The The place I Stay collection goals to showcase our numerous metropolis and area by spotlighting its many vibrant neighborhoods. Every week a neighborhood 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.
I didn’t plan to maneuver to San Antonio. The truth is, I hadn’t even deliberate to go to.
Again in 2020, my associate, Kimmyu, and I have been on a cross-country street journey, heading from our dwelling in Stuart, Florida, with plans to go to Colorado and ultimately make our technique to California. However after we realized the warmth in our automotive wasn’t working — proper in the course of winter — we knew driving into freezing temperatures wasn’t an possibility. So we pivoted, in search of a hotter route, and ended up in San Antonio as a substitute.
That surprising detour modified every thing.
From the second we arrived, we have been drawn in by San Antonio’s appeal. The affordability, the sweetness, the nice and cozy and welcoming vibe — all of it felt proper. We each stated, “We might really reside right here.” After persevering with on to California, we couldn’t cease interested by San Antonio. By the point we returned to Florida, we’d decided to proceed dwelling spontaneously and transfer to Texas.
We initially settled in The Rim, nevertheless it wasn’t lengthy earlier than we discovered ourselves drawn to Southtown, simply south of downtown San Antonio. This neighborhood felt like an ideal match — inventive, walkable and stuffed with character. Nestled close to the historic King William District, Southtown is near every thing: downtown, the San Antonio River Stroll, Hemisfair and a wealthy mixture of eating places, espresso outlets and native markets. It’s an artsy, vibrant space the place you’ll discover murals on virtually each nook, reside music floating by the air and a deep sense of neighborhood.
By March 2024, our lives had modified in an enormous approach — we have been anticipating our first child. As our household grew, so did our want for area and comfort. Transferring to Southtown made excellent sense. It was nearer to each of our jobs and supplied the life-style we wished as new mother and father.
I run a enterprise referred to as Kalon by Josseline, a pure and vegan skincare model I launched in 2021. A lot of my work entails taking part in native pop-up occasions, which are sometimes held in and round Southtown. Residing close by makes these occasions a lot simpler to organize for and attend. To not point out, the neighborhood’s inventive vitality conjures up a lot of my content material creation, particularly now that I’ve began creating content material as a neighborhood meals reviewer.
Kimmyu works on the Bexar County Courthouse, which is inside strolling distance of our house. Since we share one automotive, the power for him to stroll or bike to work is a serious plus — and it offers him an opportunity to remain lively. Southtown’s walkability has grow to be certainly one of our favourite issues about dwelling right here.
We’ve actually discovered our rhythm on this neighborhood. A few of our favourite native spots embrace Stranded Espresso, Rosa’s Kitchen meals truck for the very best genuine tacos, and Leche de Tigre for superb Peruvian meals. We love going to First Fridays at Brick at Blue Star, the place the humanities and tradition scene actually comes alive. Hemisfair can be simply across the nook, providing loads of inexperienced area and playgrounds — excellent for household time.
Among the best components about dwelling in Southtown is that we get the very best of each worlds: metropolis and nature. As a brand new mother, being near the River Stroll has been a game-changer for my psychological well being and well-being. I take each day walks with our child, and it’s grow to be a cherished a part of our routine. It offers me an opportunity to get outdoors, clear my head and luxuriate in some quiet moments with my son.
Our two-bedroom house has been a comfortable and useful dwelling for our little household. Having a devoted nursery and a bit of additional area was essential as we transitioned into parenthood. We love our house complicated — it has a health club, a pool, a recreation room and even hosts neighborhood occasions like yoga lessons and Meals Truck Wednesdays. It feels secure, well-maintained and family-friendly. These facilities have been so useful for my postpartum journey, giving me each help and a way of connection to our neighborhood.
Southtown has confirmed to be greater than only a neighborhood — it’s grow to be a cornerstone of our story. From an surprising cease on a street journey to constructing a house and enterprise right here, San Antonio has welcomed me with open arms. I’m grateful on daily basis for that damaged heater, a coincidence that introduced us to this metropolis we now name dwelling.
