Churchill - San Antonio, TX

As one of the oldest Europeans settlements in Texas, San Antonio has experienced a varied culture. The Payaya American Indian tribe were living in the area when the Europeans settlers arrived and named the place for Saint Anthony of Padua. In 1717, a Catholic mission and a trading post were established. In 1846, Texas became part of the United States.

Museums outlining the area's history can be found in the city of San Antonio, where art galleries and theatres can also be found. Churchill Estates hosts annual events such as an Easter egg hunt, a 4th of July parade and barbecue, a yard of the month contest, and a holiday decorating contest for its residents.

The neighborhood of Churchill Estates abounds with pizza parlors such as Luciano Neighborhood Pizzeria. For a cafeteria-style experience, the latter has it covered. Just walk past the items in a buffet-style setting and point out what you would like added to your plate. The restaurant has a spacious interior with a sweet Italian charm and laid-back vibe. You can watch pizzas such as the Bianca, a pizza crust topped with mozzarella, ricotta, sauteed spinach, cherry tomatoes and garlic, being baked in an authentic brick oven, or select a pasta dish, panini or wrap. The establishment serves beer and wine to accompany the meal.

For Mexican food, try El Mirasol. Patrons praise their legendary margaritas, and locals rave about the menu's wonderful surprises, such as garlic-marinated, grilled chicken thighs. The pork loin tacos in particular are considered a must-try item.

The Original San Antonio Hot Dog House will appease the entire family, while the Melting Pot is a great place to enjoy the fondue experience. When locals want a good time at night, they head to Fizz, a dive bar on the outskirts of the neighborhood with cheap drinks and a DJ that plays all the most current top-40 hits.

Churchill Estates has been designed to accommodate cyclists, runners and walkers by establishing a 1.5-mile trail thoroughfare that covers the length of the neighborhood. Most residents drive to work and school, but public transit, taxis and Uber service the area. Parking on some streets is free within certain time frames, while others are metered, and private lots are available for monthly rental spaces. Residents of Churchill Estates easily access the IH-10 West, Interstate 281, Loop 410 and Loop 1604.

The only park in the neighborhood, Salado Creek Greenway, borders the west side, but its large surface area features lots of open, green space and trails. Churchill Estates keeps its residents happy with a community swimming pool, tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts, and a playscape for children. With the exception of the pool, residents can take advantage of these amenities year-round.

At a 14 percent increase, the neighborhood of Churchill Estates demands a high cost of living, but riding local transit is priced reasonably at only $1.30 for a one-way ticket and $37 for a monthly pass. If a resident of Churchill Estates decides on driving, the price of gas equals that of San Antonio.

A one-bedroom unit rings in at $687 per month, leaving enough cash on hand to purchase a beer at a local pub for $3 to $4.

The main shopping areas in Churchill Estates run along Huebner Road at the north end of the neighborhood or Blanco Road at the south of the neighborhood. The main shopping malls, such as Cadillac Plaza and Court Yard at Camino Real Shopping Mall, feature both local and national retailers. When looking for designer items, Theo & Herb Designer Shoes carries a vast collection, and they are located just outside the neighborhood.

Churchill Estates has many amenities, including plenty of grocery stores and specialty bakeries. They can be found on Huebner Road and Blanco Road, and they include Timewise Food Store for groceries and gas, Betty Jane's Bakeshoppe for all things cake (including birthday, wedding, and specialty cakes), and Supermarket Solutions for basic grocery needs. Farmers markets flourish further north, in the city of San Antonio.