Moving to San Antonio from Mississippi (rental, houses, neighborhoods)

[Bullhoggie]

My wife and I are moving to San Antonio so I can start my job at UIW and we're very excited. I've heard nothing but good things about the city but we want to know good places to look for a house to rent. Things we are looking for:

-Under $1,200 per month
-3 bedrooms, 2 bedrooms is acceptable
-2 bathrooms, kinda set on this one
-Fenced in backyard for our dog
-Safety is a big concern. We're about to have our first child so we are more concerned for safety than ever.
-Proximity to UIW and things to do would be nice but is less important than other criteria

With that in mind, where are good neighborhoods to look for rental houses? We found a house over near Cathedral Rock Park, just off 471 that we really liked but don't know if the neighborhood is good.

Thanks for any and all advice!

[Rustybolt]

I would look on 281 north between 410 and 1604. That said, your budget is only going to get you older homes to look at. Rents in San Antonio are relatively high, while home ownership costs are low (for those that can qualify...which is why rent is higher). Anything you can add to your budget will be a big help. The area where you found a house is probably no worse than anything else you could find in that price range, but you daily commute could be more challenging. You will like it here, but the traffic will be an adjustment over any city in MS.

[Bullhoggie]

Ok great, thanks! We'll look in that area. We can't afford to buy right now and might not depending on how things go our first few years there. So the area I found that house isn't a bad area?

[Rustybolt]

Not generally bad. Not the worst and not the best either. Precautions are in order no matter where you live in this city.

[AlamoHomesSA]

Anything off of 281 outside of 410 may be a good start for you - also the medical center wouldn't be too bad of a drive for you. Depending on where you look in the medical center, there are older homes for rent at a good price.