Encino neighborhoods all good? (San Antonio, Bulverde: rental, HOA, houses) - Texas (TX) - City-Data Forum

upstatenewyork · 02-15-2010, 08:38 PM

Hi, we're in central New York and planning to move to S.A. in July -- been looking at houses in the Stone Oak and Encino areas for the highly-rated middle and high schools.

I see a lot posted about Stone Oak here, and have a pretty good general picture of the area. But I'm drawn more to the Encino area (N of 1604 and E. of 281) where the middle school is Tejida and HS is Johnson, because I like trees and the houses aren't as new and the prices are slightly lower.

My questions: are there any neighborhoods to avoid in the Encino area or are they all great?; which neighborhoods have the best HOA with pool (and opps. to meet people), and what's the difference between "Encino Park" and Encino, if any -- where are the boundaries?

We'll be visiting S.A. in April to take a look around. Thanks for any fresh insights you can offer!

stoneoak · 02-15-2010, 08:51 PM

most of that area is pretty nice...only real drawback is that you will have to deal with Hwy 281 on a daily basis if you live in Encino Park. Also, please be warned that Tejeda MS is capped, so double check where your kids will be sent to if you move into that area. Pretty sure students are currently being transferred to Bush Middle School, which is on the other side of 281 in the Stone Oak area. Stone Oak has a lot of older neighborhoods -- and lots of trees too -- btw.

pobre · 02-15-2010, 09:00 PM

If you move into the Tejeda attendance area after April 16, 2009, you will attend Bush, which is the overflow school. However, many kids get a spot. It all good either way.

To answer your question, no, I don't think that there are any neighborhoods to avoid. You are looking at the Encino Park area, zip 78259. Encino Park is the main HOA, and there are named subdivisions within. Not all of the neighborhoods are from the 80's and earlier, but most are. The Encino Park HOA has a park, community center, and pool. Some of the newer neighborhoods may have their own things.

upstatenewyork · 02-15-2010, 09:05 PM

Thanks for your quick reply! Yes, I did find that out -- Tejida is capped and students will go to Bush. I'm wondering why more reliance on 281 from Encino than Stone Oak? Is that because there aren't side roads to shopping areas? Less dealing with 281 sounds good to me. What areas of Stone Oak are the oldest and have the most trees? I'd like to check them out.

pobre · 02-15-2010, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upstatenewyork

I'm wondering why more reliance on 281 from Encino than Stone Oak? Is that because there aren't side roads to shopping areas?

Mainly because Bulverde Rd is not as convenient, and only two lanes wide. Stone Oak has STone Oak Parkway right in the middle, and Blanco to the west. Even though Blanco is undergoing widening right now, it is wider in some areas. Plus there are more east-west small points of entry and exit. Also, much of 281 traffic is continuing northwards.

As for Stone Oak, it depends on the neighborhood. Some are newer, with plenty of trees, some are older with not many. Your price point will help you narrow down neighborhoods. Most realtors around here are very familiar with Encino Park/Stone Oak, and can help you out. If you want to look online, most of Stone Oak is 78258. Some schools (elementary)are capped, but 2 new schools are opening this Fall, and 2 more in 2012.

upstatenewyork · 02-15-2010, 09:59 PM

That's good info., thanks. If we buy we'll be looking at under $225,000 and we might rent for the first year so would be looking for a rental under $1,800. At this point I work at home, so commuting traffic currently isn't an issue (but that could change).

In Stone Oak it seems there are more houses in my price point around Promontory Point, and there are nice views, if not trees. I do have a realtor who will show us around the neighborhoods, but it's always good to learn as much as possible beforehand!

stoneoak · 02-15-2010, 10:02 PM

pobre's correct...we just have many more avenues on the Stone Oak side. Encino Park is kind of locked in and 281 is going to be your major thoroughfare -- whether you like it or not. Summit -- Arrowhead -- Knights Cross area are some of the oldest neighborhoods in SO. What part of NY?

upstatenewyork · 02-15-2010, 10:15 PM

We're in Ithaca, NY. I'm also from CT and we had lots of trees growing up. I also like shade from the sun (that's the Irish extraction) I'll check out those neighborhoods, thanks... anything safe with a pool and trees and nice neighbors of course would be great, and a view doesn't hurt either!

stoneoak · 02-15-2010, 10:26 PM

from NY as well and you are going to be in for quite a change. Even where there are trees around here...they are either few and far between or they're half the size of those in the northeast. Stock up on sunscreen. And have low expectations in regards to any "view" in San Antonio. Nice neighbors and community pools are easy to find however. And no snow shovels needed. Ever.

upstatenewyork · 02-16-2010, 08:42 AM

Yay to no snow shovels! (I like the solar method on my driveway to avoid the job) Yes, I see in the photos the trees are sparse there, although I like the look of the bent tree trunks -- I'm assuming they're oak trees?? (Getting that from "Stone Oak")