San Antonio is one of the fastest growing metropolitan cities in America and boasts more than 21-million visitors every year. It is also one of the most affordable places to live in the country. Best known for the Alamo and the River Walk, San Antonio is home to a diverse population and a myriad of cultures.

San Antonio is located in Bexar County (pronounced bear), and is situated at 29* N, 100*W, placing it approximately 140 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico. According to the 2000 U.S. census, the population was 1,144,646, ranking San Antonio 9th in the United States.

San Antonio is home to a variety of attractions and events including Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Sea World of Texas, The Valero Texas Open Golf Tournament, and home to the 4 time NBA Championship Spurs basketball team.

San Antonio is also home to the third largest zoo in the United States, with over 3,500 animals and more than 230 endangered species.

There are more than 40 public and private golf courses located throughout San Antonio and the surrounding areas, making San Antonio a top golf destination year round.

San Antonio has a strong military presence, home to Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base and Brooks City Base, with Camp Bullis and Camp Stanley located just outside the city.

The municipal government of San Antonio is comprised of 11 elected members with ten members elected from area districts. The mayor is elected at large.

Water for San Antonio is obtained through two major water purveyors, the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) and the Bexar Metropolitan Water District. Each is responsible for providing water service within their respective jurisdictions. The water distributed by both purveyors is obtained from different sources.

The city of San Antonio requires annual vaccinations and licenses for all dogs and cats. San Antonio also has a leash law  requiring your pet to be on a leash when walking your pet outside your home or must be contained within a fenced yard.

Permanent residents of Texas must obtain a Texas Driver License and Texas automobile license tags/plates within 30 days of arrival. Texas also requires automobiles to be covered by a minimum amount of liability insurance in accordance with the Texas Motor Safety Responsibility Act of 1981.

Annual automobile inspections are required and must be completed before obtaining a Texas license plate or annual renewal.

San Antonio History

San Antonio is considered a cultural gateway to Texas. Rich in history and cultures, San Antonio has always been a central crossroad for travelers and explorers.

In 1718, Franciscan missionaries constructed San Antonio de Valero, a mission in the heart of Texas. In 1731, Spain sent settlers from the Canary Islands to colonize the new world territory, and in 1794, Mission San Antonio de Valero became a Spanish military installation  what we now call the Alamo.

In 1835, Texas declared independence from Mexico, and one of the most important battles in Texas and United States history occurred at the Alamo. Texas joined the union in 1845, becoming the 28th state. San Antonio became a starting point for the Chisholm Trail, providing a cattle route from Texas to Kansas.

From it’s role in Texas independence to it’s variety of cultures, San Antonio is truly a unique city.