Wilshire Terrace - San Antonio, TX

Willshire Terrace sits within the north central region of San Antonio, a city which came from humble beginnings to one of the largest in the United States. Although the Mexican-American War took its toll on the city, it developed quickly through railroads and the cattle industry. Industries have continued to grow and many now know of San Antonio for its commercial entertainment options and military bases.

The neighborhood has a strong arts scene, with the McNay Art Museum, the Royal Canvas, and Anarte Gallery all a short drive away. In addition to being a gallery, The Royal Canvas also features art classes for those who wish to learn. San Antonio features plenty of annual events, but none take place in this area.

Dining in Willshire Terrace consists of inexpensive to moderately priced restaurants, many of them concentrated around the Austin Highway. For a mix of traditional Thai meals and contemporary Asian fusion, check out Tong's Thai Restaurant. Seafood fans should try the Haw-Mok, a dish that combines several different kinds of seafood with red curry to add some zest. Wash it down with the bubble tea, a unique beverage from Taiwan.

If you feel like Tex-Mex, visit Cazadores Mexican Restaurant. A laid-back atmosphere and friendly service make diners feel right at home. With low prices and hearty meals, Cazadores provides the perfect spot to start your day off right or grab a bite before going home. The mini tacos make for a nice snack, but be forewarned: they're so tasty that you may just end up eating several more than you expect.

As far as nightlife goes, this area and those surrounding it have options ranging from dive bars to upscale lounges, including the nearby Epic Bar or the Astro Superbowl, which specializes in parties and other fun events. Music lovers and musicians alike enjoy the Tuesday Music Club to the south, and Rebar to the north puts on shows from well-known bands and artists.

While many residents of this neighborhood rely on their cars, other convenient travel options are available as well.

Many nearby amenities and fairly flat terrain make this a walkable area in which to live. You can also get around quickly by bike. However, some streets in Willshire Terrace and the adjacent neighborhoods don't have bike lanes, so it helps to have some riding experience.

VIA Metropolitan Transit buses service San Antonio, with routes 8, 14, 214, 509 and 647 all stopping around this neighborhood. You can also call a taxi or request a ride share like Uber. Pick up times vary.

For commuting by car, drivers have U.S. Route 281 and Interstate 410 a short drive away. U.S. Route 281, which runs north and south, lies west of the area. Interstate 410 circles around the inner part of San Antonio. Hop on it by driving either east or north from Willshire Terrace. Once on Loop 410, as the locals call it, you can take it to several other highway connections depending on where you need to go. Feel free to park on the street in this neighborhood, just read the signs first.

To take advantage of the warm climate, San Antonio has parks scattered around the city, with a couple right around this neighborhood. All these parks welcome dogs, just keep them on leashes.

When you want to check out a park without traveling too far, Scates Park gives you the closest option. Athletes have a field for any sport they want, while children can enjoy themselves at the playground. After a couple hours of playing, stop by the picnic area for a relaxing lunch in the outdoors. An annual picnic occurs at this park during the summer. With plenty of food stand options, you should bring the kids to sample all the treats.

For a bit more space, take a short drive up to Northridge Park. In addition to a multipurpose field, it provides a softball diamond when you want to hit a few balls. It has a couple play areas for younger kids, picnic tables and a pavilion that can be rented for special events.

Willshire Terrace carries a slightly higher cost of living than the city average, with housing costing a bit more. A one-bedroom apartment typically rents for about $901, although you may find cheaper arrangements.

A Metro ride to the city center costs $1.20 for a one way ticket, and gas prices come in around 13 percent lower than the national average. A pint at the local pub usually costs about $4.

Specialty shops and boutiques, several of which can be found at the Sunset Ridge Shopping Center, characterize the shopping experience around this area.

Boutique shoppers should give Aquarius Boutique a try. This hip shop features clothes and accessories that combine timeless styles with a modern flair. With new clothes rotated in often, rest assured that anything you buy here fits the current styles. To add to the shopping experience, the owner of Aquarius puts contemporary pieces from local artists on the walls.

Major grocery stores in the area include Walmart and H-E-B, both located on Austin Highway. While Willshire Terrace doesn't have any farmers markets, the city has several.