San Antonio is the 7th largest city in the nation and one of the fastest growing cities in Texas. Its current population is 1.3 million, which represents a 2.8 percent increase from 2008. The population will continue to grow, as experts predict an increase of more than 25 percent by 2020. By 2040, the Texas State Data Center predicts that San Antonio’s population will be approximately 2,512,021. On a regional level, Comal and Kendall Counties are experiencing the fastest annual population growth at 50.3 percent and 48 percent, respectively.
Northwest San Antonio
Northwest San Antonio is one of the fastest growing areas in the city. Many new homes and subdivisions are in a continual state of construction. The residential growth has spurred a corresponding growth in industry and mixed-use developments in the area. Part of the northwest sector is outside of the San Antonio city limits, but is served by the Bexar County Government. Northwest San Antonio is home to the South Texas Medical Center, one of the busiest medical centers in the southern United States. The area is also home to the corporate headquarters of Valero, the University of Texas at San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
Northwest San Antonio features many notable neighborhoods including The Dominion, Fair Oaks Ranch, Helotes and Scenic Oaks. Also on the Northwest side are Alamo Ranch and Sonoma Ranch.
North Central San Antonio
North Central is home to many smaller areas including Hill Country Village and Hollywood Park. Area neighborhoods include Canyon Springs, Rogers Ranch, Sonterra and Stone Oak. North Central is considered to be one of the more upscale areas in San Antonio. Far North Central is home to many of San Antonio’s most luxurious homes and master-planned communities including Shavano Park, Inwood and Rogers Ranch.
Northeast San Antonio
Northeast San Antonio is considered part of the I-35 Corridor area of San Antonio. I-35 connects the neighboring cities of Live Oak, Universal City, Schertz, Converse, Selma, Garden Ridge and New Braunfels. Randolph Air Force Base is located in this area and many homeowners who reside in this area enjoy an easy commute to the base. The Forum provides outstanding shopping for local residents.
Uptown Central
Uptown Central is a large and upscale area situated on the north side of San Antonio. It consists of two main areas, Uptown Broadway and Uptown Loop. Uptown Loop is home to nearly five million square-feet of some of the city’s most exclusive retail shopping, elegant dining and upscale boutiques. Uptown Loop is also home to nearly 20 million square-feet of office space.
Uptown Broadway consists of some of the oldest neighborhoods in San Antonio, including Alamo Heights, Lincoln Heights, Olmos Park and Terrell Hills. It is a very wealthy and densely populated area that many celebrities call home. Home prices in the area are a reflection of its upscale ambiance and have been largely immune to the recent drop in market prices. Here, residents enjoy unique Spanish Colonial and ranch-style homes. The recent addition of many high-rise and condo buildings has added a breed of housing to the Uptown Broadway area.
Downtown San Antonio
The Downtown San Antonio area is at the heart of San Antonio, surrounded by three freeways, I-35, I-37, and I-10. Downtown is a very popular tourist destination with attractions including the Alamo, Historic Riverwalk and the Tower of the Americas. It is also home to the popular Rivercenter Mall. The Downtown area is within the San Antonio Independent School District.
The Downtown area is comprised of many districts, including the Alamo District, Alamodome District, Central Business District, Convention Center District, Historic Civic District, Houston Street District, King William Historic District, Lavaca District, La Villita District, Market Square District, North Downtown, River North District, San Antonio CO-OP District, River Bend District, South Flores Warehouse District, SoSo (South of Southtown), Southtown, Eastbourough and the University District.
Midtown San Antonio
Midtown San Antonio is located in the center of San Antonio, bordered by Hildebrand Avenue to the north, Highway 281 to the east, I-10 to the west and I-35 to the south. The area consists of nine neighborhoods comprising one of the most historic areas in San Antonio. Each neighborhood is unique in its demographics and architectural style. Beacon Hill, one of the first “modern platted” subdivisions in San Antonio, is a working class neighborhood with Victorian-style houses lining its streets. Five Points is a burgeoning area with an upwardly mobile middle-class, while Monte Vista consists of an established upper-middle class demographic. The homes in Monte Vista vary in style from French Eclectic to Neoclassical to Italian Renaissance.
West San Antonio
West San Antonio is also experiencing residential and industrial growth. Due to its close proximity to Lackland Air Force Base, the area has become an area of choice for military personnel and their families. West San Antonio has numerous multifamily dwellings and single-family residences.
East San Antonio
East San Antonio is a diverse and eclectic area. East San Antonio is home to Saint Paul Square, the Alamodome, AT&T Center and the Freeman Coliseum. The area is considered to be very family-oriented. The Southeast area encompasses many historic neighborhoods, including Pecan Valley, which offers world-class golfing. Also located in the Southeast is China Grove, a place that gained notoriety for being the subject of a Doobie Brothers song by the same name.
