About the Region
The city of San Antonio is located in Bexar County, Texas with a population of 1.2 million (2004 census).
The city is the second largest in the state of Texas and eight largest in the United States. The state tree
is the Pecan, state bird the Mockingbird and the state flower is the Bluebonnet. The state is the second
largest after Alaska. San Antonio is only two hours from the beach, one hour from scenic hill country, and
two hours from the Mexican border. If you are looking for a great place to visit or retire to, San Antonio
is the place for you. See details below for more information including local links.
San Antonio's Metro Area
The area of San Antonio in south central Texas is relatively flat with rolling hills and wide river
plains. A bright focal point is the San Antonio River, which meanders through the city. San Antonio's
downtown area consists of a wide range of architecture including historic buildings. Developed around the
river is the historic Paseo del Rio or Riverwalk. This charming urban development is a distinctive and
well-known treasure of San Antonio.
San Antonio is an appealing city for seniors. It has a strong economy and low cost of living compared to
other similarly sized urban areas across the United States. The military has a strong presence in the area
with four nearby military bases. San Antonio's University of Texas Health Science Center has many patients
from all over the world seeking treatment within its doors. The city offers a large number of retirement
& assisted living facilities in this area, because of easy access to the Medical Center. San Antonio
also has their own Texas Diabetes Institute that is internationally known for research. The city also has a
stable and varied economy of government, medical services, manufacturing, communications, business, and
tourism.
The Climate of San Antonio
The climate of San Antonio is humid, subtropical with an average of 227 sunny days per year. Annual
precipitation is 28.0 inches. January temperatures are usually in the 50's with lows in the 40's while
summers are 90 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity and lows in the 50's and 60's overnight. The geography
and climate of the area actually varies from semi-arid towards the west to coastal and sub-tropical to the
east. Measurable snow falls about every three to four years and occasionally the city is affected by a
tropical storm coming in from the Gulf of Mexico. The climate although hot and humid in the summer is
appealing to seniors who do not want to deal with snow and desire plenty of warm and sunny days.
History of the Area
San Antonio has a predominant early Spanish and Mexican history and influence. Early Spanish explorers
first visited the area in 1691. San Antonio's name is derived from a Spanish feast day named after Saint
Anthony of Padua. San Antonio's first governor Don Martin Alarcon along with others founded the first
mission, San Antonio de Valero, and established the first Spanish settlement in 1718. Further settlers from
the Canary Islands and sent by Spain explored the area and in 1731. The town of Villa de San Fernando was
unofficially formed despite forty years of the city being known as San Antonio. Today the site of this town
is now the center of today's San Antonio. Three additional missions were then moved to San Antonio from east
Texas, Mission Conception, Mission San Juan and Mission Espada. In 1835 uprisings between San Antonian's and
Mexican militia garrisoned at the Alamo were followed by revolts against Mexican control. What ensued were
two famous battles of history, resulting in Texas gaining its independence as the Republic of Texas. Ten
years later in 1845, Texas became a state. The vivid history of the diverse people settling the area and the
influence of their cultures makes for a cosmopolitan city with a deep appreciation of the past.
Attractions of the Area
San Antonio has a wonderful mix of local attractions from historical, cultural arts, destination
shopping, fine dining and more. This city is not only a great place to retire but also a wonderful vacation
destination. Historical destinations and attractions in San Antonio include:
Outdoor
Central to the city and a highlight of any visit is the pedestrian friendly Riverwalk. This extensive
development built around the San Antonio River is the center attraction of the city. As the river winds
through San Antonio walking paths, shops and dining areas line the path of the river. Romantic and scenic
boat rides are available on the river. The entire development is a marvel of urban development combining the
use of natural resources of the river and the favorable San Antonio climate. Other notable outdoor
adventures include Casa Navarro State Park the home site of Jose Antonio Navarro Texas's first legislator.
Enchanted Springs Ranch an old western town site used by filmmakers and other events, The Natural Bridge
Wildlife Ranch, San Antonio's Botanical Garden's, Fiesta Texas is a great place for the grandkids. The
Lucile Halsell Conservatory, Brackenridge Park is where you'll find The San Antonio Zoo & Eagle Train,
plus Sea World.
Cultural
San Antonio's cultural attractions include the Arneson River Theater, which presents its festival of lights
during the holidays. The San Antonio Symphony, Majestic Theater featuring Broadway Productions Market
Square-El Mercado modeled after an authentic Mexican market with specialty shops. San Antonio hosts Fiesta a
ten-day celebration commemorating diverse cultures and the heroes of Battle of the Alamo and Battle of San
Jacinto. The annual Stock Show and Rodeo is also held in February.
Dining
San Antonio's best dining includes Sunset Station offering fine dining, Aldaco's fine Mexican cuisine, and
Ruth's Chris Steak house, all located in downtown San Antonio along with many other unique restaurants, and
eating establishments. For a panoramic view of the city and a great place for lunch and dinner, try the
Tower of the Americas restaurant and observation deck. If you're looking for Tex-Mex food and Mariachis, the
Mi Terra located downtown in the Mercado is the place to be.
Art and history
San Antonio is the destination for art and history buffs starting with the famous Alamo previously known as
Mission San Antonio de Valero containing relics and mementos from the Republic of Texas, In the heart of
downtown San Antonio part of the original town (villa de San Fernando), is the San Fernando Catherdral. The
legendary Davey Crockett is buried there. Do not miss San Antonio's four historic Franciscan Missions,
Spanish Governor's Palace a national landmark, San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum and McNay Art
institute are a must see, Buckhorn Saloon & Museum, Guenther House home of flourmill pioneer Carl Hilmar
Guenther. Guinness World Records Museum, Ripley's Haunted Adventure and Davy Crockett's Tall tales Ride.
King William District is the states first historic district originally settled by German merchants and San
Antonio's affluent neighborhood of the 1800's. La Villita a unique arts and crafts community.
Transportation in San Antonio
San Antonio is served by VIA the metropolitan bus transit system, which includes a local trolley system,
the San Antonio International Airport served by 12 airlines. Private and local taxi services and shuttle
buses also serve San Antonio. For more transportation information, see transportation link below.
An Overview of the San Antonio Area
In our use, the term San Antonio Directory refers to the city of San Antonio located in Bexar County. In
our use, the term San Antonio Directory refers to the city of San Antonio located in Bexar County. The
region also covers Bandera, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karns Kendall, Kerr, Medina and Wilson
Counties. Cities in the surrounding metro area are:
Alamo Heights – Located in Bexar, County Texas with a population of 7,324. Alamo Heights
is a contemporary city with something for everyone, including upscale boutiques and fine restaurants to
local diners and thriving businesses. Alamo Heights is San Antonio's city within a city. If you are looking
for an eclectic place to live surrounded by friendly people Alamo Heights is the magnet city for you.
Converse – Located in Bexar County with a rapidly growing population of 10,801. Converse
boasts itself as city with strong economic and community structure. Converse citizens enjoy its elite
suburban lifestyle along with its big city advantage. Converse is located northeast of San Antonio
Kirby – Located in Bexar, County Texas with a population of 8,331. In 1877, Kirby began
as a railroad station for the Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio Railway north and east of San Antonio.
Today Kirby is a steadily growing bedroom community for San Antonio, centrally located between highways 35,
10 and 410.
Leon Valley – Located in Bexar County with a population of 9,550, Leon Valley is a
upscale community north and west of San Antonio's downtown area. Leon Valley was once a ranching and farming
community in the 1800's. Today it is a friendly valley offering outstanding amenities for its residents and
visitors alike. Leon Valley's small town hospitality makes it a magnet city for seniors, with its exemplary
city services and nearby big city advantages accessing San Antonio by interstate 410 Highway10.
Live Oak – Located in Falls County with a population of 11,005. Live Oak is conveniently
located near interstates 35 and San Antonio's loop or beltway freeway encircling the city. Live Oak is known
as the Gateway to San Antonio for this reason. Originally, a farming and ranching community Live Oak today
is a thriving suburb of San Antonio offering convenient access to the downtown area and presenting itself as
desirable city to live in.
Windcrest – Located in Bexar County, Texas with a population of 5,106. Windcrest is a
quaint little suburb of San Antonio just northeast of the city surrounded by other larger cities. Windcrest
offers a quiet small town atmosphere with exceptional amenities and city services.
Schertz – Located on the border of Bexar and Guadalupe counties with a population of
10,560. Schertz was established in 1875 as a farming community and railroad stop with a grocery store for
the Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio Railway. Today Schertz is an expanding community with a
small-town feel. Nearby is the Randolph Air Force Base generating a source of Schertz economy along with its
local businesses. Northeast of San Antonio connected by interstate 35 with an easy commute to downtown San
Antonio, Schertz creates a comfortable retirement city.
Universal City – Located in Bexar County, Texas with a population of 14,851. Universal
City is northeast of downtown San Antonio a community with gentle sloping hills and steep canyons. Universal
City a progressive city provides a convenient bedroom community to San Antonio with outdoor recreation such
as its beautiful golf courses, local parks and spectator sports fields. On the cultural side of things,
Universal City has an array museums, historical attractions, and its own symphony making this city a choice
place to live.
San Antonio's sister cities – include Guadalajara, Mexico, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Kumamoto,
Japan, Kwangiu, South Korea, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, Monterrey, México, and Santa Cruz de
Tenerife, and Spain
Senior Services in the San Antonio
The urban area of San Antonio and surrounding suburbs offers seniors and their families a variety of
senior housing and support services. These services include Senior Employment Program, Christian Senior
Service, Retired Senior Volunteer, Family Service Association, and The AARP Foundation. Senior housing
ranges from independent retirement communities, continuum of care communities, assisted living, skilled
nursing, Alzheimer's assisted, and Alzheimer's skilled nursing. Senior housing includes Chandler Senior
Center, San Jacinto Senior Housing Dev., Our Lady-Sorrows Senior Center, Grace Place Alzheimer's Center, and
Nix Heritage Center. Our database offers the ability to search for various types of senior housing. The
database also includes definitions of the types of senior housing.
Other senior services in the area include a wide choice of home health care. From home health agencies to
home companions, home medical services and senior support services. The San Antonio area offers a variety of
senior services both from home health industry to community resources. These services include Senior
Services at Jefferson Area Co-Op, Senior Health Benefits-Secure Horizons, and Senior Services-Emergency
Alert Systems, also AARP Insurance Services for Seniors and ADT Senior Services Assistance. Use our Search
Senior Services link to learn more about the variety of senior housing and senior support services located
in the San Antonio, Texas.
Visit Local Links to learn more about the San Antonio Region and use our Search
Senior Services to find senior services. Tell companies you found them through www.SeniorsResourceGuide.com.
About the Region San Antonio 1-30-06-AS, 3-22-06KH |
