Alamo Heights vs Terrell Hills
San Antonio's Inner-City Gems: Vibrant Village vs Quiet Elegance
Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills are neighboring municipalities within San Antonio that share the prestigious Alamo Heights ISD. Alamo Heights is the vibrant village with walkable shopping on Broadway, cultural institutions, and an active social scene. Terrell Hills offers quieter elegance with larger lots, more privacy, and lower prices while enjoying the same excellent school district.
Alamo Heights vs Terrell Hills
Side-by-side neighborhood comparison for San Antonio, Texas homebuyers
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Key metrics comparing Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills for homebuyers
| Category | Alamo Heights | Terrell Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $750K | $550K |
| Price Range | $400K - $3M+ | $350K - $2M |
| Property Tax Rate | 2.00% | 1.95% |
| School District | Alamo Heights ISD | Alamo Heights ISD |
| Walk Score | 62 | 45 |
| Commute to Downtown | 10 min to Downtown San Antonio | 12 min to Downtown San Antonio |
| Lot Sizes | 0.1 - 0.5 acre | 0.25 - 1 acre |
| Vibe / Character | Walkable, cultural, boutique shopping, vibrant dining scene | Quiet elegance, larger lots, tree-lined streets, private |
| Best For | Young professionals, urban lifestyle seekers, walkability lovers | Families wanting space, privacy seekers, established buyers |
Why Choose Alamo Heights?
Advantages of living in Alamo Heights, San Antonio
Best Walkability in SA
With a Walk Score of 62 (highest in the San Antonio suburbs), Alamo Heights offers walkable access to boutiques along Broadway, the Quarry Market, restaurants, and coffee shops.
Cultural Epicenter
Within walking distance of the McNay Art Museum, Witte Museum, San Antonio Botanical Garden, and the DoSeum children's museum. No other SA neighborhood matches this cultural density.
Dining & Nightlife
The Broadway corridor and surrounding streets feature San Antonio's best independent restaurants, cafes, and bars. The '09 area code is SA's culinary address.
San Antonio's #1 Address
Alamo Heights is universally recognized as San Antonio's most desirable neighborhood. The '09 zip code carries significant social and real estate value.
Why Choose Terrell Hills?
Advantages of living in Terrell Hills, San Antonio
Larger Lots & Privacy
Terrell Hills lots average 0.25-1 acre, significantly larger than Alamo Heights. Mature pecan and oak trees create a canopy that provides privacy and a park-like setting rarely found this close to downtown.
$200K Less at Median
At $550K vs $750K, Terrell Hills offers genuine savings while providing the same Alamo Heights ISD schools. Families get more land, more house, and better value.
Same Elite Schools
Terrell Hills is in Alamo Heights ISD, so children attend the same top-rated Alamo Heights schools. There is zero school district difference between the two communities.
Quiet Residential Character
Without the commercial corridors of Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills is purely residential. The quiet, tree-lined streets create a peaceful retreat just minutes from San Antonio's best amenities.
Which is Right for You?
Scenario-based recommendations to help you decide
Choose Alamo Heights if...
- ✓ Walkability to shops, restaurants, and museums is essential
- ✓ You want San Antonio's most vibrant neighborhood atmosphere
- ✓ A smaller lot is fine in exchange for location and convenience
- ✓ The '09 zip code and social scene appeal to you
Choose Terrell Hills if...
- ✓ You want more land and privacy for your family
- ✓ Saving $200K while keeping the same schools is smart
- ✓ A quiet, purely residential neighborhood is your preference
- ✓ You want a yard for children, pets, or entertaining
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Alamo Heights vs Terrell Hills
Yes, both are served by Alamo Heights ISD, San Antonio's premier school district. Children from both communities attend the same schools including Alamo Heights High School. This makes Terrell Hills particularly attractive for families who want the school district at a lower price.
Alamo Heights commands higher prices due to walkability, commercial amenities (Broadway shopping corridor), cultural institutions, and stronger name recognition. Terrell Hills is purely residential, which means fewer amenities but also fewer crowds and more privacy. The school district is identical.
The 78209 zip code covers both Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills and is colloquially known as '09. It is San Antonio's most prestigious zip code, associated with the city's best schools, beautiful homes, cultural attractions, and established wealth. Both communities benefit from this association.
Both are very close, approximately 10-12 minutes from downtown. Alamo Heights is slightly closer and has better walkable transit options. Terrell Hills is essentially equidistant. Neither requires a significant commute to reach downtown attractions and employment.
In Terrell Hills, homes under $500K are available, particularly smaller or older homes needing updates. In Alamo Heights, options under $500K are rare and typically condos or very small homes. For single-family homes under $500K, Terrell Hills is the better bet.
Related Pages
Explore more about San Antonio neighborhoods and school districts
Need Help Choosing Between Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills?
Key Insight: San Antonio offers the most affordable major Texas market with median home prices around $300,000. The city's diverse economy, military presence, and tourism industry drive steady demand. Top areas include Alamo Heights, Stone Oak, The Dominion, and emerging markets like Boerne and New Braunfels.
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