Los Angeles Heights-Keystone - San Antonio, TX Area Guide

The Los Angeles Heights-Keystone neighborhood lies entirely within Balcones Heights, Texas, an incorporated enclave situated roughly 9 miles northwest of downtown San Antonio. The area flourished during the Depression after being promoted as an ideal place to experience a full, enriching lifestyle. Both Interstates 10 and 410 run through the neighborhood, making the busy area a high energy dining and shopping destination.

Pick up the local arts vibe at the annual Balcones Heights Jazz Festival. The free concert series, held at the Wonderland of the Americas Amphitheatre, provides you a closer look at the cultural heartbeat of the neighborhood. Take your south Texas state knowledge to the next level with a stop at the Witte Museum in Midtown Brackenridge along the San Antonio River. Don't miss the facility's state artifacts, early settlers and Native American exhibit and River Alive Touch tank during your visit.

Like all neighborhoods located on the westside of San Antonio, Los Angeles Heights-Keystone houses a multitude of authentic Mexican establishments. Rolando's Super Tacos No. 1 on West Hildebrand Avenue stands out for all of the right reasons. The scrumptious super tacos extend from almost one side of a standard-sized plate to another. The staff makes housemade salsas with varying heat levels, and the restaurant sports a signed poster of Quentin Tarantino, one of Roland's greatest fans.

One of the neighborhood's restaurant hubs, Fredericksburg Road, is home to the neighborhood's beloved diner. Tip Top Cafe's known for everything from its creamy hot chocolate and its hearty chicken fried steak to its crispy, deep-fried onion rings. The 1930s-era kitschy decor and the mounted deer heads add to the memorable atmosphere of this fun diner.

Don't let the complete lack of decor stop you from going into Joe's Hamburger Place out on Blanco Road. This hard-to-find, hole-in-the-wall serves up the best burgers in Los Angeles Heights-Keystone. The eatery's simple recipe includes a melt-in-your-mouth bun and a secret sauce that transforms the simple sandwich into a sophisticated work of art.

After dinner, stop in at Stacy's Sports Bar on Blanco Road for a quick nightcap or to shoot pool. This friendly dive bar provides just the right setting for a low-key kind of night. When you want a more lively bar experience, venture out of the neighborhood to nearby Luna on San Pedro Avenue. Live bands blasting out soul, blues and classic tunes fill up the dance floor and provide you with a fun, carefree way to get rid of all your work week stress.

Because so many residences live a relatively long distance from the neighborhood's commercial buildings, driving or taking the bus using one of the area's seven bus lines is the recommended way to get around. When driving your car, get to know the fastest ways to get to U.S. Routes 421 and 345 from both interstates 10 and 410. Once you get to your destination, expect to find free parking at most local businesses.

Walking through your subdivision allows you to connect with your neighbors and get in some much-needed exercise. However, hiking to local businesses is not recommended unless you live near the main business thoroughfares, including Hildebrand Road Avenue, West Avenue and Fredericksburg Road. Hailing a cab is sometimes possible on these roads, but you're better off calling to reserve one or using the Uber app on your phone.

Buckeye Park on West Wildwood in the neighborhood gives you a convenient place to bring your kids and on-leash dogs for a little outdoor fun. This free, small community park houses a children's playground and a basketball court.

When you want to relax at a larger park with more exercise opportunities, go to the Woodlawn Lake Park in the nearby Woodlawn Lake neighborhood with your family or on-leash dog. Featuring a hike/bike trail, tennis courts, basketball courts and a duck-filled pond, this free park also hosts numerous events throughout the year, including 4th of July and New Year's Eve fireworks.

One of main draws of the Los Angeles Heights-Keystone neighborhood is its lower-than-average cost of living as compared to the rest of San Antonio area. One-bedroom rental residences average about $460 a month, while the price for a gallon of gas hovers nearly 14 percent below the national average.

Being a responsible drinker also has its perks, with a bus ride to the center of the nighttime action running you only about $1.20. Once you're there, expect to pay between $3 and $5 for a beer.

The Los Angeles Heights-Keystone neighborhood houses a few local gems that you can visit to purchase things for yourself or gifts for your loved ones. On the way home, grab your weekly essentials from the H-E-B on Fredericksburg Road or the La Fiesta Supermarket on Blanco Road.

Treat yourself to fresh flowers or a lush tropical plant from La Fortuna Gifts & Plant Shop on Blanco Road. This small, funky shop also stocks a wide variety of beautifully painted ceramic pots and planters.

When you're looking for the perfect handmade item from an exotic global location, check out Big Grass on Hildebrand Avenue. This converted automotive shop's owners travel the world, nabbing the best home decor, indoor and outdoor furniture, clothing, and rainwater harvesting jars available. The pictures of the artisans who made your items are hung on the wall, along with their personal stories, so you leave with the history of the piece and a strong connection to your high-end purchase.