It may sound funny to say that a neighborhood as old as Alta Vista is a revitalized community, but this would be the case. The reason is due to a great renovation of the old houses, not to mention the charm of the houses and the architecture of the area. Housing in the surrounding area is much more affordable than some of its neighbors, making it a great alternative to expensive Monte Vista or other desirable neighborhoods. The Castle Hills boundaries are:
- Hildebrand Avenue in the north
- Hickman (to Myrtle St.) in the south
- Avenida San Pedro in the east
- Banner / Union Pacific Railways in the West
Rentals and Real Estate
Alta Vista used to be nothing more than houses, but today it is a good mix of both houses for sale, houses for rent and apartments. Many of the apartments available at Alta Vista are not traditional complexes, but rather some of the larger homes in the area that were converted into multiple units. Many of these units retain the charm of the originals, making them very unique. The average home in Alta Vista sells for $ 96,745, which is less than the San Antonio average. The architecture of the houses (many of which were from the turn of the century) varies from French to Victorian and can have from one to four bedrooms.
Alta Vista History
Alta Vista is one of the earliest examples in San Antonio of what is now known as a plaque subdivision. This means that when the neighborhood was built, it was done in such a way that all boundaries were easy to distinguish. This makes owning and selling land and houses very easy and relatively painless because there will be no disputes over the land. Alta Vista was founded as a working-class neighborhood when the houses were first erected in the 1920s and 1930s. Nearby Monte Vista was much more luxurious and considered the city for the Alta Vista suburbs.
Of course, today it is in the heart of the city due to the expansion.
Neighborhood Association
The Alta Vista Neighbors Association is extraordinarily active as many more homes in the neighborhood continue to be renovated as a source of beauty and pride. They meet monthly and have an optional monthly fee. They will even organize transportation for those who wish to attend but have no way to do so. Optional membership is $ 10 / residency or $ 20 / business with a form available to register on their website, which is packed with information about the committee and the meeting.
Activities, attractions and shopping
Much of Alta Vista is residential, but there are also several old and new businesses in the neighborhood. In fact, Alta Vista was considered the second best shopping destination in the city (besides downtown) when it came to be in the 1920s. Two highlights of Alta Vista’s businesses include Arthur Pfeil Smart Flowers, which are ideal not only for special occasions, but also for everyday arrangements. The other gem of Alta Vista is the Ruckman Haus Bed and Breakfast, which is a bit of quiet, country-style hospitality in the center of town.
