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.
For most of my life, I’ve lived on the Northwest Side of San Antonio. Though the area has changed considerably, it’s always been a family-friendly community with great schools and caring neighbors.
Since moving back to San Antonio after attending university in Lubbock, I’ve been rediscovering my neighborhood and my hometown. The boom of residential growth in the area has attracted businesses, which makes my life so much easier. I don’t have to drive too far to get some shopping done and I’m especially happy about the new Sprouts grocery store nearby. As a San Antonian, of course, I love H-E-B, but another option for healthy food is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
My go-to spot for dinner with family or friends is Mama Margie’s. The relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and great food and drinks always make for a good time.
O.P. Schnabel Park, especially during the vibrant days of spring, holds nostalgic memories from a childhood spent playing there. Now I take my dogs for walks on the trails and enjoy a break from the city. Since my dogs are larger, having that open space to explore is key.
One thing I’m continuously impressed by is how San Antonio has expanded and connected its trail network over the years. Now you can bike continuously between different parks and points of interest in the city with plenty of shade for the hot summer months.
San Antonio has so much rich culture and history that residents celebrate and strive to preserve. At the same time, its growing population is bringing new cultural influences that add to the vibrancy. It’s especially exciting to see the fusion of Tex-Mex with other ethnic cuisines in really thoughtful and refreshing ways.
In my work as a real estate agent, I witness the continuous growth and transformation of not just my neighborhood but also my hometown. It has inspired me to explore and help others find more to love about San Antonio. People always ask me for recommendations on what to do in town, so I took on the role of unofficial tour guide and have been sharing tips on social media for getting out there and experiencing more of this great city. My work in social media and in real estate both share the goal of helping people find their niche in a city filled with diverse neighborhoods.
What I’ve seen as I work with homebuyers is that, since the pandemic, people are starting to understand their home habits more and looking for ways their homes can better accommodate their routines. I’m someone who loves being outside, so my home’s backyard and patio space are important to me. I also love making coffee and cooking at home, so having the right kitchen space matters to me. My mom and I also love hosting, from holiday family gatherings to barbecues and themed parties, we’re all about curating a vibe.
As the Northwest Side undergoes changes, particularly in highway construction, I see it as a promise of positive growth. While the traffic disruptions may be inconvenient for now, the investment in infrastructure signals the city’s belief in the potential of this area.
