Chimpie not moving to SA (San Antonio, Orange: hotel, house, safe area)

[Chimpie]

I was there for three days. A short visit, but that was enough. I have decided not to move there at this time. Below are some random thoughts... not all complete sentences. Please bare with me. LOL

I stayed in a hotel just north of the airport, near 281 and 1604. Traffic was a nightmare all day long. Anytime I went out, I was fighting traffic. Access roads are nice, but unless you're familiar with where things are, you spend an extra twenty minutes using the turnarounds to get back where you want to go. And if people didn't let you over, you had to play the turnaround game again.

Also, the road signage was horrible, especially on the access roads. There were few signs announcing that a turnaround was approaching, or the lane you were on was actually taking you back onto 281 (for example). Sure, there were signs, but by the time you saw them, or were at them, it was too late to change lanes.

As I traveled away from that area, moving towards downtown, and basically further south, I found the traffic and congestion to be the same. And again, this was at all times. I also took 410 to the east side of the city and it was more of the same. Traveling to the part of 410 around Dave and Busters where construction was worst was frightening. Quick, unannounced exits was, in my opinion, very dangerous. Not only did I have to often double back to try making an exit again, but those familiar with the roads darting across several lanes to make the exit caused several near accidents. I actually had to go back to the hotel and print of directions on how to get to Dave and Busters because I couldn't for the life of me figure out which exit and roads to take to get there.

Traffic on the west and south sides was much better, as that area is fairly undeveloped.

I lived in Orange County, CA (Irvine/Tustin area) for awhile and would trade the traffic there for SA anytime. I currently live in Sarasota, Florida, where during the winter the population seems to double with the number of snowbirds visiting. There are not only more drivers on the road, but also those who have, shall we say, slower reaction times and limited visibility. Again, I would rather drive here than SA.

As for the businesses and attractions, I found the city to be very clean and safe. I went to the Rivercenter Mall and walked around the Alamo. Very much a tourist attraction, but the area was again clean and safe. I visited a few other businesses (shopping and the like) and had great experiences.

As mentioned in this forum many and many times, SA residents are very laid back and friendly. If it wasn't for the people that I encountered and the awesome hotel staff, I would have probably paid the penalties and drove back to Florida instead of waiting to fly out on Saturday morning.

Oh, and not to boost n0vember's ego, but Stone Oak was awesome. It was like a completely different world. I went from flat SA to large rolling hills, beautiful homes and buildings/businesses. It is more of an upscale area, much closer to what I’m use to in Sarasota and the OC. I previously owned a business that I think would thrive in Stone Oak and related areas. I just don’t know if being that close to SA would satisfy me.

Overall, I want to thank all the members of the City-Data San Antonio forum for the great information that they provided to me prior to my visit. They provided good and mostly accurate information.

Take care,

Chimp

[n0vemberHAWK]

Glad to hear an outsider's opinion.

It's like I have been saying all along. There is San Antonio, then there is Stone Oak. Do not get the two confused...

[LongHornGuy86]

I don't blame you on not wanting to come to SA. It's a nice city, but I think for some of us younger members, it's just too slow and too simple (minded).

As for the roads and traffic situation, I told ya so. SA's infrastructure is completely disorganized, and the roadways here cannot handle the traffic. I'm gald someone else noticed the suicide exits on 410, and how dangerous they are, with NO signage indicating how sharp they are--I too have had a few near accidents.

As for Stone Oak, I think it is nice but a completely different world? It's not THAT nice. I have yet to see any true mansions like those in The Dominion in SO. I know there is some money there but it's not THAT great.

So Chimpie, let me ask you something--was it the roads alone that led you away from SA? Because if it was, I can see why.

[hello13685]

Chimpie, sorry you had to spend all of that money to find out what SA is like. I know that firsthand experience is the only way to figure out if it's right for you, but it's still a disappointment when it doesn't work out.

[Twinkle Toes]

I envy Chimpie!!! I wish we would have noticed the traffic and took it into consideration before moving here. We were just completely jaded by the housing prices. I too would take LA/OC traffic ANY DAY over SA traffic!!! I am so happy to be moving back home on June 1st!!! I can't wait!!! (I know you guys probably can't wait for me to leave!)

[n0vemberHAWK]

Originally Posted by Twinkle Toes

I can't wait!!! (I know you guys probably can't wait for me to leave!)

Not really...

It will be sad to see one of the few people with class, dignity, and intelligence in this city leave.

[slaleman]

Evidently, Chimpie didn't drive on Stone Oak Blvd, or anywhere near Stone Oak during rush hour because that place has the worst traffic (IMHO) in the city. It's impossible to get anywhere quickly on SOB (how appropriate), and all the Stone Oak-ites waiting till the last second to get over to exit from 1604 makes that road a mess every day.

[LongHornGuy86]

Yeah TT. You live in The Dominion right?

And November, where are the biggest mansions in SO?

[n0vemberHAWK]

Originally Posted by LongHornGuy86

Yeah TT. You live in The Dominion right?

And November, where are the biggest mansions in SO?

It is not about having the biggest mansion.

Stone Oak is about having a place to have a good sized house and a safe area with lots of businesses and stores accessible to make it convenient to raise a family and make a true home.

Stone Oak is not all about having a 3 million dollar home. It is about living surrounded by hardworking people that share the same common interest in you and are willing to take care of what they have worked for.

Stone Oak is a community full of middle-upper class families that enjoy living in a safe neighborhood where they do not have to worry about gang activity and shootings.

I think Stone Oak is an amazing community and that is why it is such a popular place.

[LongHornGuy86]

I never said it wasn't. And comparatively speaking, SO is much nicer than other parts of SA--even Alamo Heights if you prefer new construction.

But yeah, it's classy.