best neigborhoods for semi retired couple (San Antonio, Alamo: best neighborhoods, rentals, health insurance)

[mebmlb02]

We are relocating from Boston and like what the San Antonio area has to offer but having a difficult time in figuring out which are the best neighborhoods for renting a 4 bed 2 bath single family home for around $1500 per month. We will move first then look for employment. we are receiving a small retirement and will have health insurance. Is there any type of public transportation that is reliable? Our adult son as an autism spectrum disorder and can not drive.

[pobre]

I'm sure you probably realize this, but San Antonio is very large (460 square miles). Here in Texas, cities tend to sprawl out and swallow what would be suburbs in the North East. What would be nearly outside Rt 128 in Massachusetts could be San Antonio still, here.

If you are looking for reliable public transportation, you'll probably want to stay inside of Loop 410, mostly on the northern side.

Are you prepared to have a drastic change of climate (I'm sure right now you are!). I've lived in Texas for 25 years, and still am not a fan of heat (originally from Boston).

[mebmlb02]

pobre thanks We are actually looking forward to the heat. When we were out last August and it was 110 I thought it fine because it was drier than what we would have with the humidity in Boston which we had several 103 temp days with 90% humidity last summer.

[jameshardin]

$1500 in San Antonio will get you a very fair rental property, but also do not expect to rent in Stone Oak. I would really check out some of the older, established neighborhoods near 281 and 1604. The style of homes ranges from Bavarian style, sprawling ranch styles, and 1960's "contemporary". You have easy access to most major highways, and retail centers. Now that the loop 1604/ 281 interchange is complete, traffic does not back up as badly as it used to, although it can still be substantial.

[pobre]

Originally Posted by mebmlb02

pobre thanks We are actually looking forward to the heat. When we were out last August and it was 110 I thought it fine because it was drier than what we would have with the humidity in Boston which we had several 103 temp days with 90% humidity last summer.

True. Days over 90 in Boston were dripping wet.

Like the poster above me stated, $1500 is a decent rental amount, but you won't be in the most highly sought after areas. But you will be able to land a house in a good, safe area. 1604 area around 281, possibly Encino Park (zip: 78259) area?

[smuboy86]

I don't know where these other posters are finding 4 bedroom houses for 1500 a month but I'm finding very few, even in older neighborhoods. I found a few inside the 410 loop close to Perrin beitel. Which is a respectable area.

[jameshardin]

Originally Posted by smuboy86

I don't know where these other posters are finding 4 bedroom houses for 1500 a month but I'm finding very few, even in older neighborhoods. I found a few inside the 410 loop close to Perrin beitel. Which is a respectable area.

What source are you searching in?

[smuboy86]

Originally Posted by jameshardin

What source are you searching in?

Realtor.com and zillow

[jameshardin]

Those can be a bit out of date, but still slightly reliable. I know there are plenty of rentals out there for 1500/mo. It all depends on the part of town. 1500 is a pretty average budget for a rental, but it should not be expected to bring a palace, or home in Stone Oak. One problem with looking for rentals without an agent is that they move so quickly they can disappear before you see them.

[jameshardin]

I stand corrected! I searched MLS and found only 4 homes available, not counting those with received applications. I searched both east and wets of 281, but south of 1604, and north of 281. Also included in the search was the "Alamo Heights East Terrel Hills Bock", which is between 281 and 35. Market is tight!

PS. This is not a solicitation of business, but rather a market report.