The Where I Live series aims to showcase our diverse city and region by spotlighting its many vibrant neighborhoods. Each week a local resident invites us over and lets us in on what makes their neighborhood special. Have we been to your neighborhood yet? Get in touch to share your story. If your story is selected and published, you will receive a $250 stipend.
San Antonio is not my hometown; I was born in San Angelo and raised in Big Spring, a small town where the coolest place to hang out was the Walmart parking lot.
Growing up, we took many vacations to San Antonio, whether it was to walk and shop along the River Walk, spend a day at Six Flags or SeaWorld, or visit family members in the area. I was always fascinated with this city and would tell my mom that I would live here one day.
Who knew that many years later, I would actually do it?
It’s not always pretty or fun to make such a big move 5 hours away from everything you’ve ever known. I left all the friends I had, my family and my job to move with my partner of three years to San Antonio. I know, I can hear the judgment already. But to my people who have only ever lived in a small town, you get it. I was constantly feeling like I was holding myself back from bigger and better opportunities.
My partner and I moved into the Preserve at Medina in Von Ormy in February of 2023. We were drawn to the neighborhood because of the new builds, updated home designs at a good price point and the location outside city limits but still within driving distance of our favorite restaurants and shops.
I can get my coffee fix from a local coffee truck up the road called The Rustic Cup. Along with coffee and tea, the truck offers mixed sodas and energy drinks. My go-to is an iced chai with vanilla cold foam. If you want some delicious cook-to-order food, Taquitos El Jefe is the move. They have a variety of tacos, burritos, seafood, aguas frescas and even something for your sweet tooth. And if you’re craving an evening or late-night snack, Carmelita’s Ice Cream Truck has your favorite Mexican candies, snacks, ice cream and more. Just keep an ear out for her truck’s catchy jingle, or send them a message and they’ll head your way!
When my fiancé and I first moved into the neighborhood, we spotted a yard sale as we were driving around. We stopped because we love yard sales and met a gentleman named Evan, who we found out is a chef who cooks, bakes and sells food in the neighborhood. He told us to join the community Facebook page so we could always stay in the loop.
A few weeks later, we had our own garage sale and were able to meet some of our neighbors by posting about it on the neighborhood Facebook page. One of the many amazing things about this neighborhood is how well and easily everyone can stay connected via the Facebook page. Need someone to mow your lawn? There is someone who can do that! Need a hand moving? Gotcha! Want to join a Bible study for men or women? We have those! This neighborhood goes all out for each other, and I have never been able to experience that kind of community anywhere else.
Living in such a big (to me) city, I realized that I would need to explore more if I wanted to get the full experience of San Antonio. I have loved checking out small businesses such as Apt. 144 on South Flores Street, which has the cutest jewelry I’ve seen. There’s also Nine Lives Books and Dragon’s Lair on Fredericksburg Road, run by some amazing people who uphold an incredible experience with affordable merchandise. I’ve even had the opportunity to break out of my shell more and record and post my experiences to TikTok.
After exploring other parts of the city, I know I can come home to a great community that takes care of each other and celebrates together. During the Fourth of July, Halloween and New Year’s Eve, it’s a huge block party around here. Our neighbors pass out food, sweets for kids and alcohol for the adults. One neighbor sets up a projector screen outside and plays movies for whoever wants to come by. New Year’s Eve, especially, is a real treat. The neighbors go all out to put on a huge fireworks show-like performance — and we can experience it all from our porches. Being able to celebrate together like this definitely makes living in this community worth it. Although San Antonio is not my hometown, I’m glad that I now get to call it home.
