Thunderbird Hills - San Antonio, TX

The rich and vibrant history of San Antonio dates back to the early 18th century with Spanish settlement and the establishment of the famous Alamo mission. The Hispanic roots of Texas remain a prominent part of its heritage, a factor that remains true in neighborhoods such as Thunderbird Hills, which sits within the Inner West Side of San Antonio.

The Thunderbird Hills area does not host its own museums, but easy access to the downtown San Antonio area means that visitors can check out the San Antonio Children's Museum, San Antonio Museum of Art and - of course - the Alamo. San Antonio also houses a vibrant arts scene. Western and Hispanic arts and crafts feature especially prominently. Access to San Antonio's many festivals and events, such as its El Dio de los Muertos celebration, also feature strongly.

The restaurants in Thunderbird Hills cater mostly to the casual crowd, with plenty of popular chain eateries in addition to a handful of smaller, locally owned joints. The Mexican influence of San Antonio remains alive and well in the neighborhood with tons of delicious Tex-Mex and traditional Mexican fare available. Diners can find restaurants scattered all over, with a concentration of them around major roads such as Ingram and Callaghan. A lack of nightlife options in the neighborhood means that people seeking an evening out likely need to make their way closer to the downtown area of the city.

Those who love Mediterranean fare visit Jerusalem Grill to sample eats drawn from the cultures of Greece, Persia, Turkey and the rest of the Middle East. Try a fresh gyro topped with delicious, cool tzatziki sauce, or try the stuffed grape leaves for a traditionally tart appetizer.

Sea Island Shrimp House has all the underwater eats that one could dream of, with the addition of spicy sides such as the jalapeno cornbread. Try the charbroiled shrimp or the chipotle fish tacos for a savory treat.

Chunky's Burgers remains best known for its 4 Horsemen Burger Challenge and its stint featured on the Travel Channel's "Man vs. Food." The 4 Horsemen burger comes loaded up with some of the spiciest ingredients on the planet, including jalapenos, serrano peppers and the infamous ghost pepper.

The Thunderbird Hills neighborhood does not host any live music venues, but several other area spots do. Check out nearby Tucker's Kozy Korner for an array of musical styles and a comfortable atmosphere in which to enjoy local and regional acts.

Just around the corner, patrons can find the Twenty Grand Saloon. Its proximity to Thunderbird Hills and the relative distance of most other bars makes it a top contender when it comes to nighttime entertainment among Thunderbird Hills locals. Also popular, joints such as Home Plate Sports Grill allow visitors to watch live sporting events with other patrons. Meanwhile, Malibu Shack Grill and Beach Bar has a casual atmosphere where patrons can sit back and relax with drinks and grub.

Those living in Thunderbird Hills primarily get around by way of car. If one needs a ride, some public transportation options exist. VIA Metropolitan Transit, San Antonio's bus system, serves the neighborhood and provides access to other parts of the city, including downtown. Travelers in need of more flexible transportation have the option to call for a cab or to arrange a ride through the Uber service.

The lack of public parking tends not to be noticeable as drivers find ample parking available around area businesses. Another convenience for drivers, Interstate 410 runs right alongside the neighborhood for easy access to the city's major roadway system. A lack of both sidewalks and bike lanes means that the neighborhood does not cater to either pedestrians or cyclists. Both should use caution while out and about in Thunderbird Hills.

Thunderbird Hills does not have a park, but residents can easily take a quick trip to Vidaurri Park to the south to enjoy the outdoors. Patrons love this 7-acre park, free to visit, for its picnic areas and its softball field, available on reservation. Children can enjoy hours of fun on the park's playscapes. However, furry park visitors must stay on a leash, or else visit the Phil Hardberger Dog Park for off-leash play. The park does not feature any festivals, though smaller events may be held there throughout the year. Garza Park to the south features a fitness station for exercise enthusiasts.

Thunderbird Hills on the whole tends to have a lower cost of living than other similar neighborhoods within the San Antonio area. Travel by way of the VIA bus system costs $1.20 for regular bus service, with express bus service to downtown available for $2.50. A one-bedroom apartment in the area comes with a median cost of about $530 a month. Meanwhile, a beer at a local pub costs about $3 on average for a domestic brew. Gas prices in the area tend to be lower than the national average, at about 12 percent.

Though it does not lie within the neighborhood, Ingram Park Mall sits just down the highway and features plenty of shopping opportunities for Thunderbird Hills residents. Several high-end shops await at Ingram Park Mall, including Coach and A'Gaci.

Some smaller boutiques and specialty stores dot the area. Find many along the highway or nestled in smaller shopping centers throughout the area. At Quinceaneras and Bridals, ladies find affordable formal wear for special events of all kinds. Also available for special occasions, the family-owned Little Flower Shop, allows shoppers to pick up any of a number of creative bouquets for everyday occasions or major celebrations.

For everyday shopping, several grocery stores including H-E-B and La Fiesta Supermarket serve the area. Those seeking fresh produce and other locally sourced items can head to the San Antonio Farmer's Market in the city to browse the incredible wares.