Have you been thinking about moving to San Antonio, TX? You’re not alone! The city’s growing fast, and many are fascinated by its charm and history. However, like any city, San Antonio has some pros and cons worth considering before packing your bags. It may be a great city to visit, but living there day-to-day can present challenges that don’t show up in the glossy brochures or travel guides. In this post, we’ll highlight some of the downsides to living in San Antonio. Then, you can decide for yourself if it’s the best city for you.
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Brutal Heat
One of the first things newcomers notice about San Antonio is the heat. Summers are long and muggy, while winters are comparatively short. San Antonio’s hot season lasts for almost four months with an average high of 95° and lows well into the 70s. Stepping out of an air-conditioned building into the heat can be startling, and you’ll quickly find yourself rearranging your schedule to avoid being outdoors during peak hours. Outdoor activities, no matter how fun, are stifled by the oppressive heat.
If you’re someone who appreciates mild weather in the evenings or enjoys simply being able to take a walk in the afternoon without risking a heat stroke, San Antonio might not be the best place for you to live.
“As someone who used to practice medicine in San Antonio, I’d discourage moving there if you struggle with heat. Summers are relentless, with weeks of triple-digit temperatures that drain your energy. I recall finishing clinic shifts feeling completely dehydrated despite drinking water all day. If someone isn’t prepared for heat to shape their daily life, it can become very difficult.”
Dr. Edward Espinosa, Owner, OptumMD
Pests & Critters
Another downside of living in San Antonio is the never-ending battle with pests. The temperatures make San Antonio a paradise for cockroaches, wasps, and fire ants. No matter how clean you keep your home, you will need to maintain the perimeter of your property with pesticides regularly to keep them out.
Outside, scorpions, snakes, and even the occasional tarantula are known to wander the region. In fact, across Texas, hordes of tarantulas can be spotted outside during their mating season yearly! Luckily, they aren’t aggressive or particularly venomous and will avoid humans. Still, for many, the idea of spotting a big, hairy spider in their yard is enough to second-guess the move altogether.
Crime Concerns
Like many big cities, San Antonio has its share of crime, and it’s something worth factoring into your decision to move there. Currently, San Antonio ranks as the most dangerous city in Texas. Violent crimes, while relatively rare, are still higher than the national average. Property crimes—like car break-ins, theft, and burglary—are much more common. They’ve been known to happen even in “nicer” parts of town. On Nextdoor, you’ll hear frequent complaints of sirens and missing lawn furniture. You will need to get in the habit of keeping your home and car locked, even if you’re only stepping out for a minute or two.
San Antonio isn’t an unlivable warzone by any means. If you’re aware of your surroundings and invest in a decent home security system, you likely won’t run into much trouble. That said, if you’re considering the pros and cons of living in San Antonio, the crime rate is a big con for many people.
Limited Nightlife and Cultural Scene
San Antonio has plenty of history and charm, but if you’re someone who wants to enjoy a loud nightlife or vibrant cultural scene, you might end up underwhelmed. Beyond a handful of bars, honky-tonks, and nighttime attractions along San Antonio’s cultural epicenter, the River Walk, the city tends to wind down early.
The same can be said for San Antonio’s arts and culture. San Antonio has its fair share of museums and festivals, but they rely heavily on the city’s historical identity. This isn’t a bad thing, and if you’re interested in the Alamo or local folklore, you’re in luck! But if you want variety, cultural diversity, and live music, San Antonio might not be the best choice for you.
Poor Education System
For single adults or college grads, school is probably the last thing on your mind. But if you want to raise a family, San Antonio may not be the best place to do it. Though there are some standout schools, many of San Antonio’s school districts consistently underperform. That is, low test scores, high dropout rates, and underfunded programs.
It varies greatly by district, of course, but these disparities can be frustrating for anyone coming from a city with more consistently-performing public schools. Private schools and charter schools are a possible alternative with higher quality standards, but they come with added costs and a limited number of available spots.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, every city has its pros and cons, including San Antonio. Even if you can brave the heat and the creepy-crawlies, the higher-than-average crime rate, limited cultural scene, and poor education system could be deal-breakers. It doesn’t mean that San Antonio is a bad city—it just means it isn’t right for everyone. If you’re drawn to a quieter pace and don’t mind adjusting to the quirks of the city, you should consider moving to San Antonio, TX.
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FAQs
The pros of living in San Antonio are its rich local history and affordable housing, generally more affordable than other major cities in Texas, like Austin, Houston, or Dallas. The cons would be the heat, the pests, the crime rate, the limited cultural scene, and the lacking education system. Whether these trade-offs are worth it depends on your lifestyle and priorities.
Housing in San Antonio, TX is fairly affordable. However, property taxes, electricity bills from running your AC year-round, and pest control expenses can drive up the costs.
J. Dailey has an English degree with a focus in technical writing. When not busy blogging, find J. Dailey hiking, playing tabletop games, or spending time with cats.
