Converse, TX

Converse became known as such when Major Converse, the chief engineer of the Southern Pacific Railroad, bought the tract of land in 1877. Twenty years later, Converse laid claim to a post office, a saloon, two cotton gins and a grocery store. By 1946, 175 residents called Converse home, and by 1965, with 22 businesses and 900 residents, it had become a suburb of San Antonio.

Today, Converse provides easy access to various historical sites and museums, including the San Antonio Children’s Museum, Witte Museum, Casa Navarro State Historic Site and San Antonio Missions National Historic Park.

The community gathers for various events during the year, including an arts and crafts festival and the Nite in Ole Converse festival in October, which features a parade, a carnival, lots of food, drinks and live music.

Residents enjoy dining at a range of restaurants, take-out options and bars in the neighborhood, most of which line Farm to Market Road 78.

A very popular neighborhood choice, Bayseas Restaurant provides visitors with a low-key setting, rightly putting the focus on its highly recommended fare. Decent-sized portions, good prices and high-quality dishes keep customers coming back for more. This is a popular place for seafood, so treat yourself to gumbo, catfish or trout, and add a side of collard greens, fried okra or red beans and rice. Finish your meal off with a local favorite, sweet potato pie.

For Mexican cuisine, head to the cheerfully decorated Salsa’s Café, where diners enjoy quick, attentive service and tasty, fresh food. Choose from authentic eats, such as enchiladas, quesadillas and fajitas, and visit during lunchtime for cost-effective mid-week specials.

Another Mexican spot, El Sabrosito’s, offers fast service and reasonable prices that attract both regulars and newbies. Try the popular stuffed taco, and treat yourself to breakfast tacos on the weekend.

You’ll find multiple sports bars in the area, including Time-Out Sports Bar, a hang-out spot providing patrons with a fun atmosphere and coverage of the community’s favorite sports teams on over 20 flat screen TVs. Additional games include pool and darts. Choose from a range of beers and cocktails, and look out for drinks specials.

Another option, Up Town 78 Lounge, suits residents who want a more a relaxing night out, but this hot spot also allows visitors to take a spin on the dance floor. Visit this venue to enjoy talented bartenders, entertaining DJs and great drink specials.

With the Texas State Highway Loop 1604 bordering one side of Converse, residents enjoy easy access to surrounding areas. Meanwhile, Gibbs Sprawl Road runs through the heart of the neighborhood, leading drivers directly to the City of San Antonio in less than 30 minutes. A predominantly residential area, most parking takes place in driveways or on the street outside of houses, and most local shops have parking lots for customers. Those without a car can arrange a ride ahead of time with Uber, or they can call one of the local taxi services based just outside the neighborhood.

In terms of public transport, the local bus system services the neighborhood, transporting residents to downtown San Antonio in less than an hour. Although Converse lacks bike infrastructure, such as dedicated lanes and bike-friendly paths, sidewalks do exist throughout the area. However, since the neighborhood is not designed for walking, the available sidewalks are often found on one side of the street and are usually quite narrow.

The neighborhood’s green jewel, Converse City Park, provides residents with a clean, scenic park and peaceful environment. The park features walking trails, a pond, playgrounds for kids, a pool, ball fields, a picnic area and plenty of space for visitors to ride bikes, jog or play sports. The park offers swimming lessons and hosts community events during the year, including the American Legion Spring Jubilee on Memorial Day weekend and Christmas in the Park during the holidays.

At North Park, you'll find a fully paved looping trail with an adjacent lake enjoyed by runners and walkers, and the park’s playgrounds keep the kids active. Dogs can also enjoy exploring the tranquil environment, provided they’re kept on a leash.

Living in Converse costs around 3 percent more than the average cost of living in Texas. The average monthly rent of a one-bedroom residence is $737.89. Residents pay around 4 percent less for gas compared to the national average. A bus ticket to the city costs $1.20, while a beer at the local pub costs around $4.

Few shops and services cater to Converse residents, but a number of shopping malls in Northeast Side, many of which can be found in neighbors Universal City and Live Oak, provide the community with plenty of retail options.

Converse residents enjoy shopping for bargains at various thrift shops and discount stores located in the neighborhood, while locally owned Karen's House of Flowers and Custom Creations helps residents beautify their houses. The shops range of fresh flowers and creative gift ideas suits all budgets and styles, and online shopping and worldwide delivery ensures residents get to take advantage of the florist's excellent services.

Follow Kitty Hawk Road towards Universal City for more options. Fitness fanatics enjoy shopping at Action Bikes and Duggan Diving for their biking and diving needs, while Polly's Pet Shop provides for pet owners looking for unique pet supplies in the area.

Next, take a short drive to Live Oak, host to a large number of shops and a multitude of big brand stores. With T.J. Maxx selling designer labels at reduced price tags and Michaels and Hobby Lobby serving arts and crafts lovers, shoppers can spend the day browsing and buying to their hearts' content.

For grocery shopping in Converse, choices such as Walmart Supercenter, 7-Eleven and J's Food Mart await you, while a 15-minute drive west towards Olmos Park gets you to a number of farmers markets, including the popular Sprouts Farmers Market.