Recently named one of the “Top 20 Fastest Growing Cities” by Forbes, San Antonio is having something of a moment...especially when it comes to real estate. Many longtime Alamo City residents chuckle at this sudden surge in attention and population. (Because, you know, they were singing San Antonio’s praises long before us transplants.) But even the veteran San Antonians among us have been surprised by the ferocity of the (quite literal) San Antonio movement.
In 2012 alone, San Antonio welcomed in over 25,000 new residents, adding up to a nearly 2% population increase. Some studies estimate that approximately 1.1 million new residents will call San Antonio “home” by the year 2040.
Needless to say, San Antonio is pretty hot right now. And as a real estate company, we’ve seen this growth in pretty obvious ways...after all, we help plenty of residents find their own little piece of San Antonio! And so, we’ve compiled the data: over the past year, as we’ve worked with both buyers and sellers, the major real estate activity has centered around these mega-hot neighborhoods.
1. Alamo Ranch
5302 Anemone, Alamo Ranch
Located on the far west side of Loop 1604, Alamo Ranch has quickly earned a name for itself as the fastest growing master-planned community in San Antonio. Located on the northwest edge of the city, Alamo Ranch essentially functions as a small piece of the Texas Hill Country within the San Antonio city limits (with easy access to shopping and Sea World, of course). This community has quickly earned a reputation for its beautiful landscaping, Olympic-sized pool, and affordable homes.
30073 Cibolo Meadow, Fair Oaks Ranch
Located near Boerne off of IH-10 West, Fair Oaks Ranch can quite literally be described as accommodating the “best of both worlds.” The neighborhood somehow encompasses that elusive and enviable combination of rustic and elegant, natural and luxurious, Hill Country and big-city. With over 10 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, Fair Oaks Ranch has the appeal of a rustic resort...just 15 minutes from San Antonio city limits!
253 Kildeer Creek, Redbird Ranch
One of the most outlying neighborhoods on our list, Redbird Ranch typifies the peaceful “Outer West” San Antonio lifestyle that has beckoned so many residents in recent years. Several miles outside Loop 1604 and north of Hwy 90, this exclusive neighborhood has enough open space for a greenbelt and a beautiful network of walking and biking trails, as well as a community center, state-of-the-art swimming pool, children’s pool, fitness room, tennis court, and more.
2511 Echo Terrace, Timberwood Park
Nestled in the foothills of the Texas Hill Country, Timberwood Park has been emerging as one of the area’s hidden real estate gems for area families and commuters. The 2,200-ace custom home development offers incredible amenities, a strong sense of warm community, and a slower-paced lifestyle…all just minutes from major shopping, dining, medical services, and entertainment within San Antonio city limits.
Northwest Crossing
If you didn’t already guess based on its geography-specific name, Northwest Crossing is perched on the increasingly popular Northwest corner of the city! And, despite its impressive population (over 14,000 residents living in approximately 4,000 homes!), this neighborhood offers small-town vibes, a tight-knit community, and some seriously affordable housing. Perks include an active homeowners association, 35 acres of parks, walking trails, clubhouses, tennis courts, soccer field, and sports complex!
6. Wildhorse
9929 Spring Beauty, Wildhorse
Located in the increasingly popular northwest San Antonio zip code (north-west of Loop 1604 and south of TX 16), the Wildhorse neighborhood offers gorgeous Hill Country views, easy city access, and seriously wonderful amenities (including a luxurious community clubhouse, sparkling community pool, jogging trails, and a sports court, among others!). Built by both KB Homes and DR Horton, Wildhorse homes range between 2 and 5 bedrooms, and prices can range from the mid-$100,000’s to the upper $200,000’s.
7. Harlandale
376 Hawthorne, Harlandale
Just south of downtown San Antonio, the Harlandale community offers a wide variety of affordable residences! Within this active and engaging community, residents enjoy access to a variety of programs, including youth sports leagues, arts and crafts, table games, nutrition education, dance, music, and a unique variety of local attractions (one of our favorites is the Santikos’ Mayan Palace Theater). Composed of a variety of homes, the properties in Harlandale range from cozy 2 bedroom to modest 3 bedroom single-family homes.
8. Luckey Ranch
12263 Stratsburg, Luckey Ranch
Just outside the western cusp of Loop 1604, the master-planned community of Luckey Ranch offers a peaceful getaway to anyone seeking access to both the city and the countryside. Residents can enjoy the neighborhood’s wide-open space via the large park system and extensive network of walking trails, as well as a brand new multi-million dollar recreation center that includes a fishing lake, basketball court, and sports fields. The neighborhood’s San Antonio zip code (just east of the Medina Valley and the charming town of Castroville) means you can enjoy the Texas Hill Country from your backyard...or hop on Highway 90 for a quick commute to downtown!
9. River Chase
113 Sun River, River Chase: $492,900
River Chase’s Hill Country setting may seem outlying, but this gorgeous community is anything but sparse. Strategically located between New Braunfels (10 miles) and Canyon Lake (17 miles), River Chase is a private, peaceful neighborhood bursting with opportunity for adventure and leisure, featuring a clubhouse, fitness center, pool, sports courts and fields, butterfly garden, and private access to the Guadalupe River! One of our favorite things about River Chase is its tight-knit sense of community. The neighborhood offers plenty of clubs, associations, and committees to keep residents actively involved.
10. Alamo Heights
305 Corona Ave, Alamo Heights: $699,000
While downtown may be the geographical hub of San Antonio, we can’t help but think the true heart of the city is located several miles north, best represented by classic area communities like Alamo Heights. This charming, vibrant community embraces its historic vibes and offers residents a tranquil atmosphere in the midst of city life. From Mediterranean to modern, the neighborhood offers a variety of home types, styles, and prices...all located near the city’s best shopping and entertainment (Quarry Market, Quarry Village, Witte Museum, etc.).
11. Stillwater Ranch
7603 Fletchers, Stillwater Ranch: $239,900
Located in the rapidly expanding northwest sector of San Antonio, Stillwater Ranch has its finger on the pulse of this city’s exciting growth. The neighborhood’s easy charm and family-oriented atmosphere are complemented by spacious backyards and coveted amenities. Just a few miles from Loop 1604 and State Highway 151, Stillwater Ranch provides a countryside feel with easy access to big-city perks.
12. Silver Oaks
Silver Oaks
The Northwest corner of the San Antonio metroplex has quickly become the city’s new up-and-coming residential area, thanks to gorgeous subdivisions like Silver Oaks. Just outside 1604 (North of TX 151 but still south of Helotes), Silver Oaks is still just a 30-minute drive from the buzz of downtown San Antonio. Besides a coveted location, this subdivision’s amenities include sports courts, jogging trails, parks and playgrounds, and more!
13. Mystic Shores
145 Enigma Ave, Mystic Shores: $799,900
Located at the convergence of the Guadalupe River and Canyon Lake, the premiere community of Mystic Shores spreads out over 7,000 acres of gorgeous Hill Country land, claiming sparkling waterfront views and a prime vantage point for those fiery Texas sunsets. With two private parks, multiple swimming complexes, a community boat ramp, and miles of hiking trails (not to mention the convenience of an on-site grocery store and elementary school), Mystic Shores more than lives up to its enchanting name!
14. Bulverde Village
24727 Magnolia Falls, Bulverde Village: $179,900
Longtime San Antonio residents may remember the days when the far reaches of Highway 281 were nothing but farmland and open skies. But fast forward to today, and it’s clear that these former hinterlands are now up-and-coming San Antonio zip codes bustling with beautiful new communities and strategic growth. One such community is Bulverde Village, an artfully designed neighborhood that features beautiful homes and convenient amenities...all with a stunning Hill Country backdrop!
15. Foster Meadows
6019 Flower Meadow, Foster Meadows: $139,000
Tucked away in the southeast corner of San Antonio, the spacious and family-friendly community of Foster Meadows offers a peaceful respite from the bustle of the city. Its convenient location on Hwy 87 (outside Loop 410 and near the incorporated community of China Grove) means neighborhood residents can enjoy this peace and quiet while still remaining just 20 minutes from the heart of downtown.
Are you still exploring San Antonio? We’d love to show you around! Whether you’re new to the area or just looking to relocate, let us give you the insider details. Download our exclusive Buyer’s Guide here, and contact an agent today to get started!
