What kind of house would you NEVER buy in San Antonio? (Houston: new home, neighborhood)

[LiveUrban]

I would never buy a house in a box suburban area where it's supposedly 'impractical' to walk to shops, restaurants, entertainment, and other amenities. Every suburban neighborhood is different, however I find that most don't even have a decent wide open park to hang out in. In many new urbanist developments, there is decent park space set aside for residents to relax in.

I would, however buy a house in a new urbanist development in the suburbs as long as it's pedestrian friendly and within walking distance of shops, restaurants, entertainment, and other amenities.

Even though this neighborhood doesn't have sidewalks, it's within walking distance of all the points I've listed and also very aesthetically pleasing with the Middle Colonies new urbanism architecture. (Yes, this neighborhood was built a few years ago)

[WilGar]

Originally Posted by banker

Just curious what neighborhood is that? Or if you don't want to reveal that...what loop are you referring to?

Sorry, old joke. I try to stay INSIDE 410 or as my wife accuses me of staying inside the bubble. Having two grandchildren in Boerne certainly pokes a hole in that bubble.

I live in Terrell Hills.

[Montirob]

Originally Posted by Chaka

In our historic neighborhood there are some new houses which are very modern looking. Not modern as in "suburban KB home" but modern as in artist-designed funky modern. Oddly enough, they blend in very well and work with all the 1880s-1900s houses.

That is probably because they were designed by San Antonio architects who have a familiarity of the neighborhood. A lot of people think that a house has to look "old" to fit in, but that isn't the case - it's about following the clues (i.e. the inherent design standards) given by the existing homes. Whether it be front porches, building proportion, roof slope, or garage location; a modern style can still be an appropriate solution when it follows the "pattern language" of the neighborhood.

Back to the original topic, I would never buy a house where the big selling point is the amount of square footage you get for the lowest dollar. In other words, I would rather pay $250,000 for a 1500 sf house with better design and quality (whether it be new or 100 yrs old) than $150,000 for a 2500 sf home.

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by Montirob

That is probably because they were designed by San Antonio architects who have a familiarity of the neighborhood. A lot of people think that a house has to look "old" to fit in, but that isn't the case - it's about following the clues (i.e. the inherent design standards) given by the existing homes. Whether it be front porches, building proportion, roof slope, or garage location; a modern style can still be an appropriate solution when it follows the "pattern language" of the neighborhood.

Yup. At least two of the houses were designed by someone who already lives in the neighborhood.


Another house I'd never buy: one where the first thing you notice is the garage.

[wCat]

Originally Posted by Chaka

In our historic neighborhood there are some new houses which are very modern looking. Not modern as in "suburban KB home" but modern as in artist-designed funky modern. Oddly enough, they blend in very well and work with all the 1880s-1900s houses.

I'm glad you made the distinction between "new and "modern". "Modern" is the correct term and doesn't mean new at all. It's minimalist...inspired by the Bauhaus movement. "Contemporary" has now become associated with that 70's and 80's look that someone mentioned above....the use of Cedar planking on a diagonal, pitched roof lines mixed with stucco or brick.

New is just new...no matter whether it's "Modern" or "Mediterranean". A lot of these terms are used interchangeably which is ok for Real Estate purposes. Although many Realtors completely understand a "mid century modern" type of architecture. Modern/Contemporary as in not a traditional or conventional "look".

I'd love to live in a second story flat above my own business....with a walk out terrace or even a split level in the back for a yard. We actually have our eye on just that kind of place.

Oopsie.....I wouldn't buy a condo with an hoa. Too close quarters where everyone is in your business.

[lonegun]

Moderator cut: off-topic

i live in a 60 year old house in front of St.Mary university and the people are great! All the houses is small and simple.

[miche111e]

I'd never live in a home without a lot of light (windows) or one with really low ceilings. I'd live in an older home if it was very open and light. I'd prefer that over a new neighborhood with small yards and no trees.

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by miche111e

I'd never live in a home without a lot of light (windows) or one with really low ceilings. I'd live in an older home if it was very open and light. I'd prefer that over a new neighborhood with small yards and no trees.

It's funny as I never had thought of the ceilings before I moved into a home with 12 ft ceilings throughout. Now I feel claustrophobic in anything less than 10ft.

The only problem is changing the dang lightbulbs. Fortunately they don't go out too often

[banker]

Originally Posted by Chaka

It's funny as I never had thought of the ceilings before I moved into a home with 12 ft ceilings throughout. Now I feel claustrophobic in anything less than 10ft.

The only problem is changing the dang lightbulbs. Fortunately they don't go out too often

Funny you say that. The one upgrade I regret not getting was the 10' plate. Looking back and being in the homes that did get that 10' ceiling - I really wish I had done that when we built. Nine feet is fine...but I love the feel of the homes in my neighborhood that have the optional 10' ceilings. 12' must be wonderful!

[Bo]

Some posts referencing builders have been removed as off-topic. The OP mentioned nothing about builders, and disparaging them is considered a consumer complaint. Rather than break that rule or give the thread two heads, let's just not go there, since it's not part of the topic.