The Where I Live series aims to showcase our diverse city and region by spotlighting its many vibrant neighborhoods. Each week a local resident invites us over and lets us in on what makes their neighborhood special. Have we been to your neighborhood yet? Get in touch to share your story. If your story is selected and published, you will receive a $250 stipend.
Living on the Northwest Side of San Antonio in the Alamo Ranch community, specifically in The Preserve at Alamo Ranch subdivision, has been a journey filled with purpose, family and the realization of long-term dreams. As a military family, the decision to settle in this area was not arbitrary; it was a thoughtful choice based on past experiences and a vision for the future.
The roots of my family’s connection with this community go back to 2010 when we first lived here. However, circumstances led to a relocation after just two years. Despite the temporary departure, the allure of Alamo Ranch remained strong in our memory, prompting the desire to return. The decision to retire from the military in San Antonio was strategic, influenced by proximity to family in Houston and the positive experience of living in this vibrant community.
Returning with a family that included two sets of twins, one set heading off to college, required finding a home that could accommodate the needs of a growing and evolving family. Alamo Ranch was an ideal location with its spacious homes, proximity to educational institutions like the University of Texas at San Antonio and Northwest Vista College, and the well-regarded Northside Independent School District. The extensive search process involving over 30 houses culminated in the choice of The Preserve at Alamo Ranch, a gated community that offered a blend of comfort, security and a diverse neighborhood.
Diversity was a key factor in our decision-making, reflecting a desire to expose our children to various cultures and perspectives. The Preserve at Alamo Ranch, with its mix of military families, retirees and veterans, fulfilled this vision. The sense of community, with a high concentration of elementary school-aged children, added to the appeal, providing a nurturing environment for our family.
Because our subdivisions are a much smaller microcosm of the larger neighborhood, our neighbors seem to take care of each other. We often get together on Saturday mornings and go out and pick up trash along the main road as a group. During Winter Storm Uri when there was an extended power outage, people walked the neighborhoods to ensure the neighbors knew how to battery operate their gas fireplaces. And whenever we leave town for an extended period of time, our neighbors will watch over our home as well as take out garbage cans and recycling bins for pick up, as well as return them behind the fence so we don’t get ticketed by the homeowner’s association.
My favorite places in the neighborhood include our conveniently located H-E-B, which provides a phenomenal grocery shopping experience without us having to travel too far from home, and a quaint little wine bar called Señoritas that my mom friends and I frequent on Fridays during happy hour. It truly is a hidden gem.
The selection of our current home in this community was not just a transaction; it was a realization of a perfect fit. The house, with its open concept, master bedroom downstairs, and additional spaces for entertainment like a media room and game room, catered to the needs of a large family. The covered patio and subsequent addition of an outdoor kitchen and pool transformed the house into a haven for family gatherings, especially during the challenging times brought about by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision to invest in our home, both in terms of physical additions and emotional attachment, has proven fruitful. The property value has increased, and offers to purchase have become commonplace. However, our commitment to making this our forever home, a space for future generations, remains unwavering. The thought of providing a space for our children and potentially grandchildren to return to during holidays and summers underscores the sentiment that Alamo Ranch is more than just a location; it’s a place where memories are created and cherished.
Living in The Preserve at Alamo Ranch on the Northwest Side of San Antonio has not only met but exceeded our expectations. It’s a community where military traditions merge with diverse cultures, where the house is not just a structure but a home filled with love and shared experiences. As we look toward retirement, our decision to make Alamo Ranch our forever home stands as a testament to the enduring appeal and warmth of this community.
