A Study Has Ranked San Antonio As The Least Favorable City In Texas...

A recent report by WalletHub placed San Antonio, Texas near the bottom of the list in a national study evaluating the best U.S. cities for raising a family. While the headlines may sound alarming, local residents—and many who are relocating here—know there's more to the story than a low score. In fact, the reality might be a lot more family-friendly than the numbers suggest.

📉 The Report Says We’re Struggling—But Why?

The study analyzed over 180 U.S. cities across five key dimensions: family fun, health and safety, education and childcare, affordability, and socioeconomics. San Antonio ranked especially low in areas tied to:

Income levels and access to high-paying jobs
Public health outcomes and obesity rates
Education quality based on national test scores
Access to affordable, high-quality childcare

As a result, San Antonio ranked behind every other major Texas city, including Austin, Dallas, and Houston, in overall family-friendliness. But these rankings don’t tell the full story—especially if you’re a family considering a move to South Texas.

💸 Affordable Living Still Sets San Antonio Apart

Despite its low ranking in some categories, San Antonio ranked among the most affordable cities in the U.S. to raise a child. According to the same dataset and local housing trends:

Housing prices in San Antonio remain significantly lower than in Austin or Dallas.
Childcare, groceries, and healthcare costs are well below the national average.
Families from states like California and New York often relocate here because they can purchase a home without sacrificing space or safety.

For many middle-income families and first-time homebuyers, San Antonio offers something the larger metros can’t: room to grow, less financial pressure, and a slower, more connected pace of life.

🏘️ San Antonio Suburbs Offer Hidden Family Gems

If you're a family considering a move to the San Antonio metro area, looking just outside the urban core might be the key to finding what you need. Suburbs such as:

Schertz
Cibolo
Bulverde
Alamo Ranch
Helotes
Boerne

…are exploding with new construction communities, A-rated public schools, master-planned neighborhoods, and family-friendly amenities like hike-and-bike trails, splash pads, and top-rated sports leagues.

Many of these suburbs offer better school district ratings than central San Antonio while still being within 20–30 minutes of downtown. For military families stationed at Joint Base San Antonio, these areas also offer VA loan–friendly neighborhoods with tight-knit support systems.

🌮 Culture, Community & Quality of Life

San Antonio is more than statistics—it's a big small town filled with culture, heritage, and a deep sense of pride. Families can enjoy:

Cultural events like Fiesta, Diwali SA, and Tamales! at Pearl
Family-owned restaurants, farmers markets, and food truck parks
Outdoor spaces like Brackenridge Park, McAllister Park, and the River Walk
A wide range of faith communities, support groups, and nonprofits that help families stay connected and supported

And with one of the largest active and retired military populations in the country, the city also has a long-standing commitment to serving those who serve.

🤔 So… Is San Antonio a Bad Place to Raise a Family?

The answer depends on what matters most to you. If you're seeking elite private schools, six-figure tech salaries, or ultra-trendy urban living, another Texas city might rank higher on your list. But if you value: