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.
My family came to the United States from Nicaragua when I was a small child. We lived in Harlingen, Texas, before moving to San Antonio during my middle school years. I attended Eisenhower Middle School and later graduated from Churchill High School, where I built lifelong friendships and began to truly feel at home in San Antonio.
After high school, I attended the University of Texas at San Antonio, earning a degree in communications, and later pursued a master’s degree in library science from the University of North Texas.
I moved into a cute starter home in the Hunters Mill subdivision near McAllister Park in 2011. I liked that the neighborhood was affordable and quiet, except for the occasional airport noise. I also appreciated the easy access to major highways, with everything I needed just a short drive away. But the main draw was being close to my mom’s house. I live here with my daughter and two cats, Yuki and Harla, and I like being near family to help with my daughter.
For years, I worked in the neighborhood at a library cataloging services company as the director of sales and marketing until it unexpectedly closed last year. The proximity of local business parks, where small businesses can rent space near home, made balancing work and family life much easier. Now, as a single parent to my daughter, who attends Bradley Middle School, I’ve found this area to be the perfect place to raise her while staying close to my mom and sister, who live in adjoining neighborhoods near McAllister Park.
Hunters Mill is a charming neighborhood with an open park featuring basketball courts, a playground and covered picnic tables. The park is well known in the area and attracts visitors from surrounding neighborhoods. It’s connected to McAllister Park, one of San Antonio’s largest and most popular parks, which offers extensive hiking trails, a dog park and playgrounds equipped with rock walls and exercise equipment.
The sense of community in Hunters Mill and nearby neighborhoods is one of its greatest strengths. During the holidays, I love seeing the lights and decorations in neighboring areas like North Central Heritage and Eden. They truly shine during Halloween and Christmas, with residents competing in a holiday light display contest and one neighbor even dressing as the Grinch and riding around on a “sleigh” to spread holiday cheer.
Our homeowners’ association works hard to maintain the neighborhood grounds and park at a reasonable annual rate. Recently, the HOA partnered with the San Antonio Police Department to encourage participation in the “Citizens on Patrol” program, a volunteer initiative empowering residents to keep the neighborhood safe.
Growing up near Churchill High School, I used to think the Hunters Mill area was far from the city center. But as San Antonio has expanded, my neighborhood now feels conveniently located and well-connected. Being close to the airport is a bonus, especially on travel days.
Living here means being close to some fantastic local spots. My favorite restaurants include Mama’s Café, DASHI Sichuan Kitchen and Camila’s Mexican Restaurant. For a night out, I love visiting Main Street and Evil Olive, two nearby bars that capture the neighborhood’s lively yet welcoming vibe.
These places highlight the diversity of the community and its commitment to supporting local businesses. They are all uniquely San Antonio, offering flavors and experiences you won’t find in chain establishments.
I feel very safe walking around my neighborhood, and I think the strong sense of community plays a big role in that. Even as our local middle school — Driscoll Middle School — faces closure due to declining enrollment, the neighborhood’s quieter streets have their own charm. It’s a peaceful place where families can enjoy a slower pace of life.
As I look to the future, I hope Hunters Mill will continue to thrive as a welcoming, safe and connected community. I’d love to see more green spaces, support for local businesses and new families discovering the joys of living here, just as I have.
San Antonio is a city of stories, and my neighborhood holds many of them. Sharing mine is just one way to celebrate the vibrant community I’m proud to be part of.
