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.
The Museum Reach neighborhood — known to San Antonio natives as “Water Street” — has been developing into one of the most unique places I’ve ever lived.
I’m a Colorado native from Denver and have now been in San Antonio for 10 years. Before that, I lived in downtown Chicago for almost two years (I got cold!) and in downtown Seattle for about 10 years. With that being said, I’ve experienced life in a variety of downtown neighborhoods, so I’d like to think I know a little something about city livin’.
I’m a recent empty nester and over the last decade I’ve grown to truly love the culture and heart of San Antonio. When I first moved here, I settled on the Northeast Side and have had the opportunity to watch the city evolve into what it is today, with no signs of the growth slowing down. I’ve been selling Real Estate full time in the city for eight years, so I’ve been experiencing the city’s growth in real time from my career.
When my kids left for college, taking care of a large, empty home started to feel more like a chore than something fulfilling without them and their friends around to enjoy the garden, pool, cookouts and gatherings. But I still wanted them to have a great place to come home to.
So, I started exploring apartments along the River Walk. It felt like a fun and refreshing change for this new chapter in my life.
I began with Southtown — I love the artistic vibe there. Downtown is bustling and exciting, and Pearl always has something going on. But where I felt most at home was the Museum Reach neighborhood, also known as River North. It truly captured my heart. There’s just a different feel here — quieter, more relaxed than other parts of the River Walk, while still being connected to everything.
Some of my favorite spots are incredibly family- and dog-friendly (very important for my dog, Malibu). I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t greet you with a smile. Some are locals, some are visitors — but everyone contributes to the welcoming atmosphere. It’s a short walk downtown for events and just as easy to stroll over to Pearl and enjoy its full calendar of events. Living here feels like a daily vacation — you get a peaceful downtown lifestyle with everything just minutes away on foot. Just this week, I walked to Pearl to watch a spring break bubble party, and earlier in the week, I caught an outdoor movie, Shrek.
From my patio at Jones & Rio, I enjoy the beauty of the river with my morning coffee. I watch people swing at Elsewhere (or join in myself), head over to Hops & Hounds to catch a game while Malibu plays with her friends, and explore new paths along the river almost every day.
There’s always something new to discover. Today, I walked down North Alamo Street and found three “coming soon” spots — two breweries and a charming little flower shop. And Make Ready Market is always a go-to for coffee, burgers, sushi or a cold beer and tacos!
Out of all the places I’ve lived, the Museum Reach area in San Antonio has truly been my favorite. It has heart, a strong sense of community involvement and a clear vision for growing into a safe and beautiful place for all of us to enjoy.
