SA’s Most Popular Neighborhoods (And Why They’re So Alluring)

What are the most popular neighborhoods in San Antonio? Here are the top 10 neighborhoods to buy a home! 

From young professionals to empty nesters, first-time buyers to downsizers, San Antonio’s local housing inventory continues to provide “something for everyone.”

From great schools to fabulous houses, these 10 San Antonio neighborhoods have proven to be some of the most popular and sought-after communities in the Alamo City.

5319 Azalea Fern (Alamo Ranch)

1. Alamo Ranch

The Appeal: Affordable Family Fun

As San Antonio’s largest master-planned community, Alamo Ranch was pretty much a shoo-in for the #1 spot on our list. Located on the growing northwest cusp of the city, this neighborhood has the tranquil appeal of the Hill Country, the reliable affordability of a family-oriented neighborhood, and  a surprisingly luxurious set of amenities (Olympic-sized pool, anyone?). The on-site elementary and middle schools ensure this neighborhood appeals to families of young children, while the wide variety of prices appeal to both first-time and move-up buyers ($190k to $512k). One of our favorite descriptions of Alamo Ranch notes that it provides, “A luxury lifestyle combined perfectly with the privacy and authenticity of the Texas Hill Country.”

7423 Scintilla Ln (Fair Oaks Ranch)

2. Fair Oaks Ranch

The Appeal: Rustic Hill Country Resort

Originally a parcel of hard-working ranch land north of San Antonio city limits, Fair Oaks Ranch offers that rustic Hill Country feel along with the effortless elegance of a luxury neighborhood. Located near Boerne off of IH-10, Fair Oaks Ranch boasts over 10 miles of nature trails, several family-friendly parks, a country club that offers two eighteen-hole golf courses, twelve tennis courts, pools, and countless acres of rural landscaping! Its small-town population and outlying location make Fair Oak s Ranch feel like home. Smaller, more established properties start around $300k, while homes with sprawling acreage can reach over $1 million.

221 Perch Horizon (Redbird Ranch)

3. Redbird Ranch

The Appeal: Peaceful Hidden Gem

If you blink, you just might miss it...which might be the whole point of Redbird Ranch. A peaceful, outlying community nestled several miles outside Loop 1604 and north of Hwy 90, Redbird Ranch offers privacy, green space, and amenities for folks looking to forget the bustle of the city. Residents love the greenbelt, beautiful network of walking and biking trails, community center, state-of-the-art swimming pool, children’s pool, fitness room, tennis court, and more. And though the privacy is a luxury in itself, Redbird Ranch’s price ranges are surprisingly affordable! The variety of spacious floor plans range in size from 3-5 bedrooms between $165k and $309k.

26717 Timberline Dr (Timberwood Park)

4. Timberwood Park

The Appeal: One-of-a-Kind Luxury

If the whole “custom home” thing is your jam, Timberwood Park should probably be your ‘hood. This 2,000+ acre development is anything but cookie-cutter, featuring uniquely designed homes with gorgeous finishes, inspiring details, and mature trees. The one-of-a-kind vibes are complemented by incredible amenities like a private 30-acre park, lake, pool, clubhouse, weight room, pavilion, playground, picnic and barbecue area, golf course, greenbelts, tennis courts, and unobstructed views of the Hill Country’s sweeping vistas. Due to the variety of home styles, prices can be as low as $158,000 or reach up into the millions (the median house value rests around $277,850). To add to its appeal, homeowners enjoy low HOA fees and no city taxes!

9638 Dover Ridge (Northwest Crossing)

5. Northwest Crossing

The Appeal: A First-Time Buyer’s Paradise

First-time buyers may lament that, “Location, Location, Location!” is a luxury reserved for move-up buyers. Thankfully, Northwest Crossing dispels this myth. Perched on the coveted (and growing)  western edge of the city, this neighborhood boasts a wide array of affordable homes ranging from as little as $80k to a much as $200k. Besides this surprising inventory, neighborhood perks include an active homeowners association, 35 acres of parks, walking trails, clubhouses, tennis courts, soccer field, and sports complex!

11031 Caspian St (Wildhorse) 

6. Wildhorse

The Appeal: Well-Rounded and Familiar

About as “All-American” as a neighborhood can get, Wildhorse is a reliable, simple, affordable, amenities-oriented gem located in the increasingly popular northwest San Antonio zip code (north-west of Loop 1604 and south of TX 16). Besides beautiful homes, the Wildhorse neighborhood offers gorgeous Hill Country views, easy city access, a sparkling community pool, jogging trails, and far more. Built by both KB Homes and DR Horton, Wildhorse homes range between 2 and 5 bedrooms, and prices can range from the mid-$100k’s to the mid-$300k’s.

2030 Buffalo St (Harlandale)

7. Harlandale

The Appeal: A Creative, Tight-Knit Community

Just south of downtown San Antonio, the Harlandale community offers an active and engaging community, including a youth sports league, arts-and-crafts, table games, nutrition education, dance, music, and a unique variety of local attractions (one of our favorites is the Santikos’ Mayan Palace Theater). Composed of a variety of homes, the properties in Harlandale range from historic to brand-new, $53k to $390k. The community’s access to major highways IH-35 and I-90 provide convenient access to all that San Antonio has to offer.

6732 Luckey Pond (Luckey Ranch)

8. Luckey Ranch

The Appeal: Outlying Gem

When a reputable builder, a phenomenal location, and exclusive amenities combine into one neighborhood, the result is bound to be on the Top 10 list. Just west of Loop 1604, Luckey Ranch offers 3-5 bedroom affordable homes by LGI Homes, access to both the city and the countryside, and a brand new multi-million dollar recreation center (including a fishing lake, basketball court, and sports fields). The neighborhood’s San Antonio zip code (just east of the Medina Valley and the charming town of Castroville) means you can enjoy the Texas Hill Country from your backyard...or hop on Highway 90 for a quick commute to downtown.

1964 Hunters Cove (River Chase)

9. River Chase

The Appeal: Active and Upscale

River Chase may not be located in downtown San Antonio (far from it, actually...), but its Hill Country setting and incredible set of amenities make it the epicenter of plenty of activity. Located between New Braunfels (10 miles) and Canyon Lake (17 miles), River Chase is a private, peaceful neighborhood bursting with opportunity for adventure and leisure. The clubhouse, fitness center, pool, sports courts and fields, butterfly garden, and private access to the Guadalupe River make it the perfect place to get active and stay active! Plus, the neighborhood offers a sense of togetherness with plenty of clubs, associations, and committees. As a custom-home community, home buyers can purchase move-in-ready homes or empty lots. Lots can range anywhere from $45k-$230k (on 1-11 acres), while these homes for sale in San Antonio generally range from $300k-$1 Million.

525 Evans Ave: Alamo Heights

10. Alamo Heights

The Appeal: Classic San Antonio Luxury

The epitome of “classic San Antonio elegance,” Alamo Heights is located  in the middle of everything, while still retaining a tranquil atmosphere. This charming, vibrant neighborhood embraces its pristine historic vibes, displaying home types from Mediterranean to mid-mod to contemporary. While some of San Antonio’s wealthiest residents reside in Alamo Heights, many properties available for sale ranging from $200,000 for a condo to over $2 million for an upscale apartment or luxury home.

Thinking about buying or selling? Talk to a lender about your mortgage possibilities (and a KW agent to see what’s out there). Or if you just want to store up your knowledge of the homebuying process for the future, download a FREE copy of our exclusive Buyer’s Guide (created specifically for the SA-area buyer)!

Note: This blog was originally published in September 2017.