The Pros and Cons of Living in San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio, Texas — affectionately known as Alamo City, River City, Mission City, and Military City USA — is a city that blends rich history with modern charm. It’s a place where three centuries of culture, architecture, and community collide, creating one of the most unique and fastest-growing cities in the U.S.

Whether you're a young professional looking for a dynamic place to live, a family ready to settle down, or a retiree seeking affordability with charm, San Antonio might just check all the boxes. But just like any major city, it comes with both highlights and challenges.

So, if you're considering moving to San Antonio in 2025, here’s your ultimate guide to the pros and cons of living in the Alamo City.

Quick Facts About San Antonio

• Population: Over 1.47 million
• The Alamo draws over 1.6 million visitors each year
• Home to the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico
• Gatorade was invented by a San Antonio native
• 7th largest city in the United States

✅ Pros of Living in San Antonio

1. Plenty To Do

From historical landmarks like The Alamo and the San Antonio Missions to family-friendly attractions like SeaWorld, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and The DoSeum, San Antonio offers endless entertainment. Don’t forget about the River Walk for a picturesque stroll or boat ride, and plenty of live performances at the Majestic and Aztec Theatres.

2. Incredible Food Scene

San Antonio is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy — a rare title that speaks volumes. You'll find amazing Mexican, Tejano, and Tex-Mex cuisines around every corner, not to mention Texas BBQ, Asian fusion, Greek eateries, and craft breweries.

Don’t miss:

• Niki’s Tokyo Inn
• Demo’s Greek Food
• Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery
• Tank’s Pizza

3. Rich Cultural Heritage

From Fiesta San Antonio to food fairs and art exhibits, the city’s celebration of its diverse heritage shines year-round. Expect festivals with roots in Mexican, German, Irish, African-American, and cowboy culture. The Stock Show & Rodeo is a huge draw, too!

4. Lower Cost of Living

Compared to other large Texas cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas, San Antonio remains more affordable. With a cost-of-living index of 91.3, it’s below the national average. Housing is especially attractive with a median home price of $290,000.

5. Job Opportunities

San Antonio offers abundant jobs in healthcare, tourism, military, and cybersecurity. Major hospitals like Methodist Hospital and Baptist Medical Center anchor a strong healthcare system, and military-connected employment thrives thanks to Lackland AFB and Joint Base San Antonio.

6. Mild Winters

Say goodbye to shoveling snow. San Antonio’s winter highs hover in the 60s and lows in the 40s, making outdoor activities enjoyable year-round.

7. Friendly, Laid-Back Vibe

Despite its size, San Antonio maintains a small-town, community-focused atmosphere. Residents enjoy a slower pace, warm hospitality, and neighborly vibes across its diverse neighborhoods.

8. Day Trip Central

From San Antonio, you can reach Austin in just 90 minutes or head to the beach in Corpus Christi in about two hours. Texas Hill Country is also nearby, offering scenic getaways filled with hiking, wineries, and local charm.

❌ Cons of Living in San Antonio

1. Tough Traffic + Bad Drivers

Road rage, sudden lane changes, and confusing intersections make San Antonio’s traffic frustrating — especially during peak hours. The city's sprawl and underfunded public transit add to the challenge.

2. Lower Average Wages

While cost of living is lower, average wages in San Antonio don’t always match. Many jobs pay closer to minimum wage ($7.25 in TX, rising to $9.50 by end of 2024), and the living wage is around $20.50/hr for a single adult with no children.

3. Housing Competition

While home prices remain affordable, increasing demand is tightening the market. Buyers may find it harder to snag homes in popular areas, and prices are slowly creeping toward levels seen in Dallas and Houston.

4. Allergy Central

If you suffer from allergies, brace yourself. San Antonio frequently ranks as one of the worst U.S. cities for allergens — especially during spring and cedar season (December–February).

5. Summer Heat & Humidity

Summers in San Antonio are long, hot, and humid. Temps easily hit the 90s from May through October. Hydration and SPF are a must, and outdoor activities become challenging during peak heat.

6. Crime in Certain Areas

San Antonio has a crime index of 1 (out of 100), according to NeighborhoodScout. That doesn’t mean the whole city is unsafe, but it's important to research neighborhoods carefully. Many areas are perfectly safe, especially in North and Northwest San Antonio.

7. Dirty Environment

San Antonio struggles with visible litter, pollution, and maintenance in some parts of the city. While beautiful areas like the River Walk and historic districts are well-kept, some neighborhoods could benefit from more city support.

8. Crowds of Tourists

Living in a top U.S. tourist destination has its downsides. Expect heavy foot traffic and long waits near The Alamo, River Walk, and downtown attractions — especially on weekends or during Fiesta season.

Final Thoughts: Should You Move to San Antonio?

San Antonio is a city full of heart, history, and flavor. It's a great choice if you’re seeking a lower cost of living, rich cultural experiences, and year-round warm weather. While it has its drawbacks — like traffic, allergies, and wage gaps — it still offers tremendous value and a quality lifestyle that’s hard to beat.

Whether you're relocating for work, military orders, or just looking for a fresh start, San Antonio may just be your next great adventure.

Thinking about buying or selling a home in San Antonio?
Reach out to Kristen Smith, San Antonio Realtor® — a proud Air Force veteran and local real estate expert who knows this city inside and out. She’ll help you find the perfect neighborhood to call home.

Kristen Smith, Realtor best San Antonio Realtor