Cultural, Unique, Educated, Family-Oriented
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8/29/2017
San Antonio is one of the most, if not the most, unique and culturally infused city in America. No other city of its kind... anywhere. It is important to note, culture does not necessarily translate into diversity. SA is less culturally diverse than Houston and Dallas, but still multicultural and highly integrated. The city's rich, diverse history is impeccably preserved and interwoven with Texan heritage and Mexican culture, while maintaining an independent identity as an amalgam of mutual respect, much like that of the entire state. You see this in every day life from the shared history and humility which defines San Antonio. There is a symbiotic and respectful relationship among Hispanics, Whites and Blacks. We are not "Black," "White," "Brown," we are TEXANS. SA is all-inclusive. I say that with the utmost honesty and truth. I have been a transplant, a newcomer, I have lived in multiple locations within SA, and it didn't take long for SA to grow on me.
San Antonio is very much a family-oriented city comprised of professionals and hardworking people who take pride in their community.
SA is a modern city with an old world veneer. Steadily growing. Currently the 7th largest city in the US, 2nd in TX (metro).
San Antonio's driving economic source is tourism and the hospitality industry. Second to none.
Military presence is large and revered due to the numerous & heavily populated military bases (Air Force, Army) and world renowned SAMMC, formerly BAMC
Catholic missions throughout the city display the origins of refuge offered by religion and the foundation on which SA was built.
Ritualistic annual festivities such as Fiesta, NIOSA (Night in Old San Antonio), Battle of Flowers Parade are all taken very seriously in their rites; however they are celebrated with pride. Families and individuals alike can take part in the entertainment and array foods, drinks, incomparable festivities/parties and philanthropic events...
Food: wonderful TexMex and authentic Mexican food...
TX Hill Country (Kerrville, Boerne, Fredericksburg): offers beautiful scenic sites in a natural setting where one can enjoy a multitude of activities on the rolling hills and rivers...
Guadelupe River: tubing/canoeing/rafting...
Coastal beaches within driving distance (within +/- an hour and a half)...
The city of New Braunfels lies adjacent to SA where a large German population resides and in which the rich culture is maintained. New Braunfels features the famous, Schlitterbahn - a giant water park incorporated in the natural setting of the Guadelupe River. Fredericksburg is also nearby where German heritage still celebrates its original settlement. It's renowned for its peaches and tasty food...
Museums galore from Institute of Texan Cultures, McNay Art Museum, Witte, to the fantastic Children's Museum, much, much more...
One of a kind, Majestic Theater, resides in the heart of downtown. Further culture and art includes the SA Symphony and Orchestra and Performing Arts...
Breckinridge Park, SA Botanical Gardens, SA Zoo, Sea World, Fiesta Texas...
Historic King William District, Pioneer Baking Mill, Pearl Brewery & District...
For sophisticated, high-end retail shopping and entertainment, one can visit The Quarry Market and/or Alamo Heights (centrally located, just north of downtown). Whether it's a movie you want to catch, shop, dine or golf, you can find it here. Additionally, there is La Cantera and/or The Rim, offers huge retail outlets and more shopping.
Market Square (next to downtown) is a 3-
block market where one can purchase hand crafts, apparel, and novelty items. Fun shopping, entertainment, and family activities galore...
The Riverwalk: self explanatory! Stunning atmosphere, fun and lively shops and multitude of restaurants flank the sinuous river. The cobblestone streets above are lined with shops, hotels, entertainment venues, museums, fine dining, and historical sites...
Old Catholic missions are beautifully preserved and can be toured by visitors...
San Antonio is a growing metropolis that is very livable and highly navigable with excellent highways (as most Texas roadways & interstates are). Although laid out not in a grid, but in a circular pattern as thoroughfares wind around & outward from the focal point, the center of town - downtown SA and famous Riverwalk.
Last, but not least, it is home to the San Antonio Spurs, the city's adored NBA professional sports team.
To be fair, San Antonio's less-than desirable qualities would be the intense year round heat, higher cost of living, and being such a family-oriented city, it does not lend itself as well to the more independent, young, single professional seeking nightlife or commraderie. San Antonio may not be suitable for one's personality, but one would be hard pressed not to find it a unique and livable environment for a city its size and lively atmosphere.
As a native Texan, Houstonian by birth, former resident of Austin, and long-time resident of San Antonio, I am happy to call San Antonio home. After relocating back to Texas from New York, it took me a year or two initially, but San Antonio quickly grew on me. While I am biased to some degree, I have resided outside of Texas as well, including Oklahoma and New York for a total of 12 years combined. San Antonio is incredibly difficult to describe, because words don't do it justice. It doesn't fit into just one category. It is multidimensional - It is a gem.
That said, each city in Texas is so different from one another, because the state is so huge and covers a massive area. Personally, I love the great state of Texas, because Texas is like 5 states in one. Every region is like a state in its own right offering diversity and a variety of opportunities and can meet almost anyone's needs.
Betsy | San Antonio, TX