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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In 2007, Kathy Ripps retired as an Alamo Heights Junior School counselor and transitioned right into real estate, where to this day she happily sells people on her own neighborhood.
"It was a natural fit for me — I've lived here for 25 years," the agent says. "Alamo Heights has charm, beautiful architecture, a canopy of trees, great schools, and walkability."
The vibe is that of a small town, Ripps says, where your neighbor driving by will always stop to chat and the cars behind will wait patiently through the conversation. The community strongly supports its Alamo Heights schools and turns out in droves to cheer on each activity. You can walk to boutiques, restaurants, The Quarry, or Central Market and it's only minutes to Pearl, downtown, and the airport.
"I am originally from Kansas City, Missouri, but my Texas roots run deep," says Ripps, who has called the Lone Star State home for more than 35 years. "I am actively involved in numerous charities and love giving back to this area."
Ripps offered up a few more of her personal favorites about life in Alamo Heights. Here's her guide to the area:
Where to eat & drink
From upscale-yet-casual dining at Frederick's to SoLuna, Paloma Blanco, and 09 Bistro, there are several spots that top the list for Ripps.
Where to play
"I think for young families you cannot beat the neighborhood pool, which also serves great food and iced tea," notes Ripps. "The Bark Park of Alamo Heights is a hit, and now we have the Bike Park as well."
Walking through the Judson Nature Trails, there are plenty of places to sit and listen to/watch the birds. "I really think the 'gem' of this neighborhood is that it calls you to be outside and enjoy nature," Ripps says.
What to see
The McNay Art Museum, Witte Museum, The DoSeum, The Quarry, and Olmos Basin Park are all must-visits.
Where to live
"I think what is unique about the homes in Alamo Heights is that no two are alike," says Ripps. "You have homes built in the 1930s and then others that have been torn down and completely rebuilt in 2022. The older homes have a lot of quirks and charm, since most have been added onto at some point. But there are still large oak trees in the yards that provide a rich canopy of shade, making it easy to remember that this is one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Antonio."
One recent sale of Ripps was 935 Cambridge Oval, which she had under contract in only two days.
"Kathy is a professional and experienced real estate agent who recently helped us sell and purchase a new home," says her client. "We had a contract only a few days after listing, and she was amazing throughout the selling and buying process. Moving can be difficult, but working with Kathy took all the stress away."
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Kathy Ripps lives, works, and plays in Alamo Heights. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email kathy.ripps@kupersir.com, or call 210-240-4464.
Photo by Onward Group
Agent Kathy Ripps.
