There are so many great places to live in San Antonio that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Kuper Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.
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There are two main things that drew Realtor Gina Candelario to the Monte Vista neighborhood: its collection of architecturally interesting homes and diverse population.
The Kuper Sotheby's International Realty agent has been working in the area since 2004, drawn first to its variety of architectural styles and next to its variety of personalities.
"It is a privilege to represent buyers and sellers within an area with so much diversity, from Tudor to Spanish Revival to Italian Renaissance to Craftsman bungalow," Candelario says. "In addition to the variety of architectural styles is a wide spectrum of individuals. People are the root of my career, and I cherish my Monte Vista friends and relationships."
Updates around the area are also having a positive impact — Candelario points to the re-development of the McCullough area, just north and south of Monte Vista.
"There is great shopping, excellent dining, and overall wonderful commercial improvements to the area while not changing the Monte Vista vibe," she says. "There is plenty of the neighborhood's vintage charm, accented with modern amenities from the surrounding areas."
Candelario offered up a few more of her personal favorites about life in Monte Vista. Here's her guide to the area:
Where to eat & drink
"La Fonda has an amazing tropical courtyard, and I also like to slip south on St Mary’s to Little Death for a glass of wine," Candelario says.
It's easy to spend an enjoyable evening at Barbaro with craft cocktails, specialty pizzas, and "the best salads in town," says Candelario. For breakfast, she recommends Extra Fine Bake Shop, "where you can have a golden milk with avocado toast or some delicious pastries."
Where to play
"Landa Park is a great place to get back to nature, share time with family, and check out a book from the library," she says. And don't forget to pay a visit to The Bushnell — "the view of downtown San Antonio from the rooftop is spectacular."
Where to live
One of Candelario's previous sales, 120 W. Lynwood Ave., is a terrific example of Monte Vista architecture. However, don't forget that the neighborhood features a wide variety of styles thanks to its history as a showplace for up-and-coming architects in the early 20th century.
As one of the city's "Gilded Age" suburbs, Monte Vista welcomed such leading San Antonio architects as Alfred Giles, Harvey Young, Frost Carvel, James Riely Gordon, and Atlee B. Ayres, who designed palatial homes for some of San Antonio’s leading citizens in the 1910s.
Having a thorough understanding of the area and its history, as well as its current available properties, gives Candelario a competitive edge for her clients.
"”Gina is very detailed with a keen eye for design, a consummate professional who routinely goes the extra mile for her clients," say buyers Steve and Dhenya. "Her knowledge of the industry and local area are invaluable. After a year of looking, we finally purchased a home that was not an MLS listing. Gina knew of the home based on her previously canvassing the neighborhood, and realized the home would be an excellent match for us."
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Gina Candelario works and plays in Monte Vista. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email gina.candelario@kupersir.com, or call 210-744-8265.
Realtor Gina Candelario.
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