A Texas Local Expert’s Guide To the 10 Top Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in San Antonio

I'm Rhonda, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for San Antonio, Texas. Welcome to San Antone', the smallest big city in Texas. San Antonio has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Once home to seven military bases, San Antonio, Texas, is the second-largest city in the Lone Star State and the seventh-largest in the country. The city's strong labor market, eclectic art and entertainment offerings, and old-world charm have contributed to its steady growth, but this rising popularity can also make it pricey.

If you're like me, you believe a home should add to your quality of life, not drain it. For savvy renters, there are affordable neighborhoods throughout San Antonio that are close to all lifestyles - upbeat urban with trendy shops and restaurants and collegiate (over 30 colleges). There is also a vibrant arts community, which is something in most areas of town.

So, in this guide, I'll highlight a few of the areas where quality and safe housing options will not drain your wallet. In fact, with a growing number of affordable neighborhoods, San Antonio may be one of the South's best-kept secrets.

Outer Far West

Outer Far West is one of the fastest-growing communities in San Antonio. It is home to large employers such as Coventry Health Care, San Antonio SeaWorld, and Citicorp. The University of Texas at San Antonio, where I spent my first year in college, is nearby. So is the Canyon State Natural Area, a large greenspace that is the entryway to Medina Lake. The lake is a popular weekend spot for boating and where I learned to water ski - to the amusement of everyone watching.

The general feel of Outer Far West is growing and trendy, but because it is outside the city limits, it is surprisingly affordable. It is a top option for military families from Joint Base San Antonio. The far west side of San Antonio has some of the best-rated schools in the state. But you will need a car to navigate the area. Luckily, Texas State Highways 151 and 16 are the main thoroughfares, and Loop 1604 and Loop 410, which circle the city, are easily accessible.

Grandview

The old tree-lined streets of suburban Grandview sit northwest of the city near Garcia Middle School. Urban Grandview extends from its parent neighborhood. It is mixed-use and has dense road coverage; Grandview provides easy access to shopping at La Cantera and a day of relaxation underneath the clay-tiled roofs of La Cantera Day Spa - one of my favorite in the city. The area also encompasses Six Flags of San Antonio and The University of Texas at San Antonio.

Popular with students, the area is bounded by UTSA Boulevard, Vance Jackson Road, and Old Fredricksburg Road. Its epicenter includes Loop 1604 and IH-10, providing easy access to most of the city.

It is a comfortable and highly affordable area for those looking to rent a studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment home with a range of desirable amenities.

Brauns Farm

An intimate, well-established community, Brauns Farms sits north and west of San Antonio, mid-way between Leon Valley and Helotes. In a quiet suburban enclave, homeowners are a mix of young professionals with families to retirees. My parents lived in Leon Valley. It was a peaceful and enjoyable community. They had a snowy white owl that visited the shrub oaks in our backyard. The area pool was a favorite, but I loved the tennis courts.

In Brauns Farms, housing costs are indicative of a quieter community with more luxurious amenities. In addition to the established homes, most rental options can be located along the Highway 16 corridor.

A car is essential in this area, as most restaurants and retail establishments are not within walking distance; neither is the dog park and doggie day spa that services the area. Multiple gyms, yoga, and dance centers are nearby. A proper suburb, Highway 16 and Loop 1604, Anderson Loop, provide access to San Antonio.

Huebner

Huebner is another gem in North San Antonio. Bounded by its namesake, Huebner Road, and Blanco Road, Huebner is a slice nestled between established suburban areas.

Huebner is urbanesque, and the housing styles range from traditional apartment homes to new, trendy spaces that focus on the community experience with artistic flair.

When I first moved to San Antonio, its size was confusing. Main roads run the length and breadth of the city, inspiring similar names. Huebner is one of those cases. It is independent of the northwest Medical Center neighborhood of Huebner Village.

Although I personally have not lived in the area, I have several friends and professional colleagues who chose Huebner for a short commute and Saldo Creek Parkway green spaces. They often say it's nice to come home to a peaceful place that covers all the basics without the price tag. Proximity to a great BBQ is always a plus, too.

Braun Station East

In San Antonio, there is Braun Station and Braun Station East. But one of the more affordable extensions is Braun Station East.

Braun Station is a family-friendly community with affordable mid-sized fenced homes. Privacy and serenity are reasons to move to the community. I thoroughly enjoyed living there.

Braun Station East is moderately suburban, with mature trees but easier access to Bandera Road and all the activities: restaurants, services, amenities, and parks. A car is needed whether in a home or one of the upscale apartments, as the walking and biking scores are low. There is minimal public transportation, and the daily traffic in and out of the area can be challenging.

Braun Station East shares well-rated elementary and secondary schools with its sister. This neighborhood checks several boxes while still fitting into the monthly budget.

Northchase

The small neighborhood of Northchase is in the middle of the 'Great Northwest." It sits west of Leon Valley but inside the 1604 Loop. The neighborhood has a more urbanized feel, a tree-lined oasis of a dozen streets surrounded by concrete.

However, its size makes it a close-knit community with a family (and dog) friendly environment. Both elementary and middle schools are within a short distance.

A car is necessary, as the walking score is low, but Northchase's proximity to larger neighborhoods allows quick access to Loop 1604 and the main north-south corridor of Tezel Road.

Mesa Oaks

Mesa Oaks is a subdivision of Universal City on the way to the small Texas town of Schertz. What was once an area for military housing adjacent to Randolph AFB is now one of the best and most affordable options for those in Northeast San Antonio. Many of my friends were stationed here, living around the base. As the military options have changed, Mesa Oaks has grown and developed. For young professionals looking for upscale options, Mesa Oaks has those.

But, the area is known as family-forward, with affordable traditional options. Mesa Oaks offers a small-town feel with easy access to all that San Antonio has to offer. Schools are moderately ranked six and seven out of ten. Unfortunately, the walking and biking score for the area is low. For pet parents, there are few pet facilities or services nearby.

Comanche Lookout Park

Also near Shertz is the neighborhood that has developed around Comanche Lookout Park. There are a handful of simple, highly affordable apartments around a well-known green space. As a college student, I found Comanche Park to be a great place to spend the day.

Closer to Selma, Texas than Downtown San Antonio, Comanche Lookout Park offers basic necessities in an urbanized town near Topperwein Road.

Also near the Randolph AFB, the area boasts Rolling Oaks shopping center and a mix of fast food, family restaurants, services, and sports facilities. Inside the eastern section of Loop 1604, a car is needed to navigate the area.

Comanche Lookout Park's upscale scale becomes evident as you move further north, providing secure communities with amenities.

Southwest San Antonio

Southwest San Antonio, as a whole, has seen a revival. Traditional multi-family housing has been transformed into trendy but inexpensive options. An area for the young looking for affordable housing, SWSA has been rated with 5-stars, for pet friendliness.

Southwest San Antonio, encompassing several neighborhoods, including Lackland AFB, the Lone Star Neighborhood, and Stablewood Farms, is close to Highway 90 and Loop 410. These are established urban areas with a mix of retail, commercial, and housing.

However, because it is based on the Edwards Aquifer, creeks surround the city, feeding its green spaces. In Southwest San Antonio, Medio Creek offers a quiet spot in the middle of the SA's bustle. I included this area as it has so many options, and rents are some of the lowest.

Southwest Side

Similar to Southwest San Antonio, Southwest Side has begun to expand. Eclectic in its offerings, much of the neighborhood is traditional multi-family housing.

Unfortunately, the walking and biking scores range from moderate to one of the lowest in the city. And public transportation is minimal. So, a car is necessary. The neighborhoods are dominated by the Stinson-Mission Municipal Airport, but there are also hike and bike trails at Espada Park. Some of my favorite trails for an easy urban respite or quick hour of exercise.

There are no schools specific to the area. However, if you work in the area, the older buildings of the Southwest Side offer some great finds with old-city charm.