Texas San Antonio
Moving to San Antonio
Moving to San Antonio, Texas means embracing a rich blend of history, culture, and modern growth. Known for its iconic River Walk, the Alamo, and a thriving culinary and arts scene, San Antonio offers big-city amenities with a welcoming, small-town feel. The city boasts affordable living, diverse neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community—making it an ideal place for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. Whether you're drawn by the vibrant festivals, military presence, or booming job market, San Antonio is a city where tradition meets opportunity.
San Antonio by the numbers
City population
City Rank of Cost of living vs. national average
Median home price
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Discover San Antonio: Top Attractions and Things to Do
Local Experiences
Local Experiences
San Antonio, Texas, blends deep-rooted history with modern charm, offering a rich cultural experience that celebrates its Texan, Mexican, and Spanish heritage. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., San Antonio combines economic opportunity with a laid-back lifestyle, making it a welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike. From iconic landmarks like the Alamo to a flourishing arts scene and diverse culinary offerings, San Antonio offers a unique fusion of tradition and innovation.
The Pearl District – Once an industrial brewery site, The Pearl is now one of San Antonio’s trendiest and most vibrant neighborhoods. This revitalized area is home to chic boutiques, acclaimed restaurants, a lively weekend farmers market, and the campus of the Culinary Institute of America. With its blend of history, culture, and cool urban vibes, The Pearl is a must-visit for foodies, creatives, and families alike.
San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) – Located in a former brewery along the River Walk, SAMA features an impressive collection spanning 5,000 years of global culture—from ancient Egyptian and Greek art to contemporary Latin American and Texas works. The museum hosts special exhibitions, educational programs, and community events that reflect the city’s rich cultural fabric.
Sports and Recreation
Sport and Recreation
San Antonio, Texas, is a haven for sports lovers and outdoor adventurers alike. With its year-round warm weather, scenic parks, and strong community focus, San Antonio offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities for people of all ages. From youth leagues and public sports facilities to exciting professional teams, the city supports an active, connected lifestyle. Whether you're exploring the River Walk on a bike or cheering courtside at a Spurs game, there's always a way to get moving in San Antonio.
Youth Sports
San Antonio Parks & Recreation provides robust youth sports programming, including soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis, volleyball, and flag football. These leagues promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth in a supportive, family-friendly environment. With top-notch coaching, clinics, and facilities, San Antonio is a great place for kids to learn new skills and make lasting memories.
San Antonio Parks & Recreation
San Antonio Spurs Basketball
No team represents San Antonio pride quite like the Spurs. This five-time NBA championship team plays at the Frost Bank Center, delivering high-energy games packed with loyal fans, family activities, and unforgettable halftime shows. The Spurs' legacy of excellence and community engagement makes game night a city-wide event.
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Stadium: Frost Bank Center
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Highlight: A storied franchise with strong ties to the community, including youth outreach and fan engagement throughout the season.
All Sports & Facilities
San Antonio is packed with accessible and scenic recreation spots:
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Brackenridge Park offers trails, golf, playgrounds, and the San Antonio Zoo.
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McAllister Park is a local favorite for biking, running, and sports fields.
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Mission Reach Trail along the San Antonio River connects parks and historic missions with miles of walking, biking, and kayaking options.
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San Antonio Sports Complexes include public tennis centers, aquatic facilities, and multipurpose fields for leagues and events.
Whether you're a casual jogger, weekend warrior, or dedicated fan, San Antonio delivers active fun at every turn.
Adventures
Adventures
San Antonio, Texas, blends rich history with natural beauty, offering an array of outdoor activities and urban escapes perfect for residents and visitors alike. From scenic trails and riverside walks to public pools and historic green spaces, San Antonio invites you to get outside and explore — whether you're kayaking past centuries-old missions or enjoying a peaceful stroll through a city park.
Swimming
Beat the South Texas heat at one of San Antonio’s public pools. Favorites like San Pedro Springs Pool—one of the oldest in the U.S.—and Woodlawn Lake Pool offer lap lanes, shaded seating, splash zones, and seasonal lifeguards. Whether you’re cooling off with the kids or doing a few laps, San Antonio’s pools are a refreshing retreat.
Woodlawn Lake Pool
Trails & Hikes
San Antonio’s Greenway Trails System offers over 80 miles of paved, multi-use paths connecting parks, neighborhoods, and historic landmarks. Popular routes like Mission Reach follow the San Antonio River past the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site missions, while Eisenhower Park provides a hill-country feel with wooded trails and scenic overlooks.
Trails
Points of Interest
Explore iconic outdoor destinations like Brackenridge Park, home to the San Antonio Zoo, Japanese Tea Garden, and serene picnic areas. Wander through The Pearl District, where riverside paths meet farmers markets, shops, and cafes. Don’t miss Hemisfair Park, a family-friendly space downtown featuring splash pads, climbing structures, and open lawns beneath the Tower of the Americas.
Seasonal Events
Seasonal Events
San Antonio, Texas, is bursting with year-round celebrations that showcase the city’s unique blend of culture, history, and creativity. From festive parades and lively art exhibitions to world-class music festivals and food celebrations, there’s always something exciting happening in this vibrant city. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you'll find seasonal events to enjoy throughout the year.
Fiesta San Antonio
Held annually in April, Fiesta San Antonio is a 10-day celebration of the city’s rich culture and history. This colorful event features parades, live music, food vendors, and more than 100 events celebrating the diverse cultures that make up the city. Highlights include the Flambeau Night Parade, the Battle of Flowers Parade, and the Cornyation festival, a satirical celebration of local culture.
San Antonio Film Festival
Every summer, the San Antonio Film Festival brings independent films to the forefront with screenings of local, national, and international films. The event spans a variety of genres, offering film buffs a chance to discover fresh talent and engage with filmmakers through Q&A sessions and panel discussions.
All Events in San Antonio
From the world-famous San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo to Jazz, TX concerts, San Antonio hosts a wide variety of events that capture the city’s spirit. Don’t miss seasonal favorites like Holiday River Walk, a stunning display of lights along the San Antonio River, or the San Antonio Beer Festival, which celebrates local craft breweries with tastings and entertainment. Whether it's summer music festivals or holiday markets, there’s an event for everyone in San Antonio.
Community Resources
San Antonio, Texas, offers a robust healthcare system, with world-class hospitals, specialized care, and cutting-edge research centers. From routine medical services to complex procedures, San Antonio provides access to top-tier medical professionals and institutions, ensuring the best care for its residents and visitors.
Major Hospitals and Medical Centers:
University Health System
As the largest academic medical center in San Antonio, University Health System is known for its comprehensive care and cutting-edge research. It includes the University Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center, and a variety of specialized services such as transplant care, cancer treatment, and cardiovascular services.
University Health System
San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC)
Located at Brooke Army Medical Center, SAMMC is one of the nation’s largest military medical centers, offering advanced care in trauma, burn, and rehabilitative services. It is also a leader in research related to combat medicine and patient care.
San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC)
South Texas Medical Center
South Texas Medical Center is a major healthcare hub, home to a number of specialized hospitals, research centers, and outpatient clinics. It includes facilities like Christus Santa Rosa Hospital and The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, both offering specialized care in pediatrics, orthopedics, and cancer treatment.
South Texas Medical Center
San Antonio, Texas, offers a broad range of educational opportunities for students of all ages, from top-rated public schools to nationally recognized private institutions and universities. The city is committed to fostering a vibrant academic environment that supports learning and personal growth for its residents.
K-12 Schools:
Public Schools
The San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) is one of the largest school districts in Texas, serving over 50,000 students across more than 90 campuses. SAISD offers diverse academic programs including Magnet Schools, Dual Language Immersion, International Baccalaureate (IB), and Career & Technical Education (CTE), which prepare students for success in various fields.
Private Schools:
San Antonio is home to many respected private schools that emphasize academic excellence, personalized learning, and extracurricular opportunities. Some notable private institutions include:
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The Montessori School of San Antonio – Known for its child-centered approach to learning, focusing on independence and self-discovery.
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Saint Mary's Hall – A college-preparatory school that excels in academics, arts, and athletics.
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The Atonement Academy – A Catholic, classical curriculum-based school with a focus on character development and academic rigor.
Public High Schools:
San Antonio's public high schools offer high academic standards and specialized programs for college and career readiness. Notable high schools include:
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Thomas Jefferson High School – A leader in academic excellence and home to a nationally recognized International Baccalaureate program.
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Health Careers High School – A magnet school offering specialized training in healthcare, providing students with a pathway to medical professions.
Colleges:
San Antonio is home to several prominent colleges and universities, offering a wide range of degree programs and research opportunities:
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The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) – A Tier One research university known for its programs in business, engineering, and cybersecurity.
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Trinity University – A private liberal arts university ranked among the top universities in the U.S. for its rigorous academic programs and small class sizes.
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San Antonio College (SAC) – Part of the Alamo Colleges District, offering affordable associate degrees, certifications, and transfer opportunities to four-year universities.
San Antonio, Texas, offers its residents and businesses reliable utility services, comprehensive government resources, and a wide variety of public programs that enhance daily life and community well-being. Below is an overview of the essential services and agencies that ensure the city runs smoothly.
Utilities:
San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is responsible for delivering clean, high-quality drinking water and providing wastewater treatment services to residents and businesses. SAWS emphasizes sustainability and conservation, with educational programs like the Water Conservation Program to promote responsible water use.
Electricity and Gas
San Antonio operates in a deregulated electricity market, allowing residents to choose from several electricity providers such as Reliant Energy, Green Mountain Energy, Cirro Energy, and more. CPS Energy, the city-owned utility provider, manages electricity and natural gas services, focusing on sustainability, clean energy, and affordable energy solutions.
Government Agencies:
San Antonio operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The San Antonio City Council and Mayor collaborate to oversee various services, including public works, emergency management, urban planning, and economic development. The city prioritizes innovation, sustainability, and equitable access to services.
San Antonio Police Department
The San Antonio Police Department works diligently to maintain public safety through community policing, crime prevention initiatives, and responsive emergency services. SAPD engages with local communities through neighborhood patrols, safety seminars, and outreach programs designed to strengthen community ties and improve overall safety.
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This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.