Moving to San Antonio? Your Ultimate Relocation FAQ

Moving to San Antonio? Your Ultimate Relocation FAQ

If you are relocating to San Antonio, Texas, you are probably asking questions about neighborhoods, schools, cost of living, property taxes, and the housing market. I work with families, military personnel, and first responders moving here every day, so I put together this guide with the most up-to-date facts and resources.

🏡 Neighborhoods & Location

I never label an area as safe or unsafe. The best way to research is by checking San Antonio Police Department crime maps and the FBI Crime Data Explorer, which break down crime trends by area. This way you can decide based on hard data.

Most of San Antonio is car-dependent, but Walk Score ranks Downtown, King William, Tobin Hill, Arsenal, and Five Points among the most walkable neighborhoods in the city. The citywide Walk Score is 37, meaning you’ll likely need a car in most areas.

The average commute in Bexar County is 25.8 minutes (DataUSA, 2025). The north side sees the heaviest congestion around Loop 1604, I-10, and US-281, while the south side tends to be lighter. Compared to Austin and Dallas, traffic here is far more manageable.

Suburbs like Schertz, Cibolo, and New Braunfels are popular with families who want newer homes, bigger lots, and lower price per square foot. According to the San Antonio Board of Realtors (SABOR), the average price per square foot citywide was $181 in July 2025. Suburban areas often come in below that average.

San Antonio’s cost of living is below the national average according to the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Housing plays a big role. The median home price in San Antonio was $330,000 in July 2025 (SABOR), compared to Austin where the median is over $450,000.

There is no single Bexar County tax rate. The average effective property tax rate in Bexar County is about 1.74% (Tax Foundation, 2025). Each property has a unique mix of county, city, and school district taxes, so I always pull the exact rate before you buy.

Yes. Some master-planned communities include MUD (Municipal Utility District) or PID (Public Improvement District) assessments, which increase your property tax bill. These always show up on your tax statement, and I check them before we write an offer.

Texas has some of the highest premiums in the country. The Texas Department of Insurance reports the average annual premium at $3,875, compared to a U.S. average of $1,700. Rates in San Antonio depend on location, roof age, and hail risk.

🏘️ San Antonio Housing Market 2025

The San Antonio housing market has been shifting toward balance. As of July 2025 (SABOR):

• Median home price: $330,000

• Average price per square foot: $181

• Average days on market: 74 (up 16% year-over-year)

• Months of inventory: 6.12 (a balanced market compared to the hot seller’s market in 2021–22)

This means buyers finally have room to negotiate, and sellers are more flexible than in past years.

🏫 Schools & Education in San Antonio and Surrounding Suburbs

One of the biggest questions I get from families moving to San Antonio is about schools. The truth is, quality can vary by district and even by campus, so it’s important to look at both Texas Education Agency (TEA) accountability ratings and parent reviews through sites like Niche and GreatSchools.

📊 District Ratings (2025 TEA Accountability)

The TEA assigns A–F grades to districts across Texas. Here’s how major San Antonio-area districts stack up:

• San Antonio ISD (SAISD) – C rating (score 72). Improved from a D in 2024, with nearly two-thirds of campuses now earning a C or better (SAISD).

• North East ISD (NEISD) – C rating. Held steady, with fewer failing campuses than before (Express-News).

• Northside ISD (NISD) – C rating. Still the city’s largest district with ~100,000 students; performance varies by campus (Axios).

• Southside ISD – C rating (~79). Dropped from a B to a C under new standards (KSAT).

• Edgewood ISD – D rating (~66). Among the lowest scoring in the metro area (KSAT).

• Harlandale ISD – D rating (~69) (KSAT).

• South San Antonio ISD – D rating (~65). Needs improvement (KSAT).

• Fort Sam Houston ISD & Lackland ISD – Both earned A ratings, some of the best scores in the metro (San Antonio Report).

🏘️ Suburban School Districts Families Ask About

If you are relocating with kids, the suburbs are often a strong choice because of higher-rated schools. Parent reviews (Niche/GreatSchools) consistently rank these districts at the top:

• Alamo Heights ISD – Consistently rated A+ on Niche. Known for top academics and strong parent involvement. Homes in AHISD are usually higher-priced because of the demand.

• Boerne ISD – Rated highly (~4.2/5 on Niche). Good balance of academics, newer schools, and a Hill Country lifestyle.

• Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD (SCUCISD) – ~4.3/5 on Niche. Fast-growing with strong community support.

• Medina Valley ISD – Frequently recommended for affordable homes plus improving schools.

• Live Oak & Stone Oak (NEISD/NISD zones) – Both suburbs are noted for strong schools, family-friendly communities, and steady growth.

🎓 What Parents Should Look At Beyond Ratings

When I help families relocate, we go deeper than just the letter grade:

• STAAR test proficiency (reading and math scores)

• Graduation rates and dropout rates at high schools

• College readiness (SAT/ACT averages, AP and dual credit course offerings)

• Special programs like dual-language, STEM, IB, or magnet schools

• Student–teacher ratios and average years of teacher experience

• Improvement trends — Is the district trending up or down?

✅ Key Takeaway

San Antonio schools vary widely, which is why I never recommend choosing a home solely by district averages. For example, even a district with a C grade may have an individual A-rated campus. Before you buy, we’ll look at district scores, campus ratings, and the specific programs that matter most to your family.

🚗 Transportation & Commuting

VIA Metropolitan Transit runs bus routes, Prímo rapid lines, and VIA Link on-demand shuttles. Two new advanced rapid transit lines are planned, which will expand public transportation options.

It’s possible in Downtown, King William, or Tobin Hill, but most of San Antonio still requires a car.

📌 Final Thoughts

San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas. The affordable cost of living, strong job market, and diverse housing options make it a top relocation choice. The key is balancing data, schools, property taxes, flood maps, and commute times, with actually touring neighborhoods to see what feels right.

If you are relocating to San Antonio or just starting to research the San Antonio housing market, my team specializes in helping military families, first responders, and newcomers make the move smooth and stress-free.