28 YOM single from Manhattan (flatiron). Where to live in SA? (San Antonio: apartments, to rent)

[raveesor]

Hey, I am moving to SA to work at BAMC. Have been reading through posts and have some questions.
First off I have lived in Manhattan for 8 years, would like to live in a bustling area. I have a 45lb dog, I would like an 800-1000 sq ft apt for $1200, in a downtown area apt building, with pool, and staff to accept packages. Also would like close proximity to bars/restaurants and other younger professionals. I would also like to be close to a dog park/doggie day care. Also would like to be a 10-15 minute drive to BAMC.
So, I've heard the Vistana is nice but loud and rude staff, I've heard King William area is nice, but the places i've looked at online (St Benedicts/Blue star) seem very desolate. I liked the area around the Valencia, but the Majestic doesn't allow dogs. Aside from magically finding a condo to rent at Alteza or Virrado, it seems downtown living that im used to is very difficult to find in SA. Any suggestions? Oh and BTW I really liked my visit to SA, I just want to be able to experience it walking/running/biking, not driving around. Looking forward to hearing responses.

[Chaka]

Yes, it's true SA's downtown is nowhere near what you have in Manhattan. Not by a long shot. We've only recently gotten some highrise apt towers and there aren't many.

What about St Benedicts seems desolate? It's in the midst of a bustling area, probably more active than a lot of downtown. Southtown, where St Benedicts and Blue Star are located is pretty much the center of activity for music and art on a regular basis. Other near downtown neighborhoods are nice too, but I think Southtown has more going on regularly(except on Sundays, when everyone seems to sleep). it's still nowhere near as bustling as Manhattan, SA overall is a very laid back kind of city, so you'll need to adapt to that. We have a number of neighbors in Southtown who've moved here from Manhattan in the past few years and are loving it.

[Soviet]

Virrado? Don't you mean Vidorra? Oh, and welcome to SA from NYC. I'm an ex-New Yorker, too. It's quite a culture shock, but you get used to it, quickly, this city's got plenty of awesome stuff and awesome people!

Minus the DUIs, of course.

[Primo]

It might be normal where you are from, but keeping a 45lb dog in an apartment is basically considered animal cruelty in Texas(not legally). Get something with a yard, you are not in NYC anymore.

[stoneoak]

Originally Posted by Primo

It might be normal where you are from, but keeping a 45lb dog in an apartment is basically considered animal cruelty in Texas(not legally). Get something with a yard, you are not in NYC anymore.

I think it will be difficult to find an apartment that will even accept a 45-pound dog. Most have a 25-pound limit don't they??

[Dreadlockd]

Culture shock is putting it lightly. The areas you've researched would fit the "look" maybe you are going for, but the "feel" of a bustling city anywhere in San Antonio is pretty nonexistent. There are sporadic fits of busyness, but nothing on any level comparable to NYC. Now if you are the type looking to slow down a bit with some (very few) comforts of home you should be okay. The transistion will take some getting used to, but with the right attitude, good group of friends/assocs. (and alcohol...lots of it) you too may find yourself calling SA "home".

Good luck with your move.

[AlGreen]

Originally Posted by raveesor

Hey, I am moving to SA to work at BAMC. Have been reading through posts and have some questions.
First off I have lived in Manhattan for 8 years, would like to live in a bustling area. I have a 45lb dog, I would like an 800-1000 sq ft apt for $1200, in a downtown area apt building, with pool, and staff to accept packages. Also would like close proximity to bars/restaurants and other younger professionals. I would also like to be close to a dog park/doggie day care. Also would like to be a 10-15 minute drive to BAMC.
So, I've heard the Vistana is nice but loud and rude staff, I've heard King William area is nice, but the places i've looked at online (St Benedicts/Blue star) seem very desolate. I liked the area around the Valencia, but the Majestic doesn't allow dogs. Aside from magically finding a condo to rent at Alteza or Virrado, it seems downtown living that im used to is very difficult to find in SA. Any suggestions? Oh and BTW I really liked my visit to SA, I just want to be able to experience it walking/running/biking, not driving around. Looking forward to hearing responses.

You said it. And "bustling"? Lol, right.

[raveesor]

I meant desolate by what I could find online and Google maps. There seemed to be a lot of empty lots around there. Of course that is only online and why I appreciate the input here. I am not sure of what the southtown area consists of but it sounds nice also.
I've also heard the Tobin Hill area is vibrant also, there seems to be a lot of rich cultural areas in SA that sound amazing.
My dog gets at least 3 different hour runs a day here. More than most dogs with yards get. By no means is he wanting of anything, except maybe a swim and a good squirrel chase.
I was Just trying to see recommendations for an energetic busy area with nice apartment building. As far as places with yyards, are there any in an area where I could walk to a restaurant / bar and meet other people?

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by raveesor

I meant desolate by what I could find online and Google maps. There seemed to be a lot of empty lots around there. Of course that is only online and why I appreciate the input here. I am not sure of what the southtown area consists of but it sounds nice also.
I've also heard the Tobin Hill area is vibrant also, there seems to be a lot of rich cultural areas in SA that sound amazing.
My dog gets at least 3 different hour runs a day here. More than most dogs with yards get. By no means is he wanting of anything, except maybe a swim and a good squirrel chase.
I was Just trying to see recommendations for an energetic busy area with nice apartment building. As far as places with yyards, are there any in an area where I could walk to a restaurant / bar and meet other people?

Southtown = Lavaca, King William and SoFlo historic/arts districts. Located just south of downtown proper, bordered by Durango, I-37, Hwy 90, and Ih-10 for the larger version, most housing is concentrated in a smaller area.

We live on a .25 acre lot, and can walk in 5-15 minutes to:
La Frite
Friendly Spot
Blue Star
Taco Haven
Bubblehead
La Foccacia
Rosarios
and more.... Eating out in Southtown, San Antonio, TX (http://www.southtown.net/dining/index.html - broken link) this is a very old page, hasn't been updated in a long time, but it shows thegeneral area. Restaurants/bars have been added and/or changed, but you get the idea. I can be at the Alamo in 15-20 by foot, depending on how hot it is and how fast I walk So yeah, you can have a yard and walk to everything. As I said elsewhere, Like the Southtown fan page on facebook and you'll get lots of local info.

As for vacant lots, there are some, but St Benedicts is pretty filled in now. Blue Star is on the edge of Southtown, and yes it's next to an old factory and some vacant areas, but also is the center of art in the area. There's also Hemisview Village - these are new and next to the highway, but across from Hemisfair park and an easy walk to everything, it's also kind of on the edge and yes there's a large vacant lot there still. They tore down what was the projects and are slowly putting in a combo of apts and townhouses. Too close to the highway for me but nice.

There are also many lofts and small units downtown. We have friends in a gorgeous downtown apt where the building is offices but the top floors hold 3 apartments. Your best bet is to contact the realtors who specialize in downtown.


I like Tobin Hill, Alta Vista, Monte Vista, but others here can tell you more about those areas and their proximity to activities.

[jwebtx]

I lived in NYC for 7 years. San Antonio does not resemble a northeast city in any fashion. You may want to consider renting a house in one of the aforementioned neighborhoods. If walking to most necessities is very important, King William will give you the closest thing you will find here. Unfortunately, they dont have a grocery store.

Monte Vista, by example, is 2 miles north of downtown and provides very easy access to groceries, downtown, southtown, museums, parks etc. by car, bike, or public transit. There are some walkable bars and restaurants.

BTW, St Benedicts is not in a desolate area. It is on the main road through King William.