenities: Pool with beach entry, community clubhouse, fitness room, imaginative playscape, sports courts, and trails
- Homes: $200k - $400k
- Neighborhood Vibes: Whimsy Family Fun
- Field Notes: With generous backyards and delightful amenities (see above), Stillwater Ranch is focused on providing families with a safe and fun place to call “home” on the west side of the city.
From the outer edges to the inner core, evidence of San Antonio’s expansion can be seen everywhere. But despite shiny new high-rises and in the innovative historic renovations, we think the best evidence of San Antonio’s growth can be seen in the inspiring everyday life taking place within neighborhoods on the edges of the city. To discover “the edge” for yourself, download our exclusive Buyer’s Guide and Seller’s Guide, then contact an agent to get started on your own home search!
