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.
When I was searching for a new home for me and my son, being close to family was my top priority. I was living with my parents at the time near Loop 410 and Broadway and knew that I wanted to stay nearby. Proximity was the most important thing to me because it takes a village to raise a family, and if an emergency happens, it’s nice to know we’re not too far away.
After months of searching different neighborhoods, I finally found a home I could call mine in the Perrin Park neighborhood. I received the keys to my new home in July, the same month my son Noel was born. In a way, it was as if this new house was his 10th birthday gift. We’ve had about six months to enjoy our new neighborhood and, honestly, it couldn’t be any better suited for us.
Located on San Antonio’s Northeast Side just 10 minutes away from my parent’s house, Perrin Park is a quiet, family-oriented and dog-friendly neighborhood. Our church, St. Anthony de Padua, is just a short drive away, and there are plenty of small businesses in the area to support — many within walking distance.
A Mexican restaurant that has quickly become our favorite is La Tapatia. It’s right on Perrin Beitel Road and has all the Mexican favorites. Typically, some taco places will die down during the evenings, but not La Tapatia. They have a variety of food that keeps people in the restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Every time I pass by, it’s packed.
If you’re not in the mood for Mexican food, there’s always Jim’s. To me, Jim’s is San Antonio’s classic diner. Although they are known for their pie, I enjoy everything on that menu. Thousand Oaks Cafe is another San Antonio staple that’s not too far from home. Our first time there, at the original location off Thousand Oaks and Perrin Beitel was super laid back. There are plenty of other restaurant options in the area, and I’m eager to try them all.
As far as getting a workout in, the neighborhood is filled with people who are walking around getting fresh air with their families. That means a lot to me because keeping a 10-year-old active during a pandemic is not the easiest task. However, my son will tell you the neighborhood benefits him on his Pokemon Go game. I don’t know much about the game, but apparently, there’s a gym at the Dairy Queen down the street from us. That means we make frequent trips and may or may not have indulged in a Blizzard once or twice while being there.
I’m a big coffee drinker, so during the weekends, I like to explore different places. One, in particular, that’s close by is Olla Express Cafe. It’s in Los Patios off of Loop 410. What I haven’t gotten to try yet, but really want to, is walking the Salado Creek Greenway that runs behind Los Patios. That area is just so beautiful and an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of all there is to love about Perrin Park, and I’m excited to see what more I can discover.
