Community Information for San Antonio
Community Matters! Whether you’re buying a home, selling your home or relocating to San Antonio, the following information, resources and tools will help guide your decision.
Location of San Antonio
San Antonio, at the head of the San Antonio River in Bexar County, is on Interstate Highway 10 (east–west) and Interstate Highways 35 and 37 (north–south). The second-largest city in the Lone Star state, San Antonio is located on the southern edge of the mountainous Texas Hill Country. Its community streets follow old Spanish trails and 19th century wagon trails to form what residents refer to as a wheel-and-spoke pattern. The inner loop is formed by I-410, inside which the historic districts can be found. The outer loop is known as Highway (or Loop) 1604. The city is served by five U.S. highways, numerous state highways, San Antonio International Airport, two freight railroads (the Union Pacific and Southern Pacific), and two AMTRAK trains.
Neighborhoods in San Antonio
The city of San Antonio is composed of a number of communities, neighborhoods and districts that spread out and surround the central Downtown Area.
Downtown San Antonio
Downtown San Antonio occupies the site where the original Spanish settlements once stood and includes historical sites such as the Alamo, a mission-turned-fort during the battle for Texas independence, and entertainment hubs like the River Walk, a 3-mile path along the San Antonio River that features numerous shops and restaurants. The area also houses the Alamodome, where the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs play basketball. Because it’s also the center of commerce and government, downtown is home to many of the city’s top hotels, restaurants and shops. This area is lively and vibrant, and you should take some time to explore the historic streets beyond the River Walk, which are peppered with unique shops and mouth-watering restaurants.
King William
The King William district was San Antonio’s first suburb. Located just south of downtown, the area attracted a large number of wealthy merchants from Germany in the mid- to late-19th century. This neighborhood’s historic buildings make it a great place for sightseeing. Although only a few of the restored homes are open for public tours, several others have been transformed into bed and breakfasts. Accommodations in the King William district are perfect for visitors who wish to explore central San Antonio without paying the high room rates seen at downtown hotels.
Southtown and Southside
Next to King William are Southtown and South Side, home to a large portion of the city’s Hispanic population. These districts feature Hispanic goods stores, trendy coffee shops and galleries, as well as four of the city’s five historic missions. History buffs will enjoy spending a day at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in South Side, which is home to several of the city’s oldest missions, including Mission Concepción and Mission San José. Although these two districts attract numerous visitors every year, there are few hotels worth mentioning.
Monte Vista
This neighborhood, located immediately north of downtown San Antonio, was settled in the early 1900s by wealthy politicians, generals and cattlemen. Today, the Monte Vista Area is home to both Trinity University and San Antonio College. This neighborhood also features a popular nightlife area known as The Strip. The area spans a stretch of northern St. Mary’s Street, featuring several restaurants, bars and clubs, but since Monte Vista has grown more residential over the past few years, experts say The Strip has grown increasingly sleepy.
Alamo Heights
The Alamo Heights Area, which was constructed in the 1890s, is located north of Monte Vista and is now home to the Witte Museum, the San Antonio Botanical Gardens and Brackenridge Park. As one of the city’s ritzier districts, the Alamo Heights Area features most of San Antonio’s fashionable shops and restaurants, as well as the Quarry, a large complex featuring an upscale golf course, marketplace and shopping mall.
North San Antonio
Northwest San Antonio, which contains the South Texas Medical Center, is becoming one of San Antonio’s prime growth areas and features trendy condos and strip malls. San Antonio’s northern suburbs are most popular with families, since they are home to the city’s major amusement park, Six Flags Fiesta Texas. This part of the city also features some of San Antonio’s most popular resorts, but if you are looking to visit any of the city’s historical sites, it’s best to find a hotel that is more centrally located.
West San Antonio
Although San Antonio’s western suburbs are experiencing commercial development, it is in no way comparable to the growth seen in the city’s northern areas. However, western San Antonio does welcome its fair share of visitors as well, since it is home to several luxury resort hotels and SeaWorld.
History of San Antonio
The site of San Antonio was first visited in 1691 by a Franciscan friar on the feast day of St. Anthony and was named San Antonio de Padua in his honor. San Antonio was permanently settled on May 1, 1718, when the Spanish governor of Coahuila and Texas, Martin de Alarcon, founded the presidio (a fort) of San Antonio de Bejar (Bexar) and the mission of San Antonio de Valero (later called the Alamo) on the site of a Coahuiltecan Indian village. The community of San Antonio remained almost continuously under Spanish rule until 1812, when Mexico won its independence from Spain.
During the outbreak of the Texas revolution (1835) against the tyranny of Mexican dictator General Santa Anna, San Antonio was captured by a small band of rebels who occupied the fortified mission of the Alamo in December 1835. The historic battle of the Alamo was fought there (February 24th to March 6, 1836), and its 183 besieged defenders were massacred by Santa Anna’s troops. Their heroism aroused the anger and fighting spirit of Texans and led them to shout their famous battle cry “Remember the Alamo!” and defeat the Mexicans six weeks later (April 21, 1836) at the battle of San Jacinto. Texas became an independent republic in 1836, and San Antonio was incorporated as a city on January 5, 1837.
After the Civil War, with the arrival of the railroad in 1877, San Antonio prospered as a major shipping point for cattle. The city has been an important military center since World War II and is the home to five of the largest military installations in the nation, including Fort Sam Houston, constructed in 1876. San Antonio is a leading livestock center and one of the largest produce exchange markets. The city’s industries are highly diversified, and tourism is also important to the economy.
San Antonio – Military City, USA
San Antonio has been home to a consistent military presence for nearly 300 years. It’s why we’re called Military City USA. Today the city has one of the nation’s largest active and retired military populations. We’re also home to the Department of Defense’s largest medical center at Joint Base San Antonio Fort Sam Houston. We’re proud to welcome the families of the 38,000 students who graduate from military training here each year, because for us, training, equipping and caring for America’s service members is a way of life.
San Antonio Military Installations
- Joint Base San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas
- Randolph Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas
- Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas
- Camp Bullis, San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio Education
The Modern-day San Antonio community boasts five fully accredited universities, numerous seminaries, branch locations of several universities, an extensive community college system, 15 public school districts, several private schools and academies, and numerous preschools and child care centers.
1. Our Lady Of The Lake University
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Address: 411 SW 24th St.
2. St. Mary’S University
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Address: 1 Camino Santa Maria
3. Trinity University
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Address: 1 Trinity Place
4. University of Texas at San Antonio
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 458-4011
Address: 1 UTSA Circle (Main Campus)
Description: Part of the huge state university system, UTSA was established in 1973 and now has an enrollment of over 30,000 students. It offers 63 bachelor’s, 49 master’s, and 22 doctoral degrees. The main campus is located on the northwest side of the city; a smaller downtown campus was opened in 1997.
5. University Of Texas Health Science Center
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 567-7000
Address: 7703 Floyd Curl Dr.
Description: Another institution of higher learning located on San Antonio’s northwest side, the University of Texas Health Science Center serves the city and South Texas. In addition to its main campus, it has campuses in Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley. More than 3,000 students a year train at the center, which is affiliated with more than 100 hospitals, clinics, and health care facilities in South Texas.
6. University Of The Incarnate Word
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 829-6000, (800) 749-WORD
Address: 4301 Broadway
Description: In 1884 San Antonio’s first hospital, Santa Rosa Hospital, was founded by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, a French order. The same order also founded a school on land bought from the Colonel George W. Brackenridge family. The university now has more than 7,000 students, many of whom are attracted by the strong nursing program here. The university offers degrees in some 70 subject areas. Its Adult Degree Completion Program is designed to make it easier for students to complete unfinished college degrees. Its other unique degree programs include music therapy and sports management.
7. Northwest Vista College
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 486-4000
Address: 3535 N. Ellison Dr.
Description: This campus serves the city’s northwest area. Students earn associate’s degrees in the fields of business, government, humanities, fine arts, natural, physical, and social sciences as well as technical programs.
8. Palo Alto College
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 486-3000
Address: 1400 W. Villaret Blvd.
Description: This campus, which opened in 1985, serves San Antonio’s south side with more than 8,000 students enrolled in courses in agribusiness, aviation, engineering, social sciences, veterinary science, and industrial technology.
9. St. Phillips College
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 486-2000
Address: 1801 Martin Luther King Dr.
Description: St. Phillips College dates back to 1898, when it was founded as an Episcopal girls’ school in La Villita. Now part of the Alamo Community College District, it offers courses on a variety of technical specialties via a nationally known program in computer-assisted instruction. The campus is located on the east side of downtown San Antonio.
10. San Antonio College
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 486-0000
Address: 1300 San Pedro Ave.
Description: With an enrollment of over 24,000, SAC is the largest institution in the city’s community college system. It has both an Arts and Sciences division and a Professional and Technical Education division and offers classes both day and night. Telecourses and Internet courses are also available. Also located in San Antonio are:
11. Baptist University Of The Americas
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Address: 8019 S. PanAm Expy.
12. Alamo Heights Independent School District
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Address: 7101 Broadway
13. East Central Independent School District
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 648-7861
Address: 6634 New Sulphur Springs Rd.
Description: Serving more than 9,000 students, East Central Independent School District has 1 high school, 2 middle schools, 5 elementary schools, 2 intermediate schools, and an early childhood development center. East Central is affiliated with the East Central School Foundation Inc., a nonprofit organization that raises money to help promote public education programs in the district. Funds raised by the foundation go to computer software and equipment in the schools, alternative education programs, library materials, college scholarships for district students, and other programs that benefit the schools and students.
14. Edgewood Independent School District
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 444-4500
Address: 5358 W. Commerce St.
Description: With 15,000 students, Edgewood Independent School District is made up of 14 elementary schools and 8 secondary schools, including Wrenn Junior High, John F. Kennedy High School, Memorial High School, and a unique Fine Arts Academy. Students from district high schools can apply to enroll in the curriculum at the academy, which includes advanced classes in theater, music, video production, dance, and the visual arts.
15. Harlandale Independent School District
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 989-4300
Address: 102 Genevieve St.
Description: There are 13 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 2 high schools, 1 center for special needs students, and 2 alternate educational centers in the Harlandale Independent School District, which serves 14,000 students. The Harlandale district’s Collier Elementary has been awarded Blue Ribbon status by the US Department of Education. This distinction placed Collier Elementary among the top 4 percent of elementary schools in the US. Harlandale ISD is affiliated with the Harlandale Education Foundation, whose aim is to ensure that every Harlandale district graduate receives at least $1,000 in financial aid for higher education at any type of institution.
16. North East Independent School District
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 407-0000
Address: 8961 Tesoro Dr.
Description: North East Independent School District encompasses 144 square miles of the San Antonio area. More than 63,000 students attend 44 elementary schools, 13 middle schools, 8 high schools, and 12 magnet school programs. North East School District has been praised as “one of the city’s public-school gems” by the San Antonio Express-News. It has also been placed among the top 100 school districts in the country by Money Magazine. North East boasts a National Exemplary After-School Program at every elementary school and most middle schools through its Community Education Department.
17. Northside Independent School District
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 397-8500
Address: 5900 Evers Rd.
Description: More than 94,000 students attend schools in the Northside Independent School District, whose boundaries encompass 355 square miles of the San Antonio area. If the enrollment count seems high to you, you’re right. Northside is the fourth-largest independent school district in Texas. The area is growing at an astounding rate—over 3,000 new students arrive in Northside every year.In addition to 15 traditional high schools the district also has 4 magnet high schools focusing on business careers, health careers, and communication arts, plus the Jay Science and Engineering Academy.
18. Randolph Field Independent School District
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 357-2300
Description: This public school district serves 1,200 students, the children of military personnel living on Randolph Air Force Base. Randolph Field ISD is composed of 1 elementary school, 1 middle school, and 1 high school.
19. San Antonio Independent School District
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Address: 141 Lavaca St.
20. South San Antonio Independent School District
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 977-7000
Address: 5622 Ray Ellison Dr.
Description: The South San Antonio Independent School District (locally referred to as “South San”) has 1 high school, 4 middle schools, and 10 elementary schools and serves almost 10,000 students. This district offers several specialized programs, including an English as a second language (ESL) program and a special education program. South San Antonio ISD also has a department specializing in deaf education.
21. Southside Independent School District
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 882-1600
Address: 1460 Martinez Losoya Rd.
Description: With over 5,000 students, this district includes, 4 elementary schools, an intermediate school, a middle school, and a high school. There is also an alternative education placement center. Special programs offered at Southside ISD include English as a second language (ESL), accelerated math and reading programs, and special education.
22. Southwest Independent School District
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 622-4300
Address: 11914 Dragon Lane
Description: Southwest Independent School District contains 9 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 1 high school. The district covers a 115 square-mile area, is a mixture of urban, suburban, and rural areas in southwestern Bexar County, and educates 11,000 students.
23. The Carver Academy
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 223-8885
Address: 217 Robinson Place
Description: The Carver Academy opened just east of downtown in the fall of 2001 as the dream of David Robinson, retired center for the San Antonio Spurs. Robinson pledged $9 million of his own money to start this 501(c)(3) school, which is designed to serve elementary-age students from a culturally diverse community. The core curriculum focuses on excellence in reading and language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, technology, fine arts, athletics, and foreign languages, including German, Japanese, and Spanish.
24. Catholic Schools Of San Antonio
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 734-2620, ext. 232
Address: 2718 W. Woodlawn Ave.
Description: Given San Antonio’s strong ties to the Catholic Church, it’s not surprising that the city and the surrounding areas are home to numerous Catholic schools. The Archdiocese of San Antonio runs 30 elementary and 12 secondary schools. The schools are located within the city of San Antonio as well as in the nearby communities of Castroville, Converse, Del Rio, Floresville, Fredericksburg, Kerrville, New Braunfels, Seguin, Selma, and Uvalde. All of the schools are accredited through the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department. Particularly noteworthy among the schools are Incarnate Word, Antonian, Central, Saint Anthony’s, and Providence.
25. Cornerstone Christian Schools
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 979-6161, (210) 979-9203
Address: 4802 Vance Jackson
Description: Cornerstone Schools were organized as a ministry of San Antonio’s huge Cornerstone Church. Located just outside Loop 1604 on the far north side, they include an elementary school, middle school, and high school. Among the electives offered to middle and high school students are music (chorus and band), Spanish, chapel, Bible studies, and athletics.
26. Keystone School
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 735-4022
Address: 119 E. Craig Place
Description: Keystone targets academically motivated and talented students in grades K through 12. Located in the historic Monte Vista neighborhood, it offers an accelerated curriculum, small classes, and experienced teachers. The campus includes a library, lab, theater, art studio, and athletic facilities.
27. St. Mary’S Hall
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 483-9100
Address: 9401 Starcrest Dr.
Description: Since 1879 this coeducational independent school, affiliated with the American Montessori Society and accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest, has offered day-school programs. Admission to the school is limited and selective, so the school recommends an early application. The program covers preschool through grade 12. The school offers a variety of special programs, including visual and performing arts and athletics, as well as a standard curriculum.
28. San Antonio Academy
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 733-7331
Address: 117 E. French Place
Description: San Antonio Academy accepts boys from pre-K through 8th grade. The interdenominational school aims to teach students values such as integrity, character, and spirituality, while providing a challenging curriculum. Classes at San Antonio Academy are small: There are 345 students and 37 full-time teachers, which means a 10-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. The school is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest.
29. San Antonio Christian Schools
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 340-1864
Address: 19202 Redland Rd.
Description: Founded in 1968, SACS teaches 4-year-olds through 12th graders. Representing youngsters from more than 125 local churches, the students come from all ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds. One interesting facet of the SACS program is the long history of actively supporting missions. High schoolers have traveled on mission trips to the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Russia, and Africa.
30. Texas Military Institute
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 698-7171
Address: 20955 W. Tejas Trail
Description: TMI provides day school for students in grades 6 through 12, and 5-day and 7-day Residential Life programs for youngsters in grades 9 through 12. Founded in 1893, it is the oldest Episcopal Church–sponsored college preparatory school in the Southwest. In addition to providing students with solid academics, TMI also boasts a nationally recognized Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC). Other features include summer sports camps open to all students and summer school for TMI students.
31. The Winston School San Antonio
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 616-6544
Address: 8565 Ewing Halsell
Description: This is an accredited, nonprofit, private school for children in grades K through 12 of average to superior intelligence who have learning differences. WSSA is geared to provide a college preparatory curriculum and is not an alternative curriculum for students whose primary disabilities are behavioral, emotional, or the result of limited intellectual potential.
32. Country Home Learning Center
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 692-7205
Description: These centers provide infants to 13-year-olds with unique day-care and after-school programs. Children who attend have the opportunity to learn dance, gymnastics, Spanish, computer literacy, and music and to ride horses. The classes here are very small, so each child receives individual attention. Kids have access to a computer lab, arts and crafts center, library, gymnasium, and Montessori centers. Visit the website for a list of locations.
33. The Goddard School
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 494-2779
Address: 21785 Hardy Oak
Description: Mom and Dad receive a daily activity report when picking up their little one at The Goddard School, which offers half- and full-day programs for infants, toddlers, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten-age children. Art projects and computer games stimulate the minds of children who arrive at the child care center after school, while summertime means visits to area zoos and museums.
34. Kindercare
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Description: These centers offer both day-care and after-school programs. Kids attending KinderCare after school can be transported to and from schools in the area. The preschool program helps kids start reading at an early age. Most locations of KinderCare accept children from 6 weeks to 12 years, although some do not accept infants. All participants are served meals and snacks that are good for them. Visit the website for a list of locations.
35. La Petite Academy
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Description: Full-day and half-day care and before- and after-school programs are offered at La Petite. For kids who attend school, transportation to and from school is available. Summer programs are also offered. Ages vary by location, as do opening and closing hours. La Petite Academy has 15 locations in the San Antonio area; check the Yellow Pages or the website for a complete list.
36. Luv-N-Care
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Description: These centers accept children from birth to age 13. Full- and part-time day care and before- and after-school programs are offered. Luv-N-Care also offers a summer camp program and a private kindergarten program. There is a swimming pool at each location, and extracurricular activities include piano, computer literacy, gymnastics, and dancing. Visit the website for a list of locations.
37. A Place For Kids Christian Learning Center
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 680-5474
Address: 6011 Grissom Rd.
Description: Infants through preschool kids are welcome at this center, which offers Christian learning programs. Small classes ensure that every child gets individual attention. Instruction in areas as diverse as computers and gymnastics is provided. Full summer programs are available. A Place for Kids is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
38. Just Kids Christian Academy
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Education
Telephone: (210) 691-1244
Address: 6204 Prue Rd.
Description: Just Kids Christian Academy tends youngsters from infancy through age 5. Offering care from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., it provides breakfast, lunch, field trips, and a large shaded playground for outdoor activities. Summer programs are available.
San Antonio Demographics
Once a small community, San Antonio, the seventh largest municipality in the U.S., grew by 8.55% between 2010 and 2016, and is projected to grow an additional 6.90% through the year 2021. The city’s metropolitan area grew by 11.75% between 2010 and 2016, and is projected to grow an additional 8.12% through the year 2021.
San Antonio, the largest city in Bexar County, encompasses a total geographic area of 467 square miles with a population density of 3,393 persons per square mile. The total land area for Bexar County is 1,247 square miles with a population density of 1,383 persons per square mile.