13 Best Neighborhoods in San Antonio, TX [2024]
San Antonio, the Alamo City, is famous for its Spanish mission architecture and the miles-long River Walk, where pedestrians browse the promenade of cafes, shops, and galleries. A special blend of history and modern innovation, San Antonio also offers a relatively affordable price point compared to its big-city counterparts, like Dallas. Dine along the San Antonio riverfront on weeknights and take a trip to the beach at the weekend – it’s just a few hours away. Although San Antonio has a strong driving culture, like most Texan cities, it’s a bit more walkable than most. You can live in walkable Downtown neighborhoods and take advantage of strolling or biking your way through your community, if that’s your thing.
They say everything is bigger in Texas, so it’s unsurprising that San Antonio boasts of many great neighborhoods to call home. Not sure which is the best fit for your new rental? Here’s a quick guide to some of the best neighborhoods in the Alamo City.
13 Best Neighborhoods in San Antonio, TX
How We Chose the Best Neighborhoods in San Antonio
For us, choosing the best San Antonio neighborhoods came down to a number of factors:
- Rental Prices: We looked for a mix of upscale and affordable neighborhoods that were desirable to renters.
- Popularity: These neighborhoods are all highly-rated and sought-after places to live in San Antonio.
- Lifestyle: Whether you crave the beach life, a charming island community, historic vibes, or a young and vibrant scene, this list has something for most preferences.
- Amenities: The neighborhoods encompass a range of offerings, including beautiful beaches, parks, shopping, dining, nightlife, cultural attractions, and family-friendly activities.
It's important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other nice neighborhoods to consider as well. If you're feeling brave, consider browsing all of our San Antonio apartment listings and investigating neighborhoods on your own!
Please note that the rent averages below represent current listings on our website and may differ from what people are actually paying right now.
1. Alamo Farmsteads
- Best for: Those seeking a peaceful, family-friendly community with a suburban feel.
- Average one-bedroom rent: $1,180
- Map of Alamo Farmsteads
Alamo Farmsteads is situated in Northwest San Antonio off Huebner Road. Babcock and Bandera Road border the neighborhood for quick access to the rest of the city. In addition to apartment complexes and single-family homes, there are scores of acreage around Alamo Farmsteads. Although most of the residences were built in the 1980s, the area is well maintained, with clean streets populated with trees and a family-friendly neighborhood.
It's not unusual to see homeowners with horses on their properties for grazing and riding. You're not far from the 202-acre OP Schnabel Park, with nature trails, athletic fields, and a playground.
2. Olmos Park Terrace
- Best for: Those who appreciate a charming, historic neighborhood with unique homes.
- Average one-bedroom rent: N/A
- Map of Olmos Park Terrace
Head north of Downtown San Antonio to find the historic Olmos Park Terrace neighborhood. Recognized for their English stone cottages and traditional-style homes, the neighborhood also has rental options, with apartment complexes and private homes each with their own unique charm. The neighborhood has an artistic and independent vibe where painters, photographers, sculptures, and multimedia experts make themselves at home. Olmos Park Terrace is also home to the Uptown Art Stroll, where patrons can visit artists' homes and studios and purchase works.
3. Stone Oak
- Best for: Those seeking a well-planned, upscale community with top-rated schools and amenities
- Average one-bedroom rent: $1,391
- Map of Stone Oak
Originally ranch land, the Stone Oak neighborhood is situated in north-central San Antonio and is home to gated communities, oak-lined streets, upscale homes, and apartments. The community has that small-town feel while being close to the big city. Locals swim in the heated Olympic 6-lane pool and explore 30 acres of greenbelt and small caves. They’re also avid golfers there, and often enjoy the award-winning Canyon Springs Golf Club.
4. Monte Vista
- Best for: Those who enjoy living in a historic district with beautiful architecture and a vibrant cultural scene.
- Average one-bedroom rent: $1,242
- Map of Monte Vista
Monte Vista Historic District is an affluent neighborhood in Midtown, San Antonio. It's part of the city's "gilded age” history, when prominent citizens in oil and cattle industries settled in. The architecture reflects that: you’ll find a lot of homes and apartments for rent with the signature arched entryways. Monte Vista spans from San Antonio College to Hildebrand Avenue. Home tours, third Thursday social events, and festivals are the norm around Monte Vista.
Monte Vista is also an ideal location if you want to live next to Downtown San Antonio. You're right by the waterfront and San Antonio Botanical Garden, while enjoying some shade and peace along tree-lined streets.
5. North Central
- Best for: Those seeking a balanced blend of urban convenience, suburban tranquility, and excellent schools.
- Average one-bedroom rent: $952
- Map of North Central
North Central offers a residential neighborhood feel without missing out on restaurants, pubs, parks, and coffee shops. This San Antonio community is popular with families looking for quality schools and young professionals building their careers. Its gated communities lend the area an upscale feel and give residents seeking peace and quiet the respite from city living, without being too far from all San Antonio offers.
6. South-Southwest
- Best for: Those looking for a diverse, affordable community with a rich cultural heritage and easy access to downtown.
- Average two-bedroom rent: $1,050
- Map of South-Southwest
As the name implies, South-Southwest is situated south and west of Downtown San Antonio. The area is conveniently located for Palo Alto College students and staff, as well as families looking for leafy neighborhoods and cul-de-sacs. Poteet Jourdanton Freeway is the hotspot for shopping, restaurants, and local staples like Georgia's Mexican. You’re never far from a good pub or coffee shop when you live in South-Southwest.
7. Heritage
- Best for: Those looking for friendly, suburban neighborhood with parks, schools, and community amenities.
- Average one-bedroom rent: $1,050
- Map of Heritage
Heritage is a family-friendly enclave in San Antonio, popular with young professionals and couples. Schools are well-regarded, and the neighborhood has a reputation for being quiet, cozy, and affordable. Strip malls, eateries, and coffee shops are plentiful throughout the community. You’re also a short commute to Downtown San Antonio and the rest of the city. If you’re interested in getting into a spot that’s seeing investment in new development, Heritage is a good bet.
8. Lackland Terrace
- Best for: Those seeking an affordable neighborhood with a quick commute to Downtown.
- Average one-bedroom rent: $880
- Map of Lackland Terrace
The urban neighborhood of Lackland Terrace is popular with renters looking for an affordable price point with a quick commute to Downtown San Antonio. Spanish is widely spoken in this neighborhood, making it a welcoming place for anyone conversant in the second language of the U.S. You'll find plenty of delicious Mexican eateries, bakeries, and shops, all ready to welcome new locals looking for an authentic meal.
9. Braun's Farm
- Best for: Those looking for a peaceful, suburban neighborhood with modern amenities.
- Average one-bedroom rent: $965
- Map of Braun's Farm
Braun's Farm is situated near Oak Grove and the Government Canyon State Natural Area. Highly-rated public schools are attractive to families and young professionals looking to settle in for the long run. This is the spot for you if you love to stay active. Parks, playgrounds, and nature trails are favorite weekend pastimes. Locals gather at Bonnie Conner Park, Buddy Calk Trailhead, and Bamberger Nature Park to walk, jog, and watch their kids play.
10. Camelot
- Best for: Those seeking a cozy neighborhood with diverse renting options
- Average one-bedroom rent: $1,131
- Map of Camelot
Camelot is conveniently situated eight miles northeast of Downtown San Antonio. The cozy neighborhood offers smaller apartment complexes, single-family homes, and an eclectic mix of styles. This San Antonio neighborhood is popular for anyone working at the nearby Fort Sam Houston military base. For amenities and fun, head to Walzem Road for shopping and dining options.
11. Dellview
- Best for: Young professionals, couples, and families seeking a laid-back lifestyle with mid-century charm.
- Average one-bedroom rent: $1,012
- Map of Dellview
Called the “heart of San Antonio” by its residents, Dellview is a desirable neighborhood for young professionals, couples, and families looking for a laid-back lifestyle. The area has that touch of mid-century charm, having been largely developed in the 1950s. You're always close to quaint local coffee shops, ice creameries, dining, and parks. The San Antonio Airport is conveniently located northeast of the neighborhood, making it an ideal location for anyone who travels for work.
12. Lone Star
- Best for: Those seeking a vibrant, up-and-coming district with a growing selection of restaurants and pubs.
- Average one-bedroom rent: $1,477
- Map of Lone Star
Lone Star, San Antonio is an up-and-coming district that offers the best of work, life, and play. Expected to have a majority of its developments completed in 2025, the neighborhood continues to attract innovators and start-ups looking for a like-minded community. Locals walk to restaurants and pubs that keep growing as the community expands. They can also make the mere 1.5 mile trek into Downtown San Antonio for more options.
13. Jefferson
- Best for: Those seeking a historic neighborhood with charming architecture, a strong community spirit.
- Average one-bedroom rent: $800
- Map of Jefferson
Jefferson is located near the northwest portion of San Antonio's Central Business District. The area features historic buildings and landmarks, many built between the 1920s and 1960s, including Jefferson High School. You can also experience the famous Woodlawn Park, built in the 1800s, for a beautiful view of the lake. The neighborhood is generally known for its tight-knit community where families stay for generations. Commerce and activity can be found on Fredericksburg Road. The strip is home to local favorites like pizzerias, ice creameries, and the long-standing Original Donut Shop. Old-school bodegas and coffee shops are also readily available in the neighborhood where the staff knows the locals' names.
Which San Antonio Neighborhood is Right for You?
Know which neighborhood hosts your next home? Register for Apartment List and let us help you find the perfect rental in San Antonio.
You can also learn more about:
Texas:
- Things to Know Before Moving to Texas
- Cost of Living in Texas
- Best Places to Live in Texas
- Cheapest Places to Live in Texas
Dallas:
- Things to Know Before Moving to Dallas
- Cost of Living in Dallas
- Average Rent in Dallas & Rental Price Trends
- Best Neighborhoods in Dallas
Houston:
- Things to Know Before Moving to Houston
- Cost of Living in Houston
- Average Rent in Houston & Rental Price Trends
- Best Neighborhoods in Houston
Austin: