Best Cities in Texas Near San Antonio

One of the fastest-growing cities in the entire country, San Antonio isn’t just famous for its rich history; it’s also known for its beauty and lively culture — among many other things. But while living directly in San Antonio may seem desirable, some of the best cities in Texas near San Antonio offer perks like more affordable housing and increased safety without sacrificing an easy commute directly into the city. But what are the best cities near San Antonio? Here’s our list of the top 10.

Best Cities in Texas Near San Antonio — FAQs

Q: What city is close to San Antonio, Texas?
A: The city of Olmos Park, just a 15-minute drive away, is one of the small cities near San Antonio.

Q: What towns are on the outskirts of San Antonio?
A: Canyon Lake is one of the best towns you can choose to live in on the outskirts of San Antonio.

Q: What small towns are near San Antonio, TX?
A: Garden Ridge and Fair Oaks Ranch are the best places to live in San Antonio with the perfect small-town atmosphere. 

Q: What towns are 30 minutes from San Antonio?
A: There are a handful of cities near San Antonio you can get to within 30 minutes — give or take. New Braunfels is about a 30-minute drive northeast from San Antonio. Also close to 30 minutes but just a bit to the west, you’ll find Fair Oaks. And Cibolo is a smidge closer on the northeast side — 33.3 miles, to be exact. 

Q: Is San Antonio close to Austin, TX?
A: San Antonio is just under 80 miles away from Austin — easy enough for a day trip to explore the Lone Star State’s capital city.

10 Best Cities and Towns Near San Antonio

Here are our choices for the best cities in Texas near San Antonio, each with perks for people from all walks of life.

Families are drawn to Alamo Heights for the sense of community and a small-town feel just a few miles from San Antonio.
Source: San Antonio Magazine

1. Alamo Heights, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,500
• Average home value: $728,800
• Great for: Unique homes, cultural institutions, family-friendly attractions
• Commute into San Antonio: 15-minute drive

Known for its wide streets and beautiful rolling hills, Alamo Heights is a small city near San Antonio — just five miles away, in fact. You’ll find a variety of architectural styles, including English country houses, Spanish colonials, ranch houses, and modern homes, with many price points to fit most budgets.

Cultural destinations are plentiful here, such as the McNay Art Museum and the University of the Incarnate Word — technically located on the other side of Alamo Heights' eastern boundary, but still considered a part of the community. As for family attractions, check out the San Antonio Zoo, where visitors pay for one day and get in for a year; The DoSeum, a favorite among children; the Witte Museum, which celebrates and explores science, nature, and culture; and the 38-acre San Antonio Botanical Garden. 

2. Olmos Park, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,450
• Average home value: $983,200
• Great for: Historic architecture, family-friendly events
• Commute into San Antonio: 15-minute drive

If you looked at a map of cities near San Antonio, Texas, with the closest commute times, Olmos Park would definitely be near the top. Dating back to the mid-1920s, it’s one of the best small cities near San Antonio and has a deep sense of pride in its history. The architectural styles found in this area are also stunning, and the leafy, expansive trees shading the homes add the perfect touch of natural beauty.

Outdoor enthusiasts living in Olmos Park have several spots to visit when they feel like getting active, including Alameda Circle, the largest of the city’s four parks, known for its fun social events that help bring the community together. Among the annual exciting events are the 4th of July parade and King Antonio Party. 

3. Terrell Hills, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,500
• Average home value: $879,900
• Great for: Dining options, outdoor recreation
• Commute into San Antonio: 15-minute drive

Situated within Loop 410 near downtown San Antonio, the affluent Terrell Hills community is part of the Uptown Central District. It’s a terrific option among cities near San Antonio for people who commute. And there’s plenty to like without having to travel anywhere, from a variety of dining destinations and parks to other outdoor fun. 

Locals love Backyard on Broadway, a lively Terrell Hills restaurant and bar designed to be like an extension of your own backyard. But with two bars, a dog park, a playground, yard games, and live entertainment, we’re guessing Backyard on Broadway might be a little more fun than your own. If you prefer venturing out for a hike, try one of the area’s many parks and trails, including the popular Terrell Hills Park, with terrific outdoor fun for families with children.

New Braunfels residents enjoy a variety of annual events — like the Dia de los Muertos Festival (pictured) and Wurstfest.
(Source: Visit NBTX via Facebook)

4. New Braunfels, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,450
• Average home value: $356,400
• Great for: Festivals, German cuisine
• Commute into San Antonio: 38-minute drive

The beautiful city of New Braunfels is a bit of a commute from San Antonio, but with dining, entertainment, and one-of-a-kind landmarks, it’s definitely one of the cities around San Antonio that’s worth the drive. In the Gruene Historic District, you’ll find beautifully restored 100-year-old Victorian homes that pay tribute to the city’s history. Festivals are plentiful here, too — The Wurstfest, in particular, draws quite the crowd to celebrate the city’s German origins with plenty of beer, Gemütlichkeit, and music. And there are great year-round dining establishments, as well. A must-visit: The Buttermilk Cafe, where delicious breakfast is on the table every day (except Sunday) from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Recreation is terrific here, too, with much of it centered around the two rivers that wind through town, the Comal and Guadelupe, which attract tubers from all over for leisurely floats through the beautiful Hill Country scenery. Other destinations include the Schlitterbahn Water Park and Resort — a longtime family favorite for splashing, sliding, and sunning — and the Natural Bridge Caverns, the largest cave in Texas. 

5. Cibolo, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,525
• Average home value: $337,600
• Great for: Dining establishments, parks, bird watching
• Commute into San Antonio: 35-minute drive

With a population of nearly 36,400, Cibolo is one of the cities near San Antonio, Texas, that’s close enough for a commute but small enough to give you that cozy vibe. Home prices are comparatively reasonable, as well, which makes this a good bet for young families looking for that small-town atmosphere — but with top-notch amenities that are perfect for young professionals. 

Outdoor recreation is a big draw: The city has 85 acres of park land, and just minutes away in Schertz is Crescent Bend Nature Park, a famous spot for bird watching. As for dining, whether you’re in the mood for some traditional cuisine or you want entertainment along with your meal, you’re sure to find a place that fits your taste. If you’re in the mood for some downhome Texas cuisine, for example, head to Kindling Texas Kitchen, set in a 107-year-old downtown home. Or try Mako’s on the Creek, another local fave specializing in farm-to-table Texas treats. Love live music? Check out Old Main Ice House. 

Boerne is known for its charming neighborhoods and family-friendly attractions and activities, including vintage car shows and cultural festivals.
(Source: Visit Boerne via Facebook)

6. Boerne, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,400
• Average home value: $551,900
• Great for: German heritage, theater performances
• Commute into San Antonio: 35-minute drive

This gem among the towns around San Antonio has a population of just about 23,000. Many residents are drawn not just to the proximity to San Antonio but also to Boerne’s charming neighborhoods and family-friendly attractions and activities. Brewery fans also like Boerne, as it was named the first Draft City in Texas by the Texas Draft Brewers Guild for its selection of popular breweries.

Similar to New Braunfels, Boerne loves to honor its history as a German-settled city. The local Berges Fest takes place every year over Father's Day weekend with three days of German-oriented fun — a highlight: dachshund races! During the holidays, family-friendly activities around town include Dickens on Main, which kicks off the season with music, tasty treats, and performances including "A Christmas Carol." And anytime you see the Village Band on the bill, go! The lively musical group, founded in 1860 by a German immigrant, still plays local celebrations and gatherings. 

7. Schertz, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,300
• Average home value: $330,700
• Great for: Military families, shopping, local events
• Commute into San Antonio: 30-minute drive

San Antonio is often referred to as “Military City USA” because of the many military families that live in the area. If you or your partner are in the military but you don’t necessarily want the big-city vibe of San Antonio, consider Schertz — a small city just a 10-minute commute to the Randolph Air Force Base. But Schertz isn’t just home to military folks. Retirees and young families live here, too, drawn to the many recreational options in the city’s 30 parks — along with its terrific location among the cities near San Antonio, TX.

Shoppers will want to head out to Bussey’s Flea Market to hunt for some interesting Texas treasures. And as for holiday events, the city’s annual 4th of July Jubilee welcomes attendees from all over Texas Hill Country for a carnival, delish festival food, music, and — of course — fireworks.  

8. Garden Ridge, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,825
• Average home value: $704,100
• Great for: Outdoor beauty, fun attractions
• Commute into San Antonio: 30-minute drive

The small city of Garden Ridge is one of the more affluent cities near San Antonio and an ideal locale for families and retirees looking for a quiet atmosphere in a beautiful landscape. The modest commute time to San Antonio makes it a good bet for professionals, too. 

Garden Ridge is also fairly close to some fun attractions, including the Natural Bridge Caverns, plus lots of local parks to explore. Paul Davis Park offers pavilions, picnic tables, and playground equipment for kids. Other nearby parks include Eagle Scout Park, Harvey B. Bell Park, and Regency Oaks Park. 

If you're in search of a place where you can spend your days and nights swimming, fishing, or golfing, then Canyon Lake might be the ideal choice.
(Source: Visit Canyon Lake, Texas via Facebook)

9. Canyon Lake, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,300
• Average home value: $443,500
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, variety of restaurants
• Commute into San Antonio: 55-minute drive

Looking for a lakefront property close to San Antonio? The town of Canyon Lake may have just what you’re looking for. Situated in Comal County, this mostly waterfront gem offers a variety of recreational activities and amenities ideal for active young professionals. If you're in search of a place where you can spend your days and nights swimming, fishing, or golfing, then Canyon Lake might be the ideal choice.

Craving authentic Italian food after a day on the lake? Head over to Gennaro's Trattoria for their lasagna and spaghetti con Polette. Prefer the taste of beloved Texas BBQ? The Baja BBQ Shack at Canyon Lake Marina offers that, as well as a variety of seafood, burgers, and tacos.

10. Fair Oaks Ranch, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,300
• Average home value: $677,800
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, nature trails
• Commute into San Antonio: 30-minute drive

Although Fair Oaks Ranch is mainly composed of smaller communities, it’s an especially ideal city for retirees looking to stay active. The city center is home to the popular Fair Oaks Ranch Golf & Country Club, which features tennis courts, pools, a clubhouse, and more. Parks and trails around this city include Norman F. Vestal Park and Boots Gaubatz Park. 

Dining options are fairly diverse — but like most Texas towns, Fair Oaks has a good selection of Mexican and Tex-Mex options. Try El Poblano for breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees that are reasonably priced and earn high marks from locals. Looking for a casual local watering hole? Fair Oaks Roost is a best bet for laid-back bar fare and cocktails. 

PODS Does Moves to San Antonio the Right Way

When you're ready to make that move to one of the cities and towns near San Antonio, consider using a portable moving container from PODS to help you get there. It can be delivered right to your doorstep, where you can load and pack it on your own schedule. And with one month of storage included, you can easily store all of your belongings until you’re ready to unload. 

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.