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.
Growing up as part of a military family, moving around was a regular part of life. But when we finally settled in Schertz, Texas in the mid-’90s, it felt like we had found a true gem. Back then, Schertz was small and unassuming, with only one traffic signal and very few businesses. Fast forward to today, and the town has blossomed into a vibrant and bustling community with a growing population and plenty of new businesses and schools to show for it.
My husband and I found The Crossvine when it was still a new subdivision located along FM 1518. We were drawn to its resort-style landscaping overflowing with florals, lit up by lamp posts and covered in vines. It called to us like a secret garden with its inviting homes and beautiful lawns.
As we continued exploring, we stumbled upon charming parks with tunnel systems and swings just steps away from each other. We wandered through beautiful gardens and along winding trails. This was a few years ago, and back then, it was rare to find even one small park and walking path in a subdivision. The Crossvine, with its miles of trails and outdoor play spaces, was a refreshing change. As parents, we knew it was the perfect place to raise our children, who loved exploring and spending time outside. And at night, the illuminated homes emanated a welcoming warmth that drew us in. We knew we had found our new home.
After moving to The Crossvine, our lives were enriched beyond our expectations. Families with young children will understand just how much time you spend driving to and from various activities. The car becomes a second home between school, athletic games and practices, recitals and playdates. Since The Crossvine has an active lifestyle coordinator, we are able to spend more time in our own backyard.
We can trace our kids’ growth from elementary school to high school through the activities we’ve participated in over the years. We started out with elaborate Easter egg hunts, Donuts for Dads, Movies in the Park and lending libraries with customized classics. Now, our family looks forward to food trucks on-site and volunteer opportunities. We’ve built lasting and meaningful relationships with our neighbors through community activities and have encouraged our other family members to join the neighborhood so that we can continue to create new traditions together.
Since Schertz is a military town, most of our neighbors aren’t from around here. They usually don’t have extended family around and they wind up leaving after only a few months to a couple of years. My brother and I had a similar lifestyle growing up in a military family, so settling in Schertz during high school was the first time we were able to build our own sense of community.
When we started families of our own, my brother’s goal was to ensure our kids would grow up together. This led to him finding and purchasing his own home at The Crossvine. Shortly after, my parents downsized and joined us. Lastly, our aunt and uncle moved to the neighborhood to retire. In total, our family makes up six households within the community. Our neighbors know us as a large, multi-generational family who are incredibly active in community events and deeply passionate about our group Halloween costumes.
At night, The Crossvine can feel secluded from the rest of Schertz because it’s quiet, peaceful and expansive. We appreciate feeling as though we’re tucked away out in the country but appreciate knowing that all of our needs can be met either in Schertz or nearby San Antonio.
The Crossvine has combined attractive elements of a commercialized subdivision and an acreage homesite. Although the design styles are varied, there’s cohesion between them. We have great amenities, a wonderful lifestyle coordinator and the roads are well-lit and paved. Equally as important, we also have enough space to spread out and connect with the serene, natural land around us.
The allure of The Crossvine lies in its beautiful natural surroundings and a strong sense of community. Our family has been fortunate to call this place home for seven years. With lush greenery, towering trees and endless green spaces, we have thrived and grown our roots here at The Crossvine.
