Castroville, TX (San Antonio, Alamo, Pleasanton: crime, mobile home, buy)

[ajd1926]

Our family is looking at a possible relocation to the San Antonio area. While we are excited about the potential relocation we think we would like to live outside of the city itself. We have a large family (six children) so we need at least a five bedroom home. We would like some land (1-2 acres) that would be manageable but nothing too large. We would like to keep the price between $200k - $250k if possible. Can anyone provide any feedback on Castroville? It appears to be a small town but certainly within a reasonable distance from San Antonio and all of the amenities we would need. What are the schools like? We have kids that go from High school all the way to elementary. Are all three levels of schools (elementary, middle and high school) good? Is crime a problem in any part of Castroville? How far are the closest doctors, hospital, etc.? Overall, has anyone lived there and if so would you recommend it for a family? Are there any other communities outside of San Antonio where a five bedroom home and a little bit of land is possible for a reasonable price? Thank you in advance for any feedback.

[TrapperL]

Castroville would be among the last places around SA I would want to move to. It's mobile home central and the median income is not high. Schools are okay at best. I'd be looking at Lake Shore Estates at Lytle but you're not going to find a 5 bedroom home there. I'd avoid Rolling Meadows and Dove Mill at Lytle. You pretty much have to drive thru folks living in buses to get to it. Schools are decent. You can look at Jourdanton and Pleasanton. Schools are decent, there is a new hospital there, and it would be just like living in SA only with a country feel. All are within 25 minutes of SA. Because of the Eagle Ford oil fields, you'll find properties that are still priced according to the tremendous demand when it was in full bloom. The bloom has gone bust so don't be afraid to make a lowball offer on any of the properties you find. For a decent 5 bedroom home, your budget is low and will be a hard find. Raise it about 50 grand and you should be able to find a home with a little acreage. Of all of the places, Lake Shore Estates would be my pick but I'm not aware of any 5 bedroom homes built in the subdivision. It will have acreage home sites and well built homes with a lake big enough to fish, a large covered cabana, playground equipment and a true country feel yet well patrolled by the police.

[ajd1926]

Thanks Trapper! On a side note, if we were to look at SA itself do you know what is considered the best area for public schools?

[TrapperL]

Northside ISD, Northeast ISD, and Alamo Heights ISD. SAISD is a big NO!
Be aware, San Antonio has a soil problem in that it is a high clay content soil. Foundation issues abound here and are an expensive fix. When looking in SA, if the streets are like a roller coaster ride, you don't want a house in that area. Most of the west and northwest of SA is a caliche or rock and is stable. AVOID anything to the east or northeast. Castroville and the places listed to the south are on more stable sandy loam soils. If you buy in SA, get the home inspected. The best in town is
San Antonio Home Inspectors | JWK Inspections

Schools
Home | Northside Independent School District
North East Independent School District
Home - Alamo Heights Independent School District

[thenewtexan]

This should be placed in the San Antonio forum.