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 grew up on the Far West Side of San Antonio, where I’ve established lifelong friendships, built a comfortable space for myself and continue to make lasting memories.
My Sunset Vista neighbors always give a friendly wave when passing by. They are polite, respectful and inclusive. There is a misconception that the neighborhoods located in the Marbach Road area are unsafe. I agree to a certain extent, but I also believe that there are unsafe areas everywhere you may go.
To me, a good community is one where people feel connected, supported and empowered to contribute to one another’s well-being and that of the shared environment. That’s true of my community, where my neighbors give me a sense of belonging.
I’ve had the same neighbors for as long as I can remember. Two of my next-door neighbors became my best friends as we grew up together, walking to the bus stop in the mornings, playing outside and even attending each other’s birthday parties.
Growing up on the Far West Side, I’ve been able to watch this area grow and build some buzz. A part of me can remember when my parents would drive me down the same roads I do as an adult now, and they look completely different.
With the addition of fast-food restaurants, shopping centers and entertainment attractions came more residents, more visitors and more traffic. I get to enjoy the luxury of easy access to highways on my route to and from school or work, as well as a straightforward path to downtown, but I have noticed some more congestion during normal traffic hours — and during peak hours, bumper-to-bumper traffic is a given.
The recently built community park has been a great addition to the neighborhood. It includes a wrap-around cement path, playground, full basketball court and a few picnic tables. I own two large dogs that require a lot of attention and exercise. Taking my dogs for walks in the neighborhood park is one of the easiest ways to give them daily exercise. It also helps me get a breath of fresh air and freedom to roam with confidence.
Homeowners in my neighborhood get very decorative for sports game days and holidays, creating a festive and comforting ambiance to this place we call home. My uncle, who also lives in the neighborhood, is part of the homeowners association and informs us about important issues and special events.
A reasonable distance to and from nearby family members is essential for me. The members in my immediate family are extremely close. This gives me a special type of comfort in knowing that if needed, they’re not too far. Family gatherings sometimes occur within the most random times which adds another plus to the short distance to their homes.
As an actress and dance student at Northwest Vista College, my support system has been key. My family has been supportive of my journey since the beginning, and Alamo City Studios has expanded my interest in the film industry and nurtured my love for acting. Attending open studio days at local dance studios in my area helps to keep me involved in my community and focused on my overall goals.
As a San Antonio native, it’s important to me to stay connected to my community and my city because I’m proud of where I’m from. San Antonio’s communities are known for their strong sense of pride, with local festivals like Fiesta uniting people of all backgrounds in celebration of their shared heritage. The blend of cultures, languages and traditions makes San Antonio a city where inclusivity and community are at the heart of everyday life.
