A Home Buyers Guide to Quarry District in San Antonio

The Quarry District, centered on the Alamo Quarry Market and Lincoln Heights in 78209, offers walkable shopping, dining, and quick commutes. For homebuyers, recent snapshots show a median listing around $475,000, a median sale in the upper $400Ks, listing price per square foot near $256, sale price per square foot about $247, and typical marketing time around two months. Most addresses feed Alamo Heights ISD (district rating B; graduation near 98%). Plan total payment (PITI, HOA if applicable) and budget property taxes around 2.0%–2.3% of appraised value. Figures change; verify before offers.

Market Conditions

Pricing snapshot: Median listing ~$475K; median sale in the upper $400Ks for 78209. Realtor.com • Redfin.
$ per sq ft: Listing ~$256/sq ft and sale ~$247/sq ft vary by building and finish. Realtor.com • Redfin.
Time on market: Typical pace near ~60–70 days to pending; presentation drives speed. Redfin • Zillow.
Inventory range: Wide price band with cottages, townhomes, condos, and single-family near retail and golf. Active listings.

Financial Considerations

Property taxes: Model an effective ~2.0%–2.3% of value; confirm exemptions and timelines. Bexar County • Texas Comptroller.
Preapproval first: Lock owner-occupied financing and rate options before touring in popular pockets.
Total payment view: Include PITI, utilities, landscaping/trees, and HOA/condo dues where applicable.
Negotiation room: Use recent pendings and reductions, not list price alone, to frame credits or rate buydowns. Trend dashboards.

Renovation and Legal

Permitting—Alamo Heights: Many Quarry-area homes sit inside the City of Alamo Heights; permits run through the city’s portal. Permit info.
Outside city lines: Addresses in San Antonio use Development Services residential permits. SA DSD.
Typical scopes: Roofing/drainage, window performance, HVAC upgrades, and tree care for mature lots.
Sequence: Order long-lead items early; stage inspections to keep move-in and contractor calendars steady.

Community and Lifestyle

Quarry anchors: Alamo Quarry Market (E. Basse Rd.) offers open-air retail, dining, cinema, and events. Quarry Market.
Quarry Golf Course: A reclaimed-quarry layout with a renovated course and 5-acre practice facility. Quarry Golf.
Broadway corridor: Quick access to Central Market, local restaurants, and the Witte Museum district. Broadway overview.
Parks & trails: Nearby Salado Creek and neighborhood greens make short fitness loops easy.

Key Takeaways

Walkable retail core with quick commutes via Loop 410 and US-281.
Median listing about $475K; sale prices typically upper $400Ks.
Listing and sale $/sq ft trend around mid-$200s, building-dependent.
Most homes feed Alamo Heights ISD; verify address-specific zoning.
Permits differ inside Alamo Heights versus City of San Antonio.
Total payment should include taxes, utilities, and HOA where applicable.

Why Homebuyers Choose The Quarry District

Direct answer: daily convenience and central access. The open-air Alamo Quarry Market at E. Basse anchors shopping and dining, while The Quarry Golf Course adds recreation next door. These sit within minutes of Loop 410 and US-281, compressing errands and commute windows. Learn more at the Alamo Quarry Market site and Quarry Golf pages.

Everyday convenience: Groceries, cafés, gyms, and services cluster near the retail core, reducing weekly mileage and parking stress.
Product variety: Cottages, townhomes, condos, and single-family homes appear within a tight radius of retail and schools.
Event rhythm: Weekend activations raise foot traffic; alternate routes via Broadway and Jones Maltsberger keep arrivals predictable. Broadway overview.
Resale durability: Central access and curated retail typically sustain demand across broader market cycles. Market snapshot.
School draw: Many addresses feed Alamo Heights ISD (B rating, ~98% graduation). District rating • Profile.

Housing and Architecture

Direct answer: established streets with mature trees and a mix of home types. Expect 1930s–1960s cottages and ranch homes near condos and townhomes, plus selective infill. Track pricing and $/sq ft with current dashboards (median listing ~$475K; listing $/sq ft ~<$260; sale $/sq ft ~<$250). Sources: Realtor.com 78209, Redfin 78209, Zillow 78209.

Cottages & ranch: Original hardwoods and porches; prioritize roof/drainage, window performance, and HVAC comfort before cosmetics.
Townhomes: Private entries and garages near retail; confirm HOA dues, reserves, and exterior responsibilities.
Condos: Amenity sets vary; model dues, master insurance scope, pet rules, and EV readiness.
Respectful infill: Period-aware massing and setbacks help maintain block rhythm and appraisal support.
Tree stewardship: Mature canopy boosts appeal; budget trimming and root-zone care after inspections.

The Quarry District — Home Types & Typical Characteristics
Type	Typical Era	Approx. Size	Common Features	Ownership Notes	Maintenance Focus
Cottage/Ranch	1930s–1960s	1,300–2,200 sq ft	Hardwoods, porches, mature trees	Fee simple	Roof/drainage, windows, HVAC, trees
Townhome	1990s–Recent	1,400–2,300 sq ft	Private entry, garage	HOA exterior standards	Roof, facade, reserves
Condo	2000s–Recent	700–1,600 sq ft	Balcony, amenities	Dues, master policy	HOA reserves, systems
Respectful Infill	Recent	1,600–2,800 sq ft	Context-aware massing	Fee simple/HOA	Setbacks, landscape

Market Snapshot and Ownership Math

Direct answer: build your monthly model before offers. In 78209, recent dashboards show median listing near $475K, median sale in the upper $400Ks, listing $/sq ft near the mid-$200s, sale $/sq ft near the mid-$200s, and ~60–70 days to pending. Check the latest at Realtor.com, Redfin, and Zillow.

PITI + extras: Add HOA/condo dues, utilities, tree work, and reserves for upgrades.
Taxes & exemptions: Review county timelines, then apply homestead and other eligible exemptions. Bexar County.
Sale-to-list: Use median sale-to-list ratios to frame offers in slower pockets. Zillow 78209.
Timing: Seasonal inventory can shift leverage; watch current absorption and fresh price cuts.

Schools and Education

Direct answer: many Quarry-area addresses feed Alamo Heights ISD; verify by address. AHISD currently carries a B (~87) district rating and a graduation rate near 98%. Start with district maps and state profiles: AHISD • 2025 ratings • district profile.

Elementary–High: Confirm attendance boundaries; AHISD publishes campus maps and contacts. District map.
Commute fit: Test school drop-off windows against Broadway and Loop 410 traffic patterns.
Cost planning: Budget for uniforms, devices, activities, and travel for programs and athletics.

Commutes and Connectivity

Direct answer: the Quarry sits just off Loop 410 with quick access to US-281 and Broadway; downtown and the airport are short drives. For closures and lane changes, check the TxDOT San Antonio project list: TxDOT District.

Downtown: ~10–15 minutes by surface streets/US-281 outside major events.
Airport: ~10–15 minutes via US-281; variance is mostly parking and security.
Medical Center: ~15–25 minutes via Loop 410 and Wurzbach.
Pearl/Museum Reach: ~8–12 minutes south via Broadway.

Typical Commute Times From The Quarry District
Destination	Typical Time	Primary Route	Notes
Downtown	10–15 minutes	US-281 / Broadway	Extend during major conventions
San Antonio International Airport	10–15 minutes	US-281	Most variance at parking/security
Medical Center	15–25 minutes	Loop 410 → Wurzbach	Shift changes add minutes
Pearl District	8–12 minutes	Broadway	Event nights add minutes

Taxes, HOAs, and Ownership Costs

Direct answer: Texas property tax collection is local; rates vary by entity. Start with Bexar County and the Comptroller basics, then check BCAD for address-specific details and exemptions. Bexar County • Comptroller • BCAD.

Complete budgeting: Include HOA/condo dues, insurance, utilities, seasonal landscaping, and an emergency fund.
Insurance detail: Compare deductibles; older roofs and mature trees can influence premiums.
System planning: Schedule HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work with contractor availability and weather.
Documentation: Keep permits, specs, and warranties for buyer and lender review at resale.

Renovation and Project Planning

Direct answer: know which city you’re in. Parcels inside Alamo Heights use the city’s application process; addresses in San Antonio use DSD. Review submittal checklists before ordering materials. Alamo Heights Permits • SA DSD.

Scope alignment: Drawings, product sheets, and phased inspections minimize redesigns and buffer timelines.
Trade verification: Vet licensed contractors; condo HOAs may require proof of insurance and booking windows.
Tree protection: Plan trim, access, and dumpster placement to protect roots and canopy.
Envelope first: Roof/drainage and window performance deliver the fastest comfort gains before finishes.

Micro-Areas: Quarry Market Core, Lincoln Heights, and Broadway Edges

Direct answer: the retail core is plaza-centric; Lincoln Heights blends homes with shopping; Broadway edges add townhomes and quick museum access. Explore the Quarry Market directory and Quarry Golf for current offerings and events.

The Bottom Line

The Quarry District delivers everyday convenience, established streets, and central access. Build a clear monthly model, confirm which city’s permit rules apply, and prioritize comfort—roof/drainage, windows, HVAC—before cosmetics. With preapproval, clean contingencies, and realistic timelines, buyers land reliable outcomes in one of San Antonio’s most practical, amenity-rich cores.

Explore Nearby Neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Quarry District inside an incorporated city?

Many parcels fall within the City of Alamo Heights; others are in the City of San Antonio. Permit paths differ by jurisdiction. Alamo Heights Permits • SA DSD.

What are typical home prices near the Quarry?

Recent 78209 snapshots show a median listing around $475K and median sale in the upper $400Ks, with listing $/sq ft near mid-$200s and sale $/sq ft near mid-$200s. Realtor.com • Redfin • Zillow.

Which school district serves the area?

Most Quarry-area addresses feed Alamo Heights ISD, currently rated B (~87) with a graduation rate near 98%. Verify campus assignments. 2025 ratings • district profile • map.

What are the main lifestyle anchors?

Alamo Quarry Market’s shops/dining/events and The Quarry Golf Course’s renovated course and practice range define the core. Quarry Market • Quarry Golf.

How long are typical commutes?

Downtown and the airport are ~10–15 minutes most days; Medical Center commonly ~15–25 minutes depending on timing and route. Plan buffers during major events. TxDOT updates.

Are there special design rules?

No unique overlay in the core retail area, but parcels in Alamo Heights follow city permitting and architectural review. Confirm address-specific requirements. Alamo Heights code.

What should I budget beyond mortgage and taxes?

Utilities, landscaping/tree work, HOA/condo dues (where applicable), insurance deductibles, and a reserve for upgrades. County basics.

Can I add an accessory unit?

Townhome/condo HOAs often restrict ADUs; single-family feasibility varies by zoning and city. Check with Alamo Heights or San Antonio development services.