Pecan Valley - San Antonio, TX

The area now known as Pecan Valley was originally home to small bands of nomadic Native American tribes, including the Papaya Indians. Development of the area began in the early 1700s by the Spanish settlers. During the 1800s and 1900s, San Antonio continued to expand and develop, and eventually, the community of Pecan Valley was formed.

Check out the nearby Witte Museum for more information on San Antonio’s rich history.

Pecan Valley does not have any particular distinguishing events of its own, but the greater San Antonio area hosts a range of festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the more notable events include the Wine and Culinary Festival, Contemporary Art Month, and the Texas Folklife Festival.

Dining in the Pecan Valley area offers a mix of world flavors and local fare. The area dishes out menus that center on hearty, home-cooked meals made with local ingredients and prepared with care.

Taste the authentic spices of Mexico when you visit Pollos Asados Los Norteños. This restaurant has been rumored to serve up the best grilled chicken in San Antonio. Savor the smoky flavors of the famous grilled chicken with a side of cilantro lime green sauce. Chow down on the carne asada diced streak wrapped in a warm corn tortilla and served with a side of Spanish rice or beans.

Drop by Kenny’s Burgers for a casual lunch. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make you feel as if you have just stepped into a classic American diner from the '50s. If you feel hungry, order up a bacon cheeseburger, which comes topped with a fried egg and cheese, served alongside thick-cut fries. Accompany your meal with a big glass of Southern-style iced tea.

For a taste of home-cooked soul food, make your way to Mr. and Mrs. G’s Home Cooking. Mr. and Mrs.’ presents a selection of slowly cooked savory dishes that melt in your mouth. Try the chicken wings smothered in homemade BBQ sauce or the crispy fried catfish. Order up a side of freshly baked cornbread, collard greens, or home-style mac and cheese. For dessert, try the famous sweet potato pie topped with fluffy whipped cream.

Nightlife in the Pecan Valley area is nonexistent and residents travel outside of the neighborhood to grab a drink after work. Grab your friends and head to Alibis Bar for a night out on the town. Grab a margarita, and enjoy the sunny San Antonio weather out on the patio. Watch the game on the big screen, or catch up with friends over a beer. Alibis lets off a fun local vibe that keeps customers coming back week after week.

Pecan Valley lies Southeast of San Antonio off Highway-87 and Interstate-410. It should take around 15 minutes to drive to the center of San Antonio from Pecan Valley via Interstate-37 South. It proves easy to find public ramps and on-street parking within the area.

The Pecan Valley area does not provide any dedicated bike lanes or bike trails. Its concentration of shops and attractions in a central location make the area fairly easy to access on foot.

Several public bus routes service the Pecan Valley area, making it convenient to connect to San Antonio and outlying areas. It takes around 24 minutes to get to the center of San Antonio via public bus route 28.

When in need of a cab, call ahead for a cab or an Uber.

Take a relaxing stroll along the lake and admire the striking natural landscape of Southside Lions Park. Walk, bike or jog your way along the park’s extensive trail system that connects to the Salado Creek Greenway. Cast out your line on the lake, or grill up some burgers on the BBQ and have a picnic. The park also features a basketball court, a playground, soccer fields, baseball fields and outdoor workout equipment.

You can also head over to the nearby Martin Luther King Park if you desire a sunny spot to spend your afternoon. The Park features a sports complex with a football field, picnic areas, wooded trails and playgrounds and well covered in beautiful foliage and thickly wooded areas.

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the Pecan Valley area costs about $537 a month, substantially lower than the average for the greater San Antonio area.

Gas prices settle around 8 percent higher than the national average. A beer at a local pub runs around $4. A one-way ticket on the local San Antonio metro bus costs $1.20. The overall cost of living in the Pecan Valley area ends up being quite a bit lower than the average living cost for San Antonio.

The Pecan Valley area doesn't offer a wide selection of boutique stores, but nearby downtown San Antonio presents a variety of options.

Hollywood Puppies provides pet grooming services and sells smaller dogs from local breeders. If you need to pamper your pooch or give her newest canine companion a matching look, this place proves a fast, flexible option.

Get a new pair of glasses at locally owned Clearvision Optical. This optometrist provides on-site exams, while the glasses shop features fashionable frames to match any personal style.

Residents pick up groceries from stores such as HEB, Wal-Mart Supercenter or Diamond Food Mart. For local products, head to nearby Southtown Farmers' Market. Pick up some cage-free eggs, goat cheese and fresh organic produce, then fill your shopping bag with locally grown cucumbers, strawberries, tomatoes, apples and more. If all that shopping made you hungry, munch on organic tamale or re-energize with freshly squeezed lemonade.