Introduction to Alamo Heights, Texas
Considering moving to the Alamo Heights area of San Antonio? Alamo Heights, TX, is an affluent, incorporated city located approximately five miles north of downtown San Antonio. The area, known for its rich history and distinct architecture, features tree-lined streets, safe neighborhoods, and a thriving nightlife, making it an attractive place to live.
The city is part of the larger San Antonio metropolitan area and the greater San Antonio area, but feels very different. Living in Alamo Heights is a unique blend of small-town historic charm and big-city amenities. Home to museums, the botanical garden, monuments, the San Antonio Zoo, and historic landmarks, this city, nestled right in the heart of San Antonio and Bexar County, is a great place for people from all over San Antonio to visit for its upscale dining and nightlife.
Location and Geography
Alamo Heights, along with Terrell Hills and Olmos Park, makes up the "Tri-City" area, but unlike Terrell Hills, which is smaller and slightly quieter, Alamo Heights has more commercial activity and schools. The central location and access to the greater San Antonio area via multiple routes make living in Alamo Heights very attractive. That, combined with being about 5 miles north of Downtown San Antonio, makes it a popular choice for those who work in the city.
Alamo Heights is situated near several major parks, including Olmos Basin Park and Brackenridge Park, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. And while not riverfront, Alamo Heights is close to the adjacent parkland of the San Antonio River. The city’s central location makes it an ideal place to live for those who want to be close to the action but also value a sense of community.
Demographics and Population
The population of Alamo Heights is approximately 7,357, according to the latest population data from Data USA. The Alamo Heights population is older (41 years old average) than the greater San Antonio area (35 years old), and its median household income is significantly higher ($180K/year versus $65K/year).
Alamo Heights demographics are characterized by a mix of ethnicities, including White, Hispanic or Latino, and two or more races. Alamo Heights has a diverse population, with a mix of young families, professionals, and retirees, and a higher proportion of foreign-born residents than other San Antonio neighborhoods. In a more professional community, the educational attainment is very high, with roughly 73% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or an advanced degree.
Cost of Living
Alamo Heights cost of living, mainly driven by its prime location, high-quality schools, and historic architecture, make it an expensive but desirable place to live.
Property values are high in the San Antonio metro area, with a median home sale price of around $842,500. The property tax rate in Alamo Heights is 2.08%, which is more than double the national average of 1.02% but slightly lower than the rest of San Antonio. Because of the higher property values and tax base, the school district is well-funded and highly rated.
Despite high property taxes, the cost of living is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the US, though it is more expensive than in the larger San Antonio area.
Neighborhoods and Housing
Alamo Heights has several neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm, including the historic Cottage District. The city’s housing stock includes a range of historic homes, from Spanish Colonial to modern architecture, making it a great place to find a unique and character-filled home.
Alamo Heights is known for its architectural diversity, including Spanish colonial, Arts and Crafts, and midcentury modern styles. The city’s neighborhoods are characterized by tree-lined streets, mature trees, and a strong sense of community.
Real Estate Market
Alamo Heights has a competitive housing market with homes recently sold ranging from around $415,000 to over $2 million. The city's affluent population and beauty make this area another North metro area hotspot for buyers, reflected in the $800K-plus median sales price.
Rental Market
Alamo Heights is also home to several new developments, including apartments and condos, making it a great place to find modern, convenient housing. According to Rentometer, the average rent for Alamo Heights apartments by number of bedrooms is:
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1 Bedroom - Roughly $1980/month
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2 Bedroom - About $ 2700/month
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3 Bedroom - $2800-$3000+
The rental properties in Alamo Heights are typically smaller complexes or historic buildings, and the rents are significantly higher than in the larger San Antonio area, reflecting the premium that the area can command.
Education
Alamo Heights is served by the highly regarded Alamo Heights School District (AHISD), and the city’s schools have a strong focus on academics, arts, and athletics, making it an attractive place to live for families. The Alamo Heights ISD is also known for its supportive community and experienced teachers. The AHISD educational services include operating five campuses providing comprehensive education from early childhood through high school graduation.
Families considering moving to Alamo Heights can find each school's ratings on the Texas Education Agency website or on GreatSchools.org.
The district includes several schools, including:
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Howard Early Childhood Center - One of the strongest public early education programs, with a focus on early literacy, play-based learning, and development of early social skills.
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Cambridge Elementary - A cornerstone of the AHISD, consistently posting strong test scores and growth, this school is well known for developing early literacy and math mastery. It boasts an experienced staff with low turnover, known for strong character development, confidence, and learning.
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Woodridge Elementary - Another highly rated school in the district, posting similar test scores to Cambridge Elementary, active partnerships with parents, and a collaborative environment.
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Alamo Heights Junior School - The middle school serving the Alamo Heights area, with a low student-teacher ratio (15:1), offering a gifted and talented program and dual language and Spanish immersion options.
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Alamo Heights High School - Ranked #5 in the San Antonio area, and offers competitive dual enrollment classes. Alamo Heights High School has an enrollment of roughly 1500 students and offers a range of extracurricular activities, including 5A UIL athletics.
Parents can check out the individual schools, and school calendars are available on the AHISD website.
Safety
Alamo Heights is a relatively safe place to live, with a violent crime rate of 2.30 per 1,000 residents. The total crime rate in Alamo Heights is 28.41 per 1,000 residents. The violent crime rate in Alamo Heights is 89% lower than the national average.
This level is driven by a well-funded municipal service team. This city, with roughly 7900 residents, employs 21 full-time firefighters/EMS personnel and 25 police officers. For a little context, here's how that compares to San Antonio:
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Alamo Heights has 2.9 firefighters/1000 residents compared to 1.3/1000 in San Antonio.
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The city has 3.4 police officers/1000 residents compared to 2.1/1000 in San Antonio.
With the well-staffed municipal services, it's no wonder people are drawn to Alamo Heights, as it's one of the safest areas in the San Antonio metro area.
Jobs and Employment
Alamo Heights has a strong economy, with several major employers, including Alamo Heights ISD and several healthcare providers. The city is also close to several major employment centers, including Downtown San Antonio and the San Antonio International Airport, making it a great place to live for commuters. The city’s economy is also driven by its strong sense of community and supportive local businesses.
Alamo Heights is close to many employers in a diverse range of industries, including:
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H-E-B - Texas's favorite grocery store is headquartered in San Antonio.
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USAA - Financial services/military insurer with a large campus in San Antonio that employs roughly 17,000 locally.
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Valero Energy - The energy/refining company maintains a large corporate campus within the San Antonio metro area.
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Methodist Healthcare System - A large health system that has multiple locations across the area.
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Rackspace Technology - A large software/IT services company that employs nearly 3,000 people in the area.
Community, Lifestyle, and Recreation
Alamo Heights has a strong sense of community, with several community events and festivals throughout the year, including the annual Alamo Heights Festival. The city’s lifestyle is characterized by a mix of small-town charm and big-city amenities, making it an attractive place to live for those who want the best of both worlds. Its historic character, combined with established communities, makes Alamo Heights a great place for families.
Climate and Weather
Alamo Heights, TX weather has a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters, characteristic of the weather in Alamo Heights, TX. The city averages 221 sunny days per year, making it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts. Summer temperatures can reach up to 100°F, while winter temperatures rarely drop below 40°F, making it a great place to live for those who enjoy mild winters.
The city’s climate is also characterized by relatively low humidity, making it a comfortable place to live.
Community Events And Organizations
Alamo Heights is also home to several community organizations, including the Alamo Heights Chamber of Commerce, which promotes local businesses and supports the community. In addition to the Chamber, the city's Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club Alamo, and several churches of different denominations anchor the community and its events. A few of these include:
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Alamo Heights Night - A long-running block party with food, music, entertainment, rides, and games organized by the Rotary Club.
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The San Antonio Marathon - The route often runs through parts of Alamo Heights
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Fiesta San Antonio - A metro area-wide event in April each year
Dining and Restaurants
Alamo Heights has a vibrant dining scene, with a range of restaurants serving everything from Mexican to French cuisine, including popular eateries. The city’s dining scene is a mix of local businesses and chain restaurants, making it a great place to visit for date night in Alamo Heights.
Several popular Alamo Heights restaurants include:
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La Fonda - A popular Mexican restaurant in Alamo Heights known for its vibrant ambiance and traditional dishes.
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Bistr09 - A renowned French-inspired restaurant in Alamo Heights that specializes in classic dishes with a modern twist.
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Cappy's Restaurant - A friendly American favorite, with brunch, lunch, and dinner selections and a lively feel.
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Thai Bird - Great Thai cuisine with gluten-free options and local chef acclaim.
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Central Market - For foodies who love to prepare their own meals.
The Alamo Heights' close proximity to Broadway and neighboring corridors means its residents have a wide selection of dining options, from inexpensive restaurants to special date-night spots.
Shopping
Alamo Heights has a blend of local shops, boutiques, and larger shopping centers, with several walkable shops that offer unique finds and local gathering spots. A few of these include:
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Central Market - Known as a gourmet grocery destination, this store is a local favorite for foodies looking to prepare exciting meals.
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Alamo Quarry Market - A major open-air market just north of Alamo Heights featuring a wide range of retailers, home goods, apparel, and specialty shops, in addition to restaurants and other entertainment.
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Quarry Village - Adjacent to the market, with several boutiques, local finds, and art stores.
Parks and Other Recreation
In addition to easy access to the Hill Country, Alamo Heights has a range of community amenities, including parks, trails, and recreational facilities, making it a great place to live for outdoor enthusiasts. A few of these amenities and parks include:
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Brackenridge Park - Located near Alamo Heights and housing the San Antonio Zoo, Japanese Tea Garden, and the Witte Museum.
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Olmos Basin Park - Known for its trails, open space, and nearby San Antonio River headwaters area.
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Judson Nature Trails - A serene green space area in Alamo Heights that offers pathways for walking, jogging, and biking.
Alamo Heights is also home to the McNay Art Museum, which features a distinguished collection of modern and contemporary art. The Witte Museum, also in Alamo Heights, offers a mix of science, nature, and culture, featuring exhibits on Texas history and prehistoric fossils.
Finally, the San Antonio Botanical Garden, which borders Alamo Heights, is another key draw to the area and is known for its Texas Native Trail, which showcases local environmental ecosystems.
Conclusion
Alamo Heights offers a lot to prospective residents, from great schools to family-friendly activities both within the city and throughout the San Antonio metro area. If you're moving to Alamo Heights, do your research on specific neighborhoods like Olmos Park and weigh the amenities against your family's and individual needs. When you do decide to make a move to the city, don't hesitate to contact 3 Men Movers, the best Alamo Heights movers money can buy.