Need Suggestions for "Neighborhood Tour 2008" (Houston, San Antonio: sales, insurance)

[LittleTPot]

My family and I are moving to San Antonio this summer, and I'm making a trip next week to start "scouting locations." I've gleaned lots of good information from this forum, as well as general home searches on-line, but I'm hoping for some other recommendations of neighborhoods that might be a good fit for us. Currently, we're looking at the North or Northeast side of San Antonio or a bit closer to downtown. My mom is in Fossil Ridge, and I'd prefer to be within half an hour or 45 minutes of her. My husband is in sales and will drive to Houston every week, so we'd prefer not to be on the west side. Our price range is about $200 to $300K. Here are the neighborhoods I plan to scout, but I'm very open to other suggestions:

Bulverde Village
Encino Park
Steubing Ranch
Northwood
Some of the Redland neighborhoods

Any other thoughts of neighborhoods on the north or northeast side or some that might be affordable closer to downtown? We have a child, so I'm hoping to stay in a good school district.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated! This forum has been so helpful, and I'm greatly looking forward to my trip to San Antonio next week. So long Chicago snow, and helloooo sunny San Antonio!

[Lauren0319]

Oak Hollow is a great neighborhood
Santa Fe Trail is another gem- GREAT location (same as Oak Hollow)

[LittleTPot]

Thanks so much! I actually had a Santa Fe Trail home favorited on my computer. I'll add that neighborhood and Oak Hollow to the list.

[Lauren0319]

I thought of 2 more
Deer Hollow & Deerfield. Again, amazing locations and a really amazing elem. school. Established neighborhoods with lots of trees

[hamjeepr]

Scenic Hills and the new section of Northcliff off of I-35 north of 1103. Benefits of City of Schertz, Comal ISD schools, and easy shot to I-10 via 78 to go to Houston. Also a golf course community.

[LittleTPot]

Thanks for the recommendations! Any thoughts on living inside 1604 versus outside 1604? I'll also do a search to see if I can find any discussions.

[LittleTPot]

Also, does anyone know anything about Shavano Ridge? I saw a few nice houses on-line, and I'd like to check out the area.

You all rock!

[Lauren0319]

Okay- this is just MY opinion.... my husband and I did the new house thing... fab house, small lot, no trees, young friendly neighborhood w/ lots of eager residents, traffic (and more traffic) back in Ft. Worth. It was like living outside of 1604.
When we moved here, we did the opposite. Older established neighborhood, older home, large lot, beautiful trees, and most importantly INSIDE Loop 1604 (=NO traffic and FAB location!!!!) We are so happy we moved where we did. We are a younger couple, and don't have kids yet but we will. We moved into a great school district... however, many of the schools outside of 1604 are great as well.

FWIW, I grew up here. I left 10 years ago to go to college and stayed, got married, and worked for another 6 years. Now I'm back in SA. I feel like I know the city well.

[LittleTPot]

Thanks, Lauren. These are exactly the criteria that we're considering. I like the idea of a brand new home, but the traffic, lack of trees, and excessive building (and possibly capped schools) don't appeal to us. We're moving from a very established neighborhood in Chicago and would probably like something that won't be such a shock to the system. Do you mind if I ask what neighborhood you're in?

I can't tell you how excited we are about the move. I'm a Texan, so this is a long overdue homecoming for me!

[hamjeepr]

The primary reasons for looking outside of Bexar County is reduced taxes and insurance costs (both car and property). To me, that trumps the other concerns.