As the oldest city in Texas, and certainly, one of the most beautiful, San Antonio is a sunny southwestern town with a long and rich history, blended with a modern, progressive, and forward-thinking vibe. San Antonio is also known for being one of the most gay-friendly cities in Texas. It offers beautiful outdoor areas to explore, many historical attractions, eclectic dining and vibrant nightlife, and a diverse, multi-cultural mix of people and neighborhoods. Truly, there is something in San Antonio for everyone!
A Brief History of San Antonio
The area that is now San Antonio was initially settled by the Spanish in the 18th century. Eventually, Mexican settlers also came to the area, and San Antonio was for a time a Mexican republic until the battle of the Alamo and other historical events which eventually led to Texan independence. Thereafter, in December of 1845, the United States Congress approved the Texas State Constitution, making Texas an official part of the United States. During this time, San Antonio continued to grow, and eventually became a railroad hub for the Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio railroad. This sparked major growth in both population and in business, and since that time this city has continued to grow steadily and develop its own unique personality. Today, it is a city that cherishes its rich history but is also progressive, modern, and full of opportunity. If you want a sunny southwestern city with a thriving LGBTQ community and plenty to see and do, then San Antonio might be a perfect fit for you.
A Few Fun Facts About San Antonio
Find more fun facts about San Antonio here.
San Antonio’s LGBTQ Community
San Antonio is a city that loves its LGBTQ community and supports it well with a variety of community centers and resources. Some of those resources include:
Since 2011, The Pride Center of San Antonio has been supporting the needs and promoting the goals of the LGBTQ community in the greater San Antonio area. By offering a variety of resources, events, network opportunities, and community supports, The Pride Center is truly a pillar of San Antonio’s LGBTQ community.
PFLAG San Antonio is San Antonio’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country and has 500 chapters with more than 200,000 members in the United States. It plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community, and offers monthly support meetings, as well as resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies.
What’s the Weather Like in San Antonio?
Summers in San Antonio can get quite hot, and winters are usually short and cool. Spring and fall are pleasant and fairly mild. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically ranges from 43°F to 96°F. Rarely is the temperature in San Antonio below 31°F or above 101°F. San Antonio gets 33 inches of rain, on average, per year, and no snow.
Can’t-Miss Events in San Antonio
Pride San Antonio claims to be a festival with “Pride Bigger Than Texas!” and those who have attended would probably tell you this is completely accurate. This is a festival and celebration that you won’t want to miss – parades, events, parties, networking opportunities, and more – this celebration of San Antonio’s LGBTQ community has it all.
San Antonio Q Fest is a queer film festival held each year in October in San Antonio. The festival’s mission is to raise awareness of the LGBTQ community in the greater San Antonio area, a mission that it works to accomplish by showcasing films that are created by or feature members of the LGBTQ community.
The Best Neighborhoods in San Antonio
It’s rather hard to go wrong when you’re looking for a neighborhood in San Antonio. Almost the entire city is welcoming and full of diversity, and there are a variety of neighborhoods that would make wonderful places to call home, depending upon your personality and preferences.
If you’re looking for the city’s “gayborhood”, however, then Tobin Hill is the neighborhood you’re looking for. If you want a walkable, LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood close to downtown nightlife with an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants amidst beautiful green spaces, Tobin Hill is your place. Gay-friendly pubs and clubs line North Main Avenue, and there is always plenty to see and do, with a twice-weekly farmers’ market, concerts in the local outdoor amphitheater, and the famed San Antonio River Walk only a short distance away. The median list price of homes currently for sale in the Tobin Hill neighborhood is approximately $420,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The San Antonio River Walk is iconic San Antonio and is enjoyed by thousands and thousands of visitors and residents alike each year. It is a city park and network of walkways nestled along the banks of the San Antonio River where visitors can enjoy restaurants, shops, live street performances, river rides, and more. It’s truly a beautiful place to spend an afternoon or an evening enjoying all that San Antonio has to offer.
The Public Theater of San Antonio
The Public Theater of San Antonio is a Greek Revival-style theater that’s been a fixture in San Antonio since 1930. The theater has two stages for both classic and contemporary plays of all styles and genres, and in addition, it offers classes for those who are interested. With the wide variety of shows offered, there’s sure to be a show for everyone to enjoy.
Parks and Recreation
The Alamo is quintessential San Antonio. In fact, it’s often one of the first things that people associate the city with, and for good reason. Founded in the 18th century by Roman Catholic missionaries, the Alamo had a number of purposes and uses, and it has a long and rich history. What it’s best known for, however, is being the site of a historic resistance effort by a number of fighters, including Sam Houston and Davy Crockett, among others, for Texan Independence from Mexico. It is well worth a visit for those who truly want to understand San Antonio’s momentous place in Texas history.
Diablos OutSports is San Antonio’s largest LGBTQ sports league. The league is open to all skill levels, and offers opportunities to play dodgeball, volleyball, or kickball (or all three!) depending upon your interests. The group also participates in the National Gay Flag Football League. In addition to encouraging greater health and the building of friendships through sport, Diablos OutSports members also often participate in and donate to local events around the San Antonio area that benefit the LGBTQ community.
San Antonio Nightlife
“The Strip”, which is an area just to the north of downtown in Tobin Hill is the center of gay nightlife in San Antonio, though Southtown and the Arts District also have plenty of fun options and lots of flare. A few of the popular LGBTQ nightspots in San Antonio include:
Bonham Exchange is somewhat of a local LGBTQ nightlife landmark in San Antonio – and not without good reason. Visitors can enjoy the lively dance floor, drag shows, dancers, strong drinks, and great music. You’ll definitely want to check it out for yourself.
The Pegasus Nightclub is a fun and festive LGBTQ hot spot that offers drink specials, drag shows, video DJs, outdoor karaoke on its beautiful patio, and a country bar. It’s a great place to spend an evening with friends – and to make new ones.
Contact a San Antonio Realtor Today
San Antonio is a warm and welcoming southwestern city with something for everyone. If you want to find your next dream home in a San Antonio neighborhood that you’ll love, now is a great time to begin your search with a realtor who knows San Antonio well and can help you find your perfect place. Contact a San Antonio gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
