Subdivisions in San Antonio (Canyon, Boerne: power lines, HOA fees, houses)

[ritajohncarroll]

Can anyone describe the different subdivisions for me in San Antonio and let me know how big the lots are, if they are by power lines, close to shopping, restaurants, pools or tennis courts, and the special qualities of the area?

1.) Shearer Oaks - (Cadillac Dr.) -
2.) Shavano Park - Willow Wood subdivision
3.) Shadow Canyon - How are the Helotes Elementary school relative to others in the North and North east side?
4.) Village Green
5.) The Dominion
6.) Fair Oaks Ranch - how are the Boerne schools relative to the NEISD and NISD schools in size, quality?

Thanks!

[chisco34]

I can't comment on all of the areas on your list, but I am familiar with some of them.

1. No experience
2. Shavano Park: Very pretty area, lots of trees. If you are actually in the Shavano Park city limits you will be serviced by Shavano police and fire departments, taxes will be different than S.A. Lot sizes very, the age of homes ranges from 30+ year to brand new.
3. Shadow Canyon: beautiful homes, lot sizes vary from close to an acre to 1+ acres. The drive down highway 16 is pretty and traffic free, but like every other part of S.A., the city is moving into the country. This is my favorite area of S.A. Only a 25 minute drive to Medina Lake. Helotes Elem. is part of NISD, so no problems there. The school looks a little older, but that isn't a reflection of the level of education.
4. Village Green: no experience
5. The Dominion: Homes are usually 5,000+ sq ft, usually around 1 acre lots, not worth the money. Most of my closest friends throughout my life have lived in the Dominion. Although you can't deny there are beautiful houses, I have never had the desire to live out there. I like more space, and the houses, although on large lots, are still close together. I would never pay the outrageous HOA fees (around $10,000 per year), plus pay a fee for every other individual thing you do (i.e. change fence, paint, landscape). Just not worth it to have a $1 million+ dollar home on top of another $1 million+ home. You of course get the guarded entrance and can rub elbows with some famous people if that's a big deal to you.
6. Fair Oaks Ranch: Large lots, lots of trees. Boerne schools have a good reputation. Nice area, and drive down I-10 isn't bad. Some older homes need some sprucing up, but newer homes are looking good. Not sure what the HOA fees are like, but they have a nice rec center, special events hall, etc.

[attman]

out of all of those subdivisions above, The Dominion happens to be the best of all. Just my opinion. Not all lots are acre lots. 1 acre in the dominion is going to run you around 300k to 400k alone. HOA fees are per quarter and around 200 to 225 per quarter. about 2k per year is all. I do not know where 10k came from. You can also find garden homes in the dominion. Yes, a lot of the homes are big in there but it is very nice. great security and it happens to be closest to the city then all of the other subdivisions besides shavano park which is completely sold out. You can still get new construction in The Dominion. You can get a 2500 sq ft home there or also a much bigger home.

[ritajohncarroll]

Thanks for all the break downs of the subdivision descriptions. I am optimistic about Shadow Canyon and will drive around highway 16 on my next trip out.