san antonio, TX Community Information

San Antonio has a diversified economy with a focus on financial services, health care, national defense and tourism. Located northwest of the city center is the South Texas Medical Center, the largest medical research and care provider in South Texas, which is a conglomerate of numerous major hospitals, clinics, and research and higher educational institutions. The center is the chief catalyst for a $14 billion biomedical industry. San Antonio also employs more than 27,000 people and is home to one of the largest military concentrations in the country. But a good portion of the city's economy is fueled by some 20 million tourists who come each year to see the Alamo and other attractions.

Downtown San Antonio is home to many districts, including the Alamo District, Alamodome District, Central Business District, Convention Center District, Historic Civic District, Houston Street District, King William Historic District, La Villita District, Market Square District, North Downtown, North River District, River Bend District, SoSo (South of Southtown), Southtown and the University District. The jewel of the city is the River Walk, which meanders through the downtown area. The area is lined with numerous shops, restaurants, clubs and bars.

Southtown/King William is located south of downtown. This vibrant neighborhood includes the King William and Lavaca National Historic Districts, as well as the warehouse district and loft conversions of Blue Star Art Gallery. Once labeled Texas's most eccentric neighborhood by Texas Monthly magazine, Southtown is known for its diverse community, art galleries, restaurants and Victorian-style homes. There is also a heavy concentration of resident artists and contemporary art spaces.

The northwest side of San Antonio is home to the South Texas Medical Center, the corporate headquarters of Valero, the campus of the University of Texas at San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas and the upscale open-air shopping center Shops at La Cantera. This area also includes the prestigious neighborhood, the Dominion, which is home to NBA star David Robinson, and many current Spurs basketball players. Expect to pay in the multimillion bracket for homes in this swanky neighborhood.

For more modestly priced homes, head to the city's West Side neighborhood. The West side's historic Prospect Hill neighborhood, is one of the first communities to be built in the area, and is rich with history. It is also within the original 36 miles of downtown San Antonio. The housing is primarily modest 2- and 3-bedroom homes with a mix of early 1900's and post WWII houses. The median home price in San Antonio is $152,000.

With a thriving downtown and affordable homes, there's more to remember than the Alamo, so start your San Antonio real estate search today!

Sources and more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio,_Texas
http://sanantonio.citysearch.com/