Buying Short-Term Rentals: The 10 Best Neighborhoods to Invest in San Antonio
Ready to start your short-term rental business and want to find the best neighborhoods to invest in San Antonio?
With more than 34 million tourists visiting the city’s events, sports games, and attractions like The River Walk and The Alamo, San Antonio is a great place for a short-term rental. And, with a well-connected highway system and a relatively short commute time to all the city’s top attractions, your guests can expect a great stay in nearly every neighborhood.
When it comes to the best neighborhoods to invest in San Antonio, a diverse range of options awaits both experienced and first-time investors.
1. Midtown/Downtown
Events, museums, Old West history, and the charming River Walk make this area one of the best neighborhoods to invest in San Antonio.
Historic charm: Historic buildings abound in this creative area, popular among young professionals and the iconic Alamo is just a short drive or walk away.
The River Walk: The epicenter for nightlife and popular restaurants, San Antonio’s River Walk is a popular stop for most visitors.
Restaurants: San Antonio is one of only two UNESCO cities of gastronomy in the US, making a foodie’s dream - and owning a VRBO or Airbnb property in this area will put your guests near some of the city’s best cuisine.
Cultural attractions: The area is home to numerous art galleries and museums such as McNay Art Museum and Witte Museum, along with popular events like Fiesta San Antonio.
Accessibility: With easy access to major highways and public transportation options, Midtown and Downtown are central to nearly everything in town and a short drive to the International Airport.
Some of the top things to do in San Antonio are located in the Midtown and Downtown areas. It’s a highly sought-after area for short-term rentals and can bring some of the highest nightly prices in the city.
2. Monte Vista
If you want to own a short-term rental in a calm, family-friendly part of town, this is one of the best neighborhoods to invest in San Antonio for you. It’s the largest historic district in the United States and features rows of tree-lined streets with access to all of San Antonio’s top attractions.
Architectural diversity: Monte Vista is known for its stunning historic homes showcasing a variety of architectural styles including Victorian, Tudor, Spanish Revival, and Craftsman bungalows that are sure to charm your guests.
Parks and recreation: The neighborhood features several parks such as Landa Library Park and nearby Olmos Park, which offer green spaces for relaxation or outdoor activities with family and friends.
Educational institutions: Proximity to top-rated schools like Trinity University make short-term rentals in high demand during the school year.
3. Southtown
If you're considering real estate investing in San Antonio, Texas, don't overlook Southtown, bordering all of the Downtown attractions with a vibrant arts scene.
Art: This neighborhood features galleries like Blue Star Arts Complex, and attracts creatives from all over who want to experience local culture firsthand.
The River Walk: The San Antonio River Walk extends into the Southtown area, as do the trendy restaurants, breweries, and bars that line its scenic banks.
Museums: Visitors can spend an afternoon at the Institute of Texan Cultures, The Guenther House Museum, and more for a taste of the city’s long history.
Hemisphere Park and The Tower of the Americas: A large open park and the highest point in San Antonio (featuring a top restaurant and 360-degree views) make this one of the top things to do in San Antonio.
4. Alamo Heights
For those seeking a well-established neighborhood with deep roots, Alamo Heights is the perfect place to be. This affluent community boasts tree-lined streets, historic homes dating back to the early 1900s, excellent schools within the Alamo Heights Independent School District, and close proximity to the top San Antonio attractions such as The Pearl Brewery or Brackenridge Park.
Nightlife: Numerous bars, breweries, and dives make this neighborhood popular with younger crowds and couples.
Parks: Brackenridge Park is a stunning 343-acre public park and urban retreat with paved walkways, the Japanese Tea Garden, coffee shops, a train, and more for solo travelers, couples, and families to enjoy.
Upscale restaurants: Some of the best restaurants in San Antonio are located in the Alamo Heights neighborhood.
Homes in Alamo Heights do command some of the highest prices in Texas, and nightly rental prices are high as well. For homeowners who are able to find a good deal, Alamo Heights is definitely one of the best neighborhoods to invest in San Antonio.
5. Fort Houston
Another one of the best neighborhoods to invest in San Antonio is Fort Houston. As a large military installation within San Antonio city limits, this area attracts many short-term visitors who need family-friendly accommodations.
With continued growth expected over the next few years due to expansion projects at the base, investors can expect solid returns on their investments.
6. Live Oak
Live Oak might be the perfect location for out-of-town visitors that want to see some of the top attractions in San Antonio while being a day trip away from some of the best destinations in Hill Country. This neighborhood also offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and golfing.
7. Boerne
Boerne stands out among the smaller towns surrounding San Antonio with its mix of century-old bungalows and new developments. Popular attractions include the Cibolo Nature Center, Hill Country vineyards, and numerous parks that make it an appealing destination for both tourists and locals looking for a relaxing getaway.
8. Seguin
Seguin is a suburb sandwiched between San Antonio and Austin in the heart of Hill Country, Texas’ wine region. With easy access to either city (only about an hour away), VRBO and Airbnb bookings come from visitors from both Austin and San Antonio.
This charming small town is the “Pecan Capital of Texas” and, if you’re open to buying property outside of the city limits, it’s one of the best towns to invest in near San Antonio.
9. Oakland Estates
This quiet neighborhood is a great investment opportunity due to its proximity to the local hospital, Downtown attractions, and San Antonio’s International Airport. It’s one of the safest neighborhoods in San Antonio, with plenty of larger homes and outdoor parks making it a great option for families who are visiting town.
10. The East Side
The up-and-coming East Side neighborhood offers higher-risk investment opportunities, with much lower property prices than other neighborhoods in San Antonio. It is actively seeing ongoing revitalization efforts by both public organizations and private developers, showing a lot of promise for investors that are willing to wait to see returns on their investments.
This area has enormous historical significance, given its development from Ellis Alley, one of the city's earliest Black American settlements. Today, St. Paul Square is a dining and entertainment district that was named after one of the oldest African-American churches in town and is currently bustling with activity.
Meanwhile, hip coffee shops and breweries like Alamo Beer Hall are popping up in the area and attracting both locals and tourists.
Start Investing in San Antonio Short-Term Rentals Today
Real estate investing in San Antonio, Texas can be extremely profitable and rewarding. And with its diverse neighborhoods, there are plenty of opportunities for investors at every budget.
Some of the best neighborhoods to invest in San Antonio include downtown districts like Midtown and Monte Vista and expand to suburban regions such as Alamo Heights, Fort Sam Houston, Live Oak, and Selma.
Need help finding the perfect investment property for you?
Square House is here. We offer five-star, full-service VRBO and Airbnb property management in San Antonio. Our real estate agent will help you buy the right property, while our experienced, local team will furnish, design, list, and complete all hosting management responsibilities for you.
Contact us today to learn how we turn the best San Antonio properties into truly passive investments for our clients.