San Antonio Versus Austin. what is best?

Question

regarding house prices.
safety/lower crime rate
good elementary school
quality of life
friendly people

Answer 1

This will really depend on your personal interests.

For example, I prefer San Antonio for these reasons:
* Less Traffic (both have a lot, but Austin is worse)
* Lower home prices
* Friendly, welcoming "small town" feel
* Diversity of people and business
* Although SA has numerous colleges, it's not a "college town" (I lived in College Station [Go Ags!!] for 23 years, but the older I became, the less I liked the "college" atmosphere)
* There's a lot to do here, to fit all interests: theme parks, museums, theatres (for the arts), historical sites, the river walk, market square, the zoo (and Brackenridge Park), and botanical gardens, just to name a few.

I consider SA a "party town" in a 'grown up' sense, rather than a 'college' sense. Examples:

Riverwalk Events:
Riverwalk Mud Festival (January)
Mardi Gras River Parade (Feb)
Dyeing O' the River Green & St. Patrick's Day Parade (Mar)
Mariachi Festival (April)
Coffins on Parade (October)
Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony (Nov-Dec)
Holiday Boat Caroling (Nov-Dec)

Website: http://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/Events/index.asp?StartDate=1/1/2006&EndDate=12/31/2006

THE BIGGEST PARTY of the year is "Fiesta", held annuallly in April to honor the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. There's a ton of info about Fiesta, including history, the events, bands, carnival, etc. at this website: http://www.fiesta-sa.org/

There are also smaller celebrations throughout the year, including Cinco de Mayo, Diez y Seis de Septiembre, Tejano Festivals, etc. With the SBC Center and Alamodome, there are many sporting events, concerts, and other special events to choose from.

Try the SA CVB for general info on SA as well as annual events and celebrations: http://www.sanantoniocvb.com/

Although SA and Austin are only about an hour apart, it's not as "close" as it seems. In moving to SA we thought "With Austin so close, if we want to go for the day, we can!" It sounds great, but with today's gas prices, an hour drive one way, the traffic, etc. I can tell you how many times we've been TO Austin in 3 yrs - twice. Once for a work-related seminar, the other to visit one of the newest museums (which we were disappointed in). We've been THROUGH Austin ~3 times, due to required visits to a clinic in Georgetown.

So thinking you'll go and actually going are two different things. And since the best stuff to do is here in SA, why go to Austin? :-)

There are good schools here too, as well as low-crime areas. What you get simply depends on what part of town you live in, which is fairly normal in any large metro area.

However, if you're young (college age or a little under or above that), Austin may be the place for you. However, if you prefer a laid back "adult" party atmosphere with plenty to do for all interests, then SA is your place.

But that's just the opinion of a 40-something, coaster-loving, history-appreciating Grandma who is way past bar-hopping, dirty dancing, and being "college crazy"!!

And, I simply LOVE San Antonio!!

Good luck in your decision!!

Answer 2

San Antonio

Answer 3

Austin will have higer house prices, and the go-to-work traffic is worse. Austin is the state capital, so the legislature makes it a point to keep crime low (except inside the statehouse), and the schools good. Both have friendly people.

Austin is a college town so it has more night life than San Antonio.

And any tourist attraction available in San Antonio, is close to drive to.

My choice would be Austin.

Answer 4

I was curious about this as well