Single professional relo to SA, need advice! (San Antonio, Center: real estate, apartments)

[leavingCT]

Hi all,

In an unexpected turn of events, it looks like I might be relocating to SA within the next month or so. I have never set foot in Texas, I know nothing about SA and I have no idea where to look for housing. Since I still own my house in Florida (tenant occupied) that I cannot unload right now, buying is not an option; I have to rent. Unfortunately I'm kind of particular about what I'm looking for....I don't know what the rental market is like in San Antonio so I have no idea if what I want even exists. But this is what I'm looking for, and any suggestions/ideas for where to look, who to contact, etc, would be greatly appreciated!

• Must be a house or a townhouse--no apartments or condos
• Prefer that the home be brand new or very new--under five years old
• Would like to be relatively close to shopping, restaurants, banks, etc...not necessarily walking distance (although that is great), but just not WAY out in the middle of nowhere
• Would LOVE a fenced yard/courtyard. I have no idea how common this is in TX or SA specifically.
• My upper price limit is 1800 a month.
• I only "need" 2 bedrooms but would prefer 2 bedroom + den, or 3 bedrooms.
• I have two small dogs so I need a pet friendly area
• Schools are a non-issue--no kids

I'm in my early 30s, single and therefore want to be near activity.

Any ideas? I have NO idea where to start or who I should contact.

Thanks everyone in advance! I have more questions on SA in general but I'll post those separately.

[firstclassflyer]

[quote=leavingCT;4157041]

Any ideas? I have NO idea where to start or who I should contact./QUOTE]


I have an idea of where you can start. Start by reading the sticky at the top of the SA page. That'll give you a good idea regarding areas etc...answers a lot of questions. Good luck!

[leavingCT]

[quote=firstclassflyer;4157277]

Originally Posted by leavingCT

Any ideas? I have NO idea where to start or who I should contact./QUOTE]


I have an idea of where you can start. Start by reading the sticky at the top of the SA page. That'll give you a good idea regarding areas etc...answers a lot of questions. Good luck!

Thank you....actually I did read the sticky. I still do not have a good idea of neighborhoods or areas to look at or any realtors who do rentals...?

[Bo]

How do you feel about traffic and long commutes? If that's important, we need to know what part of the city you will be working in.

Most of the <5 year housing stock is outside of loop 1604, so that will probably lengthen your commute, unless your employer is also there. The area with the most commerce outside 1604 at your price point is between IH-10 and IH-35 on the north side. The midpoint of that zone is Stone Oak, and that's where you will find the most commerce.

[firstclassflyer]

We can't even begin to help you without you providing much more information. This city is big. Will you be working? Where? Gay? Want gay friendly area? You can start with those, as these will help narrow down the areas that you'll want to be in. Commute times can vary wildly.

[leavingCT]

Originally Posted by firstclassflyer

We can't even begin to help you without you providing much more information. This city is big. Will you be working? Where? Gay? Want gay friendly area? You can start with those, as these will help narrow down the areas that you'll want to be in. Commute times can vary wildly.

Good point.

Not gay--but single and looking. No kids, just dogs.

I've heard that the traffic can be tough so that will be a challenge. The office I'll be working in is in the 78229 zip code. Unfortunately I know nothing about the area, neighborhoods, etc., so I do not have a clue about what is near there residentially.

Any ideas, greatly appreciated..........

[Birdz]

I was in the 'same boat' two years ago. May I suggest that you DO rent an apartment for a year. This will give you time to search for the exact type of living space you desire.
I bought a home rather hastily, and now that I know SA better, I most likely would have made a different choice.

[Bo]

Originally Posted by leavingCT

The office I'll be working in is in the 78229 zip code. Unfortunately I know nothing about the area, neighborhoods, etc., so I do not have a clue about what is near there residentially.

78229 is at the NW corner of Loop 410, just west of where it intersects with I-10. Locals will know that as south of the Medical Center and north of 410.

There's not much new residential development in 78229 and Stone Oak is probably not the best option for you. In fact, getting there from the east or the north is less than ideal from a traffic standpoint, but those are the directions where most of the new residential development is. Maybe some of the folks here who live in the Northwest will chime in with some better ideas for you?

[Birdz]

For $1,800 (and many times less) you could rent a house in SA. Prices are much different here than in the N.E. That would give you a yard for the dogs too. It may be beneficial for you to contact a real estate agent in SA or look at rental classified ads on-line.

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by Bowie

How do you feel about traffic and long commutes? If that's important, we need to know what part of the city you will be working in.

Most of the <5 year housing stock is outside of loop 1604, so that will probably lengthen your commute, unless your employer is also there. The area with the most commerce outside 1604 at your price point is between IH-10 and IH-35 on the north side. The midpoint of that zone is Stone Oak, and that's where you will find the most commerce.

Actually, there are some brand spanking new townhomes in King William and Lavaca, both as rentals. Moderator cut: use direct message