Tell me about living in San Antonio

[hrodbert696]

Hey y'all,

I just got a job interview with St. Mary's University in San Antonio, this February. If I get the job, I'll start next academic year (in August). I might be moving a whole family of six or might go solo the first year and move the family the following year (for a variety of reasons).

I've visited Texas a couple of times but always lived up north - NH, Indiana, NYC, Connecticut. I know San Antonio has the Alamo and the Riverwalk. What else should I know about it? Neighborhoods? Cost of living? Crime? Music scene? Schools? Stuff to do in the area? Give me the whole picture!

[kanonfodr]

Originally Posted by hrodbert696

I've visited Texas a couple of times but always lived up north - NH, Indiana, NYC, Connecticut. I know San Antonio has the Alamo and the Riverwalk. What else should I know about it? Neighborhoods? Cost of living? Crime? Music scene? Schools? Stuff to do in the area? Give me the whole picture!

I'm not fond of San Antonio, it's kinda boring. I'd personally live in the NW 'burbs or even San Marcos because if you want Music, SA is alright but Austin is way better . As for everything else, really don't know since I've never lived there, just in Austin and I grew up in South Texas.

[jrthebassguy]

As far as cost of living, living in Texas is very cheap compared to the rest of the U.S.. Since you're in NE, I can definitively say you are going to pay less for a house, gas, groceries, etc. Crime is just like any other major U.S. city - you have your nice areas, your OK areas, and areas you absolutely, positively want to avoid.


Unfortunately, culturally San Antonio offers next to nothing, especially compared to their Austin neighbors in the north. However, Austin isn't TOO far of a drive when you wanna catch a cool band sometime.

Personally I'd never live in SA, but most people I know who live there say once they're used to it they seem to grow a certain attraction and fondness for the area. Full disclaimer: I've never lived in SA.


P.S. Also....throw away every jacket you've ever owned. It's cold maybe 2 months a year down here. I couldn't tell you the last time I had to actually wear a thick coat. Summers here can get brutal, and 2011 was the hottest year in recorded history for Texas.


Perhaps some the locals can give you some better advice as far as cool things/restaurants/etc.

[MJ5150]

Get used to tacos and hot, hot, hot weather. That's what I remember about my couple trips there.

Oh....and hot chicks working the bar at Applebees.

-Mike

[Pacman]

Meh. I lived there for 7.5 years. Everyone here is telling the truth - the music scene is sort of closed. The weather is unbearably hot.

If you like Mexican food, though, you can't go wrong. And if you like to cycle, it's a pretty cool town.

[pflash4001]

I live in Laredo, about 150 miles south of SA. If you like history, there is a lot to see in SA and Central Texas. You can spend lots of time hiking, camping, spelunking, etc all over the hill country. There's always music in Austin, only about 60 miles north. San Marcos is great, I went to school at SWT, but housing is tough to get when school is in session. Another cool place to check out is Gruene Hall in New Braunfels. There's lots to see in the area. Drop me a line if you do end up in Texas.

[MakiSupaStar]

My brother in law and my sister just moved the fam to SA. I don't think I'll be visiting.

[Eric Perry]

I have family that live there. They love it. I haven't visited in years though.

[jrthebassguy]

Oh, here is one plus that hasn't been mentioned yet: You aren't too far from Texas Wine Country. There are some seriously great vineyards here, and since most are so relative unknowns you can buy great bottles for pretty cheap.

[pflash4001]

Originally Posted by jrthebassguy

Oh, here is one plus that hasn't been mentioned yet: You aren't too far from Texas Wine Country. There are some seriously great vineyards here, and since most are so relative unknowns you can buy great bottles for pretty cheap.

+++++++++1,000,000

[ksandvik]

Hot and humid. But a fast growing area, indeed.

[MJ5150]

Once upon a time, we had a guy that lived in San Antonio who posted here quite a bit. He invented the Snuggie, got famous, and left us all behind.

-Mike

[DaveDeVille]

Originally Posted by MJ5150

Once upon a time, we had a guy that lived in San Antonio who posted here quite a bit.
He invented the Snuggie, got famous, and left us all behind.

-Mike

oh , he's still around ...