Moving BACK to the area from San Antonio (Alamo: real estate, big house) - Page 2 - City-Data Forum

Twinkle Toes · 02-26-2010, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdlife619

Wow what a great post! Just what I was looking for, and then some

Sounds to me SA really does suck compared to SD, I also hate hot humid weather, it's the worst experience a person should ever have to face........... 90 degrees with 100% humidity

But it looks really affordable, a person like me that doesn't make a whole lot of money would try a place like SA. I would definitely visit first though.

Thanks for the feedback

While I was there it rained almost every day or was overcast. It was incredibly depressing. Did I mention I am SOOOOOOOO happy to be back in CA???!!!

Twinkle Toes · 02-26-2010, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firstclassflyer

I forgot to include a few things.

No state income tax at all.
Property tax will be between 2 and 2.5 % of appraised value. They appraise every few years.

example: 200K House will be between $4000-5000/year depending on where the home is located. Some homes still maintain a San Antonio mailing address, but are actually located just outside city limits, thus the tax rate is a little different.

There is an auto inspection every year, but no emissions test.

Most folks own firearms for home defense. There is no paperwork (no registration) required if you buy face to face from someone, you just need to show that person a TX identification. Some go and get their CHL (carry permit) and carry everywhere. It's common.

Last thing. Most new construction (and a lot of existing homes) will require you to join an HOA. Our HOA dues run about $275/year. Some people like HOA's and some don't. Just a heads-up for you.

Our property tax in Bexar County was 3%. Of course we had a very nice home, but we've lived in very nice, expensive homes here in CA and NEVER paid as much in property tax as we were hit with in SA. And apparently they re-appraise every year, so your property taxes just keep going up every year.

MzZactuary · 02-26-2010, 05:17 PM

*firstclassflyer* I thought I was the only one who hated SA! Your post is EXACTLY how I feel about this place. The reason we are still here is because my husband has to work for the Air Force to pay back his free medical school (we are the people who are stuck!). Thank God we only need to stay here for a few more months! I worked for a big cooperation before we had our first baby here in SA. Most of the people I managed were poorly educated, and the upper management was completely dominated by the white males. Boy, did they not have an attitude issue! People I worked with had never heard of "baguette", had never set their foot out side of US, and they called Asian "Oriental"... Seriously, you got what you paid for!

firstclassflyer · 02-27-2010, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MzZactuary

*firstclassflyer* I thought I was the only one who hated SA! Your post is EXACTLY how I feel about this place. The reason we are still here is because my husband has to work for the Air Force to pay back his free medical school (we are the people who are stuck!). Thank God we only need to stay here for a few more months! I worked for a big cooperation before we had our first baby here in SA. Most of the people I managed were poorly educated, and the upper management was completely dominated by the white males. Boy, did they not have an attitude issue! People I worked with had never heard of "baguette", had never set their foot out side of US, and they called Asian "Oriental"... Seriously, you got what you paid for!

A few more months to go..and you'll be out!! Congrats! You are not alone in your disdain for San Antonio. I suspect that there are many more like us.
Good luck.

FCF

sandiegogolfer · 02-27-2010, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firstclassflyer

Will be moving back to North County shortly. We had some family issues and needed to relocate to the San Antonio area for a time.
Glad to be back, as I would not like to be anyone who is "captive" there. It's got issues.

If any of you have any questions, or are contemplating a move to SA, feel free to ask. Let's just say...it's a HUGE change.
Can't wait to be back.

How is Austin compared to San Antonio if anyone cares to know and comment?

eastontracks · 02-27-2010, 10:58 AM

Austin tends to be slightly more liberal. They aren't in my opinion as liberal as they think they are. It's more eco and bike friendly compared to San Antonio. In SA, they seem irritated there's bikers on the road, and just want to ride them right off lol. SA is slower paced city compared to Houston and Dallas. Austin has more hills, better scenery and a larger college crowd and more of an urban feel. SA is very spreadout.

I just finished school in San Antonio, and I feel the same way-ready to leave lol. There are definitely nice people, but sometimes it's too nice with the fakeness they bring with it. Too many trucks and cowboy hats in Texas that's for sure. I've been living here for almost 3 years (native south gulf coast) and also agree with these comments. There doesn't seem to be much hope with all the comments about how bad the economy is in California, but I'll keep working hard, and eventually maybe make my way out to So. Cal. When I see I-10 West, I think to myself I should just keep driving...

firstclassflyer · 02-27-2010, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandiegogolfer

How is Austin compared to San Antonio if anyone cares to know and comment?

The dynamics are completely different in Austin, as compared to San Antonio.
Austin, along with being the state capitol (and all that comes with that) is a HUGE college town. It has more of a SoCal feel to it. It's not as cheap as SA, but its not costly either. It's well known that a lot of Californians have (and continue to) relocate there. It's also much more scenic than SA, and has a vibrant live music scene.
Since it's only 1 hour from the NE part of San Antonio, the weather still sucks!! The traffic is much worse than SA as well. It's a problem.
It's a much more progressive city than SA..and you'll see a much healthier lifestyle amongst the population.
Also, since there are so many UT alumni that still live in the area, there's more competition for the quality jobs.
Overall, it's a better city than SA for young folks. Still a downgrade from SoCal though.
Maybe someone can add to what I've said here.

sdurbanite · 03-04-2010, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firstclassflyer

Will be moving back to North County shortly. We had some family issues and needed to relocate to the San Antonio area for a time.
Glad to be back, as I would not like to be anyone who is "captive" there. It's got issues.

If any of you have any questions, or are contemplating a move to SA, feel free to ask. Let's just say...it's a HUGE change.
Can't wait to be back.

I'll be visiting San Antonio and Austin for the first time in 3 weeks. Might have to revive this thread later to ask some info on the best Tex-Mex and BBQ in each city. Staying in the Riverwalk area.

sdlife619 · 03-04-2010, 11:59 PM

Yes, please keep us updated SDUrb, I would love to know how both cities compare to SD from someone like you that knows SD very well.

Also let us know about the food, if it's good or bad.

Sassberto · 03-05-2010, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdurbanite

I'll be visiting San Antonio and Austin for the first time in 3 weeks. Might have to revive this thread later to ask some info on the best Tex-Mex and BBQ in each city. Staying in the Riverwalk area.

Check out some of the historic neighborhoods north / northwest of downtown SA, I think you will be pleasantly surprised, as I know you love wealthy old neighborhoods.