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San Antonio rent prices increased 7 percent from 2022, report finds

RENT'S DUE

Photo by Henry Becerra on Unsplash

Apartment rent keeps going up in Texas, and in San Antonio the increase is seven percent more than last year, making it more difficult to afford living in the city. That’s according to a new national rent report from online rental marketplace Zumper.

Despite rent increases showing small improvements month-over-month, overall prices are still on the high side from the previous year. For example, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in San Antonio is $1,430 now, in March of 2023, which is a 1.4 percent decrease from the previous month, but a 4.4 percent increase from 2022. The average rent for a one-bedroom is $1,160, which is a mere .90 percent increase month-over-month, but a whopping 7.4 percent increase from last year.

The report looked at rental data from more than one million active listings in the top 100 cities in the United States to determine the rankings. Zumper ranked San Antonio the No. 66 most expensive rental market across the nation in February of 2023, up three places from the last report.

The report attributes these recent rental increase trends to the nation's rising inflation rate and unpredictable economy. Though unemployment is low (less than 3.4 percent), potential homebuyers are being sidelined with increasing interest rates. This is causing more competition among renters all over the country.

“Many markets continue to either normalize or correct following the steep increases in rent seen in 2021 [and 2022] in the zero interest rate [and] QE environment we went through,” said Zumper CEO Anthemos Georgiades in the report. “With interest rates expected to rise further in 2023, we anticipate continued deceleration in rent rises as new household formation freezes or is at least postponed.”

Much higher up the list from San Antonio is its Central Texas neighbor Austin, coming in as the No. 25 most expensive rental market, which is a two-place increase from a previous report. Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment stayed relatively flat over the last month, at $1,670, yet is still 7.7 percent higher than it was last year. Two-bedroom apartments saw a higher year-over-year increase at 8.4 percent, with the average rent price at $2,070.

Several cities in the DFW metro area also made the list, as well as Houston (No. 51) and El Paso (No. 95). Most notably, Irving (No. 34) is experiencing a nearly 15 percent year-over-year rent increase for both one- and two-bedroom apartments.

The nine total Texas cities that made the list include:

  • No. 25 – Austin
  • No. 34 – Irving
  • No. 36 – Dallas
  • No. 40 – Plano
  • No. 51 – Houston
  • No. 55 – Fort Worth
  • No. 66 – San Antonio
  • No. 67 – Arlington
  • No. 95 – El Paso

The full data from Zumper’s National Rent Report can be found at zumper.com.

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A Night in Old San Antonio returns to enchant locals this April, plus more top stories

Hot Headlines

Editor’s note: It’s that time again — time to check in with our top stories. Here are five articles that captured our collective attention over the past seven days.

1. A Night in Old San Antonio returns to enchant locals with new food and fun this April. This beloved celebration of Alamo City’s rich cultural heritage will be held April 25- 28, offering revelers food, live music, and Fiesta souvenirs.

2. Splash, spin, and swing into San Antonio's best spring activities for the whole family. Sure, Spring Break is coming to an end, but several of our spring activity picks can keep the family entertained throughout the year.

3. Southern Living names Texas Hill Country hot spot a top Southern small town. The magazine dubbed Fredericksburg the No. 4 best Southern small town, but of course, it will always be No. 1 in our hearts.

4. Riverdance stomps into San Antonio for limited summer run. The spectacular touring production is heading to the Majestic Theatre for its 25th-anniversary tour.

5. Cirque du Soleil swings back to San Antonio for first big top show. Cirque du Soleil's BAZZAR is making its Southwest debut in San Antonio this year.

Crafting the perfect sip-and-stay vacay in Lubbock

Bottoms Up

Did you know that around 80 percent of all grapes sourced by Texas wineries come from the High Plains AVA in West Texas? Or that Lubbock has its own signature cocktail? The city's craft beer scene has also exploded in the past five years.

All of this means that the West Texas city is now bubbling up with ideas for a refreshing getaway, whether you're a hophead, oenophile, or even a mocktail maven.

Curious to taste these bevvies for yourself? Here's what's brewing in Lubbock:

Cheers for beers

Two Docs Brewing Co.: The double doctors in the brewery's name are Dr. Eric Cunningham (a veterinarian) and Dr. Tyson Purdy (a family medicine practitioner), cousins who took their love of beer public in 2019. Located in the Cultural District, the environmentally-conscious brewery is known for its Buddy Hoppy IPA, Lubbock Light lager, and Two Docs Bock.

The Brewery LBK: USA Today crowned this newish brewery the Top Brewpub in the Nation, and it's a title head brewmaster Sally Taylor and general manager Mike Nghiem don't take lightly. The beers are a mix of classic profiles and inventive flavors, with plenty of seasonal rotations and nods to Hub City. Try the Low Hanging Fruit, made with Albarino grapes from the local Veesart Vineyards. Wine on the nose with flavors of bright citrus complement a wheat and barley backbone with farmhouse ale notes.

Good Line Beer Co.: What began as a true garage start-up is now a celebrated brewery in the historic Tech Terrace neighborhood, putting out brews with whimsical names like Catastrophe Girlfriend (a raspberry weisse), Range Life (a pilsner), and Bitter Buffalo (an IPA). Owners Chris Troutman and Shawn Phillips are heavy on community, with local artist Dirk Fowler creating the label designs.

Wine time

Syrah is one of the key grape varieties grown here, alongside Tempranillo and Grenache — two other varieties known to perform well in warm, dry climates like the Texas High Plains AVA. White grapes are also grown, but to a much lesser extent, mostly from Viognier, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc..

Seek out your next favorite glass (or bottle!) at Bolen Winery Vineyards, Burklee Hill Vineyards, English Newsom Cellars, McPherson Cellars, La Diosa Cellars, and Llano Estacado Winery, the second-oldest winery in the state. Adelphos Cellars will also open soon, inviting Lubbock into the city's newest winery, tasting room, and event venue.

The famous Lubbock Chilton

Called "a cocktail as bright and pure as the West Texas sun" by Texas Monthly, the Chilton is a refreshing cocktail comprised of vodka, fresh lemon juice, bubbly water, and a salted rim. The story goes that years ago, a parched Dr. Chilton instructed a bartender at the Lubbock Country Club to mix these ingredients together, and a signature sip was born.

You'll spot the Chilton all around town, with variations that range from fruity to spicy and even as the inspiration for a few seasonal beers. Here's a primer if you're not sure where to start.

Zero-proof pours

Alcohol isn't required for a great drink — just ask The West Table Kitchen and Bar and The Nicolett.

Everyone is included in the toast at The West Table with offerings such as the tropical Riki Tiki and "gin" rambler Baby Blue, among others. Each libation feels even more elegant thanks to the restaurant's location within the historic Pioneer Building in downtown Lubbock.

Two Docs Brewing Co

Photo courtesy of Visit Lubbock

Two Docs Brewing Co. was actually founded by two doctors.

At The Nicolett, 2022 James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef: Texas and owner of The Nicolett, Finn Walter incorporated several non-alcoholic beverages into his cocktail menu to serve a craft experience for all to savor. From the botanical Garden Gimlet to the sweet-tart I Love Yuzu, each showcases an alcohol alternative in the ingredients list.

Where to rest your head

Stow your suitcase at the newly opened Aloft hotel, or check into an Airbnb managed by Home on the Range LBK, which owns four beautifully decorated properties all near Texas Tech University.

Looking forward

In the coming months, Lubbock will see the debut of Milestones Park and a new Dave & Busters. Even if you've visited before, there's always more to discover in Hub City — plan your next visit now.

San Antonio's historic Pearl celebrates Women's History Month with unveiling of a new mural

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

One of San Antonio’s most historic landmark communities is paying homage to its prominent women all of March in celebration of Women’s History Month, with an additional unveiling of a new mural by a local female artist.

Women comprise half of Pearl’s leadership team, and a majority of women in the company are in management positions. A majority of the establishments at Pearl are also led, owned, or founded by women.

“This month, we are taking a moment to reflect on and recognize the leaders, artists, business owners and chefs who are actively making an impact not only at Pearl but across the city of San Antonio through their skills, crafts and future forward visions,” Pearl CEO Mesha Millsap shared in a press release.

Local artist Martha Martinez-Flores’ artwork will be featured at Pearl all month. Her latest piece is a three-dimensional “Strong Mujer” mural created in collaboration with students in the Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) National Art Honor Society. The mural highlights the power of all women in the local community.

“This year’s mural celebrates the strength and bravery of women at the heart of our San Antonio community, who make us who we are: grandmothers, mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, colleagues, teachers, doctors, caregivers and more,” shared Martinez-Flores. “Collaborating with younger generations of students at YWLA and sharing their artistic voice only makes this message more powerful.”

A list of the prominent women leaders at Pearl's many restaurants and businesses include:

  • Adelante – Marla Ross, owner (since September 2010)
  • Bakery Lorraine – Anne Ng, James Beard Award Semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker, executive pastry chef and owner (since October 2014)
  • Best Quality Daughter – Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin, James Beard Award Semifinalist for Emerging Chef, chef and owner (since November 2020)
  • Chilaquil – Susana Aguirre, co-owner with husband Orlando Aguirre (since September 2021)
  • Dos Carolinas – Caroline Matthews, owner (since September 2012)
  • Feliz Modern – Ginger Diaz, co-owner with husband Mario Diaz (since November 2019)
  • Hiatus Spa – Sheila Garrison, managing partner and co-founder (since May 2017)
  • LeeLee – Leigh Landreth, owner and tastemaker (since September 2012)
  • Mi Roti – James Beard Award Semifinalist for Best Chef, Texas, and owner Nicola Blaque (since March 2020)
  • Niche – Ayse Derman, owner and creative director (since April 2014)
  • Rancho Diaz – Ginger Diaz, co-owner with husband Mario Diaz (since August 2021)
  • The Tiny Finch – Karen Lee Zachry, new owner (since February 2023)
  • The Twig Book Shop – Frances Douglas, owner (since May 2013)

Pearl’s long history of women leadership goes back to the early 1900’s when Emma Koehler, the namesake of the Hotel Emma, decided to take over her husband’s brewery after his death in 1914. Koehler was an innovative, powerful woman who kept the business running during Prohibition by resourcefully shifting gears into dry cleaning and auto repair, while also making “near beer,” fountain drinks, and ice cream.

Millsap admires Koehler’s incredible show of strength during “a time that could have destroyed the business.”

“Over 100 years later, we are still in awe of her and honor her memory by continuing her legacy of resilience and innovation,” she added.

More information about Pearl can be found at atpearl.com.

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