There’s never been a better time to consider moving to San Antonio. It’s one of the fastest growing cities in the country and for good reason. Whether you’re looking for opportunity, fun, or some really incredible Tex-Mex cuisine, you will find it in San Antonio, TX. In this post, we’ll break down the top ten reasons people are eager to call San Antonio home, and the best of what you can expect to find there.
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Affordable Housing
Compared to other major cities in Texas like Dallas and Austin, San Antonio is more affordable. You can find cheaper rent and real estate with low property taxes, making it an attractive prospect for families and young professionals. Housing in San Antonio is not just cheap by Texas’ standards, but 21% lower than the national average.
The median home sale price in the San Antonio area is hovering around $260,000, relative to other major US metro areas, where you can expect to pay up to $500,000 or more.
“Look, San Antonio is just cheaper than other big Texas cities. I’ve had clients buy properties there for the lower taxes and hot market. If saving money is the goal, it’s one of the easiest places to actually buy a house these days.”
Chris Lowe, CEO, Next Step Home Buyers
Booming Job Market
San Antonio’s economic indicators are all looking up. Wages are on the rise, unemployment is historically low, and new opportunities are constantly being created. San Antonio’s cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare industries are its emerging assets, drawing in young professionals from across the globe, with workforce development projects underway to maintain their foothold.
For entry-level jobs, San Antonio’s tourism provides an endless supply of openings in hospitality. Of course, these offer more modest pay than what you’ll find in tech and healthcare, but they’re always hiring. So, if you’re between jobs or don’t belong to these specialized fields, you still won’t struggle to find work. This means that San Antonio is a really good place to live for young workers and college students.
Rich History
Founded in 1718 as a Spanish colonial outpost, San Antonio is older than the country itself. From the Alamo to the city’s UNESCO-recognized missions, San Antonio has spent over three centuries at the crossroads of cultures, nations, and major historical events, and this is reflected in the architecture and overall “feel” of the city. You can still see remains of the city’s foundations built by early Spanish settlers and echoes of the pivotal battles that helped shape Texas itself.
The most famous landmark, of course, is the Alamo, in which a small band of Texan defenders stood their ground against Santa Anna’s army and lost their lives, which became a defining moment in the Texas Revolution.
Vibrant Culture
San Antonio culture is a dynamic blend of Mexican, Spanish, Indigenous, and American influences. One of the best examples of this living culture is Fiesta San Antonio, a yearly parade to honor those lost in the Texas Revolution. The city’s culture thrives all year-round, though. Not just on festival days! The Market Square (El Mercado) is the largest Mexican market in the country, selling crafts, food, and showcasing live performances.
Really, Really Good Food
With Tex-Mex, barbecue, and beyond, San Antonio’s food scene is truly unforgettable. Can’t imagine moving to San Antonio for good food alone? Spend a day in the city and try some authentic street tacos, and you will understand. You’ll find inventive chefs blending old flavors with new techniques, local farmers and artisans supplying fresh ingredients, and food festivals that showcase the region’s creativity and cultural pride.
The Pearl District has become a hotspot for comparatively more upscale dining and local breweries, but the city’s food trucks and small taquerías keep things casual and just as delicious, so you’ll be able to find a tasty meal for any budget.
Natural Beauty
At the heart of the city is the San Antonio River, the same waterway that shaped its earliest settlements and remains one of the city’s most defining features today. The famous River Walk stretches for miles through downtown, offering scenic pathways with cobblestone bridges and shaded patios.
If a walk or boat ride down the river doesn’t appeal to you, you still get to enjoy the year-round Texas sunshine. With mild winters and plenty of warm, sunny days, outdoor activities are possible nearly year-round. San Antonio is perfect for hiking, kayaking, or simply enjoying some time in your backyard. Just remember the sunblock!
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Strong Sense of Community
One of San Antonio’s most appealing qualities is its strong sense of community. Despite being such a large city, it has a welcoming, small-town feel where neighbors actually know each other. Small, local businesses thrive because residents actively want to support them. There’s a warmth to the city that makes newcomers feel like they belong immediately, and it offers some enticing financial incentives for business owners and entrepreneurs who are just starting out.
“The top reason to move to San Antonio is the significant tax savings and business-friendly environment. We actually moved our business there from Illinois, and the difference was immediate. No state income tax, lower operating costs, and far fewer regulatory hurdles. Those savings allowed us to reinvest more into growth, marketing, and hiring. Beyond the financial side, San Antonio also offers a great quality of life and a strong local community, making it an ideal place for both business and personal growth.”
Jeff Michael, Business Owner, Supplement Prohormone Warehouse
Convenient Location
San Antonio’s position in Texas makes it a fantastic base for exploring the state and beyond. Nestled in the heart of South-Central Texas, the city is just a short drive (by Texas’ standards) from the state’s other major urban centers like Austin. San Antonio itself is well-connected by major highways, and San Antonio International Airport offers direct flights to most major cities. This ease of travel not only benefits leisure travelers who want to go on fun, weekend getaways, but also professionals who need access to national or international destinations without the hassle of commuting from a more congested hub.
San Antonio is already a good place to live, but as a resident, you get to enjoy your daily city life, knowing you’re never far away from a new adventure.
Arts and Music Scene
No matter what kind of art you’re interested in, you’ll find a lot of it in San Antonio. The city is famous for mariachi bands, jazz performances, and indie music, played in music halls or in small, intimate street performances along the River Walk and the Historic Market Square. Neighborhoods like the Pearl District and Southtown are known for hosting music events and art walks, helping you connect with creatives and develop an appreciation for the city’s roots.
For museums, you have the San Antonio Museum of Art with an impressive collection of important historical pieces, as well as the McNay Art Museum, which focuses on modern art and hosts events that engage the community. Local galleries, street murals, and public art installations give the city a vibrant and constantly-changing visual landscape.
Lots to Do
It doesn’t matter where your interests lie! In San Antonio, there’s always something to see, do, or explore. If you’re willing to look around, your weekends will never be dull. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a sports fan, a creative, or interested in an active nightlife, there are opportunities for you. This city’s eclectic assortment of entertainment options keeps life dynamic and interesting—while its affordable prices and small town feel make staying in equally rewarding.
Conclusion
No city is right for everyone, but San Antonio comes pretty darn close. At the very least, it offers some angle of appeal for nearly every background. If you’re on a budget, it’s affordable with cheap rent and low property taxes. If you’re looking for high-paying work, the average wage is around $30/hr, and there are endless surging opportunities. It’s got history, it’s got culture, and it’s got a real sense of adventure a lot of young adults crave. Everything’s on the up right now, and it’s growing fast! There’s never been a better time to pack your bags and make the move to San Antonio!
FAQs
San Antonio has hubs for most major moving companies, like All My Sons and Two Men And A Truck. For those interested in labor-only moving companies, UniMovers has a location in San Antonio. This is a good way to save money if you just need help loading up your things and can supply your own vehicle. If you’re wanting to live in San Antonio and need some help deciding what type of moving company best suits you, you can check out our guide to selecting the best moving company for your needs.
San Antonio’s cost of living is low, compared to other major cities in Texas and the national average. For a major city, this is a rare opportunity. What you save on housing, you can put back into your leisure activities or small business.
Though it’s impossible to definitively say San Antonio is the perfect city for everyone, it is objectively a good place to live for a wide variety of people looking for a wide variety of things. If you’re not convinced the city is right for you, it’s still worth paying a visit!
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.
