A Family Thing

San Antonio declared one of America's best cities to raise a family

Families rule in San Antonio.

Photo by Alicia Vega

Those born and raised in San Antonio sure are lucky. Alamo City was just named the 11th best in America to raise a family.

A study conducted by SmartAsset, a personal finance company, considered factors like high school graduation rate, unemployment rate, crime rate, price of child care, cost of living, and percentage of the population under age 20 to determine the rankings. Texas dominates with eight cities in the top 20. Fort Worth, No. 3, is followed by Arlington at No. 4; El Paso at No 8; and Corpus Christi, tied with Austin, at No. 9. Behind San Antonio are Dallas (No. 14) and Houston (No. 19).

San Antonio's high ranking is thanks in part to an impressive high school graduation rate (88 percent) and a high percentage of young people (almost 29 percent). Neighboring Austin boasts the highest proficiency in math and reading (81.5 percent) and the highest high school graduation rate (90.1 percent).

Fort Worth is the highest ranking Texas city thanks to its high-quality schools and amount of young people; 31 percent of Forth Worth's population is under 20. Just down the road, Arlington offers ideal qualities for families, including a low unemployment rate of 4.3 percent and a high reading and math proficiency of 79.7 percent.

El Paso boasts the fifth lowest crime rate of all the cities in the study, and in Corpus Christi, housing is relatively affordable, only requiring 22 percent of income.

The No. 1 spot goes to Fort Wayne, Indiana.

rankings reports

Ready for Harvest

New farmers market and yoga classes stretch into St. Paul Square

Photo courtesy of St. Paul Square

St. Paul Square is historic, but keeping up with the times.

San Antonians have a fresh way to pick up groceries and artisan goods at St. Paul Square with the addition of a new farmers market. It will be free to attend in the central courtyard every Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm.

Shoppers will be able to browse produce, handcrafted goods, and ready-to-eat treats by farmers, bakers, and artisans, according to a release. Suppliers will come from San Antonio and other places in South Texas.

This recurring event is just called the St. Paul Square Farmers Market. It's attributed directly to St. Paul Square, which is not just a neighborhood destination but an organization developing the historic district. Part of the purpose of the new programming is to support local businesses, as well as drawing in visitors.

The area was founded in 1778, and now includes all kinds of modern and retro attractions like the popular Francis Bogside bar, several eateries, 1902 Nightclub, and live music venue The Espee.

Donation-based yoga classes on Sundays from 9-11 am give even more to to do at The Espee's courtyard (1174 E. Commerce St.). They'll be led by Bendy with Lenny, and guests joining in will get to choose between a gentler slow flow in the earlier slot, and a higher energy class in the later slots.

“Our team is excited to introduce a series of new programs this winter aimed at enriching and uplifting our local community," said St. Paul Square managing partnerDon Thomas in the release. "We invite residents from across San Antonio to join us at St. Paul Square this Sunday to kick off the series and enjoy supporting local businesses as we enter the holiday season.”

The debut St. Paul Square Farmers Market takes place November 17 at17 Heiman Street.

openings farmers market groceries artisans