Why Should You Move To Stone Oak?
It's no secret that people are moving to Texas for a number of reasons. Whether you are looking for more space, no income taxes, or employment opportunities, the state has a lot to offer. If you're moving to or already live in the San Antonio area, Stone Oak offers a unique blend of suburban comfort and urban amenities, making it a great place for families and individuals.
The neighborhood’s excellent schools, safe environment, and convenient location make it an ideal place to live, offering residents a high quality of life, access to outdoor activities, cultural events, and a vibrant community. Moving to Stone Oak provides a great opportunity to experience the best of San Antonio, with its pleasant climate and natural beauty. Stone Oak is a charming neighborhood featuring luxurious gated communities and oak tree-lined streets.
Introduction to Stone Oak
Stone Oak is a scenic neighborhood in North Central San Antonio, offering suburban convenience and natural beauty, with Downtown San Antonio nearby. It offers great access to both the Texas Hill Country and the conveniences of San Antonio. Planned in the 1980s, with the first residential developments occurring in the 1990s, the community is known for its master-planned design, which provides a welcoming environment for families moving to Stone Oak.
Moving to Stone Oak provides a unique opportunity to experience the best of San Antonio, with its pleasant climate and convenient access to major highways. But there's so much more to the area, so let's dive right in and learn more.
Location and Overview
Stone Oak is located in far north-central San Antonio, near the Texas Hill Country, primarily within the 78258 zip code. Much like La Cantera and Encino Park, Stone Oak was developed just north of the 1604 Loop. It is not historic San Antonio, but rather a post-suburban, car-oriented, master-planned corridor that offers large, affordable lots and homes, and great schools. The neighborhood is also close to North Central Baptist Hospital, Canyon Springs Golf Club, and other major amenities.
While the neighborhood is newer than many in the San Antonio area, there are numerous reasons why people want to move their families there. The real estate market, safety, school systems, and lifestyle perks are among the top reasons that people are flocking to the area.
Demographics and Employment
So who is making up the group of people that are currently calling Stone Oak home? Stone Oak has a population of 43,000-51,000, depending upon the cited source. According to Census Reporter, roughly 52,000 people live in zip code 78258, with the following makeup:
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Median age - 39 years old
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Education level - 96% have a high school education, 61% hold a bachelor's degree or higher
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Median household income - $116,000, significantly higher than the San Antonio metro area
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Average travel time to work - residents state that commute times are 25-30 minutes to work
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Average household size - 2.7 people, suggesting a mix of families and single professionals
The neighborhood is close to a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, technology, and education. Speaking of drive time for work, the following employers are in the area, arranged by proximity to Stone Oak:
Within a 15-minute drive, Methodist Hospital Stone Oak is a major medical employer, either walkable or a short drive from the campus.
15 to 25 minute drive - USAA, Rackspace Technology, H-E-B, and Southwest Research Institute
Wider Regional employers - Include JPMorgan Chase, UTSA, Frost Bank, and Valero.
With close proximity to many jobs and easy access to the 1604 loop, it's easy to see why people are attracted to the work-life balance that Stone Oak offers to homeowners and renters alike.
Real Estate and Housing
Home Ownership
Stone Oak offers a diverse housing market, with options ranging from starter homes priced between $300,000 and $450,000 to luxury estates over $800,000. And while the median home price in Stone Oak is around $475,000, higher than the San Antonio average, compared to West Coast cities or even Austin, property is still more affordable. Pricing, coupled with the amenities, keeps the Stone Oak housing market strong for families and professionals.
Stone Oak is one of San Antonio's most desirable master-planned communities. The area has grown by roughly 11% over the last five years. Surrounded by parks, properties in Stone Oak are:
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Typically larger in lot size and number of bedrooms
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Include amenities like golf courses, pools, and fitness centers.
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Serviced by some of the best schools San Antonio offers
Rental Market
Renting options in Stone Oak are plentiful, with a good blend of luxury communities and attractive mid-range priced complexes. Here are just a few of the options we researched:
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Park at Stone Oak - This complex receives top ratings, features upscale finishes and amenities, and offers easy access to shops and freeways.
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Wiregrass at Stone Oak - A well-liked modern complex that has modern apartments just steps from retail and dining in the Stone Oak area.
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Sage at Stone Oak - A Nice, mid-priced 55 and older apartment complex with strong ratings and close proximity to Stone Oak shopping.
Overall, for the Stone Oak area, you can expect to pay somewhere in the range of these averages by number of bedrooms.
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Number of Bedrooms |
1 bedroom |
2 bedrooms |
3 bedrooms |
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Average monthly rent |
$1,350/month |
$1,780/month |
$2,420/month |
So whether you intend to buy or rent, both single-family homes and apartments in the Stone Oak neighborhood offer a range of choices for buyers and renters seeking quality living while balancing their financial and safety needs.
Safety and Security
Another consideration for families relocating to Stone Oak is the neighborhood’s low crime rate, which makes it an attractive option for those seeking a safe place to live. Stone Oak ranks in the 74th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 74% of neighborhoods in San Antonio. Per CrimeGrade.org, violent crime is very low, with around 2 incidents per 1,000 residents per year. And while property crime rates are higher per 1,000 residents, Stone Oak still scores better than most areas of San Antonio.
Part of what makes Stone Oak so safe is that the San Antonio Police Department employs its SAFFE Unit, which focuses on quality-of-life enforcement rather than traditional emergency policing. This unit works closely with HOAs, community groups, and city code enforcement to enhance residents' sense of community and mitigate problem properties in the neighborhood.
Education and Schools
In addition to a secure, safe community feel, Stone Oak is served by the North East Independent School District, which is consistently ranked among San Antonio's best school districts. Families moving to Stone Oak often choose homes based on school boundaries. For those researching schools in the area, don't forget to review the Texas Education Agency for its ratings and reviews.
Elementary Schools
Popular North East ISD elementary schools include:
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Hardy Oak Elementary - A solid NEISD school, with a GreatSchools rating of 9/10, and a TEA student achievement score of A.
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Wilderness Oak Elementary - A TEA rating of A, with strong scores across student achievement, accountability, and progress.
Middle Schools And High Schools
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Jose M. Lopez Middle School - Excellent across academic areas, with a TEA rating of A, this middle school receives high grades for post-secondary school readiness.
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Tejeda Middle School - TEA rating of A, with positive reviews and strong state test performance.
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Johnson High School - Another solid Stone Oak high school, with solid academic outcomes and college prep.
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Ronald Reagan High School - Offers advanced placement courses and a strong athletics program.
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International School of the Americas - A smaller magnet high school in NEISD, the ISA is a top choice for college prep, arts, and STEM studies.
Private School Options
Stone Oak has several private school options available, including PREP School of Stone Oak and Primrose School of Stone Oak. Check their websites, local neighborhood guides, and forums to get specifics and ratings from residents.
Higher Education
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University of Texas at San Antonio - Well known for programs in cybersecurity, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, as well as other engineering and applied sciences programs
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San Antonio College - Known for its Nursing and radiologic technology programs, skilled trades programs, and as a pathway to many 4-year universities in Texas.
Transportation and Commutes
Stone Oak offers quick access to major job hubs in the San Antonio area via US-281 and Loop 1604. And while traffic congestion is common during peak hours near major intersections and the US-281 and Loop 1604 interchange, recent roadway expansions have improved commute times for residents, making it easier to get to work or school.
Major roads like Highway 281, Loop 1604, and Stone Oak Parkway provide easy access for residents, and the drive to the San Antonio airport is short, taking just minutes down Highway 281 for business travelers and vacation seekers. And while congestion continues to be a problem in most cities, the City of San Antonio plans ongoing infrastructure upgrades benefiting Stone Oak commuters' access to nearby amenities and the greater San Antonio area.
Lifestyle and Amenities
Outdoor Activities
Stone Oak's master-planned communities offer residents convenient access to a wide variety of outdoor activities, including golf courses, city-maintained parks, trails, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and tennis courts, fitness centers, and swimming pools. Some of these include:
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Stone Oak Country Club - Offering golf, dining, and tennis.
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Canyon Springs Golf Club - Offering membership as well as daily fee golfing.
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Stone Oak Park - A 245-acre park featuring paved and unpaved trails, playgrounds, and the HealthBeat Outdoor Fitness System, making it the perfect place for weekend adventures. This park is also home to several sports fields for youth leagues.
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Panther Springs Park - With modern playgrounds, a paved jogging loop, and rolling terrain, this park is very neighborhood-oriented.
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Access to junior Olympic-size pools, fitness centers, and tennis courts within many of the gated communities.
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Six Flags Fiesta Texas - Just a short drive west from Stone Oak, this theme park offers family-friendly activities and rides for all ages.
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The nearby Texas Hill Country has scenic landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Medical Care And Wellness
Medical care is easily accessible in Stone Oak, with several hospitals and clinics nearby. A few of these include:
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Methodist Hospital Stone Oak – A full-service acute care hospital right in Stone Oak. Known locally as one of San Antonio’s top hospitals with high-performing outcomes in surgical and medical specialties, including stroke, cardiovascular care, cancer, and more. It also has an on-site emergency department.
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University Health System – Part of San Antonio’s public academic health system, providing inpatient and outpatient care across specialties; located a short drive from Stone Oak along Loop 410.
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Stone Oak Family Practice – A local family medical practice offering general care and preventive health services.
The neighborhood is also home to several fitness centers, yoga studios, and wellness centers, making it a great place to stay healthy and active. Overall, with a pleasant year-round climate and the community's focus on wellness and healthcare, Stone Oak is an attractive option for families and individuals.
Shopping And Dining Options
No neighborhood guide would be complete without providing the local shopping and dining hotspots. The Stone Oak area offers easy access to multiple shopping centers, a variety of highly rated local eats, and a nightlife focused on fun, casual bars rather than big club districts like those in Houston or Austin.
Shopping
The Stone Oak area features new mixed-use shopping centers that provide the community with a sense of self-sufficiency and places that are either walkable or a short drive away. A few of the local shopping staples include:
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Village at Stone Oak - This central hub within the neighborhood has shops, services, eateries, and a movie theater, serving as the kind of place neighbors walk to run errands, pick up gifts, or make dinner plans.
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North Star Mall - Just a short drive away, with over 200 stores, this area is perfect for larger shopping trips and dinner.
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H-E-B - You can't talk about grocery shopping in San Antonio without their home-based brand. They focus heavily on Texas brands, great quality Texas-sourced meat and produce, and a better selection than most national chains. As a bonus, their customer service is top-notch.
Dining
Stone Oak is home to several diverse and highly rated local spots. From Tex-Mex to BBQ, there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking for super casual to fine dining, Stone Oak has some top local spots, including:
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Curry Boys BBQ - Top-rated BBQ fusion with creative, flavorful smoked meats and sides; casual and friendly.
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Aldaco's Mexican Restaurant - An iconic Mexican restaurant with margarita-friendly patios and sweeping views, making it a Stone Oak brunch, dinner, or happy hour staple.
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Trilogy Pizza Bistro - A long-standing neighborhood favorite, with great NY and Chicago deep-dish style pizza.
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Kneaders Bakery & Cafe - A local favorite for fresh-baked goods and a relaxed breakfast.
Final Thoughts On Stone Oak
Whatever your specific reason for wanting to move to Stone Oak, whether it be that you're new to the area, looking for better schools, or moving closer to work, this master-planned community offers up a lot of options for balancing lifestyle, affordability, and proximity to the rest of San Antonio and the Hill Country. If and when you're ready, don't hesitate to visit 3 Men Movers to help pack, load, and move to your new Stone Oak residence. Just as you won't be disappointed with our movers, you won't be either.