People are moving to San Antonio for a number of reasons, and from July of 2023 to July of 2024, the city had the fourth-largest growth of any city in the U.S. Understanding if SATX is the right move for you all comes down to your needs and what the city has to offer to meet those needs. Let's take a look at what moving to San Antonio offers and what you can expect. When you are planning a relocation, working with experienced San Antonio movers can make the process smoother from start to finish.
Living in San Antonio
San Antonio, also known as the Alamo City, is a vibrant city with a rich history and a blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. Located in the Texas Hill Country, San Antonio boasts a unique cultural scene, with numerous parks, a thriving downtown area, and a strong sense of community.
San Antonio residents enjoy a warm climate, with mild winters and hot summers, making it an attractive destination for those who love sunshine and outdoor activities. The city's economy is driven by major industries such as healthcare, tourism, and the military, with Joint Base San Antonio being a significant employer.
San Antonio Population and Demographics
The city of San Antonio has approximately 1.5 million residents as of 2024, with the suburbs and New Braunfels area completing the metro area's total of 2.7 million residents. From 2020 to 2024, the metro area added 205,000, primarily driven by newcomers from out of state, reshaping the demographics and housing conditions.
The population of the area is predominantly Hispanic, with roughly 940,000 residents being Latino. Of the other ethnic and racial groups, Caucasians make up roughly 23% of the population, with African Americans and Asian populations making up another 10% of the population.
The median age of the population is about 35 years old, with a median household income of $62,900. Roughly 30% of the residents over 25 years old hold a bachelor's degree or higher, trailing behind Texas's other metro areas of Houston, Austin, and Dallas.
Pros and Cons of Living in San Antonio
Like every other city, moving to San Antonio comes with some unique benefits and challenges, and understanding those pros and cons is a major factor when determining whether or not the city is a fit for your lifestyle and needs.
Pros
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Affordable Cost of Living
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Compared to other major Texas cities like Austin or Dallas, San Antonio has lower housing costs, utility rates, and everyday expenses.
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Rich Culture & History
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Home to the Alamo, Missions, and vibrant festivals like Fiesta, the city offers deep cultural roots and diverse heritage.
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Strong Job Market
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San Antonio has thriving sectors in military, healthcare, tourism, and tech, with major employers like USAA, H-E-B, and several military bases.
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Family-Friendly Atmosphere
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The city offers numerous parks, museums, the San Antonio Zoo, and family-focused neighborhoods with highly rated schools in areas like Alamo Heights and Stone Oak.
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Warm Climate & Outdoor Lifestyle
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With over 250 sunny days per year, residents enjoy outdoor activities like the River Walk, hiking, and biking almost year-round.
Cons
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Hot Summers
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Temperatures often exceed 100°F in summer months, which can lead to high electricity bills and discomfort for heat-sensitive individuals.
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Traffic & Infrastructure Challenges
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Rapid growth has outpaced some infrastructure, leading to congestion on highways like Loop 1604 and I-35.
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Limited Public Transportation
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VIA Metropolitan Transit provides limited bus service, and there's no commuter rail system, making a personal vehicle essential.
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Allergy Issues
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San Antonio ranks high for seasonal allergies, especially from mountain cedar and oak pollen.
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Educational Inequality
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While some school districts are excellent, others lag in funding and performance, leading to disparities across neighborhoods.
Affordable Housing and Range of Neighborhoods
One of the largest draws for moving to San Antonio is its very affordable housing market. San Antonio's median housing price is around $324,000, meaning that on average, the area offers home prices at roughly 40% below the national average. With a lower cost of living compared to other major cities in the U.S., San Antonio is an attractive option for young professionals and families.
San Antonio offers a range of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyle preferences, from the vibrant downtown area to family-friendly suburbs like Alamo Heights and Beacon Hill. Popular neighborhoods offer a range of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, within walking distance.
Popular Neighborhoods and Suburbs
San Antonio and its neighboring areas have many popular established neighborhoods and new developments that offer a wide range of amenities for a lifestyle and family-friendly activities. Some of these areas include:
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Alamo Heights - An inner city enclave with tree-lined streets, walkable amenities, and upscale charm. Close to McNay Art Museum, Quarry Market, and other cultural attractions.
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Tobin Hill / Pearl District - Boasts a mix of historic bungalows and modern apartment developments. The area is walkable to the Pearl, restaurants, and downtown San Antonio's arts and events.
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Timberwood Park - North of San Antonio, this Hill Country suburb has excellent schools and nature-focused communities.
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Helotes - Located 16 miles Northwest of downtown, this suburb is gaining popularity for spacious lots, golf courses, and old-town charm with local shops and restaurants.
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New Braunfels - While this is its own city, its proximity to SA and rapid growth make it a hot relocation area. Home to the historic Gruene District, river recreation, and a family vibe, New Braunfels ranks as a top suburb.
Education
For families moving to San Antonio, the area offers their children several opportunities for public and private education, as well as colleges and universities local to the area. Resources like the Texas Education Agency provide future residents with information regarding public schools, and GreatSchools.org has reviews and information from parents on both public and private schools.
School Districts
San Antonio is served by a range of public and private schools, with several highly-rated school districts and numerous options for elementary, middle, and high school education. Some of the top districts include:
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Boerne ISD - "A" rated consistently in the TEA ratings, with a 2023 score of 91.
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Alamo Heights ISD - Near top-tier school district, with TEA grade of 88
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Randolph Field ISD - A smaller military district with top academics and a TEA score of 88.
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Somerset ISD - An "A" rated school district located south of San Antonio, offering STEM, fine arts, and college courses.
Universities and Colleges
The city is home to several top-rated public and private universities and colleges, offering a variety of majors and fields of study, including:
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The University of Texas at San Antonio - The largest university in the city, offering over 170 undergraduate and graduate programs.
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Texas A&M University-San Antonio - Opened in 2009 and growing, this school has strong programs in business, criminal justice, and education.
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Trinity University - A highly ranked private liberal arts school with a strong reputation in STEM, liberal arts, and business majors.
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University of the Incarnate Word - Texas's largest Catholic university, offering programs from undergrad through doctoral levels, including medicine and pharmacy programs.
Job Opportunities and Economy
San Antonio's economy boasts a few advantages over cities outside of Texas. First and foremost, there's no Texas State income tax, so everyone from high earners to remote workers can expect to save 4-13% over other states like California and New York. In addition to no state income tax, SATX also has the following favorable cost-of-living advantages:
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Affordable housing, as mentioned before
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Lower utility and energy costs, with residents benefitting from rates below the national average, as well as rebate and efficiency programs through CPS Energy and Casa Verde.
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Lower property taxes, budget friendly grocery, dining, and entertainment options.
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Lower car insurance and gas prices than the national averages.
Military City
While San Antonio's economy is driven by a range of industries, including healthcare, tourism, and technology, the military drives a significant portion of the local economy. Home to Joint Base San Antonio (comprised of Lackland AFB, Fort Sam Houston, and Randolph AFB, the area employs 81,000 people directly related to the military and 211,000 both directly and indirectly in the area.
Other Key Employers
San Antonio's job market, characterized by a low unemployment rate and a growing number of startups and small businesses, is an attractive destination for job hunters. The city's strategic location, with easy access to major highways and airports, makes it an ideal hub for businesses and industries looking to expand their operations. San Antonio is currently home to or has significant presence from the following companies:
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UT Health San Antonio - Employs 8,000 + staff in clinical and research roles across its various campuses.
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USAA corporate headquarters - Insurance, banking, and financial services for military members, employing 16,000-17,000 personnel.
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H-E-B grocery chain is based in SA, and is one of Texas' largest private employers
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Rackspace Technology - Cloud and IT services employer, with 3,000+ employees.
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Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas - Produces Toyota Tundra, Tacoma, and Lexus SUVs; expanding after another $500 million investment.
Lifestyle and Culture
San Antonio is known for its thriving scene, with a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the famous San Antonio River Walk and the San Antonio Zoo. The city's food scene is a unique blend of Tex-Mex and traditional Mexican restaurants. The city's Texas history and cultural heritage show up in its many museums, historic landmarks, and cultural attractions, including the Alamo and the San Antonio Missions.
Things to Do in the San Antonio Area
San Antonio is surrounded by the beautiful Texas Hill Country, with numerous parks, trails, and outdoor recreational areas to explore. The famous River Walk is a must-see, but San Antonio residents also enjoy the following local attractions:
Family & Theme Park Attractions
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Six Flags Fiesta Texas - A major theme park with roller coasters and water rides.
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SeaWorld San Antonio - One of the largest marine-themed amusement parks in the U.S., offering animal shows, rides, and a water park (Aquatica).
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San Antonio Zoo - Over 750 species and interactive exhibits in a scenic 56-acre park, located in Brackenridge Park.
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LEGOLAND Discovery Center - An indoor attraction for kids with rides, play zones, and a 4D cinema located at the Shops at Rivercenter downtown.
Historic & Cultural Sites
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The Alamo - an Iconic 18th-century Spanish mission and site of the pivotal 1836 battle for Texas independence.
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San Antonio River Walk (Paseo del Río) - Lined with restaurants, shops, and hotels, this scenic urban waterway is the heart of the city's social life.
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The Pearl District - A revitalized historic brewery area now featuring fine dining, boutiques, a farmers market, and the elegant Hotel Emma.
Arts & Performance
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Majestic Theatre - A beautifully restored 1920s theater hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts.
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San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA)- SAMA features global art collections from ancient to contemporary.
Sports & Major Events
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San Antonio Spurs (NBA) - Games are held at the Frost Bank Center (formerly AT&T Center). The team has a strong legacy and loyal fan base.
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San Antonio FC (USL Championship) - Professional soccer team playing at Toyota Field.
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San Antonio Missions (MiLB) - Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the San Diego Padres.
Rodeos & Festivals
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San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo (Feb) – One of the largest rodeos in the U.S.
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Fiesta San Antonio (April) – A 10-day citywide celebration with parades, music, food, and cultural events.
Nightlife & Dining
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The Esquire Tavern – Historic bar with one of the longest wooden bartops in Texas, located on the River Walk.
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La Villita Historic Arts Village – Home to artisan shops, cultural festivals, and the Arneson River Theatre.
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St. Mary's Strip – Trendy nightlife district known for live music, bars, and casual eateries.
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Historic Market Square (El Mercado) – The largest Mexican market in the U.S. featuring food, music, and handmade goods.
Moving Tips and Resources
So after taking a look at everything that San Antonio has to offer, you'll need to figure out the basics for planning a move to the area. And while moving to San Antonio is a daunting task, with a little planning, it can be manageable. Choosing the right San Antonio moving company can take the stress out of logistics, packing, and settling in.
Schools
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Texas Education Agency - Official school ratings, demographics, and performance data by district.
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GreatSchools.org - Parent reviews, test score comparisons, boundary maps, and ratings
Utilities
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PowerToChoose.org -Texas' official site to compare electricity plans in deregulated areas (San Antonio included)
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CPS Energy - Primary natural gas provider in San Antonio
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BroadbandNow - Compare ISPs (AT&T, Spectrum, Frontier) and their speeds in your zip code.
Government Offices
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DMV (Driver's Licenses) - Schedule appointments for licenses, IDs, etc.
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USPS Change of Address - Forwarding Your Mail and Updating Addresses Online.
Realtors
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Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) - Resources to verify real estate licenses and lookup brokerage firms.
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San Antonio Board of Realtors - official realtor association with resources to find licensed agents and local MLS listings.
Movers and Relocation Services
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Move.org - Rankings and reviews of the top San Antonio-area movers
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BBB - Resources to verify movers' licenses, insurance, and to view complaint history and ratings.
Final Tips and
The San Antonio area offers a lot, with a cost of living that suits all groups, ages, and cultures. The greatest tip we can offer is to check out areas both in and around SA to get a feel for which area fits your lifestyle the best. Texas even has a guide for moving to the state. When you're ready to move (especially if you're moving within Texas), check out the reviews on the moving resources. If the fit is right for you, please contact 3 Men Movers for all of your moving needs. We've been moving Texas neighbors for 40 years and more than 50% of our customers are repeat users.