“I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as soon as I could.”
That saying certainly applies to me: Born, raised, and educated until high school in Innsbruck, Austria, I moved to San Antonio in 2004 to attend St. Mary’s University. What was supposed to be a “try it out and see how you like it” period of one, maybe two, semesters has turned into a 15-year run that’s unlikely to end anytime soon. In that time, I’ve lived in nine zip codes, six council districts, one enclave city, and even outside the city limits.
Despite that much movement – or maybe because of it – I’ve never had the incentive or desire to move elsewhere. I’m sure many of you can relate, and now, I want to know why.
Our “Where I Live” series features first-person accounts of why San Antonians live where they do. We ask contributors to tell us why they live where they live, how long they’ve been there, what they like and don’t like, what they see as their area’s most pressing issues, what they think would improve their neighborhoods, and more.
So, now it’s your turn: Tell us why you live where you live. Submit your story to submissions@rivardreport.com. For more information and submission guidelines, click here.
I look forward to learning more about you and your neighborhood. Meanwhile, here’s some inspiration:
Giles Gonnsen, a 34-year-old military officer, waived off all the “good advice” he got to move to suburban neighborhoods with brand-new homes and high-quality schools and bought a house in Denver Heights. And though the near Eastside neighborhood comes with a slate of challenges, Gonnsen does not regret his choice.
An “almost lifelong” resident of Highland Park, Gregory Ripps has seen the neighborhood – and the people in it – evolve over a span of nearly seven decades. As president of the Highland Park Neighborhood Association, he offers a wealth of knowledge to those just moving to the Southside.
WordPress developer Mike Price, who was born and raised on San Antonio’s South Side, returned to his roots – albeit a newly developed part thereof – when he settled into the Kennedy at Brooks, a high-end complex at the former military base.
Lorie Solis, who owns the Renewable Republic and started San Antonio’s first Urban Farm Camp for kids and adults, lives in a former mattress factory along train tracks in Southtown. Residual chemicals, noise, and industrial dust didn’t stop her from situating her farm and family of Nigerian Dwarf goats and chickens there.
Hanna, I like this idea. Although I do not live in San Antonio, your questions made me reflect on my city, Universal City, and the things that are good and what is not so good. I think this “feature” will be a good opportunity for readers to learn more about the different neighborhoods within San Antonio.
Ken, we’d love to hear about life in Universal City if you are so willing!
I have Hanna “beat” by exactly 40 years — moved to San Antonio in 1964 to attend two years of college here before transferring. Never left. It’s starting to feel permanent.
The place grows on you, doesn’t it? We’d love for you to share your story.
I live in Southtown with my wife, 2 kids and 2 dogs. I’ve lived here for about 2 years since I moved from Leon Valley. I love this neighborhood and I don’t think I would like anywhere else in San Antonio after having lived here. It has everything we need: bike trails, little restaurants/coffeeshops and easy access to the freeway while also feeling very quiet at the same time.