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Moving to a new city is always challenging. And a large part of that challenge is looking for a place to live. There are so many things to consider when weighing your options-house styles, neighborhood safety, quality of schools, and the convenience of location-it all can be quite overwhelming. That’s why we’ve researched the best suburbs in San Antonio for you, so you don’t have to. You’ve no doubt seen our San Antonio City Guide, which includes a short section on a few of San Antonio’s most popular neighborhoods (oh, and by way of introduction, we’re Bellhop —San Antonio movers and movers throughout the country).
This list is a more in-depth neighborhood guide meant to examine what it’s like living in each of these highlighted areas.
Next up, we’re searching San Antonio. The city’s beautiful, wildflower-speckled scenery, rich history, killer local grub, and a long list of free local events keep bringing in and keeping happy new residents from across the country. Below, we’ve provided some helpful details on what each neighborhood has to offer. Check out our list of the top suburbs in San Antonio.
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Shavano Park
Shavano Park is a growing mini-city located about 15 miles north of downtown San Antonio and right on the edge of the Texas Hill Country. The area features gorgeous homes, large trees, and grassy lots. A small, wealthy city suburb, Shavano Park is ideal for more established families. The area a safe and aesthetic, with accessible amenities for adults and children alike.
Things to do in Shavano Park
Our top picks for family-friendly food in Shavano Park are Willie’s Grill & Icehouse (a homey hub with American food and kid-friendly options) and Gino’s Deli Stop N Buy (a super casual, made-to-order sandwich shop serving up some tasty Philly cheesesteaks and paninis). If you’re looking for something that runs at more of an adult speed, check out Frederick’s Bistro, a French-Asian fusion restaurant. And Weathered Souls Brewing Co. is a quick drive away and serves house-brewed beers.
The Eisenhower Park, Orsinger Park, and Gorrell Park provide Shavano Park residents with picnic areas, hiking trails, and playgrounds. And the Hang Indoor Playground, The Jumpy Place, and The DoSeum make for exciting kid-friendly adventures during colder months.
Shavano Park also features the close-by Cottonwood Wine Tours. This stunning vineyard in the scenic hill country is surrounding picturesque wineries. If you’re new to the area, get plugged in and active with other San Antonians during River City Run. This unique touring experience joins joggers from across the city on a scheduled tour of historic downtown.
Homes in Shavano Park
Shavano Park is not a good spot to snatch a starter or fixer-upper home. Instead, you’ll find beautiful, large houses with manicured lawns with a median price of $760,000. And they look pretty enough to cost so much. Apartments rent for $1,393 a month.
Schools in Shavano Park
Public schools serving Shavano Park include the top magnet school in the area, Health Careers High School, Blattman Elementary School, Beard Elementary School, and Julia Newton Aue Elementary School, which ranks high in academics, teachers and diversity. Shavano Park’s private schools ranking in the top 20 schools in the state include Keystone School, which is ranked the best private school in the San Antonia area, and Saint Mary’s Hall, which ranks number two.
Hollywood Park
Located about 15 miles north of downtown this pretty suburb gives a cozy, rural feel while being near the bustling central city. This friendly, close-knit community offers a peaceful, laid-back style of life with low crime rates and high graduation rates.
The neighborhood’s proximity to downtown opens up a wide range of amenities, but the neighborhood itself offers a number of its own perks. Several parks, restaurants, breweries, and museums are close at hand, making this a perfect suburban pocket of the city.
Things to do in Hollywood Park
Some of our favorite spots near Hollywood Park are The Hoppy Monk (which serves beer and bar food and features breezy patio seating) and Eggspectation (a quirky and trending breakfast-themed stop with an open, airy dining area). Check out Chester’s Hamburgers for some tasty burgers, fried sides, and beers. Or visit tSecond Pitch Beer Co. for some easy-drinking craft bubblies.
Residents can easily access The DoSeum children’s museum, the swanky Topgolf driving range, and lounge, and Gorrell Park, with 24.8 acres of walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground.
Locals also enjoy taking rides along hosted city-wide tours, like the Cottonwood Wine Tours that explore the stunning and scenic hill country and its surrounding wineries. Want to work out while you explore the city? Try out the River City Run, a unique touring experience that joins joggers from across the city on a scheduled tour of historic downtown. Or if you want a wild ride, hop on a double-decker, open-topped bus or boat cruise with City Sightseeing San Antonio’s party tours.
Schools in Hollywood Park
The top public schools serving Hollywood Park include International School of the Americas, which is ranked the second best magnet school in the area, Hidden Forest Elementary School, and Tex Hill Middle School, which both have above average scores in academics. Highly-rated private schools in the area include TMI Episcopal, the third best private school in the San Antonio area,, and Vineyard Christian School. If you’re in need of childcare, check out these top daycares in the area: Little Sunshine’s Playhouse, Country Home Learning Center, and Bilingual Child Academy.
Homes in Hollywood Park
Many residents own their own homes in Hollywood Park, so there are lots of single-family houses with large lots. The average cost to purchase a home in this suburb is $356,000. There are apartments available to rent, and they average $1,294 a month.
Fair Oaks Ranch
This beautiful suburb 26 miles north of San Antonio evolved from the 1930s dairy and granary ranch. Now, the original home is a country club and central point for community events and social activities. The ranch’s original beauty has been protected and preserved, giving the neighborhood its tranquil, grassy landscape, speckled with old oak trees. With excellent schools, low crime rates, and several local parks, Fair Oaks Ranch fits many families’ needs.
Things to do in Fair Oaks Ranch
Fair Oaks features shopping, local restaurants, pubs, and cafes, museums, nature centers, and numerous parks. Check out El Poblano, one of the best authentic Mexican restaurants in the area. Or visit Conroy’s Irish Pub and Grill for tasty meat-centered dishes and plenty of beer options.
Hop over to Hill Country Mile and peruse the long stretch of locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants in the heart of downtown Boerne. Or spend the day in the sun at Boerne City Lake Park This Lakefront park features a pier over the water, picnic areas, grills, swimming areas, and kayak rentals. If you’re up for an outdoorsy adventure, check out the Cascade Caverns for cave tours and camping.
For a taste of local history, visit the Agricultural Heritage Museum, which includes blacksmithing and woodworking shops, a pioneer house, and antique farm equipment. The Kuhlmann-King Historical House is another historical gem. Built in the 1880s, this home is one of the oldest in the region.
Homes in Fair Oaks Ranch
The pretty homes set on grassy lawns of Fair Oaks Ranch range in price but average around $779,000. There are several apartment complexes with units renting for $1,300 a month.
Schools in Fair Oaks Ranch
Fair Oaks Ranch offers several highly-rated public schools with high rankings in academics. Check out Fair Oaks Ranch Elementary School, Boerne-Samuel V. Champion High School, Boerne Middle School South, Cibolo Creek Elementary School, and Memorial Early College High School.
The neighborhood’s best private schools include Geneva School of Boerne, ranked the third best Christian high school in San Antonio and Van Raub Elementary School. If you’re looking for good daycares, visit Children’s Lighthouse Two Creeks or Apple Tree Day School of Boerne Inc.
Garden Ridge
The Garden Ridge suburb is located about 20 miles northeast of downtown, between San Antonio and New Braunfels. The close-knit neighborhood offers low crime and tax rates and features beautiful homes on fresh, green lawns. Many of the neighborhood houses are tucked away from the view of the street and shaded by large, old oak trees. Garden Ridge is one of the fastest-growing communities in South Texas. And the neighborhood overlooks the rippling ridges of wildflower fields from the Texas Hill Country.
Things to do in Garden Ridge
Stop by the Texas location of Wraptitude for gourmet wraps, burgers, and tasty beers. And a quick trip to Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling will get you delicious craft beers and whiskey.
Garden Ridge also features some tasty, authentic Mexican dishes at Grumpy’s Mexican Cafe. Or try the neighborhood’s authentic Italian dining at Capparelli’s. For a massive slice of New York-style pizza, check out Florio’s Pizza.
While Garden Ridge offers plenty of close-by outdoor activities, a short trip to New Braunfels Tube Chute will get youtube rentals that can fly down the long waterslide formed from the Comal River dam. Natural Bridge Caverns offers underground tours and an elevated adventure course. And if you’d simply like to be in nature, then explore Landa Park’s 51-acre recreation spot and swimming hole.
Homes in Garden Ridge
The beautiful houses of Garden Ridge have a median value of around $629,000. Most residents own their homes, but one-bedroom apartments are available starting at $1,000 with rental homes costing an average of $2,200 per month.
Schools in Garden Ridge
The top public schools serving Garden Ridge include Davenport High School, Danville Middle School, and Garden Ridge Elementary School, which are in the Comal Independent School District, one of the top 10 districts in the area. Highly-rated private schools in the area include San Antonio Country Day Montessori School and Bracken Christian School, ranked the third best private high school in Comal County. If you’re in need of childcare, check out Kids Academy orPrimrose School of Schertz.
There you have it: the best suburbs in San Antonio!
We hope this guide to the best suburbs in San Antonio was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge and move, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. If you’re moving to San Antonio, we offer long-distance moving services in San Antonio. Need to move quickly? We also provide last minute moving services in San Antonio!
Other San Antonio Guides
- San Antonio Moving Guide
- The Best Neighborhoods for Families in San Antonio
- The Best Neighborhoods for Young Professionals in San Antonio
- The Best Neighborhoods in San Antonio
- Up and Coming San Antonio Neighborhoods
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