San Antonio, Texas for Newcomers: Everything You Need To Know Before Moving To The City

San Antonio, Texas, is a booming city with one of the fastest-growing populations in the country. Also known as "The Alamo City," San Antonio has various options for newcomers that offer exciting activities for all walks of life.

Whether you're looking to work in startups and tech, be surrounded by live music and art, or simply want to enjoy some delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, San Antonio has something for everyone!

Here's our take on precisely what you need to know.

What is the weather like?

One of the best things about San Antonio is the sunny weather almost year-round.

The average high temperature for the summer months is about 90 degrees Fahrenheit with lows around 70. San Antonians enjoy mild winters, which typically have highs in the low to mid-60s throughout December and January as well.

The weather here can sometimes be unpredictable, but one thing's certain: it won't get too cold or snow like other places might during the cold months—so you're good on that front (even if an unexpected rainstorm does hit!).

San Antonio has a very refreshing climate due mainly because of its close proximity to rivers such as our Guadalupe and San Antonio Rivers. This means less humidity than what people would experience living further east like Houston.

How do I get around San Antonio?

Whether you want to grab an Uber, ride the bus or drive your own car, San Antonio offers multiple options to get you wherever it is that needs going.

A couple of tips: buy a Via bus pass (abbreviated as "paseo") for the day or month ahead if public transportation will be used often and use Uber at night--especially on Friday nights when traffic jams are likely due near downtown's popular establishments.

San Antonio is a large and spread-out city, so getting to and from a destination can be time-consuming.

In other Texas cities, people could spend an hour on their morning commutes. But the average commute within the town is about 24 minutes. This may not seem too bad until you compare it to other cities like New York City, L.A., and even our neighbors to the east, Houston.

What are some of the best places to live in San Antonio?

Where do I begin?

From Stone Oak to the hip-hop part know as The Pearl district to the Hill Country, San Antonio has something for everyone.

For those looking into buying a home or renting long-term, I would say downtown is one of my favorite places around.

The rent prices here vary depending on how much you're willing to payout. Typically, it ranges from $650-$3000+ per month--so just keep that information handy when considering this option.

Either way, whether it's to rent or to purchase, San Antonio is well equipped for the young family, retired couple, or young and single.

Where are the best places to eat and drink?

Being a San Antonian myself, I'm kind of biased. My favorite places are around downtown and the St. Mary's strip.

The Saint Mary's strip is an excellent place for people who like to go out in the evening, where they have live music and vibrant crowds. It has many restaurants with bars, so you can grab drinks while dining or sitting on their outdoor patio area if it isn't too hot at night.

St. Mary's, also known as "The Strip," has establishments open until about midnight most nights of weekdays (except Monday) but stay opened later during weekends--sometimes after bar close time, even past 12am depending on when bands decide to play that night.

From Joey's to the White Rabbit, there's an eclectic infusion of tastes and music for everyone.

Finally...

San Antonio is simply a wonderful city. Home to the NBA's San Antonio Spurs, the Alamo, and just some plain old, down-to-earth people, you can't go wrong.

Having lived here for over twenty years by way of L.A., we settled in and never looked back.