Terrell Heights - San Antonio, TX

The Mexican-American War led to the statehood of Texas, but it devastated the population of San Antonio. It wasn't until after the Civil War that the city saw its numbers steadily begin to rise. The emergence of the cattle industry and the first-ever railroad in Texas were significant factors in San Antonio's prosperity. Nearly doubling in growth in the late 20th century, many neighborhoods in the city began to appear. Most houses in the Terrell Heights community were built in the 1940s and early 1950s, when the neighborhood first formed. Since then, the area has striven for excellence and a sense of community.

An annual festival makes for clean, family fun at the Alamo Heights Night. For 28 years, the San Antonio Rotary Club has thrown a community-wide block party, featuring local bands, carnival rides, and loads of fun. Residents appreciate the McNay Art Museum on New Braunfels Avenue. As the first museum of modern art in Texas, this stunning Spanish mansion displays more than 20,000 paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Also close by, the Witte Museum hosts historic artifacts, textiles, dinosaur bones and the Hertzberg Circus Collection. Programs can be enjoyed daily.

Be sure to take time to also visit The Alamo, where brave Texans gave their lives defending against Santa Ana to insure independence from Mexico. Gaze upon the small Spanish mission and imagine the legendary Davy Crockett and James Bowie inspiring their men to fight to their last breath.

Just off the Austin Highway, the streets of Terrell Heights overflow with quality restaurants and unique eateries. Residents appreciate popular food chains such as Whataburger, Jimmy Johns and Dominos Pizza. For a more one-of-a-kind dining experience, Chapala Taco House serves authentic Mexican food made with fresh ingredients. The festive decor and affordable prices only heighten your eating experience. Be sure to ask for a warm corn tortilla, handmade to perfection or the popular enchilada sauces.

Residents rave about the green chili mac and cheese served by favorite local restaurant Nosh. Combining diverse flavors and foods with intimate, family-style dining, Nosh transforms the necessity of eating into a magical experience. Bring your appetite and your sense of adventure, as this restaurant is sure to have you savoring several different dishes. Twin Sisters Bakery, also along Austin Highway, offers a casual, homey feel with its cozy booths and friendly staff. With a full menu for every meal, homemade soups, signature quiches and delicate pastries can be enjoyed any time of day. Stop by any Friday night to enjoy the live music.

Settle in for a fun evening at Astro SuperBowl, where customers enjoy a wide selection of beer and the chance to showcase their bowling skills. On Wednesday nights, everything is just a dollar.

For great food and outdoor enjoyment try Cerroni's Purple Garlic. Cerroni's offers indoor and outdoor dining, as well as a sandbox to keep the kids occupied while you enjoy one of the many recommended pizzas or a pasta dish. Locals also love the eggplant parmigiana or a Dean Martin. Cerroni's Purple Garlic won't break the bank thanks to constant military discounts and a kids eat free policy on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Largely a car-dependent community, this area has few public transportation options and minimal available bike lanes. Though a few errands can be accomplished on foot, most residents opt to drive. A largely residential area, parking is convenient and usually free. This community connects to Austin Highway 368, which becomes Interstate 410, and makes for efficient travel. Uber also serves this area, so be sure to call ahead for your next trip.

Scates Park on Meadow Lane offers residents an escape to nature with its large field and children's playground area. For a fun, free afternoon out, bring your family and pets to enjoy time in the pleasant Terrell Heights weather. Every year, the community hosts an annual picnic there, taking advantage of the many picnic tables available. The event always makes for a good time of fellowship among the community.

Terrell Heights partnered with Green Spaces Alliance Community Gardens Program to raise funds for a lovely community Garden. This beautiful space features two butterfly beds and a large community plot full of peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, onions, and marigolds. Mosaic-tiled planters contain several types of fresh herbs.

For the richness of the community and all that has to offer, Terrell Heights remains relatively affordable. Though grocery and health care costs parallel that of the entire San Antonio area, housing expenditures climb higher than the average in Texas. The prominence of apartment living makes for reasonable rental rates starting at $535 for a one-bedroom space. Due to housing prices, the cost of living in Terrell Heights is 13.2 percent higher than the San Antonio city average.

Terrell Heights features several unique boutiques and shops that characterize the subtle charm of the area. North New Braunfels Avenue makes the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon enjoying endless hours of fun perusing the many available stores.

Bless Your Heart Boutique sells vibrant clothes, unique jewelry and household knick-knacks. Similarly, Aquarius Boutique serves as a hip place to find the perfect gift for someone special or to treat yourself to a trendy piece of clothing.

Residents also frequent Belles & Beaux, a chic store with drool-worthy children's clothing and swanky decor. The friendly staff has impeccable taste and provides assistance with a smile.

Popular department stores such as Ross and CVS Pharmacy sit conveniently located off Austin Highway. For groceries and household items, residents frequent a nearby Wal-Mart Supercenter or HEB. Pearl Farmer's Market, just a short drive south on Highway 281 from Terrell Hills, features fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables from local growers along with an assortment of freshly prepared foods from street vendors in the area. The market operates on weekends in the plaza outside the Pearl Brewery, which proffers cooking lessons and hosts bands and musicians during market hours.