Timber Ridge - San Antonio, TX

War and military seizure color San Antonio's turbulent past. During the 19th century, the struggles of the Texas Revolution, including the battle of the Alamo, tore through the city streets. A few decades later, the Civil War helped restimulate commerce, and the construction of railroads led to massive population growth and economic expansion. The Timber Ridge neighborhood grew from the early 20th-century housing sprawl as the city's boundaries expanded to satisfy its diverse populace.

Head downtown to immerse yourself in San Antonio history at popular museums, such as the Alamo and the Institute of Texan Cultures. For two days, the Institute's Texas Folklife Festival celebrates roughly 40 cultures through performing arts, crafts fairs and international cuisine. Explore the contemporary masterpieces at Artpace, a museum that hosts exhibitions and fosters artistic talent through residency programs.

Timber Ridge residents get a taste of San Antonio's multicultural dining scene, especially around Culebra Road. Ethnic eateries, bars and casual restaurants rule this college-oriented area, appealing to its easygoing, down-to-earth community.

Jerusalem Grill cooks up Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare, wooing Texans with crispy falafels and chicken-filled pitas. Locals recommend trying any kabob or shawarma platter, or you can leave your meal in the chef's hands by ordering the family dinner special for groups of four or more.

Despite having the slogan "the worst Bar-B-Q in Texas," Rudy's fills up with locals devouring meaty brisket, baby back ribs and sausage links. Picnic tables line the inside and outside of this casual smokehouse-style restaurant where you build your meal from meats and sides, including the popular creamed corn and baked beans. Ask about discounts if you're a military family, and stop by the store to buy BBQ rub or bottles of Rudy's special "sause."

Enjoy a Pisco Sour cocktail with Peruvian cuisine at Rocoto's Sabor Latino Grill. Locals give this small eat-in restaurant a stamp of authenticity, making frequent visits for lomo saltado, a stir fry of beef tenderloin, onions, tomatoes and French fries. If you like feasting on leftovers after dining out, order the half-rotisserie chicken platter with cilantro rice and salad.

Downtown San Antonio offers the most energetic nightlife, but you don’t have to travel to the city center for a cold beer or after-dark entertainment. Locals pile into the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema for dinner and a movie. Servers quietly deliver beers, burgers, nachos and pizzas while diners enjoy new and classic flicks on the big screen. For faster service, show up early to put in your order before the movie starts.

Grab a margarita, and unwind to booming beats from a live DJ at 151 Saloon, a low-cost bar and dance spot. For a sports-oriented setting, stop by The Bend to catch a football game and challenge friendly strangers to a few rounds of pool.

Owning a car simplifies life in Timber Ridge, but if you make an effort to plan ahead, you can manage without your own wheels. Biking lanes line the three major roads that cut across the neighborhood, including Rim Rock Trail and Reed Road, and the residential roads are also safe for bikers. However, most commercial areas surround the neighborhood's outer edges, making walking or biking less appealing if you live in a central location.

Several city buses service the neighborhood, but the regular routes generally run every hour, which may be limiting when you have a tight schedule. Locals typically walk to Rim Rock Trail or Culebra Road to ride buses 618, and you can also catch express bus 64 at Potranco Road near southwest Timber Ridge.

Long residential streets and houses with driveways make parking free and easy to find close to home. Drivers appreciate the neighborhood's proximity to highways, allowing them to make a fast exit from the city or take Route 151 straight to central San Antonio. Highway loops 16 and 1604 lie within a few minutes drive and connect you to major routes leading to surrounding towns. Don't expect to find cabs zipping through this out-of-the-way spot, but local taxi providers and Uber drivers come to the area if you prearrange a pickup.

Timber Ridge has few parks within its immediate vicinity, but San Antonio's well-structured park system provides free outdoor recreation, swimming, fitness support and dog accommodations across the city. Get in the hiking spirit at Cathedral Rock Park, where you can venture along paved and natural trails that connect to the 13.5-mile Leon Creek Greenway System.

Walk the half-mile trail at Oscar Perez Park, or kick back on 17 acres of landscaped grounds while your little ones explore the playscape. The skate plaza gives daredevils space to practice their ollies, while picnic units and sports fields round out the park's family-oriented facilities.

Tom Slick Park caters to athletes and pet owners with rentable baseball and soccer fields, open football and basketball facilities, and a 1.5-acre dog park. Get your daily workout by chasing the kids around the playground, or use the onsite fitness equipment.

If a friendly support network helps you stay fit, get involved in the city-sponsored Fitness in the Park programs. Enjoy a year-round calendar of free exercise-oriented events, such as yoga, zumba, tai chi and power walking. Parks throughout San Antonio host classes for adults and children, encouraging you to meet new people while toning your figure. Participants in the citywide Fit Pass events have the chance to snag prizes ranging from water bottles to mountain bikes at the annual awards ceremony.

Settle into life in Timber Ridge with minimal financial adjustment. Living expenses in this neighborhood are only about 6 percent higher than the citywide average. Add a few bucks to your housing budget when hunting for an apartment. At a median rent of $768, a Timber Ridge one-bedroom apartment costs about 21 percent more than average San Antonio housing.

Spend only $4 for all-day travel to and from the city center by bus. Driving is an affordable option for residents, who pay gas prices roughly 18 percent lower than the nationwide average. For beer lovers, local pubs serve up low-cost drinks priced around $2 to $5 a pint.

High-value chain stores, such as Target and Dillard's, satisfy essential shopping needs for Timber Ridge residents. Locals value the low prices and concentrated shopping at Ingram Park Mall, but many prefer to travel 20 minutes away to The Shops at La Cantera for a livelier and less generic atmosphere.

Step outside of the franchise comfort zone, and discover the literary treasures at Imagine Books & Records. The store's imprint company publishes independent books, and the laid-back owner stays onsite to welcome and assist patrons. When you're not busy searching classic vinyl albums, find a seat at one of the store's live music or poetry shows.

Explore the eclectic fashions at Madame Lui Lui Boutique, a shop that showcases women's clothing, shoes and accessories by French designers. Everyone can find something dramatic and festive to love at Atlantis Discovered, a unique party and gift store known for its eye-catching masquerade masks, belly dancing gear and costume jewelry.

HEB Plus, Walmart Supercenter and Super Target provide quick grocery stops for the neighborhood. If you're in search of a market with an abundant stock of Hispanic ingredients, bring your grocery list to the La Michoacana Meat Market, an all-in-one supermarket and taqueria. Make time to stop by the San Antonio Farmer's Market in Leon Valley to buy fresh herbs and produce straight from the farmers' stalls.