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.
I was born and raised on the West Side of San Antonio and grew up in the 78207 zip code. My house, which had only two windows, was right across from the San Juan courts and was connected to a convenience store called Johnny’s. At the corner was the ButterKrust discount bakery store. Between the discount bakery and the convenience store, I felt like I had it made.
From a young age, I loved to people-watch, and my neighborhood was the best place to do so. My community provided endless entertainment. With my neighbors being predominately Mexican American, it felt nice to be able to go outside in my front yard (which was technically just a driveway) and hear my native language. It truly gave me an appreciation for my culture.
Once I started middle school, I moved to Carmen Street nearby and lived there throughout high school, using a friend’s address to attend school in the Northside Independent School District. Slowly but surely my grandparents and I migrated over the train tracks and made it to the 78204 zip code in the Collins Garden neighborhood.
I’ve been living here for the past five years, and when people ask me what side of town I live in, I really don’t know what to say. Technically, I’m in the middle of the West and South sides. You could say it’s the best of both worlds. But the easiest way for people to place my neighborhood is to tell them I’m by the two-story H-E-B on Nogalitos. Nogalitos is such an iconic street, it’s even featured in San Antonio legend Randy Garibay’s “Barbacoa Blues.”
This street is full of local small businesses that I frequent almost every day. On a day off from work, I start at Tony’s Tacos To Go, which in my opinion are the best breakfast tacos in San Antonio. As soon as you walk in you are greeted by smiles and “hola, mija.” You can smell the fresh tortillas and get a feeling of home. Next, I’d stop at Bonita Nail Salon and get a nice manicure, maybe run into District 5 Councilwoman Terri Castillo, who I’ve seen supporting the small business before. Then I’d stop by the Collins Garden Library and check out a newly released book. Lastly, I’d head over to Los Colorines and grab a Rusa and Hot Cheetos with cheese.
My neighborhood is made of entrepreneurs and families who believe in adding value to our community. I encourage everyone to stop by Collins Garden, take a lap around our park, have some lunch under the beautiful trees and support our small businesses.
