The Ultimate inside/outside the loop debate: My experience last night

[LindaGrace]

If we could afford Alamo Heights, we'd live in Alamo Heights. The homes, the walkability, all of that, reminds me of the last 'hood I lived in in St. Louis. I really miss the walkability factor, and the neighborhood *everything* - neighborhood pizza place, neighborhood bar, neighborhood grocery, all within easy walking distance of my home.

Southtown and Monticello Park are up at the top of my list too for the same reasons. Alas, we couldn't afford the homes that had been renovated, and we have neither the skills nor the energy to buy a fixer upper we could afford.

So we compromised. We're still inner loop snobs ( ) but just barely. Our home is vintage '50s and was in great shape when we moved in. We LOVE living inside the loop, and are excited for the changes that are coming to Fred Rd (the green space - yay!). We also love the little park that's at the end of our street, and hey, we have sidewalks!

I agree that snobs are everywhere in any city or town or village - it's not the city, town, or village that makes them snobs; it's who they are.

[txmusicgal]

Originally Posted by Montirob

Except that they aren't exactly the same (as compared to those seen in modern subdivisions). The stylistic language may be similar, but they are still unique. Even so, if you look at the bungalows in Lavaca, one of the prevalent styles is actually called "Texas Victorian". You won't find them in California, New York, etc.

Thanks for your explanation; I can see what you're saying. They're not the same as other cities and that's what makes them different. If I had the money I'd probably want to live in or around downtown. Those houses are so pretty and I like the Victorian style.

Originally Posted by Chaka

And while inside 410 encompasses a huge area, what we're really talking about are the older/historic neighborhoods. Not every city has a La Frite/Friendly Spot/Rosarios/Azuca/Blue Star/Guenther House/El Sol/Taco Haven/Say Si/assorted other galleries. They may have similar restaurants/shops (they may have much better places too), but they don't have these ones. Alas, we are getting a Subway in Southtown

Personally, I prefer not to have chains at all in the urban core and am bothered by all the chains on the RW, but as it's primary purpose seems to be for tourists, chains are what survive there (unfortunately, IMO, but oh well).

I agree Alamo Heights is very suburban compared to Southtown and King William area. It is sad to say that I haven't fully experienced the splendor that is Southtown and King William. I've only been to the Guenther House and seen a play once at the Blue Star years ago. My aunt always talks about how good Rosario’s is. I definitely need to get out and experience that area of SA more. When I go to downtown I usually just go to the Riverwalk area or around the Alamo. It sucks the Riverwalk has a lot of chain restaurants. I'd rather they have more local food places instead but that isn’t going to change anytime soon. The chain restaurants obviously have more money and can easily buy out all the mom and pop type places.

[thenewtexan]

You should have told her you were moving to Shavano Park, Fair Oaks Ranch, or Hill Country Village. Last I checked these towns were outside the loop, have higher income levels, higher educational attainment and make Alamo Heights look like a dump! She seems like a wanna be to me.

[pr57001]

There are a lot of "regular", "boring", normal, unpretentious people in Alamo Heights and surrounding communities who live their lives just like everyone else. These people aren't "remarkable" in the sense that you remember them by virtue of their pretension. Unfortunately, these people don't fit the stereotype and are not often mentioned in these discussions.

[ashbeeigh]

Originally Posted by thenewtexan

You should have told her you were moving to Shavano Park, Fair Oaks Ranch, or Hill Country Village. Last I checked these towns were outside the loop, have higher income levels, higher educational attainment and make Alamo Heights look like a dump! She seems like a wanna be to me.

The Shavano Park thing would have been a waste as we grew up a stones throw from SP. She would have thrown up a little in her mouth about the others. Ha. Whatever.

I haven't talked to these people since last week.