Moving from Houston to San Antonio
Everything is bigger in Texas. So when you move from one city to another, it can seem like you are moving across the country. Moving from Houston to San Antonio is more than just a three-hour drive. It is an opportunity to see another part of Texas and enjoy the lifestyle there.
Benefits of Moving from Houston to San Antonio
San Antonio is known for its memorable past and its energetic present. The city is home to the historic Alamo and San Pedro Park, the oldest park in the state and second oldest in the nation. This park was used during the Civil War as a camp for prisoners. Now, San Antonians use the 60+ hiking trails and swimming pool. There is also a library in the park.
Historical Sites
San Antonio is also the home of the oldest church in the United States: San Fernando Cathedral. The rich history makes San Antonio the most visited city in Texas. The Roman Catholic Church is still being used for services.
But, those iconic historical sites aren’t the only reason to move to San Antonio. The city is full of things to do. Residents of the city get to enjoy the annual 10-day Fiesta San Antonio every April. The festival celebrates the heroes of the Battle of San Jacinto and the Alamo; it's been held annually for over 100 years.
San Antonio is also the home of the River Walk, the urban waterway surrounded by shops, restaurants, and history. This is a great place to go for brunch or dinner. Most importantly, the River Walk offers plenty of entertainment in the evenings.
Geography
You might miss the beaches near Galveston Bay, but San Antonio has beautiful geography. The San Antonio River meanders through the relatively flat city. The beaches at Corpus Christi are two hours away, and several nearby lakes offer recreational sports and relaxing views.
Another notable geographic feature of San Antonio is the Natural Bridge Caverns. This is the largest cave system in Texas. The name comes from a natural limestone bridge near the cave entrance. Visitors can tour the caves, dig for gems, zipline, and hike.
Texas is home to several amusement parks, and two are in San Antonio: SeaWorld and Six Flag Fiesta Texas. They both have exhilarating rides like roller coasters and water slides. In the heat of summer, these are great places to have some fun and cool down, too.
One of the benefits of living in San Antonio is the Mexican culture. There are many outstanding Mexican restaurants, because of the proximity to Mexico. The city is also home to the El Mercado shopping center, which is the largest Mexican market in the United States. El Mercado has over 100 shops and restaurants, as well as several festivals throughout the year.
When you are in San Antonio, you always know where you are, because of the Tower of Americas. The 750-foot tall tower is visible from all over the city. It is the tallest building in the city, and you can get some good exercise climbing the 952 steps to the top.
Cost of Living
San Antonio is an affordable big city. Houston's average home price is $185,500, and the same home in San Antonio is around $175,400. You will save the most money on your transportation costs, as the price of getting around San Antonio is almost 20% less than driving around Houston.
Other costs of living, like utilities and groceries, are less expensive in San Antonio than in Houston. Health care costs are relatively similar. Residents of both cities benefit from Texas not having a state income tax. The property taxes are low, around 2%, and the sales tax is 8.25%.
Outdoor Activities
The weather in San Antonio is warm all year. Highs in the winter months average in the 60s and 70s. In the other seasons, temperatures average in the 80s and 90s. There are several parks in the area with hiking trails, swimming areas, and playgrounds. If you love to golf, there are plenty of courses in the area, too.
Residents also enjoy strolling along the River Walk and visiting the San Antonio Zoo. There are also several nearby lakes for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Excellent Education
The schools in San Antonio rank highly when compared to other Texas districts. The Alamo Heights Independent School District is ranked 12th in the state. Considering the size of Texas, that is a notable ranking. The Fort Sam Houston Independent School District is another top-20 district in the state.
The public schools in San Antonio serve over 300,000 students in over 500 individual school buildings. Many of those students go onto college, and they have several to choose from in town. The University of Texas at San Antonio, Trinity University, and St. Mary’s University are three of the larger options.
Traffic and Public Transportation
Houston is known for being a traffic nightmare. San Antonio has less traffic, so commutes are less stressful. Unfortunately, San Antonio does not have much of a public transportation system. There is a bus system with 89 lines and a downtown street-car service. Most people use their cars to get around town.
Cost of Moving from Houston to San Antonio
According to The American Moving and Storage Association, the average cost to move within a state is $3,500 to $5,000. The average line haul cost to move from Houston to San Antonio is $2,242 with Allied.
With any move, there are several factors to consider, including the distance from one residence to the next and the items that you must move. The best way to get an accurate quote is to fill out the Instaquote above.
Most Popular Neighborhoods in San Antonio
Alamo Heights
This neighborhood has highly rated public schools and is a favorite for retirees. There are plenty of places to shop and eat. Golf courses are nearby, and Alamo Heights is a short drive to downtown. Outdoor activities include the Robber Baron Cave Preserve and the Olmos Basin Park. The homes in this neighborhood average over $500,000.
Downtown
Downtown is a popular place to live in San Antonio, simply because it is so walkable. If you live downtown, you will live in an apartment or loft. There aren’t as many available as in other large cities, but the residential opportunities are growing. Most people in San Antonio live in single-family homes in the suburban areas.
Terrell Hills
This suburban area is one of the best places to live in the San Antonio area. The schools are outstanding, and so is the shopping and dining. It borders the Alamo Heights neighborhood, so it is close to the same amenities. Homes in this neighborhood average over $500,000.
Tanglewood Ridge
Tanglewood Ridge is an affordable neighborhood on the northside of San Antonio. Homes average under $200,000 and the neighborhood is home to young professionals and their growing families. The diverse community has good schools and plenty of shopping and dining options.
Tobin Hill
Tobin Hill is also on the northside of San Antonio. Homes in this area average in the mid-$200,000 price. The diverse neighborhood has outstanding options for nightlife, and it is considered one of the best places for young professionals to establish themselves. Over 70% of the residents have a college degree.
How to Move from Houston to San Antonio
Finding a new job, looking for a home, and packing up your things is time-consuming and stressful. Fortunately, Allied Van Lines has moved over 750,000 families in the last 15 years and can help you with the process. Our trusted and experienced movers can help you pack and protect your valuables so you can worry about other aspects of moving.
Contact us today to learn about all of the ways we can help you move from Houston to San Antonio.