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.
As a San Antonio native, it still amazes me how much our beautiful city continues to expand and grow. I attended UTSA and after graduating, I left San Antonio for more than 15 years. Moving back to the area in 2016 was very eye-opening. In some ways, very little had changed, and in other ways, I hardly recognized my hometown. Overall, I love the diversity that continually arises and mixes with our deep culture.
My family and I live in Bulverde Village, a newer development that is growing and changing on an almost daily basis. The neighborhood is on the North Side of San Antonio off of U.S. Highway 281 North and TPC Parkway and is a part of the North East Independent School District.
My wife and I chose this neighborhood because of its location. As a blended family, it is important for us to be able to include our six children as much as possible. The new neighborhood allows us to be close to my kids and ex-husband. My parents live about an hour north from us in Kingsland, so it is nice to have a short commute to them. With all the nearby highway expansion, the commute is very easy to my job’s current location as well.
We have only lived in this neighborhood for a few months, but getting to know this community has been fun. We’ve enjoyed exploring different venues, meeting new people and participating in neighborhood events. Being a same-sex couple, it is always challenging to move because you don’t know how or if you will be accepted. So far, though, everyone has been genuinely nice as we try to make friends and settle down. My wife and I are looking forward to hosting this month’s neighborhood women’s Bunco game.
One of our recent discoveries is Rebecca Creek Distillery right off of Highway 281 and Bulverde Road. Not only do they have wonderful whiskey, but you can tour the distillery to do some taste testing. They also have bingo nights on Wednesdays and karaoke nights on Thursdays. We enjoy singing, and with the distillery being child-friendly, our kids have really liked being able to join in on the fun.
Another way that we can be involved is through local theater. The Spotlight Theater & Arts Group, Etc., also known as S.T.A.G.E., in Bulverde is always putting on plays that we attend or can become involved with by performing. Along with the main stage theater, they have a great youth program.
We are also enjoying trying out restaurants in the area, from chains to local cuisine. One of our absolute favorites is Limestone Mexican Grill & Seafood. They have the best tomatillo chicken enchiladas. Another favorite is a little further away, but you can’t beat the meat pies and gumbo at Elders Family Restaurant in Converse. On Friday nights and Sunday afternoons, they also have a jazz ensemble.
After all of the delicious food, finding new trails and views is an important part of our routine. Our neighborhood and surrounding area have great sidewalks and, being close to the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, there are even a few trailheads. You can get a day pass to the pool at the JW Marriott so that you can enjoy the slides and lazy river when you don’t want to be so active.
One improvement that I would make to the neighborhood is adding more lights on the main drag of Wilderness Oak Road, as we enjoy walking along the sidewalks at night to avoid the heat during the day.
Overall, my family has enjoyed settling into our new neighborhood and we look forward to exploring more of what it has to offer.
