Shavano - San Antonio, TX

Shavano Park has the unique claim to being an independent city inside of the greater city of San Antonio. The original town was established as a stagecoach and rail stop in an alternate location around 1881. The land now considered to be Shavano Park was purchased in 1947 and became a general law city in 1956. The city has since grown from a population of 1,754 people in 2000 to over 3,200 residents. The close-knit community holds several annual events to help bring members together, including an annual Christmas party held in December.

Shavano Park has a variety of restaurants available and prides itself on having something for everyone and every mood.

Scuzzi's Italian Grill encompasses its guests in a very elegant and classy atmosphere. The attentive staff makes each diner's experience feel special. Start off with the spinach carciofi appetizer, which contains sautéed spinach, artichoke and mozzarella on a piece of homemade crostini. For the entrée, try the Gamberetti alla Scuzzi, a dish served with jumbo shrimp in garlic and a lemon butter white wine sauce. You can also enjoy happy hour three days a week from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The fast-paced, lively atmosphere of El Bucanero attracts a loyal group of regulars. In addition to a full bar, El Bucanero serves up an ample menu of seafood dishes with a Mexican flare. Try the Mexican mariscos for a real treat.

Frederick's Bistro highlights the elegance of French cuisine. The head chef's French and Asian culinary backgrounds combine to make an exciting blend of flavors, and the restaurant's ambiance sets the mood for a special celebration or romantic dinner. Try the grilled beef tenderloin with black peppercorn sauce alongside potatoes au gratin. The hearty flavor of the tenderloin complements the richness of the cheese and potatoes perfectly.

Directly across the highway, Freetail Brewing Company stands as a haven for craft beer lovers, and the remarkable beer has become the greatest appeal of this restaurant. The food and atmosphere only enhance the enjoyment of having great beer on tap. Freetail serves as a perfect place to enjoy the company of friends while sampling its wonderful selection of brews.

Another place to experience the local nightlife can be found not far away. Fizz has a casual, hip atmosphere and attracts younger crowds with its music selection. Drink specials make it an affordable place to go.

While San Antonio primarily relies on cars for transportation, Shavano Park provides access to other means of transportation to accommodate its residents. Bus stops can be found along the central streets of the area. Services such as Uber are available to the neighborhood. Public parking is free, and highways are very easy to access. Bikers can easily travel using the dedicated lane that runs along major streets. Pedestrians will feel comfortable walking throughout the area.

Residents love to visit the two of the local parks that are in close proximity to Shavano Park. Orsinger Park proves an excellent place to take children. With a sandbox, swingset and playground, kids will be entertained for hours, and parents can sit nearby and supervise. The park also provides picnic spots and pavilions perfect for making a day of it with takeout or a packed lunches.

Phil Hardberger, featuring a modern design and a wide range of offerings, prides itself in being on of San Antonio's top-rated parks. Phil Hardberger Park has numerous amenities for all ages, including a Tsunami slide and a specially designed fitness course. Dog owners will be thrilled to make use of the off-leash dog park complete with an obstacle course, play shelters and built-in watering spigots. The dog park gives animals a chance to run and play, and their owners enjoy the opportunity to connect with others. Walking and biking trails run throughout the park. In addition, the park facilitates classes to improve the body and mind of adults and children. Through the Fitness in the Park initiative, locals can partake in free exercise classes such as Zumba and yoga. For children, the park provides free classes that teach about nature and exploration.

Cost of living is higher in Shavano Park than the average for the rest of San Antonio. To travel to the city center via bus, it will cost about $4 dollars for a one-day pass. Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $900. The price of a beer at a nearby bar will cost you about $5. Gas prices are approximately 11 percent lower than the national average.

Several small shopping centers can be found in and around Shavano Park. For the most part, these areas contain small, locally run businesses. For example, Wow Customized Gift Creations allows customers to choose items for gift baskets and then beautifully assembles the finished product to be delivered. Cupcake Couture provides a large variety of sinfully decadent cupcakes with flavors such as pink champagne and chocolate raspberry. The shop also hosts cupcake parties for birthdays and other unique ways to celebrate with friends.

Residents can find two grocery stores within close proximity to the neighborhood. H-E-B Plus and the Alon Towne Center H-E-B serve as two of San Antonio's best grocery stores. Both provide a clean and enjoyable atmosphere, and baked goods and fresh produce are staples of the well-known chain of stores.