The The place I Reside sequence goals to showcase our various metropolis and area by spotlighting its many vibrant neighborhoods. Every week an area resident invitations us over and lets us in on what makes their neighborhood particular. Have we been to your neighborhood but? Get in contact to share your story. In case your story is chosen and printed, you’ll obtain a $250 stipend.
To most individuals in San Antonio, Southtown is an extension of downtown; it’s a spot for First Fridays, Fiesta occasions and brunching on weekends. For my spouse Paola and me, Southtown is greater than a neighborhood; it’s residence.
Southtown is made up of 5 neighborhoods: King William, Lone Star, Collins Backyard, Roosevelt and Lavaca, the place we reside.
I grew up on the Northwest Aspect of city, whereas my spouse was raised in Del Rio, Texas. I all the time most well-liked the liveliness of the town over life within the suburbs; I benefit from the noise, the neighbors, occasions and the whole lot that comes with city dwelling. I keep in mind visiting Southtown after I was youthful and all the time admired it, and now I’m fortunate sufficient to name it residence.
Paola and I’ve lived right here for nearly a decade, beginning in her small Lavaca residence. We met whereas I used to be in regulation college and Paola was learning for her CPA exams. I knew very early on that she was the one, however she wasn’t completely satisfied. A number of speaking and a strawberry lemonade paleta from the outdated Metal Metropolis Pops on South Presa lastly satisfied her. Finally, we determined to carry residence our canine and greatest pal, Waffles.
On any given weekend, you possibly can catch the three of us strolling to Stranded Espresso to start out the morning; honey oat milk lattes for us and some milk bones for Waffles. We would assume we’re headed residence after selecting up espresso, but it surely’s simple to get swept up within the magic of Southtown. So many morning strolls find yourself in full-day adventures exploring completely different markets, weekend occasions or just visiting with neighbors.
Waffles struts round confidently as if your complete neighborhood is his yard. At any time when we stroll by acquainted locations like La Frite or Bar Loretta, he has to cease and pop his head in to say hello. Throughout his night walks, he stalls in entrance of the Pleasant Spot and coaxes us to a seat in entrance of the large display screen to catch the tip of a Spurs sport. Then, on the best way residence, he greets the entire neighborhood canines and stops to say hello to anybody who will child discuss to him, particularly the outdated man who, each time we stroll by, asks, “Are you strolling that canine, or is that canine strolling you?”
Whereas the eating places, bars, occasions and different spectacles of the neighborhood are nice, the true hidden gem lies within the individuals. Lavaca is a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood that embraces range. Southtown has a broad spectrum of socioeconomic lessons. Neighbors look after each other, change into invested in one another’s lives and provides each other a way of belonging. Many households have been on this neighborhood for generations, dwelling of their childhood properties and elevating youngsters of their very own. Every has embraced and welcomed us, exhibiting us what the true which means of a neighborhood is. A fast wave or howdy in passing can flip into an evening on a neighbor’s porch, having a drink and exchanging tales till 2 a.m.
Similar to many neighborhoods within the metropolis, residents of Lavaca and Southtown have our struggles. It’s a place the place the outdated and the brand new should discover a steadiness and exist in concord. The neighborhood isn’t almost as reasonably priced because it as soon as was. Reasonably priced housing is scarce, and rising property taxes, together with the prices of sustaining a historic residence, have pushed individuals away.
Recollections of the outdated Southtown are nonetheless right here, however change is seen, even within the 10 brief years of dwelling right here. Change is a big a part of Southtown; new neighbors, eating places, homes, even the potential for a brand new stadium in our yard. I’ve realized to embrace it, but in addition to work to maintain the guts and attraction of our centuries-old neighborhood alive. That is residence for us.
