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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"Live, work, play" is a common term in real estate, but few places truly embody it like downtown San Antonio. That's what Realtor Debra Maltz has been observing since 1978, when she first started helping people build their urban living experience.
"I began by working with Hap Veltman, a downtown pioneer developer, renting apartments in the Casino Club Building on the San Antonio River, and managing and leasing office space," Maltz says. "My experience working with Hap showed me the potential of offering people an opportunity to live in a thriving urban center. The Center City is full of history, art, and activation. I fell in love and have been promoting downtown and Center City living ever since."
Though Maltz's Kuper Sotheby's International Realty office is located in nearby historic King William — "pretty much downtown in many people's eyes" — she's well versed in the area's mainly vertical living options.
"As in most urban centers, you'll find apartment buildings, high-rises, and a few townhomes," she says. "Downtown is truly the diverse epicenter of culture in our city. Some of the best year-round celebrations are Chalk It Up, Luminaria, Fiesta, and Gran Tamalada, all offering exciting experiences for weekend play for any urban enthusiast. It is truly a metropolitan city, filled with preservationists and young and hip folks altogether."
Maltz offered up a few more of her personal favorites about life in downtown. Here's her guide to the area:
Where to eat & drink
"Le Boulangerie, a small French bakery and restaurant on Broadway, is delicious," she says. Other favorites include Pinch Boil House, Playland Pizza, Tony's Siesta, La Villita Cafe, and the new Thompson rooftop hot spot Moon's Daughters.
Where to play
"I have always loved Marriage Island on the San Antonio River, near Hotel Contessa," says Maltz. "We are so fortunate to have the largest ecosystem in America tucked quietly under street level — it's amazing."
Of course, downtown is home to many of San Antonio's landmarks: Hemisfair, Travis Park, Milam Park, Madison Square Park, San Pedro Creek, Arneson River Theater, and walks along the river all the way from the downtown center to the southern reach by the Missions.
"I think Ruby City and Chris Park are true gems that should not be missed," Maltz adds. "Also the River Walk Public Art Garden, Artpace, the gazebo at Milam Park, Frame at Travis Park, and, last but not least, The Saga at Main Plaza."
Where to live
Maltz’s current listing, in the boutique condo project The Andalusia, is a prime example of the type of property buyers are looking for in the downtown area. The project is located at 221 Lexington Ave. and Unit 208 is a beautifully appointed home in a spectacular location, sitting near the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts and the Main Library, and just around the corner from the new Arts Residences and Thompson hotel with its new Steven McHugh restaurant.
The two-bedroom, two-bath unit has such thoughtful upgrades as built-in closets with high-end drawers and finishes, a dry bar in the living room with a wine fridge, an entry closet for keys and mail, and energy efficient windows.
"Working with Debra Maltz was the best decision we made when looking to purchase our home," says client Morgan A. "Debra is patient, savvy, straight-forward, and just a ton of fun to work with. She worked tirelessly to help us find our home, and her connections within the real estate community proved useful in getting our offer accepted. We will definitely work with Debra again in the future."
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Debra Maltz works and plays in downtown. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email debra.maltz@kupersir.com, or call 210-639-3272.
Realtor Debra Maltz.
