Pros and Cons of Living in Selma, TX

Pros and Cons of Living in Selma, Texas

Selma, Texas is a small town located in Bexar County, just northeast of San Antonio. It is a relatively affordable place to live, with a cost of living that is below the national average. There are many things to consider when deciding whether to move to Selma, including the pros and cons of living in this town.

One of the main advantages of living in Selma is its location. It is close enough to San Antonio to enjoy all the amenities of a big city, but far enough away to avoid the traffic and crowds. Selma is also home to many parks, making it a great place to enjoy the outdoors.

However, there are also some downsides to living in Selma, such as the relatively limited job market and the lack of cultural diversity compared to larger cities.

Geographical Location

Selma, TX is a city located in Bexar County, Texas, United States. It is part of the San Antonio Metropolitan Area and is situated approximately 16 miles northeast of downtown San Antonio.

The city has a total area of 5.5 square miles, all of which is land. Selma is bordered by the cities of Schertz to the east, Live Oak to the south, and Universal City to the west.

Selma’s location provides easy access to major highways such as Interstate 35, Loop 1604, and Highway 281, making it a convenient location for commuters.

The city is also within a short driving distance to several major attractions, including the Natural Bridge Caverns, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and the San Antonio River Walk.

The climate in Selma is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in July is 95°F, while the average low temperature in January is 39°F. The city receives an average of 33 inches of rainfall per year, which is slightly higher than the national average.

Overall, Selma’s geographical location makes it a convenient and accessible place to live, with easy access to major highways and nearby attractions.

Cost of Living

Selma, TX has a cost of living index of 104, which is 4% higher than the national average, according to AreaVibes. The cost of living in Selma is higher than in some neighboring cities like San Antonio and Austin, but it still remains an affordable place to live.

This section will break down the cost of living in Selma into three subsections: Housing Market, Taxes, and Everyday Expenses.

Housing Market

The median home cost in Selma is $229,500, while the median rent is just $1,450, according to Sperling’s BestPlaces. The housing market in Selma is reasonable compared to other cities in the area. However, it is important to note that the housing market has been on the rise in recent years due to the city’s growth and development.

Taxes

Selma has a sales tax rate of 8.25%, which is the same as the state average, according to Dwellics. Property taxes in Selma are also in line with the state average, with a rate of 1.86%, according to AreaVibes. It is important to note that property tax rates can vary depending on the specific neighborhood and property.

Everyday Expenses

Everyday expenses such as food, housing, goods and services, transportation, and healthcare in Selma are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation, according to AreaVibes. The cost of groceries in Selma is slightly higher than the national average, but still affordable. Transportation costs in Selma are also reasonable, with gas prices slightly lower than the national average. It is important to note that the cost of living can vary depending on individual lifestyle and spending habits.

Overall, Selma, TX is an affordable place to live with a reasonable cost of living. While the cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, it remains lower than some neighboring cities in the area.

Quality of Life

Education

Selma, TX has several public and private schools that offer quality education to its residents. The schools in Selma are part of the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District, which is known for its excellent academic programs. According to AreaVibes, the city has a high graduation rate of 94%, which is higher than the national average. The schools in Selma are also known for their extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama.

Healthcare

Selma, TX has several healthcare facilities that offer quality medical care to its residents. The city has a hospital, several clinics, and medical offices that provide a wide range of services, including primary care, specialty care, and emergency care. According to Dwellics, the city has a low crime rate, which makes it a safe place to live. The healthcare facilities in Selma are staffed by highly trained professionals who are committed to providing the best possible care to their patients.

Recreation and Entertainment

Selma, TX has several parks and recreational areas that offer residents a variety of outdoor activities. The city has a community center that hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, including fitness classes, art classes, and cultural events. According to ZeroDown, the city is also home to several shopping centers, restaurants, and movie theaters, which provide residents with plenty of options for entertainment.

Community and Social Life

Selma, TX is a close-knit community that offers residents a strong sense of belonging. The city has several community organizations and clubs that residents can join to meet new people and get involved in the community. According to BestPlaces, the city has a low cost of living, which makes it an affordable place to live. The residents of Selma are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, which makes it easy for newcomers to feel at home.

Employment Opportunities

Job Market

Selma, TX offers a diverse job market with opportunities in various industries. The city’s proximity to San Antonio makes it a convenient location for those seeking job opportunities in the city. According to Areavibes, Selma has received high marks for employment opportunities, with an “A” grade. The city’s major employers include Amazon, FedEx, and Sysco.

Commuting

Commuting in Selma is relatively easy due to its location near major highways such as I-35 and Loop 1604. The average commute time in Selma is around 25 minutes, which is slightly lower than the national average. According to Dwellics, Selma’s location near San Antonio provides residents with access to a larger job market, but the city’s small size means that most residents work outside of Selma.

Overall, Selma’s job market and commuting options make it a desirable location for those seeking employment opportunities in the San Antonio area.

Safety and Crime Rates

Selma, TX is a relatively safe city with a crime rate that is lower than the state average. According to NeighborhoodScout, the chance of being a victim of violent crime in Selma is 1 in 469, which is lower than the national average. Property crime is also lower than the state and national averages, with a 1 in 36 chance of being a victim of property crime.

The crime rate in Selma is 15.18 per 1,000 residents during a standard year, as reported by Crime Grade. This puts Selma in the 92nd percentile for safety, meaning that 8% of cities are safer and 92% of cities are more dangerous than Selma.

When it comes to environmental hazards, Selma scores 73.2 out of 100, according to Dwellics. This score takes into account factors such as air quality, water quality, natural disaster frequency, substance abuse rates, and cancer instances.

It’s important to note that crime rates in Selma have increased by 49% year over year, according to AreaVibes. However, despite this increase, Selma remains a relatively safe city compared to other cities in the United States.

Overall, while crime rates have increased in Selma, the city remains a safe place to live. Residents can take comfort in the fact that the city’s crime rates are lower than the state and national averages, and that efforts are being made to ensure that Selma remains a safe and secure community.

Climate and Weather

Selma, TX has a humid subtropical climate, which means the summers are hot and humid, and the winters are mild. The average high temperature in the hottest month, August, is 95°F, and the average low temperature in the coldest month, January, is 39°F. The average annual temperature is 68°F.

According to Sperling’s BestPlaces, Selma receives 223 sunny days per year on average, which is higher than the US average of 205 sunny days. The city also receives some kind of precipitation, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, on 83 days per year on average. The wettest month is May, with an average of 5.12 inches of rainfall.

The hot season in Selma lasts for 3.7 months, from May 29 to September 19, with an average daily high temperature above 88°F. The cool season lasts for 2.8 months, from November 26 to February 21, with an average daily high temperature below 68°F. The city experiences some humidity throughout the year, with an average relative humidity of 73%.

Overall, Selma’s climate and weather are generally pleasant, with mild winters and hot summers. However, residents should be prepared for occasional precipitation and humidity throughout the year.

Transportation and Accessibility

Public Transportation

Selma, TX does not have a well-developed public transportation system. There are no bus or train services available in the area. The nearest bus station is in San Antonio, which is about 16 miles away from Selma. The lack of public transportation can make it difficult for residents to commute to work or travel around the city without a personal vehicle.

Traffic Conditions

Selma, TX is located near the intersection of two major highways, I-35 and Loop 1604. As a result, traffic congestion is a common issue in the area, especially during peak hours. The city is also experiencing rapid growth, which is putting additional strain on the road infrastructure. However, the city government is taking steps to address the issue by implementing traffic management systems and improving road conditions.

Overall, Selma, TX is a car-dependent city, and having a personal vehicle is necessary for most residents. The traffic conditions can be challenging, but the city’s proximity to major highways makes it easy to travel to other parts of the state.

Local Government and Politics

Selma, TX is located in Bexar County and falls under the jurisdiction of the Bexar County Commissioners Court. The court is responsible for setting the county’s tax rate, budget, and policies. The court also oversees the county’s departments and services, such as law enforcement, health services, and public works.

In terms of politics, Bexar County is moderately liberal, with 58.2% of the voters choosing the Democratic Party in the last presidential election. The remaining 40.1% voted for the Republican Party, and 1.8% voted Independent. However, it is important to note that political affiliations can vary widely at the local level.

Selma has its own city council, which is responsible for making local policies and decisions. The council consists of a mayor and five council members. The city council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Selma City Hall.

Overall, Selma’s local government and politics reflect the larger political climate of Bexar County. However, as with any community, there may be differing opinions and perspectives among its residents.

Real Estate Investment Potential

Selma, TX has a diverse real estate market that offers a variety of investment opportunities. Investors can choose from a range of properties, including single-family homes, townhouses, and condos. According to Realtor.com, the median listing home price in Selma, TX was $320K in February 2024, trending down -5% year-over-year. The median listing home price per square foot was $155.

One of the advantages of investing in Selma, TX real estate is the potential for long-term appreciation. While suburban properties generally appreciate over time, the rate of appreciation may be slower compared to urban areas. Investors may need to adopt a longer-term strategy to realize significant capital gains. However, real estate provides a hedge against inflation. Inflation is the economic reality that prices increase over time due to the value of money decreasing. The annual inflation rate varies, but 2022 has been a brutal year for markets and the inflation rate. Inflation erodes the value of many investments. Therefore, real estate investment can be a good way to protect against inflation.

Another benefit of investing in Selma, TX real estate is the potential for cash flow. As soon as the rental property is filled with tenants, it’s totally possible to receive passive income from rents every month. According to RealWealth, real estate is a good long-term investment. However, investors should be aware of the risks involved and conduct thorough due diligence before investing in any property.

Overall, Selma, TX offers a range of real estate investment opportunities. Investors can choose from a variety of properties and take advantage of the potential for long-term appreciation and cash flow. However, investors should conduct thorough due diligence and be aware of the risks involved before investing in any property.

Cultural Diversity

Selma, TX is a diverse community with a mix of different races and ethnicities. According to BestNeighborhood.org, the majority race in Selma is White, making up 35.0% of residents. The next most common racial group is Hispanic at 33.6%. Other races such as Black and Asian make up smaller percentages of the population.

The city’s diversity can be seen in its various cultural events and celebrations. For example, the annual “Country Comes to Town” festival showcases the city’s culture with food and games each October. The festival attracts people from different backgrounds and is a great opportunity for residents to learn about each other’s cultures.

One advantage of cultural diversity is that it leads to increased innovation and creativity. According to Carlos Barraza, having a diverse employee base can bring a broad range of experiences and ideas, leading to new ways of thinking and approaching problems. This can be beneficial for businesses in Selma as they can tap into the diverse talent pool and come up with innovative solutions.

However, cultural diversity can also pose some challenges. For example, language barriers can make it difficult for people from different backgrounds to communicate effectively. Additionally, cultural differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.

Overall, Selma’s cultural diversity is a positive aspect of the community that contributes to its vibrancy and uniqueness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the housing market trends in Selma, TX?

The housing market in Selma, TX is currently experiencing a steady growth trend. According to AreaVibes, the median home price in Selma is $200,000, which is slightly higher than the national average. However, the cost of living in Selma is lower than the state average, making it an affordable option for those looking to buy a home.

Can you describe the educational facilities available in Selma, TX?

Selma, TX is served by the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District, which operates several elementary, middle, and high schools in the area. In addition, there are several private schools in Selma and the surrounding areas. For higher education, there are several colleges and universities within driving distance of Selma, including the University of Texas at San Antonio and Texas State University.

What are the employment opportunities like in Selma, TX?

Selma, TX is home to several major employers, including the Forum at Olympia Parkway, Retama Park, and Schlumberger. In addition, the city is located within commuting distance of San Antonio, which offers a wide range of job opportunities across various industries.

How does the cost of living in Selma compare to nearby cities?

Compared to nearby cities, Selma’s cost of living is relatively low. According to AreaVibes, the cost of living in Selma is 8% lower than the state average and 1% lower than the national average. This makes Selma an attractive option for those looking to save money on daily expenses.

What recreational activities are available to residents of Selma, TX?

Selma, TX offers a variety of recreational activities for residents to enjoy. The city is home to several parks, including Selma Stage Stop Park and Bluebonnet Palace Park, which offer walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds. In addition, there are several golf courses and country clubs in the area, as well as a bowling alley and movie theater.

What is the public transportation system like in Selma, TX?

Selma, TX does not have a public transportation system of its own. However, the city is located within commuting distance of San Antonio, which offers several public transportation options, including buses and light rail. In addition, there are several taxi and ride-sharing services available in the area.