While I’m a lifelong San Antonian, I’ve lived in a few spots around town.
Each of those stops was relatively nice and brief, but spending nearly 10 years across from Phil Hardberger Park has given me a new perspective on life.
My formative years were spent in the Los Angeles Heights neighborhood, which I long considered the near Northwest Side — or what my now-dearly departed grandfather called the boondocks in his post-World War II days.
I moved to the Hardberger Park area in 2015 shortly after my divorce, accompanied by two cats, Caspian and Tubby, and one dog, Ace. The area, for me, is an ideal location: I live short distances from Wurzbach Parkway, Loops 410 and 1604, U.S. Highway 281 and a short shot from Interstate 10.
As a longtime local community journalist working for various publications over the years, living here has afforded me ease in covering small area cities such as Hollywood Park, Castle Hills, Hill Country Village and Shavano Park, and neighborhoods such as Stone Oak, Harmony Hills and Churchill Estates.
Not to mention, I live adjacent to the border of San Antonio City Council Districts 8 and 9, so I’ve had plenty of opportunities to easily cover and interact with council members Manny Pelaez and John Courage.
Then there are the surroundings. To be sure, the Hardberger Park area is an urban community, but with a suburban look and feel. The park itself is a must-visit destination for the uninitiated. My dog Ace and I can enjoy short walks from home, along the scenic Salado Creek greenway to the Blanco Road half of Hardberger Park or to Walker Ranch Park.
The paved and natural trails inside the Blanco Road and Northwest Military Highway halves of Hardberger Park, as well as the Robert Tobin Landbridge that links the two halves, provide plenty of recreational opportunities. Being able to see a plethora of wildlife, plants and flowers across this urban park is something to behold.
That’s to say nothing of the two dog parks, or the regular educational and historical programming that the city’s park and recreation department and the nonprofit Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy offer there.
Such opportunities are further emphasized by the presence of the Barshop Jewish Community Center and the Walker Ranch Senior Center.
From time to time, I’ll check out BJCC and work out in their gym, look in on a neighborhood informational event, or stop by the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio.
The senior center is a newer community center for all ages, much welcomed by neighbors for their services, such as exercise classes and the District 9 Council field office.
My home also sits in close proximity to Churchill High School and all of the diverse businesses that surround the campus along Blanco Road, including dessert shops, laundromats, car washes, bars, restaurants, doctor’s offices and financial institutions complementing the likes of H-E-B, CVS, Walgreens, Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin Robbins, Dollar Tree and Great Clips in the neighborhood.
I’ve become something of a regular at restaurants such as Ruthie’s, Little Italy, Nicha’s, Aloha Shaved Ice, Blanco BBQ, Benjie’s Munch, Ito Ramen, Tommy’s and Lost Bar and Grill, just to name a few local hangouts.
Additionally, I can “fuel up” from any of the 10 local and national chain coffee shops within a 10-minute drive from home, including Coffee and Culture Bakery, Press Coffee, What’s Brewing, Dutch Bros. and Black Rock.
When the mood strikes, I’ll take a brief drive or a 30-minute walk along Wurzbach Parkway to Alon Towne Centre, the mixed-use retail center at Northwest Military Highway. There, I can take advantage of H-E-B Alon Market’s terrific beer and wine selection, enjoy eateries such as El Mirasol and The Hayden, and nab some pet treats from Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming.
Upon moving to the Hardberger Park area almost a decade ago, I sought out a neighborhood Catholic church where I could attend Mass or just find a place of solace when needed.
After some exploration, I found comfort at Church of the Holy Spirit across from Eisenhower Middle School. Even in seeking penance or participating in eucharistic adoration, I’ve always felt at ease at Church of the Holy Spirit, which is home to a diverse group of clergy, parishioners and community activities.
Approaching 10 years of living in the Hardberger Park area, I’ve come to appreciate the convenience of modern amenities and quick access to major roadways, all a short distance from home.
Simultaneously, when I hike deep inside Hardberger or Walker Ranch Park, I relish the serenity of the neighborhood’s natural surroundings. I look forward to what the future holds for me here.
