With all the development in San Antonio, it’s not hard to find a home that is brand new. All across the city (and even in the suburbs!), construction abounds giving buyers the opportunity to swipe up garden homes, sprawling custom estates, and everything in between. Over the past year, 18.7% of ALL the homes sold in San Antonio were new construction homes- that’s nearly 8,800 homes! And with an average price of only $288,328 (that’s not that far above the average price of homes in the city), why not? After all, go elsewhere in the country and you are looking at paying more than double the price of an existing home for a new home. But aside from San Antonio’s large offering of brand-spankin' new homes, the homes in general around town are, on average, pretty new. In fact, the median age of a home in the Alamo City is 26, which would mean over half the homes in the city were built after 1990.
But while new is exciting to many people, “vintage” has become quite the buzz word. Vintage clothing, vintage wine, vintage cars, vintage furniture, and, yes, vintage homes. And America’s obsession with nostalgia has certainly not missed San Antonio. With vintage neighborhoods such as Monte Vista, Castle Hills, Alamo Heights, and Woodlawn Lake seeing homes sell for more per square foot year over year, it's not hard to see that home buyers are not just looking for new homes- they are totally digging the old ones too.
Though vintage homes can be seen by some as a form of stability against a rapidly changing world, they also tend to reconnect homeowners with a time gone by. A time when things were simpler, craftsmanship was meticulous and unique, and personal belongings weren’t tossed aside so quickly. But the thing about these vintage homes that is arguably the most appealing to vintage home seekers is the character the homes exude. From hand-crafted built-ins to original wood flooring, these homes seem to whisper memories of days gone by.
Of course, new homes can be just as appealing, presenting options and the sleek designs of today, while reassuring the homeowner that all codes are up to date and the home suits today’s standards. These homes are often larger than homes of the past, and they certainly have more amenities. Surround sound wired within the home? Check. Energy efficient everything? Check. Closets you could put a bed in? Check.
But when it comes to buying a home in San Antonio, sometimes it’s not just about what the home offers, but what the home looks and feels like, coupled with what the buyer needs and wants. Because we know the best way to identify your wants and needs when buying a home is to actually show you the homes, we want to show you a few and let you decide: vintage or new build, which do you prefer??
707 Susie Ct. 2029 Cottonwood Way
(Harmony Hills) (Fonterra @ Westpointe)
3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 2,661 sq. ft 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, 2,407
Built in 1961 Built in 2015
Both offering three bedrooms and three bathrooms, these two homes both feature granite kitchen countertops, large master bathrooms, and excellent outdoor entertaining areas. Where the home at 707 Susie Ct. differs from the new home at 2029 Cottonwood Way is the abundance of exposed brick walls, the presence of large mature oak trees on the lot (complete with accent lighting), and the 1-story layout. As for the home at 2029 Cottonwood Way, it presents a plethora of modern amenities, including a media room, tankless water heaters, and a large pantry.
514 Donaldson (Monticello Park) 188 Autumn Rdg (Woodside Village)
3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 1,606 sq. ft. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 2,758
Built in 1935 Built in 2013
These two gorgeous rock homes, one built historic Monticello Park and the other in Boerne’s Woodside Village, both offer architectural arches throughout the home, large windows, and granite countertops in the kitchen. While the home at 188 Autumn Ridge fitted its floors with tile throughout the kitchen and living room, the floors in the home at 514 Donaldson are covered with the original hardwood floors. Also original in the Donaldson home are the doors and windows.
314 E. Ashby Pl. (Tobin Hill) 5014 Italica Rd (Alamo Ranch)
3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 1,560 sq ft 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 1,833 sq ft
Built in 1915 Built in 2015
Built exactly 100 years apart, these two homes are surprisingly similar. With its recent renovation, the home at 314 E. Ashby boasts brand new flooring, electrical work, plumbing, and more. It also has a brand new kitchen, which has successfully helped to create an open floor plan similar to that of the home on Italica.
10411 Burr Oak Dr (Dreamland Oaks) 8815 Vegas Grande (Sonoma Ranch)
5 Bedrooms, 4 Baths, 3,602 sq ft 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, 3,046 sq ft
Built in 1970
Because the home at 10411 Burr Oak has been meticulously renovated, it bears many similar characteristics of the Sonoma Ranch home. Among the similarities are the open floor plans, granite kitchens with stainless steel appliances, and recessed lighting throughout the homes. Though similar inside, outside, the homes are wildly different, with one constructed as a split-level ranch, and the other a two-story contemporary.
9081 Garden Ridge Dr. (Garden Ridge) 11327 Massive Mt (Helotes)
4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 3,175 sq ft 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, 2,619 sq ft
Built in 1970
While the vintage charm of the home in Garden Ridge home is undeniable with its majestic trees, exposed beams, and mid-century features, the home in Helotes provides the appeal and newness of a new build. With a dream kitchen featuring an oversized island, stone accents, and beautiful custom cabinets, a large master bedroom, and architectural arches throughout, there is no doubt the home has been built in recent years.
2127 W. Summit (Woodlawn Lake) 24707 Rising Hill (Canyon Springs)
3 Bedrooms, 4 Baths, 2,859 sq ft 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, 2,619 sq ft
Built in 1948
A stunning, majestic masterpiece of historical architecture, the home at 2127 W. Summit has been fully renovated and features a fresh contemporary flare while the home at 24707 Rising Hill also has a contemporary appeal, yet in a different color palette.
At the W. Summit property, original wood floors and exposed wood ceilings capture the eye while the kitchen is a cook's masterpiece perfect for cooks of all abilities. Meanwhile, the Rising Hill property also features an upgraded kitchen and of boasts of a luxurious master bedroom and amazing walk-in closet- an amenity most often seen in newer homes.
102 Turkey Creek Rd. (Shavano Park) 27722 San Portola (Valencia Terrace)
5 beds, and 3 Baths, 3,497 sq. ft 4 beds, and 3 Baths, 3,910
Built in 1967 Built in 2016
With newness exuding from each of these homes, inside it might be hard to tell which one is the vintage one and with one is the new one! Large windows, granite counter tops, and white cabinetry are features you’ll find in both of these homes, however, the wall of sliders and marble flooring found in the Turkey Creek property are major selling features, just as the luxurious master bathroom and loft/game room (with wet bar!) are in the San Portola home.
1827 La Sombra (Alamo Heights) 500 Horizon Crest (Coveney Ranch)
4 beds, and 3 Baths, 3,688
Built in 1968
Mid-century charm meets modern design in the exquisite ranch style property in Alamo Heights while craftsman style architectural elements meet Texas flair in the property in Coveney Ranch.
Thoughtfully appointed with soaring ceilings, dark wood, travertine tile, and attention to every detail, the Alamo Heights property boasts a stunning interior. Similarly, the home in Coveney Ranch is just as impressive, presenting wood beams in the living room, with a tongue-n-groove ceiling, and fantastic rock fireplace.
So, which one do you prefer? New or vintage, you can take your pick of homes for sale in San Antonio. Not sure where to begin? Download our comprehensive buyer's guide. Our exclusive Guide to Buying a Home in San Antonio is designed to help you make your home buying experience as seamless as possible. Find the right agent, connect with leaders, find the right neighborhood, spot the hidden fees, and more.
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