San Antonio Apartments: The Ultimate Renters Guide |  |
- San Antonio Apartments: The Ultimate Renters Guide
- Innovative Pivoting Doors Double as Room Dividers
- Minimalist Vacation Home Shines in Medieval Italian City
| San Antonio Apartments: The Ultimate Renters Guide Posted: 02 Dec 2015 06:00 AM PST  Living space at CityVista in Midtown Intro and neighborhood guides by Emily Starbuck Crone Despite being the second most populous city in Texas, San Antonio is often eclipsed in the news by stories of Houston's up-and-down energy industry and Austin's burgeoning growth and hipness. But the Alamo City, already a very culturally rich destination due to its Mexican heritage, has been quietly becoming hip itself, attracting many young professionals and families. San Antonio may be most famous for The Alamo, the River Walk and, of course, the championship-winning Spurs basketball team. But trendy, growing areas such as Southtown and developments including the Pearl Brewery are putting San Antonio on the map as an arts and culinary destination. The city is also booming thanks to major employers such as Rackspace, H-E-B, USAA, Valero and Bill Miller Bar-B-Q. San Antonio has a handful of colleges and universities, and several military bases are located around town. The only obvious flaw is that public transportation in San Antonio isn't so great. The VIA bus system is the only way to get around other than driving or biking, since walking is possible only in a few areas, and water taxis along the River Walk aren't useful for most. Fortunately, traditional taxis are available, and services such as Uber are back after a heated battle with the city. We spent more than 35 hours extensively researching San Antonio's apartments, neighborhoods and residential options. We explored more than 90 apartment complexes in the San Antonio area, categorizing them by location and comparing them with a set list of criteria. We looked at the basics, such as year constructed, number of units and average rent prices, and we also considered community amenities like outdoor spaces and fitness facilities. We delved into the interior design, looking for features such as hardwood flooring, stainless steel appliances, balconies and other modern features. We also placed strong consideration on Walk Scores and accessibility to their respective neighborhoods, all to make confident decisions to determine the best of the best. From urban Downtown living to the family-friendly 'burbs north of town, here are eight of San Antonio's most popular neighborhoods. Neighborhoods covered in this guide to San Antonio apartments:
DowntownDowntown used to just be for the tourists, but it's quickly becoming a more desirable place for locals to call home. Some areas still feel a bit seedy, while other pockets are revitalizing. While there are few traditional single-family homes in Downtown proper, new luxury condos and apartments are increasingly available. The cost of living is higher in Downtown; rent isn't cheap, and neither is parking. But this urban neighborhood is ideal for young single or married professionals who don't mind forgoing a yard for an urban lifestyle with the convenience of being within walking distance to bars, restaurants and even work. Things To DoLiving downtown is a luxury for arts and entertainment lovers. The Majestic and Empire theatres, both in the heart of Downtown, feature a constant stream of national music and theater acts. If you feel like getting a little touristy, you're near The Alamo, the River Walk and the 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas. You also have easy access to hip bars, like mixology spot The Esquire Tavern and the cute Nectar Wine Bar and Ale House. There are numerous other bars along the River Walk, though most are a bit touristy and rowdy. Downtown residents are surrounded by top-notch dining options such as Boudro's and Lüke, and many other delicious options are available in nearby Southtown and the Pearl. TransportationDowntown is one of the few parts of town that's walkable. However, some pockets don't feel very safe, especially at night. It also isn't the most car-friendly, with small one-way lanes, bad rush-hour traffic and expensive parking lots. If you do have a car, you'll appreciate that most of the city's main freeways feed into Downtown. If not, the area is filled with VIA Metropolitan Transit bus stops, making it easy to catch a lift anywhere in town. There's also a Greyhound station Downtown. Downtown ApartmentsAverage 1-Bedroom Rental Price: $1,275 Kitchen at Agave Apartments Agave Apartments
 Interior at The River House The River House
 Kitchen at Cevallos Lofts Cevallos Lofts
The Runners UpAlamo HeightsAlamo Heights is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in San Antonio, with what's widely acknowledged as one of the city's best school districts (Alamo Heights ISD). The area is residential and peaceful, yet still very central, only around 5 miles north of Downtown. It's the perfect location for families or professionals who want to be close to the center of town, whether for work or play, but don't want to sacrifice a yard or spacious home. Alamo Heights isn't very walkable, and rent is pricey in this area. But it's a safe part of town with a family-friendly attitude and tons of shopping and dining options. Things To DoOn the edge of Alamo Heights, you'll find The McNay Art Museum, which features nearly 20,000 works of American and European art. The neighborhood is also bordered by The Alamo Quarry Market, which has a Whole Foods, a movie theater and more than 75 shops and restaurants. Several golf clubs and driving ranges are within a few miles of Alamo Heights. Brackenridge Park is also close by; it's home to various family-friendly attractions such as the San Antonio Zoo. Top dining in the area includes gourmet Mexican restaurants Soluna and Paloma Blanca, plus local staples like Cappy's Restaurant and BIRD Bakery. TransportationAlamo Heights is most easily accessed by car, with plentiful free street parking throughout. It's quite bike-friendly, since it's predominantly residential, and some of the major roads have bike lanes. The VIA bus system serves the Alamo Heights area well throughout the major roads, but there aren't as many stops deep inside the neighborhood. Alamo Heights ApartmentsAverage 1-Bedroom Rental Price: $1,055  Kitchen at Alcove at Alamo Heights Alcove at Alamo Heights
 Kitchen at Brackenridge Brackenridge at Midtown
 Kitchen at Artessa Artessa at Quarry Village
The Runner UpMidtownJust north of Downtown, Midtown is known for its beautiful historic homes. It spans from south of Alamo Heights to north of Downtown, encompassing several smaller, eclectic neighborhoods, such as Monte Vista Historic District, Alta Vista, Beacon Hill, Tobin Hill and Five Points. It's bordered by several other neighborhoods, including Government Hill. Trinity University is located in the north end of Midtown. Thanks to the rising popularity of this area, and its mix of urban and residential living, new lofts and apartments are springing up throughout — and rents are rising accordingly. Things To DoMidtown is filled with entertainment and dining options. The main attraction is the Pearl Brewery, where Pearl Beer was once brewed. In addition to apartments and a boutique hotel, the historic buildings now house trendy boutiques, hip bars and gourmet restaurants, such as Southerleigh, The Granary and La Gloria. The Pearl also hosts a farmers market and events. Along (and just off of) North St. Mary's Street throughout Midtown, you'll find a variety of bars and restaurants, such as New Orleans-inspired The Cookhouse, live music venue and beer garden Tycoon Flats and the trendy Candlelight, a coffeehouse and wine bar. Locals also love The Cove for outdoor, family-friendly dining, and Sam's Burger Joint for live music. A section of Midtown is also considered San Antonio's "gayborhood," with several LGBT-focused nightclubs and shops. TransportationCertain areas of Midtown are walkable, particularly around Tobin Hill, though other areas aren't easy to get around on foot. Most of Midtown, however, is easy to traverse by bike. It's also a car-friendly area. Parking is harder to come by in some sections, though it's usually free (even at The Pearl). Bus routes are located throughout Midtown. Midtown ApartmentsAverage 1-Bedroom Rental Price: $798  Kitchen at 1800 Broadway 1800 Broadway
Living space at CityVista CityVista San Antonio
 Living area at Tobin Lofts Tobin Lofts Midtown
UptownUptown consists of a large swath of San Antonio north of Loop 410 and south of Loop 1604, sandwiched between Highway 281 and Interstate 35. The San Antonio International Airport is located at the base of Uptown, making air travel extremely easy for residents who don't mind a little noise. Uptown is a family-friendly area, with public schools and parks throughout, and it offers affordable homes near central San Antonio. But it's also ideal for singles or couples who want to be near plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options and not directly in the (expensive) center of town. Things To DoShopping abounds in Uptown. North Star Mall is one of the largest attractions in the area, with more than 150 shops and several restaurants. Several other major shopping centers are in Uptown, including San Pedro Towne Center and Park North. Park North also offers several entertainment options, including Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club, a live comedy venue, and Alamo Drafthouse, a popular movie theater that serves food and alcohol. The 976-acre McAllister Park sits in the heart of Uptown, offering residents easy access to miles of paved and unpaved trails, dog parks, sports fields and fitness stations. The Texas Transportation Museum operates along the edge of the park and showcases historically significant transportation equipment. Several other large parks are in Uptown, including Friesenhahn, McClain and Comanche Lookout parks. Dining options are plentiful here; favorites include Dough Pizzeria Napoletana, the German-inspired Dresden Cafe and Fidelos Mexican Restaurant. TransportationUptown isn't walkable except within the major shopping centers. But VIA bus routes thoroughly service the neighborhood, and its North Star Transit Center, a bus service hub, is located in Uptown off 410 and San Pedro. Parking is plentiful and free in Uptown, though it can get a little packed in the major shopping areas at peak hours. Uptown ApartmentsAverage 1-Bedroom Rental Price: $752  Living area at Vantage at Judson Vantage at Judson
 Kitchen area at Remington Ranch Remington Ranch Apartments
Interior at Landmark at Stratton Park Landmark at Stratton Park
The Runner UpNorth CentralThe North Central part of San Antonio includes all of the neighborhoods between Highway 281 and Interstate 10, south of Loop 1604. Within North Central are the upscale neighborhoods of Shavano Park and Hollywood Park — two scenic, residential areas that are very family-friendly. Hill Country Village and some of the Castle Hills neighborhood are also in Uptown. Some of the more upscale neighborhoods, including Shavano Park, are expensive to live in, while other areas, like Castle Hills, are more affordable. Things To DoOne of the gems of North Central San Antonio is Phil Hardberger Park, a 311-acre piece of land that was once a dairy farm. There's an east side and west side of the park, each with miles of pet-friendly hiking and biking trails. Each side has playscapes for kids, picnic areas and enclosed dog parks. There's also an Urban Ecology Center; in the future, look for a nature center with more trails, play areas and dog parks, plus a bridge connecting both sides. Silverhorn Golf Club is also located in Uptown, as is a Jewish community center. TransportationParking is readily available and free throughout North Central San Antonio. VIA bus stops are located throughout the neighborhood. North Central ApartmentsAverage 1-Bedroom Rental Price: $774  Living room at Park at West Ave Park at West Ave
 Open living space at Savannah Oaks Savannah Oaks Apartments
 Kitchen and dining area at Platinum Shavano Oaks Platinum Shavano Oaks
The Runners UpNorthwest SideThe Northwest Side typically refers to the area north of 410, west of I-10 and east of State Highway 16 (also called Bandera Road). This area is home to many corporate headquarters, residential neighborhoods and major shopping and attractions. The southernmost part of the Northwest Side is the location of the South Texas Medical Center, with over 900 acres of hospitals and medical practices, and thousands of local jobs. Several institutes of higher education are also here, including University of Texas at San Antonio and the University of Texas Health Science Center. The city of Helotes is on the Northwest Side; it is mostly residential, but its attractions include legendary dance hall Floore's Country Store. Things To DoSeveral golf courses are located throughout the Northwest Side, in addition to spacious parks such as the Leon Creek Greenway, Bamberger Nature Park, Rancho Diana Park and Medallion Park. There's also OP Schnabel Park, which is more centrally located and has over 200 acres, plus 8 miles of trails. Large theme park Six Flags Fiesta Texas is another major attraction in the area for locals and visitors alike. The Shops at La Cantera is a luxurious outdoor mall with nearly 200 shops and restaurants. Popular eateries there include Yard House and Bar Louie. Across I-10 from The Shops is The Rim, another major shopping center with lots of stores, restaurants and the Santikos Palladium IMAX, a movie theater that serves food and alcohol. The Rim is also home to to the The Hofbrau, a German-themed tavern with an outdoor beer garden and popular happy hour. TransportationThe Northwest Side is well served by the VIA bus system, with many stops along the major roads. Parking is generally free and easy to find in this part of town. Northwest Side ApartmentsAverage 1-Bedroom Rental Price: $890  Interior at The Residences at La Cantera The Residences at La Cantera
 Kitchen at Eilan Residences Eilan Residences
 Interior at Retreat at Cross Mountain Retreat at Cross Mountain
The Runners Up
South Side/Southeast SideThe large South Side of San Antonio spans south of Downtown and as far south as 1604 in some areas. This area is populated with heavily Hispanic neighborhoods. The South Side also has a strong military presence in the Joint Base San Antonio, a large military installation that includes Lackland Air Force Base. While most people think of The Alamo as San Antonio's only mission, there are four historic Spanish missions on the South Side. The Texas A&M University–San Antonio campus opened in the South Side in 2009, and Palo Alto Colleges, a community college, is based here. Things To DoSan Antonio Missions Historic Park, located on the South Side, is home to four preserved Spanish colonial missions. They're active Catholic parishes with church services anyone can attend, and a walking and biking trail over 10 miles long connects them all. Pearsall Park, a 500-acre park on the South Side, features hiking and biking trails and dog parks. It's undergoing a multimillion-dollar improvement project to add a skate park, obstacle courses, basketball courts and other attractions. Also here is the South Park Mall, with more than 80 shops and eateries. Some great local restaurants include Mediterranean grill Casa del Kabob, Taqueria Mexico and hole-in-the-wall Mendez Cafe. TransportationVIA bus routes go widely throughout the South Side of San Antonio. Some areas are also bicycle-friendly. South Side/Southeast Side ApartmentsAverage 1-Bedroom Rental Price: $709  Living space at Legacy Brooks Legacy Brooks
 Interior at Villa Espada Villa Espada Apartments
 Open kitchen at The Landings The Landings at Brooks City-Base
Inner West Side/Far West SideThe Inner West Side of San Antonio Spans from I-35 to Loop 410, stopping at Highway 90. The Far West Side extends from Loop 410 west past Loop 1604. The Far West Side is quickly growing due to its family-friendly vibe, affordable homes and proximity to military bases and major employers. It's also home to SeaWorld San Antonio, which, despite its controversy, is a popular attraction in the area. Things To DoAs a residential area far from the center of San Antonio, there aren't as many attractions as some other parts of town. Many locals enjoy visiting Ingram Park Mall, just west of Loop 410, with more than 150 shops, services and restaurants. Outdoor lovers have easy access to the Government Canyon State Natural Area, a huge nature preserve on the edge of the Far West Side with over 40 miles of trails. With varying terrain, it's an ideal spot for trail running, hiking, biking, geocaching or picnicking. There are more than 200 dinosaur tracks here — the only ones in Bexar County. Local favorites for dining include authentic Chinese restaurant Sichuan House, Umberto's Italian Grill and Leon Valley Cafe (on the border of the Far West Side and Northwest Side). TransportationThe Inner West Side and especially the Far West Side aren't very walkable, but free parking is plentiful. VIA bus stops are located throughout the neighborhoods. Inner West Side/Far West Side ApartmentsAverage 1-Bedroom Rental Price: $767  Kitchen area at Dalian Monterrey Village Dalian Monterrey Village
 Living and dining space at Thirty Oaks Thirty Oaks
 Kitchen and living areas at Westover Oaks Westover Oaks
The Runners UpThe post San Antonio Apartments: The Ultimate Renters Guide appeared first on Freshome.com. |
| Innovative Pivoting Doors Double as Room Dividers Posted: 01 Dec 2015 06:00 PM PST
Belgium-based Anyway Doors created these modern pivoting doors that revolve around a central hinge. Designed to fit both new construction and renovation projects, the innovative doors double as room dividers. The company has been studying the applications of modern interior doors since 1995. The hinges are hidden in the door panel, making them practically invisible. They operate in both directions, allowing the doors to revolve 360 degrees. Even heavy doors feel light, thanks to the innovative hinge system. The company’s patented locking technology also is integrated within the door, which closes without a sound.
"The invisible pivoting hinges are mounted on the floor using a compact stainless steel part, without a floor spring or integrated floor fixtures," the designers said. They can be mounted even on floors with under-floor heating systems, and the axis can be offset, if desired. "This pivot-door concept can be used frameless, but it will lose its closing capabilities this way; light and air will bleed through around the door,” they continued. “The pivot concept is compatible with all door frames designed by Anyway Doors."
Customers can choose from among plain, glass or aluminum-framed glass doors. Glass options include clear, matte, leavened and colored glass. "Not only are doors the most-used building element in any residential construction, they also cover a fair percentage of the wall surface area,” the designers said. “All the more reason for the client to pay extra attention to doorways."
The post Innovative Pivoting Doors Double as Room Dividers appeared first on Freshome.com. |
| Minimalist Vacation Home Shines in Medieval Italian City Posted: 01 Dec 2015 08:00 AM PST
“Despite its location inside the perimeter of the Renaissance walls, the residence is accessible by car via a straightforward urban route,” according to Marco Vincenzi and Andrea Caturegli of Studiòvo. “From the underground garage, an elevator takes guests directly to the apartment.” “The terrace offers a view of the tree-studded Lucca city walls from three sides,” Vincenzi and Caturegli said. “It is equipped for total relaxation, with a teak solarium and heated infinity-edge mini-pool with hydro-massage and chromotherapy.” What do you think of this modern Italian vacation home? [Photos courtesy of Studiòvo] The post Minimalist Vacation Home Shines in Medieval Italian City appeared first on Freshome.com. |
The team at 
The modern design scheme features a neutral palette of white and gray with black accents, complementing the oak flooring and furnishings. A smart lighting system allows guests to customize the lights in every room.
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