Alamo Heights, Alamo Ranch, Brooks, Southtown, and King William are all popular neighborhoods in the San Antonio area, but which is the perfect one for you? Buying a home in the perfect area for you is an individual decision and varies from person to person. Our agents are experts in San Antonio, Austin, and Killeen neighborhoods, and will use that experience to help find a home perfect for YOU! 

Buying a home is exciting! You may already know what kind of home you want and the general area you might be interested in looking at, but there are some factors you may want to consider before committing to a particular area. Here are some things to consider when looking at potential neighborhoods:  

Neighborhood Safety 

Feeling safe in your neighborhood is one of the most important factors, especially if you have kids. At some point, every part of town will experience some criminal activity. When looking at neighborhoods, here are a few things to keep on your radar:  

• Crime Statistics: Social media and websites may offer reputable information on crime stats. However, the most accurate stats can be found on the city’s criminal report webpage or directly from law enforcement. TIP: Crime can be seasonal (more crimes tend to be committed during the warmer months). When looking at reports, make sure to look at crime over the course of a year.  

• Neighborhood Watch: Does the area you are looking at have a neighborhood watch program? If you need clarification, look around for a posted sign, ask local law enforcement, and ask people living there.  

• Street Lighting: More lighting on the streets can help people feel safer.  

• Speak to Neighbors: The best way to truly know the area is to speak to the locals. Spend time in areas you are looking at. Speak with older people, younger people, families, and local workers. They will tell you the ins and outs of the area. TIP: Visit the area at different times of the day. This will help you see the activity during and after work hours.  

Nearby Necessities 

• Location, location, location. If convenience is important to you, consider looking at areas closer to grocery stores, department stores, coffee shops, farmers markets, etc. Map out where the neighborhood is to the nearest pharmacy, grocery, and department stores. Are they conveniently close, or will your trip to the store require more time or effort? TIP: Consider how close/far these things are to your work or school commute. This can factor into your decision.  

School Districts 

• Education is essential if you plan on having kids, have just had a baby, or already have a little one. Finding a well-performing school district is something many families prioritize when looking for the right location to live. Tips on how to determine if a school district is “good” or not: Look at test scores, programming (AP courses, afterschool care, special education support, etc.), extracurricular activities (band, sports, theater, etc.), and do they have an active PTA/PTO group.  

Nearby Walking Paths, Trails, and Dog Parks 

• Outdoor amenities are essential whether you enjoy a long hike, brisk walks around the neighborhood, or if you have a dog. Does the area have well-maintained sidewalks? Is there a park within walking distance or a short drive? Is there a local dog park or dog-friendly area? These are all things to consider.  

Commute to Work 

• When looking at areas in town, consider your commute to and from work. How long will it take you to get to work during rush hour or vice versa? These factors will help you determine whether or not to choose certain areas. If you don’t mind a longer commute or waiting in traffic, consider alternate routes to get to/from work in case of accidents, road closures, or construction.  

Things to Do in the Area 

• Aside from all the necessities, is the area somewhere you can spend a significant amount of your time? If you enjoy going out, is there an active night scene? How is the restaurant scene? Are there gyms, yoga studios, etc.?  

Remember to stay within your budget after considering all these things when looking at neighborhoods. Sometimes, the most desirable neighborhoods are in higher demand and will come at a higher cost. Determine whether it’s the neighborhood you love or is it the house. If it is the area, look at smaller houses that fit within your budget. If it is the home, know that you can pay the same amount for very different houses depending on the area you are looking at. You will probably find a more reasonably priced home with a similar neighborhood feel.  

Working closely with your LRGagent is key, the better they understand your needs, the better they can accommodate you. They will help you navigate every step of the home buying process. We have agents who are qualified in VA Loans, FHA loans, new home construction, old homes, first-time home buyers, commercial properties, and more.  

Remember to take your time and you are not alone! Our agents can drive you around, and share information about each location you are considering. Let an LRG agent do the work for you. Be comfortable and confident in your choice. Make sure to have honest, open conversations with people you trust during homebuying. When you are ready, LRG agents will help and guide you through all your home needs. Contact us at 210-879-8220 or message us on our website if you need help. You can also follow us or message us on Instagram and Facebook!