San Antonio Ranked One of the Best Cities to Drive In

San Antonio Drivers Get a Win 

If you’ve ever sat on Loop 1604 during rush hour, it may surprise you to hear this — San Antonio just ranked as one of the best cities in the U.S. for drivers. 
According to a recent WalletHub study comparing 100 of the largest cities, San Antonio landed at #25, beating out larger metros like Dallas, Houston, and Austin. 

The study evaluated four major factors: cost of ownership and maintenance, traffic and infrastructure, safety, and access to vehicles and maintenance services. Despite our city’s well-known traffic construction zones, we’re considered a standout when it comes to driving costs and overall access. 

Source: My San Antonio

Why This Matters for San Antonio 

Transportation access and commute reliability play a major role in how — and where — people choose to buy or rent homes. San Antonio’s affordability and highway connectivity make it easier for families, students, and military personnel to live farther from the urban core without losing access to work, schools, and recreation. 

Developers continue to push new communities outward along US 281, Loop 1604, Potranco Road, and I-10 West, bringing new housing closer to major commuter routes. For homebuyers, that means more options — and for current homeowners, steady demand from new residents seeking convenient access. 

Real Estate Impact 

For real estate, this ranking reinforces San Antonio’s reputation as a livable, commuter-friendly metro. Shorter average commute times and manageable car costs can boost property values, especially in growth corridors where new road infrastructure continues to expand. 

For sellers, improved mobility can make suburban listings even more attractive. For buyers, the ability to move freely between work, recreation, and schools often determines where their next home search begins. 
Neighborhoods like Alamo Ranch, Stone Oak, Cibolo, and Bulverde continue to grow thanks to improving roadways and new development projects. 

“Every year, we see more people choosing San Antonio for its balance of affordability and accessibility,” says Tami Price, REALTOR® | Broker Associate, Real Broker LLC. “Easy commutes, better highways, and smart expansion make it one of the most practical places to live in Texas.” 

Three Key Takeaways 

1. Driving affordability adds value — Lower gas prices and car ownership costs enhance overall cost of living. 

2. Infrastructure drives housing demand — Road improvements around 281 North, 1604 West, and I-10 support growing suburban communities. 

3. Commute quality attracts buyers — More people are willing to live farther out when travel times stay reasonable. 

FAQs 

1. What factors made San Antonio rank so high? 
WalletHub cited low car ownership costs, affordable gas prices, and broad access to service centers. 

2. How does this affect real estate demand? 
Easier commutes expand viable home search areas, supporting growth in outer suburbs like Boerne and Cibolo. 

3. Are new road projects underway? 
Yes — the Loop 1604 North Expansion Project and I-10 West improvements continue through 2026, enhancing regional connectivity. 

4. Does this benefit renters too? 
Absolutely. Renters in outlying areas gain better commuting access to major job centers, expanding affordable housing choices. 

5. How can homeowners take advantage? 
Improved infrastructure can increase property appeal. Staying informed about local projects helps sellers position their homes strategically. 

The Bottom Line 

Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, understanding how transportation and infrastructure improvements shape San Antonio’s livability is essential. 
The city’s reputation as a driver-friendly metro adds another reason why people continue to move here for value, opportunity, and quality of life. 

Contact Tami Price, REALTOR®, at 210-620-6681 to explore how local development impacts your next move.