Have you been thinking about relocating to San Antonio, TX? You’re in good company! This city, the second most populous in the Lone Star State after Houston, has been drawing folks in from all corners of the map, and it’s not just because of its size. San Antonio has that unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re relocating from within Texas or from out of state, there are plenty of factors to weigh before you set your plans in motion.

History of San Antonio: Why are so many people moving to San Antonio?

San Antonio, Texas, affectionately known as the Alamo City, Ol’ San Antone, or even the 2-1-O, boasts a rich history and a thriving modern culture that continues to captivate individuals nationwide. Founded in 1718 as a Spanish mission and colonial outpost, the city’s historical roots are vividly alive in its architecture and traditions. Yet, San Antonio is no relic of the past; it’s a dynamic, evolving metropolis that marries its storied history with boundless opportunities.

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Between 2000 and 2010, San Antonio skyrocketed as the fastest-growing city among the top ten largest in the United States — and was named the fastest-growing city again during the pandemic!

The reason is clear: this city is a hub of opportunity. Anchored in military, healthcare, government civil service, professional services, oil and gas, and tourism, it caters to an array of professional interests.

As the largest city in the San Antonio–New Braunfels metropolitan area, also known as Greater San Antonio, this city serves as the vibrant core of a diverse and lively region. Boasting over 2.6 million residents, this metropolitan area is a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and innovation, making it an exciting and dynamic place to call home. And the best part? San Antonio doesn’t break the bank; it offers an excellent quality of life without the steep costs found in many major cities.

San Antonio’s Climate & Geography: Is San Antonio a desirable place to live?

San Antonio is often called “the place where the sunshine spends the winter,” enjoying a unique climate and geography that beckons residents. While the city is situated 140 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, it still experiences a similar warm, muggy air typical of a semi-tropical climate. However, due to San Antonio’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, it’s more prone to experience severe tropical storms.

With an average temperature of 90 degrees over the summer months, the locals are still not used to the heat. If you’re not one to enjoy baking under the sun, San Antonio is speckled with large, beautiful oak and cedar trees that help provide some much-needed shade to San Antonians.

Winters are mild, with infrequent freezing temperatures, with only an average of 20 days that might drop below freezing. However, snow is rare, and rainfall is relatively balanced throughout the year, with the wettest months being May, June, and October. If you love a rare snowfall, don’t skip out on San Antonio just yet! There’s always a chance for snow every couple of winters, stick around long enough and you might be treated.

12 Things You Should Know Before Moving To San Antonio

Consider the following reasons to help you decide why moving to San Antonio is the smartest move you’ll ever make!

1. Where to Call Home – The Best Neighborhoods in San Antonio, TX

Despite being the 7th largest city in the USA, San Antonio manages to retain that small-town feel, offering a laid-back and inviting vibe. When it comes to finding your perfect place to live in San Antonio, you’re in for a treat. The city boasts a variety of neighborhoods, each with its unique appeal, making it easy to find your niche within this big, friendly community. Here are some neighborhoods to consider when making the move to San Antonio:

  • Downtown: Enjoy all the heart of San Antonio offers, including the famous Riverwalk with access to great shops, delicious restaurants, and beautiful scenery.
  • Medical Center District: If you’re looking for luxury apartments, look no further! With easy access to all the fun in Northwest San Antonio, you’re sure to find a home that’s right for you.
  • Alta Vista: As a neighborhood conservation district, you can enjoy San Antonio’s oldest known park, the historic Public Theatre, and the San Pedro library.
  • Beacon Hill: Enjoy beautiful Italianate and Spanish colonial-style bungalows and vibrant art installations in this conservation district.
  • Alamo Heights: This neighborhood is great for families, with the San Antonio Zoo just a 5-mile drive away and a walking distance to the Olmos Basin Park, there are lots of amenities to enjoy as a family! Don’t forget you’ll have close access to some great high school football and the San Antonio Country Club for a quick round!
  • Stone Oak: Enjoy north San Antonio’s luxury neighborhood with built-in access to recreational and leisure amenities.
  • Balcones Heights: Only 9 miles northwest of downtown, residents in this neighborhood enjoy quick access to North Star Mall (get a picture next to the world’s largest cowboy boots!), the Park North Shopping Center, Pin Stack, and more.
  • La Cantera: Residents of La Cantera can enjoy some of the best close by restaurants and all the amenities of The Rim. Don’t forget, Six Flags is within 5 miles which is an added benefit for entertainment!
  • Olmos Park:
 This area is only 4 miles north of downtown San Antonio and its residents host pumpkin carvings, a 4th of July parade, and a Christmas Tree Lighting for the family to enjoy yearly!

No matter where you choose to live, we can guarantee you’ll love living in San Antonio.

2. Embracing Life in San Antonio: Where Affordability Meets Quality Living

Want to enjoy life without constantly watching your wallet? San Antonio may be the city for you with its impressively low figures:

  • The cost of living in San Antonio shines, landing 0% below the state average, 8% lower than the national average and 10% lower than Austin.
  • The cost of living is well in line with the national average with a median household income (of +$55,000).
  • While house prices are rising in San Antonio (average $325,000+), they are still 20% cheaper here compared to the U.S. average.
  • Utilities also play nice with your budget, running around 12% lower.
  • There is also no state income tax, so you can keep more of the money you earn!

From real estate to utilities, and yes, even groceries, you’ll find everything in San Antonio considerably more wallet-friendly. Make your move to San Antonio a reality today!

3. Navigating San Antonio’s School Systems for Your Kids

San Antonio boasts a range of top-notch educational institutions, making it a fantastic place to pursue quality education. Some of the notable school districts known for their educational excellence include:

These districts offer robust educational programs, including language immersion programs, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education.

But it doesn’t stop at public schools; San Antonio offers a rich variety of educational choices. Charter schools and a vibrant homeschooling culture contribute to the diverse educational landscape in the city.

Higher education in San Antonio is equally impressive, with nearly 30 institutions of higher learning. Notable names like the University of Texas in San Antonio and Texas A&M University-San Antonio are just the tip of the iceberg. The city also hosts numerous private institutions, ensuring that whatever your educational goals, San Antonio is likely to have the perfect place to help you achieve them.

4. Satisfy Your Taste Buds with San Antonio’s Culinary Delights

What makes San Antonio’s food scene so unique is its designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017. This prestigious recognition underlines the city’s rich culinary heritage and diverse gastronomic culture – it’s a foodies paradise!

From the Tex-Mex dishes that locals swear by to delectable Asian flavors, German specialities, Czechoslovakian treats, and the soulful Tejano cuisine, there’s a world of food to explore here.

Our local San Antonio movers included some of their favorite places to eat in the city:

  • The Rustic: Offers a family-style brunch on the weekends that is incredibly tasty. This feast comes with country-baked eggs, cheese & potato hash, Texas hot chicken, and a variety of mixed drinks.
  • North Italia: A great date night getaway that proudly serves Italian cuisine. Over movers recommend their Chefs Board which is great as a table appetizer! You also cannot go wrong with any one of their freshly made pasta, made-to-order pizza, or any one of their mouth-watering entrees.

5. Never a Dull Moment: Exploring San Antonio’s Spectrum of Experiences

There’s no doubt that San Antonio has a wide variety of activities to keep you entertained. From simple river walks with beautiful scenery to historic museums and a vibrant nightlife, you’re sure to find something fun to do!

We’ve included some of our local San Antonio movers’ favorite local activities and places below for you to check out:

Explore San Antonio’s Local History

San Antonio is filled with rich history that’s not only interesting but beautiful to explore:

Enjoy The Theatre & Other Art Installations In San Antonio

Dive into the arts and have a blast at these different theatre and art museums:

Check Out San Antonio’s Sports Scene

Whether you’re new to sports or ready to jump back in this season, here are some of our amazing sports teams you can root for after the big move!

Get Out Your Wallet For Some San Antonio Shopping

Love to shop until you drop? San Antonio has some of the best shopping in Texas! If you’re looking for tasty treats and local goods, look no further than H-E-B (if you know, you know!) and Historic Market Square (made of two parts Farmer’s Market Plaza and El Mercado).

For more sophisticated, modern shopping, visit La Cantera — one of the largest malls in San Antonio — The Rim, and Rivercenter.

If you’re looking for antiques and local historical goods, visit the Alamo Antique Mall, Traders Village (our famous flea market), and the History Shop — this one’s a landmark for locals!

A Taste Of Fun For The Whole Family

If you’re looking for brain-stimulating experiences and family-friendly activities, our movers recommend the following:

Explore San Antonio’s Great Outdoors

There’s nothing like enjoying the outdoors on a beautiful day! Here are some of our movers’ favorite outdoor spots:

Dance The Night Away With San Antonio’s Vibrant Music & Nightlife

If you’re interested in the nightlife, San Antonio has some of the best clubs with over 24 music venues! Did you know both Selena and Elvis have played in San Antonio — 3 times for Elvis! While there are slightly less chances to catch a big ticket live event in San Antonio, Austin is just an hour and a half away!

Here are some of our San Antonio mover’s favorite nightlife spots:

6. Join the Fiesta: Embrace San Antonio’s Warm and Welcoming Community

San Antonio is a city where diversity thrives, and its warm and welcoming community spirit is at the heart of its charm. With a rich Mexican heritage that’s deeply woven into its history, nearly two-thirds of the city’s population is Hispanic or Latino, adding a vibrant cultural dimension. San Antonio is a true melting pot of cultures, where various backgrounds come together to create a dynamic fusion of traditions, cuisines, and celebrations.

For an immersive cultural experience, look no further than Market Square, often referred to as “El Mercado.” This vibrant marketplace is the largest Mexican market in the United States. The city embraces its diverse population and hosts numerous cultural events, parades, and celebrations throughout the year, fostering a sense of unity among its residents – the Fiesta being the most iconic.

While Mexican heritage plays a significant role in San Antonio’s identity, the city is also steeped in cowboy culture. Rodeos and equestrian events are a celebrated part of life here, with the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo being a premier annual event. It’s an opportunity to witness thrilling rodeo competitions, indulge in classic Texas barbecue, and soak in the vibrant rodeo atmosphere.

7. Build Your Career With Endless Job Opportunities In San Antonio

The city’s job market offers a wide array of career prospects for both residents and newcomers, making it an attractive destination for professional growth and entrepreneurial endeavours. In 2023, San Antonio was ranked as the 14th best location in the U.S. for entrepreneurship and small business startups.

The city’s technology sector is on the rise, with Downtown San Antonio taking bold steps to create a flourishing tech district. It’s an exciting time for tech enthusiasts looking to be at the forefront of the digital age.

San Antonio is also home to the headquarters of major companies, including H-E-B, USSA, Valero, Southwest Research Institute, Whataburger, and Air Force Federal Credit Union. These corporate giants offer a diverse range of job opportunities across various industries. Whether you seek career stability, professional growth, or new horizons, San Antonio’s expanding job landscape has something to offer everyone.

8. Basking in San Antonio’s Sun-Kissed Allure Year-Round

With over 300 sun-filled days each year, San Antonio is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents take advantage of the city’s parks, rivers, outdoor pools, and the scenic Texas Hill Country.

But, let’s face it, summer can turn up the heat! In fact, 2023 brought a record-breaking stretch of consecutive 23 days with temperatures soaring over 100 degrees. Luckily the city has set up proactive programs like Project Cool and Cooling Centers in place, ensuring you can find relief when the heat becomes a challenge. So, as you search for your perfect home, keep in mind San Antonio’s summer heat – you may want to make AC a non-negotiable item on your list of must-haves.

9. Get Around San Antonio Like a Local

Like many cities, taking public transportation in San Antonio might not be the fastest option but it’s there when you need it. San Antonio’s bus system, VIA Metropolitan Transit, covers the entire city with numerous routes – getting you where you need to go. What’s even better is that it’s budget-friendly, with fares as low as $1.30, making it an accessible means of getting around town.

However, given the expansive layout San Antonio has, owning a car is recommended, especially if you’re looking to travel around the city often. But keep in mind that with any thriving city, growth is a constant presence, and that means there’s often quite a bit of construction happening around town. This could occasionally impact your daily commute and contribute to some noise pollution.

San Antonio also hosts the largest bike-sharing program in Texas, San Antonio B-Cycle, another great option for getting around the city. As well as an array of ride-sharing options from Uber, Lyft, Wingz, and Wridz.

If your journeys take you beyond the city, you’ll appreciate the convenience of two major airports – San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Stinson Municipal Airport (SSF).

What are you waiting for? Book your move to a city that makes vacationing more convenient!

10. Healthcare Haven: Uncovering San Antonio’s World-Class Medical Facilities

San Antonio is home to some of Texas’ top healthcare institutions including the University of Texas Health Science Center and the South Texas Medical Center which house individuals that push for revolutionary medical developments.

There are over 25 major top-rated, acute care hospitals housing thousands of residents ready to keep the residents of San Antonio happy and healthy! San Antonio is also home to several specialized care centres, including cancer treatment facilities and women’s health clinics.

Making the move to San Antonio won’t interfere with your healthcare plans (if any!).

11. Military Life in San Antonio: Honoring Heroes and Building a Future

San Antonio is affectionately known as “Military City, USA” due to its significant military presence. It’s home to several military bases, including Lackland Air Force Base, Fort Sam Houston, and Randolph Air Force Base.

San Antonio is not only a hub for active-duty military personnel but also an ideal place for military retirees to settle down. It is consistently recognized as one of the best cities for military retirees. The city’s appeal to veterans is enhanced by the presence of numerous VA hospitals and clinics, ensuring access to quality healthcare services.

12. San Antonio’s Nature May Be Beautiful, But It’s Hard On Those With Allergies

We’ve boasted about San Antonio’s beautiful landscape and included some of our favorite outdoor parks, but it’s also important to note that San Antonio is full of Mountain Cedar trees and other common allergens. Mountain Cedars give off an alarming amount of pollen during Cedar Fever Season (lasting from November to March)!

Our biggest tip as a person with allergies is to make sure you’re stocked up on allergy medication and are aware of all possible allergens such as dust, grass pollen, birch ash, and unfortunately more that are in abundance in San Antonio.

Lastly, San Antonio has been ranked 25th worst in the country for air pollution — this mixed with allergens, makes it hard for people with asthma or other upper respiratory illnesses.

Tips To Remember After Your Move To San Antonio

If the above list was enough for you to book your move, our San Antonio moving team wanted to provide you with some additional tips to make sure you’re safe and comfortable in your new home:

  • Update your address! Don’t forget to update official records and other important documentation (e.g. passport, medical records, banking, etc) with your new address.
  • Change your locks! Ensure your and your family’s safety with new locks.
  • Confirm your driver’s license is valid in San Antonio and update your vehicle registration.
  • Set up utilities: electricity, water, gas, internet, and other cable services.
  • Remember to register to vote at your new address — the sooner you remember the less of a headache the next election will be!
  • Learn how waste management in San Antonio works! There’s nothing worse than a growing pile of garbage and/or recycling in your garage.

Check out our blog for more helpful tips on settling into your new home!

Ready to book your move to San Antonio? Contact our local movers to book your move today!

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