San Antonio, TX Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in San Antonio, TX: What You Need to Know

San Antonio, with a population of 1.5 million, is the second largest city in Texas, just behind Houston. It’s sometimes called Alamo City as a nod to the historic battle between Texas and Mexico.

A Storied Local History

In 1718, Spanish explorers named the area in honor of San Antonio de Padua. The city is famous for its heroic past as symbolized by the Alamo, a mission that once served as a stopping point between Texas and Mexico. After Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, white settlers started arriving in the area. As the population grew, the friction between the settlers and the Mexican government also increased. In 1836, a small group of Texans occupied the Alamo for 13 days before Mexican troops overpowered them. The battle became the Texans’ rallying cry until they gained independence from Mexico in April 1836. The United States annexed Texas in 1845.

Things to Do in San Antonio

Every year, about 2.5 million people visit the Alamo, the site of the famous battle, which is a National Monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 4.2-acre complex features interactive exhibits and tours, reenactments, and a garden. From the Alamo, you can head to the nearby River Walk, a stone walkway for strolling, with lots of great restaurants along the way. Explore downtown by foot or hop on a barge for a cruise on the San Antonio River. San Antonio Zoo, SeaWorld, and Legoland Discovery Center are popular destinations for families. 

The Cost of Living in San Antonio

Despite the size of San Antonio, its cost of living is 7.8% lower than the national average. Housing and transportation costs are reasonable as well – 18.2 % and 13.8% lower than the national average, respectively. On top of it all, Texas doesn’t collect state income tax. The median gross rent in the city is $958, while the median two-bedroom rent $1,276.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Downtown neighborhoods such as Southtown and historic Lavaca offer an array of housing options, from bungalows to condos to apartments. The majority of downtown residents are renters. If you dream of living in the suburbs, Fair Oaks Ranch and Hollywood Park are a short commute to San Antonio, plus they have highly rated schools.

Schools and Education

Not many people think of San Antonio as a college town, but there are 14 colleges and universities in the city and 16 other institutions of higher education within a 50-mile radius. The schools include the University of Texas at San Antonio with 32,264 students, Texas State University with 38,644 students, and Trinity University with 2,637 students. The city has 509 public schools with a total enrollment of 333,250 students. Among the top-ranked schools are Basis San Antonio (Primary North Central Campus and Shavano Campus) and Young Women’s Leadership Academy.