San Antonio Proper

Downtown San Antonio

Downtown San Antonio is the heart of the metropolitan area, and pulses with history, tourism, and commerce. Breweries, the River Walk, the Alamo, the Alamodome, shopping, dining, entertainment, and countless cultural events keep residents and visitors alike busy year round. Like most urban cores, inhabitants tend to be younger, single, and childless and flock to the lively nightlife, concerts, and chic restaurants. The vibrant Hispanic influence in the city breathes through the art, architecture, music and food.     

Hipster lofts and luxury apartments are available, but there aren’t many single family homes to be found downtown. Be selective when choosing a building, as some can be on streets or alleys that quickly become “hit or miss” for crime. The abundance of commercial buildings here lends itself to an industrial feel, and residences occupy the upper floors of businesses, restaurants, and shops. The Pearl District is an enviable spot, so if you can find an available home and downtown living is your thing, jump on it.

Homes in Downtown San Antonio

The median home value for all homes in downtown San Antonio is $155,600 according to the Zillow Home Value Index. Home Values are forecasted to increase by 3.7% in the coming year. According to Zillow’s Rental Index, the median rental rate for single family homes is $1,326. The ZHV here is for all homes, including smaller apartments and very large homes. There isn’t enough data available to narrow down the median rate for single-family homes. Single family homes downtown range from about 750 to 1,925 square feet, with the average home measuring around 1,250 square feet.

Commuting from Downtown San Antonio

Downtown has an ideal commute time to JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, and Brooke Army Medical Center is about 10 to 30 minutes away. The commute to JBSA-Randolph takes 24 to 60 minutes, and it’s an 18 to 35-minute drive to JBSA-Lackland. Living downtown provides quick access to Interstate 10, Interstate 35, Interstate 37, and US Highway 281.

Schools in Downtown San Antonio

Public schools downtown are part of San Antonio Independent School District, which has an overall rating of 3, according to Greatschools.org. Downtown San Antonio has two schools. One of the highest rated schools is Fox Technical High School, which has a rating of 8.

San Antonio ISD offers Advanced Academics including Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) at Burbank High School, Jefferson High School, Longfellow Middle School, Harris Middle School, and  Woodlawn Academy.

SAISD has 19 Specialized Schools, that range in style from alternative to charter. The district also offers magnets specializing in technology and health sciences, and Academies that have a language or art concentration. and with diverse areas of focus and innovative methods of instruction. Students may choose to attend any of the district’s 17 in-district charter schools, 12 magnet schools or summer programs. There are also special education programs including Dyslexia, and Bilingual/ESL. SAISD has 58 elementary schools and academies that offer a Pre-K program.

Hollywood Park

Hollywood Park is a little town in the far north central area of San Antonio. In the 1950s, the residents incorporated to protect their autonomy and insulate their small-town vibe from the sprawling city that was creeping towards them. Located just inside the 1604 Loop, this wealthy enclave has the appearance of being rural with  large lots and mature trees, but residents have everything they need at their fingertips. Upscale boutiques, elegant restaurants, and even a Target are close at hand. The community is made up of professionals, executives, designers, and all sorts of highly-educated “urban sophisticates.” Higher-ranking and dual income military families are attracted to this area for the top-rated schools, beautiful homes, and easy access to Highway 1604—which loops around conveniently to JBSA-Randolph.

Homes in Hollywood Park

The median home value for all homes in Hollywood Park is $302,900 according to the Zillow Home Value Index. Home Values are forecasted to increase by 4.0% in the coming year. According to Zillow’s Rental Index, the median rental rate for single family homes in Hollywood Park is $2,240. Single family homes in Hollywood Park range from about 1,775 square feet up to 3,100 square feet, with the average home measuring 2,400 square feet. There is a great mix of renovated older homes and new construction to be found.

Commuting from Hollywood Park

The easiest commute from Hollywood Park is to JBSA-Randolph and takes about 20 to 50 minutes. Commuting to JBSA-Fort Sam Houston or Brooke Army Medical Center is 20 minutes to an hour, and driving to JBSA-Lackland takes 35-65 minutes. Living in Hollywood Park provides quick access to US Hwy 281 (south to downtown), Interstate 410 (inner loop), and the TX Hwy Loop 1604 (outer loop). Hollywood Park is between the inner and outer loops around the city—think second whitespace from the bullseye.

Schools in Hollywood Park

The public schools in Hollywood Park are part of North East Independent School District, which has an overall rating of 6, according to GreatSchools.org. Two of the schools in Hollywood Park, Hidden Forest Elementary and Bradley Middle School, are rated a 9.

NEISD has 12 Magnet programs with focuses in an array of areas including AgriScience, automotive technology, electrical systems, arts, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). NEISD also offers a Foreign language program which includes American Sign Language, French, German, Japanese, Latin, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish.

Other special programs of note in the district include special education programs including Deaf Education, Dyslexia, Preschool Programs for Children with Disabilities (PPCD), and Special Olympics. Special needs bus transportation is available.

Military families are also eligible to participate in the 17 half day Pre-K programs. There are also three full day Pre-K programs at Olmos Elementary, Royal Ridge Elementary, and West Avenue Elementary. You must reside in the attendance zones of these campuses in order to qualify for the full day Prekindergarten program.

NEISD offers the School Choice program where a parent can request his/her child transfer to another school within the district if your neighborhood school doesn’t excite you.

Stone Oak

Stone Oak is a suburb in the outer-reaches of San Antonio (locally considered to be far north central) that lands on the top of many military wish lists. Well-rated public schools, gated communities, and amenities galore are top lures to the area. Homes are grand, yet moderately priced—although you will sacrifice lot size for square footage. Home owner’s associations keep meticulous care of the brand new subdivisions with large ‘cookie-cutter’ homes, and Stone Oak itself has association dues as well. This swanky community has all you need by way of shopping and dining, so there’s no need to travel far. The new H-E-B Market is a local favorite, and all of the big box stores have a presence here as well.  

Stone Oak is rapidly developing and experiencing typical suburban growing pains—traffic and road construction top among them. Commuting is a bit of a challenge, but most people living here will be dual income or higher ranking military stationed at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston. Living in Stone Oak affords military families the tight-knit community many cherish, and you will certainly live near other active duty families or retirees. Though the commute is a challenge, there are enough amenities nearby not to have to venture on post for the commissary, shopping or medical care.

Homes in Stone Oak

The median home value for all homes in Stone Oak is $262,100 according to the Zillow Home Value Index. Home Values are forecasted to increase by 2.5% in the coming year. According to Zillow’s Rental Index, the median rental rate for single family homes in Stone Oak is $2,330. Single family homes in Stone Oak range from about 2,450 to 3,900 square feet, with the average home measuring 3,200 square feet.

Stone Oak is pricey by some standards, but your dollar will go farther on a home here than in Alamo Heights. Keep in mind that the beautiful community landscaping, pools, and parks are paid for somehow. Stone Oak residents pay a town HOA and their subdivision HOA on top of property taxes!

Commuting from Stone Oak

The commute to JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, Brooke Army Medical Center, or JBSA-Randolph is 30 to 75 mins. The commute to JBSA-Lackland is 35-80 minutes. Living in Stone Oak provides access to US Hwy 281, the State Loop 1604, and Interstate 10. Stone Oak is just beyond the outer loop (the 1604), which adds significant time to commuting into the city.

Road construction and congestion funneling in and out of the Stone Oak neighborhoods causes significant delays. We’ve even heard of a 30-minute commuting difference between two neighboring subdivisions. Be prepared to plan your errands and commute based on traffic flow. Commuting is definitely the sacrifice when choosing to live in Stone Oak.

Schools in Stone Oak

The public schools in Stone Oak belong to North East Independent School District, which has an overall rating of 6, according to Greatschools.org. One of the highest rated schools is Stone Oak Elementary School, with a rating of 10.

NEISD has 12 Magnet programs with focuses in an array of areas including AgriScience, automotive technology, electrical systems, arts, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). NEISD also offers a Foreign language program which includes American Sign Language, French, German, Japanese, Latin, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish.

Other special programs of note in the district include special education programs including Deaf Education, Dyslexia, Preschool Programs for Children with Disabilities (PPCD), and Special Olympics. Special needs bus transportation is available.

Military families are also eligible to participate in the 17 half day Pre-K programs. There are also three full day Pre-K programs at Olmos Elementary, Royal Ridge Elementary, and West Avenue Elementary. You must reside in the attendance zones of these campuses in order to qualify for the full day Prekindergarten program.

NEISD offers the School Choice program where a parent can request his/her child transfer to another school within the district if your neighborhood school doesn’t excite you.