The 15 Safest Neighborhoods In San Antonio: 2022's Ultimate List

Cyril Balahadia
by Cyril Balahadia
San Antonio is one of the most unique cities in Texas, and luckily, it is home to 15 particularly safe neighborhoods. Neighborhoods such as Tobin Hill, Oak Park Northwood, and Castle Hills are among the best places to live in San Antonio. Each of these neighborhoods has low crime rates and comfortable housing, so let’s take a look at the safest neighborhoods in San Antonio.

A 2019 study done by SafeWise, the top 50 safest cities in Texas, and unfortunately, it didn’t include San Antonio. In fact, the city didn’t even make it to the top 200! However, this is not to say that every corner of San Antonio is not safe. The truth is the city is still generally safe. Yes, crime has increased over the years, but there are still safe neighborhoods all over the city.

Based on statistics, Shavano Park, Cibolo, Olmos Park, Boerne, and Tobin Hill are the safest neighborhoods in San Antonio, Texas. These neighborhoods rank highest when it comes to safety and livability, with between 55-75% higher safety ratings than all of San Antonio. Other safe neighborhoods in San Antonio include New Braunfels, Alamo Heights, and Downtown.

Related Content: Pros And Cons Of Living Is San Antonio | Richest Neighborhoods In San Antonio | Cost Of Living In San Antonio | Best Family-Friendly Neighborhoods In San Antonio

Is San Antonio A Safe City?

With a crime rate of 47 per one thousand residents, the city of San Antonio has one of the highest crime rates in the US. Your chance of becoming a victim of a crime in this city is 1 in 22.

Over 97% of communities have a lower crime rate than San Antonio within the whole state. Compared to the national average, the violent crime here is 65% higher, and the crime rate is 79% higher.

Judging from the above statistics, San Antonio is not the safest city. However, year-over-year crime in the city has decreased by 17%. Again, this is not to say that the city is dangerous. You just need to practice extra precautions and pick the right area to go.

You must also remember that San Antonio is 75% Hispanic, and you will find that majority of them tend to be so kind and respectful.

Top 15 Safest Neighborhoods in San Antonio

Below are the safest neighborhoods in San Antonio. So if you’re looking for a nice place to move, check out these neighborhoods first!

1. Shavano Park

  • Home Price: $594,900 median purchase price
  • Rent: $2,224 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 75% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 83% of areas

Shavano Park is a city that is a territory of San Antonio and is part of the San Antonio Metropolitan Statistical Area. Shavano Park is usually considered an “ideal location” due to its boundaries of Huebner Road to the south, Loop 1604 to the north, Salado Creek to the east, and Lockhill Selma to the west.

This area is also known for its outstanding schools, high rating of safety, accessible location, and gorgeous homes. With everything this neighborhood has to offer, you wouldn’t have guessed that this neighborhood offers affordable properties for rent and sale.

Shavano Park ranks 83% better in livability than other areas in San Antonio. This neighborhood is also 83% safer than other San Antonio neighborhoods. According to statistics, the median purchase price of homes in the area is $594,900, with the average rent being $2,224.

2. Cibolo

  • Home Price: $206,900 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,512 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 74% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 93% of areas

Cibolo has a long and illustrious history in the growth of south Texas. Cibolo is a town in Guadalupe County, Texas, in the far western part of the state. Seguin and San Antonio are both within easy driving distance of Cibolo. Cibolo is about 13 miles east of the metropolitan center of San Antonio.

Cibolo today is a far cry from what it was in the early 1900s. Cibolo is populated by a varied population. Many businesses and industries have set up shop in Cibolo as a result of the military post and its location.

Cibolo is 93 percent more livable than nearby San Antonio neighborhoods. In addition, this neighborhood is 74% safer than the rest of San Antonio. According to figures, the median purchase price of a property in the area is $206,900, with an average rent of $1,512.

3. Olmos Park

  • Home Price: $643,000 median purchase price
  • Rent: $782 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 62% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 98% of areas

Olmos Park is another upscale neighborhood with many historic homes. This neighborhood has so much to offer to families, including great schools and parks.

This area is home to several billionaires, but surprisingly, you can find rentals around here that fit any budget. This is a chosen location by many families who need to live in San Diego due to its access to high-quality schools, and of course, its reputation as one of the safest ages in the city.

Olmos Park outperforms other San Antonio neighborhoods in terms of livability by 98 percent. In comparison to other San Antonio neighborhoods, this one is 62 percent safer. According to figures, the median purchase price of a property in the area is $643,000, and the average rent is $782.

4. Boerne

  • Home Price: $255,600 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,094 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 58% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 94% of areas

Boerne, roughly 30 miles outside of San Antonio, is another option on this list. With a population of only 18,000 people, Boerne is a delightful tiny town in the Texas Hill Country.

The Hill Country Mile, the downtown district, is lined with vividly colored businesses and great restaurants. Throughout the year, this area hosts a number of art galleries as well as festivals and events. Even though Boerne is a small town, there is always something to do!

Boerne has a wide range of real estate options when it comes to making your big move. There are ranch-style residences that have been refurbished, new building that is cheap, pristine ranch acreage, and large estates. You could find Boerne tempting because of this, as well as the excellent schools and convenient access to a variety of outdoor activities.

In terms of livability, Boerne exceeds other San Antonio neighborhoods by 94 percent. This neighborhood is 58% safer than other San Antonio neighborhoods. According to statistics, the median purchase price of a home in the neighborhood is $255,600, and the average rent is $1,094.

5. Tobin Hill

  • Home Price: $178,125 median purchase price
  • Rent: $724 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 55% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 72% of areas

Located just north of the city center, Tobin Hill is another safe place in San Antonio. This is a favorite among young professionals working in Downtown San Antonio and college students who go to San Antonio College.

Not only safe, but this neighborhood is also affordable. This safe, affordable neighborhood. Because it is renter-friendly, you’ll see a lot of restored lofts and apartments all over this area.

Not only that, but it’s also very walkable and close to the hustle and bustle of Downtown. Tobin Hill also offers a lot of outdoor activities, bars, restaurants, and cultural spots.

Tobin Hill has a 72% livability advantage over other San Antonio neighborhoods. This neighborhood is 55 percent safer than similar areas in San Antonio. According to statistics, the median price of a home in the neighborhood is $178,125, with an average rent of $724.

6. New Braunfels

  • Home Price: $177,200 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,036 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 52% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 98% of areas

Although there are numerous advantages to living in a bustling metropolis like San Antonio, many people prefer a slower pace of life with easy access to big-city facilities. All of this and more can be found in New Braunfels, a city founded by German immigrants whose pronunciation has perplexed many native Texans.

New Braunfels is about 30 miles northeast of San Antonio, and the Comal and Guadalupe rivers are well-known across the state. Many Texans grab an innertube and go river tubing at the same time. The large Schlitterbahn waterpark is also located there.

New Braunfels exceeds other San Antonio neighborhoods by 98 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 52 percent safer than others in San Antonio. According to data, the median purchase price of a home in the area is $177,200, and the average rent is $1,036.

It has a population of about 85,000 people, which is a good size for going out and sightseeing without running into enormous crowds. In the summer, you might encounter a few tourists, but you’ll be too busy remaining cool in your tube on the Guadalupe to notice.

7. Alamo Heights

  • Home Price: $513,900 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,307 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 49% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 94% of areas

A lot of the old money of San Antonio is living in this neighborhood. Despite being 10 minutes from Downtown, it’s a quiet neighborhood with hidden roads that wind behind Broadway.

Many affluent families live in the area; a lot of them have been around for generations. The streets are covered with scrapbooking stores, vintage boutiques, and high-end gift shops, where soccer moms typically bump into each other.

This is a great place to live if you can afford it, with residents having to pay for the name, safety, location, and a small-feel community at the core of a huge city.

Alamo Heights has a 94 percent livability advantage over other San Antonio neighborhoods. This neighborhood is 49 percent safer than similar areas in San Antonio. According to statistics, the median price of a home in the neighborhood is $513,900, with an average rent of $1,307.

8. Downtown

  • Home Price: $121,100 median purchase price
  • Rent: $882 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 48% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 83% of areas

The center of San Antonio – Downtown — is at the top of our list. Downtown San Antonio is the city’s most historic district, and it is home to the world-famous River Walk, a 15-mile stretch of waterway studded with restaurants, clubs, museums, and much more. The Alamo is also located here.

Downtown is the first location you should consider if you want to live in an area that truly appreciates San Antonio’s culture. The housing options in this region are mainly high-rise apartments, and condos with convenient walking access to everything downtown has to offer. Everything you need is only a few feet away, so you won’t have to deal with traffic, petrol, or parking.

Downtown exceeds other San Antonio neighborhoods by 83 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 48 percent safer than others in San Antonio. According to data, the median purchase price of a home in the area is $121,100, and the average rent is $882.

A variety of schools, ranging from primary to college level, are also located in Downtown. There are also institutions like the Henry Ford Academy Alameda School for Art Design, which is a college preparatory school for kids in grades 9 through 12 who wish to get a strong arts education before starting college.

9. Oak Park Northwood

  • Home Price: $278,430 median purchase price
  • Rent: $431 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 47% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 81% of areas

Do you like the idea of living in a place with tree-lined streets, affordable ranch-style homes with good-sized yards, fun community events, and less than half an hour trip to the downtown city? Then make Oak Park-Northwood your home!

Perfect for families of any size, Oak Park is a part of the Alamo Heights School District, which offers access to top-rated schools and beautiful parks. So, not only you’ll have interesting public safe spaces to enjoy, but you can also assure that your kids can get a good education.

Oak Park Northwood outperforms other San Antonio neighborhoods in terms of livability by 81 percent. In comparison to other San Antonio neighborhoods, this one is 47 percent safer. The median purchase price of a property in the area is $278,430, and the average rent is $431, according to figures.

10. Terrell Heights

  • Home Price: $209,750 median purchase price
  • Rent: $541 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 47% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 91% of areas

Touted by some as a “hidden gem” sitting next to renowned, wealthy neighborhoods such as Olmos Park and Alamo Heights, Terrell Heights is a pleasant, vibrant community that carries a historical vibe. This neighborhood offers residents a quiet environment in the middle of the city’s heart.

And while it is located next to wealthy neighborhoods, the housing costs here are so much lower. This neighborhood is composed of apartments, single-family homes, and condominiums, which gives you selections. It’s also close to Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, so many military families choose to live here.

Terrell Heights ranks 91% better in livability than other areas in San Antonio. This neighborhood is also 47% safer than other San Antonio neighborhoods. According to statistics, the median purchase price of homes in the area is $209,750, with the average rent being $541.

11. Monte Vista

  • Home Price: $294,683 median purchase price
  • Rent: $974 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 42% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 70% of areas

Another safe neighborhood in San Antonio is Monte Vista. This area offers a prime location within 10 minutes of Downtown everything you might need in the city.

If you’re a college student or need to be within proximity to the University of the Incarnate Word and Trinity University, this will be a good location for you. This area is also a good spot for retirees and families looking for spacious old homes, a tight-knit community, and access to Brackenridge Park.

Monte Vista is 70 percent more livable than adjacent San Antonio neighborhoods. In addition, this neighborhood is 42 percent safer than the rest of San Antonio. The median purchase price of a property in the area is $294,683, with an average rent of $974, according to figures.

If you’re a single and young professional looking to relocate to San Antonio, Monte Visa will provide you will a good combination of urban-suburban elements. This neighbor is super bike-friendly, walkable, and close to some of the city’s trendiest cafes and restaurants.

12. El Dorado

  • Home Price: $129,100 median purchase price
  • Rent: $835 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 41% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 47% of areas

If you’re looking for a neighborhood ideal for your family, El Dorado is an excellent option for you! In this neighborhood, you’ll be able to enjoy peaceful streets, friendly residents, lots of greens, and the charm it offers.

This is also a good place to go if you’re looking for an affordable house in San Antonio. Another thing you will love about this neighborhood is how car-friendly it is. Finding a park is so easy too.

However, commuting might be a little challenging in this neighborhood because of the infrequent service. That being said, there are still some bus stops and lines around the area people can use.

El Dorado has a 47 % livability advantage over other San Antonio neighborhoods. This neighborhood is 41 percent safer than similar areas in San Antonio. According to statistics, the median price of a home in the neighborhood is $129,100, with an average rent of $835.

13. Northeast Inner Loop

Photo Credit: Rent.com

  • Home Price: $199,183 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,091 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 38% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 67% of areas

Want to get a taste of historic San Antonio without going too far? Then you should think about relocating to the Northeast Inner Loop. This neighborhood, also known as Oakpark-Northwood, is full with midcentury ranch houses from the 1950s and 1960s.

Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills are directly northeast of the Northeast Inner Loop. It is bordered on the north by Loop 410, the south by Eisenhauer Road, the west by Broadway, and the east by Harry Wurzback Road. It’s also simple to navigate, thanks to the grid street pattern, which also helps to reduce traffic congestion in the area.

Residents of this region send their children to Alamo Heights schools like Howard Early Childhood Center and Woodridge Elementary School. Real estate is also substantially less expensive here, with many properties priced well below $500,000.

Northeast Inner Loop exceeds other San Antonio neighborhoods by 67 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 38 percent safer than others in San Antonio. According to data, the median purchase price of a home in the area is $199,183, and the average rent is $1,091.

14. Stone Oak

  • Home Price: $293,240 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,368 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 29% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 61% of areas

With its hill country charm and luxury lifestyle, Stone Oak has made it one of the top neighborhoods in San Antonio’s up-and-coming Northside community.

Stone Oak seems to have a perfect community –excellent schools, beautiful housing, many shopping places, and gated communities for safety. The planners have done a great job developing Stone Oak, making it the most sought-after area for those who can afford it.

One trip to this area will immediately tell you why many people would wish to live here – it might even include you! So, if you want to live in San Diego back want to stay away from the grit of urban life, this safe, family-friendly community would do you a huge favor.

Stone Oak has a 61% livability advantage over other San Antonio neighborhoods. This neighborhood is 29 percent safer than similar areas in San Antonio. According to statistics, the median price of a home in the neighborhood is $293,240, with an average rent of $1,368.

15. Castle Hills

  • Home Price: $261,600 median purchase price
  • Rent: $936 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 19% of Texas cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 92% of areas

One of the centrally located neighborhoods in San Antonio, Castle Hills, has been around since the 1920s. Today it has become a vital, vibrant community in the Military City.

Most of the property built in Castle Hills remains a private residential property, with big lots and many trees all over. The neighborhood has a massive dwelling of single-family homes and safe streets. It is also located a few minutes away from the airport, Sea World Downtown, and Six Flags Amusement Park.

Castle Hills exceeds other San Antonio neighborhoods by 92 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 19 percent safer than others in San Antonio. According to data, the median purchase price of a home in the area is $261,600, and the average rent is $936.

San Antonio Crime Rate Overview

The city is higher when you compare San Antonio to other communities of the same land size and population.

The violent crime rate in San Antonio is one of the highest in the US across communities of all sizes. Violent offenses tracked included non-negligent manslaughter, murder, rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault.

Also, many of the crimes in San Antonio are property crimes. Property crimes tracked for this analysis are larceny over $50, burglary, arson, and motor vehicle theft. Importantly, based on FBI crime analysis, San Antonio has one of the highest cases of motor vehicle theft in the country.

Final Thoughts

As mentioned earlier, San Antonio is not the safest city in Texas. This is why knowing the best place in the city to live or visit truly pays off.

Hopefully, this article has helped you as much as we intend to. If you still have other questions about the city, we’ll do our best to give you the best response. So, let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

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Cyril Balahadia
Cyril Balahadia

Coming from a family of woodcarvers, Cyril has always been fascinated with wooden interiors and home decorating. While she followed the path of writing as her career, her interests in home improvements still remain.

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