This series explores the benefits of living in a smaller established neighborhood within the big city of San Antonio. In Part 1, I desribed Alamo Heights. Olmos Park is another wonderful option. One of San Antonio's most attractive neighborhoods, Olmos Park offers the convenience of a central San Antonio location combined with a small town feel.
The city of Olmos Park is situated west of Alamo Heights between the Olmos Dam and Basin to the east and McCullough Avenue to the west. This location offers easy access both to I-10 and Hwy 281 via Hildebrand. Olmos Park is an easy commute to downtown and is walking distance to Trinity University, Monte Vista, the Landa Library and Gardens and many shops and restaurants along McCullough. A short drive south of Olmos Park is the Pearl Brewery development; a short drive north is the Quarry Market and Shops.
With mature trees and many fine homes built by developer H.C. Thorman in the 1920's, the atmosphere in Olmos Park feels stately and timeless. Thorman homes are distinctive, often featuring striking archways and textured interior walls and beautiful limestone exteriors. The sprawling, mature Live Oaks of Olmos Park help make it one of the prettiest areas of San Antonio.
There are more than 800 single family homes within this separately incorporated city. A perfect example of a Thorman-style home for sale in Olmos Park is located at 620 E. Olmos Drive. This stately property, built in 1924, features Redondo tile floors and exquisite arches typical of Olmos Park. With more than 4,000 square feet and a beautiful pool, it is a lovely residence located on the main artery of the town.
Not every Olmos Park home conforms to the Thorman style. One of my favorite current listings sits on nearly one acre on Paseo Encinal. Stepping into this 1950’s ranch transports you back in time (or onto the set of Mad Men.) It is beautifully maintained with a recently updated kitchen that keeps true to the home’s mid-century architectural style. The rooms are spacious with abundant built-in cabinetry. Even the powder room has a vanity area with built-ins. This home is truly distinctive.
Just as with Alamo Heights, Olmos Park offers shopping and restaurants – either within walking distance or a short drive from home. You can even find excellent French cuisine in Olmos Park including Chez Bistro Vatel and Laurent’s (both located near McCullough and Olmos Drive). Panchito’s, Taco Taco and Mary Lou’s café are superb choices for authentic Tex-Mex. The famous former Olmos Pharmacy, now the Olmos Bharmacy, offers old fashioned pharmacy counter food during the day and operates as a bar with live music at night.
For the fashion-forward, Olmos Park is home to some of San Antonio’s finest women’s boutiques. Since 1945, Julian Gold has offered fine and luxury fashions from around the world. Pinky’s and Meadow are two other wonderful, locally-owned boutiques.
Olmos Park Facts
- Population: 2,237
- Median Age: 44
- Housing Units: 1,096
- Median Housing Value: $639,100
- Median Annual Income: $117,500
- Adults over 25 with a Bachelor's Degree or higher: 78.7%
- School District: Alamo Heights ISD (Cambridge Elementary)
To learn more about homes for sale in Olmos Park, visit www.RealLuxurySA.com. Contact me for comprehensive analysis of the Olmos Park housing market and local schools.
