San Antonio Ranked #25 Best City to Drive In: How Transportation Infrastructure Drives Real Estate Growth

San Antonio drivers received unexpected recognition in late 2025 when WalletHub’s comprehensive analysis of America’s 100 largest cities ranked the Alamo City at #25 for overall driving experience—beating larger Texas metros including Dallas (#37), Houston (#42), and Austin (#51). For residents who regularly navigate Loop 1604 construction zones or sit in I-10 traffic during rush hour, this ranking might seem surprising. However, the data tells a compelling story about San Antonio’s combination of affordable vehicle ownership costs, expanding infrastructure investment, and strategic road improvements that enhance mobility across the metropolitan area.

The study evaluated four major factors: cost of ownership and maintenance, traffic and infrastructure quality, safety metrics, and access to vehicles and maintenance services. While San Antonio faces ongoing challenges with construction-related congestion and growth-driven traffic increases, the city’s strengths in affordability, highway connectivity, and infrastructure expansion positioned it favorably against peer cities nationwide.

For real estate professionals, homebuyers, sellers, and investors, this ranking validates what market participants have observed for years—San Antonio’s transportation infrastructure and commute accessibility directly influence where people choose to live, which neighborhoods experience strongest growth, and how property values appreciate in submarkets throughout the metropolitan area. Understanding these connections between transportation systems and real estate markets provides strategic insights for making informed housing decisions aligned with long-term value creation.

This comprehensive analysis examines the WalletHub study’s methodology and findings, explores how transportation infrastructure specifically impacts San Antonio real estate markets, identifies growth corridors benefiting most from ongoing road improvements, and provides guidance for buyers, sellers, and investors seeking to leverage transportation trends for optimal real estate outcomes.

Why This Matters for San Antonio Real Estate Markets

Transportation infrastructure and commute accessibility represent fundamental factors influencing residential real estate demand, property values, and neighborhood development patterns. While homebuyers consider numerous variables when selecting properties—schools, amenities, housing costs, safety—the ability to efficiently reach employment, education, shopping, and recreation without excessive time or expense constraints significantly shapes viable search areas and neighborhood preferences.

Transportation Access as Location Multiplier

Real estate professionals frequently cite the traditional mantra “location, location, location” as real estate’s most important principle. However, location value isn’t absolute—it’s relative to accessibility. Properties situated 20 miles from downtown employment centers that require 50-minute commutes through congested surface streets offer fundamentally different value propositions than properties at identical distances accessible via 25-minute highway drives with minimal congestion.

San Antonio’s highway network—Interstate 10, Interstate 35, Interstate 37, US Highway 281, Loop 410, and Loop 1604—creates accessibility that extends viable commute ranges far beyond what would be practical in cities lacking comparable infrastructure. This highway connectivity enables suburban neighborhoods in communities like Boerne, Schertz, Cibolo, New Braunfels, and developments along US 281 North to compete effectively for buyers working in downtown San Antonio, the Medical Center, USAA headquarters, and other major employment centers.

The practical implication is that improved transportation infrastructure expands the geographic area where buyers can reasonably live while maintaining acceptable commute times—increasing housing supply available to any given employment center and creating development opportunities in previously less-accessible locations. Conversely, transportation constraints that limit accessibility concentrate demand in smaller geographic areas, intensifying competition and elevating prices in well-connected neighborhoods while suppressing values in poorly connected locations.

The Economic Geography of Commuting

Residential location decisions involve complex trade-offs between housing costs, commute expenses (time and money), and lifestyle preferences. Economic research consistently demonstrates that households typically tolerate commutes up to certain threshold durations—commonly 30-45 minutes one-way—before commute burden outweighs housing cost savings or other location benefits.

San Antonio’s relatively efficient highway system and manageable congestion levels (compared to peer cities) mean this 30-45 minute commute tolerance extends to larger geographic ranges than in more congested metros. Properties located 25-30 miles from central employment areas remain viable options for many buyers because highway access enables reasonable commute durations despite significant distances.

This dynamic explains why suburban communities along major highway corridors experience stronger growth and appreciation than similarly distant locations lacking direct highway access. New residential development concentrates along corridors where transportation infrastructure supports efficient commutes—US 281 North toward Bulverde and Spring Branch, Loop 1604 West connecting to Alamo Ranch and beyond, I-10 West toward Boerne, and I-35 North toward Schertz and New Braunfels.

Military Relocation and Transportation Considerations

San Antonio’s substantial military presence—Joint Base San Antonio including Lackland Air Force Base, Fort Sam Houston, and Randolph Air Force Base—generates constant housing demand from service members relocating on PCS orders. Military buyers particularly prioritize commute accessibility because unpredictable duty schedules, early report times, and potential emergency recalls make proximity to installations valuable.

However, limited on-base housing and competitive off-base housing markets near installations drive many military families to consider properties in suburban locations offering reasonable commutes to bases. Transportation infrastructure quality directly determines which suburban neighborhoods military buyers view as viable options versus too distant for practical consideration.

Improvements to Loop 1604, US 281, and I-10—the primary routes connecting suburban developments to JBSA installations—enhance suburban neighborhoods’ competitiveness for military buyers. Better infrastructure extends military families’ viable search areas beyond immediately adjacent neighborhoods into more affordable suburban communities, supporting demand and values in those growth corridors.

Understanding the WalletHub Study: Methodology and San Antonio’s Performance

WalletHub’s ranking methodology provides context for understanding why San Antonio scored favorably despite drivers’ anecdotal experiences with construction congestion and traffic challenges.

Study Methodology and Metrics

WalletHub evaluated 100 of America’s largest cities across four major categories comprising 30 specific metrics:

Cost of Ownership and Maintenance (40% of total score):

• Average gas prices
• Auto maintenance costs
• Auto insurance premiums
• Parking rates and availability
• Vehicle ownership taxes and fees

Traffic and Infrastructure (20% of total score):

• Average commute times
• Congestion levels
• Road quality and maintenance
• Public transportation availability
• Infrastructure investment per capita

Safety (20% of total score):

• Accident rates per capita
• Traffic fatality rates
• DUI rates
• Vehicle theft rates

Access to Vehicles and Maintenance (20% of total score):

• Auto repair shops per capita
• Car dealerships per capita
• Gas stations per capita

San Antonio’s Ranking Performance

San Antonio’s #25 overall ranking reflected particularly strong performance in cost-related categories while showing more mixed results in infrastructure and congestion metrics:

Strengths:

• Low ownership costs: San Antonio’s relatively affordable gas prices, insurance premiums, and vehicle ownership expenses contributed significantly to the high ranking. Texas lacks state vehicle property taxes and inspection requirements are minimal, reducing annual ownership costs compared to many states.
• Abundant service access: High per-capita concentrations of auto repair facilities, dealerships, and gas stations ensure convenient maintenance and service access throughout the metropolitan area.
• Affordable parking: Compared to coastal cities and dense urban metros, San Antonio offers abundant affordable parking both downtown and in suburban areas, reducing the hidden costs of vehicle ownership.

Challenges:

• Construction-related congestion: Ongoing infrastructure improvement projects—particularly Loop 1604 expansion, I-10 West improvements, and various interchange reconstructions—create temporary congestion and slowdowns that affect driver experiences despite representing long-term improvements.
• Growing traffic volumes: San Antonio’s rapid population growth strains existing infrastructure faster than improvements can be completed, creating bottlenecks during peak periods on major highways and arterials.

Comparative Performance Against Texas Metros

San Antonio’s #25 ranking meaningfully outperformed other major Texas cities:

• Dallas: #37
• Houston: #42
• Austin: #51

This comparative advantage reflects San Antonio’s combination of lower costs, less severe congestion than Houston or Dallas, and more extensive highway infrastructure relative to population than rapidly growing Austin where infrastructure development hasn’t kept pace with explosive population increases.

For real estate markets, this comparative advantage matters because it influences corporate relocation decisions, individual household moves between Texas metros, and regional competitiveness for economic development projects. Cities offering better transportation experiences and lower living costs attract residents and businesses from peer metros, supporting housing demand and property value appreciation.

San Antonio’s Major Infrastructure Projects and Real Estate Impact

Understanding current and planned transportation improvements provides insight into which neighborhoods and corridors are positioned for strongest growth and appreciation as infrastructure enhancements improve accessibility.

Loop 1604 North Expansion Project

The Loop 1604 North Expansion represents one of San Antonio’s most significant infrastructure investments, adding capacity and improving traffic flow along the northern section of the city’s outer loop from I-10 West to I-35 North.

Project scope:

• Widening Loop 1604 from four lanes to six lanes
• Reconstructing interchanges at US 281, Stone Oak Parkway, and other major intersections
• Adding frontage roads for local access
• Improving drainage and safety features
• Timeline extending through 2026-2027

Real estate implications: Communities along the Loop 1604 North corridor—Stone Oak, Canyon Springs, The Heights at Stone Oak, and newer developments between US 281 and I-35—benefit from improved accessibility as the expansion reduces congestion and commute times for residents traveling to downtown, the Medical Center, and other employment areas.

Property values in these neighborhoods typically appreciate as infrastructure improvements are completed and buyers recognize enhanced accessibility. Homes that previously faced 35-40 minute commutes to central employment areas may see commute times drop to 25-30 minutes post-expansion, materially improving location competitiveness and value propositions.

New residential development continues accelerating along this corridor as builders recognize that infrastructure capacity expansion enables additional housing without proportionally worsening congestion—making projects viable that wouldn’t work without expanded highway capacity.

I-10 West Improvements

Interstate 10 West serves as the primary corridor connecting San Antonio to suburbs including Leon Valley, western Bexar County communities, and ultimately Boerne in Kendall County. Ongoing improvements focus on capacity expansion, interchange reconstruction, and safety enhancements.

Project elements:

• Widening sections between Loop 1604 and Boerne
• Reconstructing congested interchanges
• Improving merge lanes and auxiliary lanes
• Adding service roads and access improvements

Real estate implications: Boerne has emerged as one of San Antonio’s fastest-growing suburban communities, attracting buyers seeking Hill Country aesthetics, highly rated Boerne Independent School District, and small-town character while maintaining reasonable commutes to San Antonio employment centers. I-10 improvements directly support this growth by maintaining acceptable commute times despite increasing traffic volumes.

Similarly, developments along I-10 West within Bexar County—areas near Alamo Ranch, Westpointe, and expanding residential communities west of Loop 1604—benefit from infrastructure that enables residents to reach central San Antonio employment in 25-35 minutes despite 15-20 mile distances.

US 281 North Corridor Development

US Highway 281 North represents San Antonio’s primary northern growth corridor, connecting downtown through the Medical Center, Stone Oak, and continuing into rapidly developing areas of northern Bexar County and southern Comal County including Bulverde, Spring Branch, and ultimately Blanco.

Infrastructure characteristics:

• Recently improved sections through Stone Oak with grade-separated interchanges
• Continuing expansion northward as development extends
• Direct connection to downtown and Medical Center employment
• Scenic Hill Country corridor attractive to buyers

Real estate implications: Northern suburbs along US 281—Stone Oak, Canyon Springs, The Heights, and new developments in far northern Bexar County and southern Comal County—have experienced substantial appreciation over the past decade as infrastructure improvements and employment growth in the Medical Center and northern San Antonio business parks created strong demand.

Continued US 281 improvements support ongoing development pushing northward, with master-planned communities and smaller developments extending into areas that were largely rural just 10-15 years ago. Buyers accepting 30-40 minute commutes access more affordable land costs and larger properties while infrastructure maintains acceptable commute experiences.

I-35 North/Schertz-Cibolo Corridor

Interstate 35 North connecting San Antonio to Schertz, Cibolo, and New Braunfels serves substantial military populations from Randolph Air Force Base plus general suburban growth. Recent and ongoing improvements focus on capacity expansion and interchange reconstruction in rapidly growing areas.

Real estate implications: Schertz and Cibolo have transformed from small communities into substantial suburban cities with populations exceeding 40,000 and 30,000 respectively. This growth reflects highway accessibility enabling residents to commute to Randolph Air Force Base, downtown San Antonio, and employment centers along the I-35 corridor while accessing more affordable housing and family-friendly communities.

Continued I-35 improvements support ongoing development in these communities plus further north toward New Braunfels, where buyers increasingly consider living while commuting to San Antonio employment—a pattern enabled by highway infrastructure maintaining reasonable commute durations despite 30-40 mile distances.

Neighborhoods Benefiting Most from Transportation Infrastructure

Specific San Antonio submarkets experience disproportionate benefits from transportation improvements due to their positions along major corridors and development patterns aligned with infrastructure capacity.

Stone Oak (North Central San Antonio)

Stone Oak represents one of San Antonio’s premier suburban neighborhoods, characterized by newer construction, highly rated schools, abundant retail and dining, and strong property values. The area’s success reflects superior highway connectivity via US 281 and Loop 1604 providing efficient access to downtown, the Medical Center, and North Side employment centers.

Transportation advantages:

• Direct US 281 access enabling 20-25 minute commutes to downtown and Medical Center
• Loop 1604 connectivity to I-10, I-35, and other major routes
• Well-maintained arterial roads throughout the area
• Minimal congestion compared to older neighborhoods with limited highway access

Real estate performance: Stone Oak properties consistently achieve premium pricing relative to San Antonio averages, reflecting demand from buyers prioritizing modern homes, excellent schools, and convenient commutes. Continued US 281 improvements and Loop 1604 expansion support ongoing development and value appreciation as infrastructure maintains accessibility despite increasing population density.

Alamo Ranch (West San Antonio)

Alamo Ranch has emerged as West San Antonio’s largest master-planned community, featuring thousands of homes across multiple neighborhoods, extensive retail and commercial development, and continuing expansion. Location along Loop 1604 West with proximity to I-10 provides accessibility that enabled the community’s rapid growth.

Transportation advantages:

• Loop 1604 West access enabling efficient commutes to downtown, USAA headquarters, Medical Center, and other employment centers
• I-10 West proximity for western suburbs and Hill Country access
• Extensive internal road network supporting community growth
• Retail and services within the community reducing need for external trips

Real estate performance: Alamo Ranch’s combination of affordability (relative to Stone Oak and other premium neighborhoods), modern construction, good schools, and highway accessibility attracts substantial first-time buyer and military buyer demand. Continuing Loop 1604 and I-10 improvements support ongoing development and appreciation as infrastructure capacity accommodates growth.

Schertz and Cibolo (Northeast Suburban Corridor)

Schertz and Cibolo have transformed from small towns into substantial suburban cities, driven largely by proximity to Randolph Air Force Base, I-35 highway access, and more affordable housing costs compared to San Antonio’s central neighborhoods.

Transportation advantages:

• I-35 direct access providing 25-30 minute commutes to downtown San Antonio
• Proximity to Randolph Air Force Base (5-10 minutes for most neighborhoods)
• FM 1518 and FM 78 providing alternative routes avoiding I-35 congestion
• Continued infrastructure investment supporting growth

Real estate performance: Strong military buyer demand combined with general suburban growth has driven substantial appreciation in Schertz and Cibolo over the past decade. Properties offer attractive value propositions—newer construction, good schools, family-friendly communities—at prices typically 15-25% below comparable homes in Stone Oak or North Central San Antonio. Highway accessibility enabling reasonable commutes makes these price differentials acceptable to buyers prioritizing affordability over ultra-short commutes.

Boerne (Northwest Hill Country)

Boerne in Kendall County represents the western extreme of San Antonio’s commuter range, approximately 30 miles northwest via I-10. Despite distance, Boerne has experienced explosive growth as buyers seeking Hill Country scenery, small-town character, and highly rated Boerne ISD accept longer commutes enabled by I-10 highway access.

Transportation advantages:

• I-10 direct connection enabling 35-45 minute commutes to central San Antonio employment
• Scenic drive through Hill Country
• Less congestion than urban San Antonio despite growth
• Continuing I-10 improvements maintaining reasonable commute times

Real estate performance: Boerne property values have appreciated substantially as the community’s reputation for quality of life attracts buyers willing to commute for the combination of Hill Country living and strong schools. I-10 improvements are critical to Boerne’s continued growth—without highway infrastructure maintaining acceptable commute durations, distance would limit development potential significantly.

New Braunfels (Northeast Corridor)

New Braunfels in Comal County sits approximately 35 miles northeast of San Antonio via I-35, serving as both an independent city and increasingly as a San Antonio exurban community for buyers accepting longer commutes in exchange for affordability, Hill Country proximity, and Comal ISD schools.

Transportation advantages:

• I-35 direct access
• Growing employment within New Braunfels reducing commute dependency
• Highway improvements supporting increased traffic volumes
• Multiple route options via I-35 and alternative roads

Real estate performance: New Braunfels represents the affordable extreme of San Antonio’s commuter range, with homes typically priced 20-30% below comparable properties in central San Antonio neighborhoods. For buyers willing to accept 40-50 minute commutes (or working remotely), New Braunfels offers Hill Country scenery, river recreation, and strong value. Highway infrastructure maintaining viable commute options enables this market segment despite significant distances.

Expert Insight from Tami Price, REALTOR® & USAF Veteran

As a Broker Associate with Real Broker, LLC and nearly two decades serving San Antonio’s real estate market including approximately 1,000 closed transactions, Tami Price has witnessed firsthand how transportation infrastructure shapes neighborhood development patterns and influences buyer decision-making.

“Every year, we see more people choosing San Antonio for its balance of affordability and accessibility,” Tami explains. “Easy commutes, better highways, and smart expansion make it one of the most practical places to live in Texas. When buyers are evaluating neighborhoods, commute times to work consistently rank among their top three priorities alongside schools and housing costs. Infrastructure that supports reasonable commutes expands the areas where buyers can seriously consider living.”

Tami emphasizes that San Antonio’s infrastructure advantages are particularly meaningful for military families. “Military buyers relocating to San Antonio often comment on how much more accessible everything feels compared to other duty stations. The highway network makes it practical to live in Schertz, Cibolo, or even Boerne while working at Lackland, Randolph, or Fort Sam Houston. That accessibility means military families aren’t forced to compromise between affordability and reasonable commutes—they can find great homes at comfortable price points in family-friendly communities without sacrificing an hour each way sitting in traffic.”

For buyers evaluating different neighborhoods, Tami recommends actually testing commutes before making decisions. “I always tell buyers to drive the commute during the times they’d actually be traveling—not just once on a weekend when traffic is light. Drive from a potential neighborhood to your work during morning rush hour, then back during evening rush hour. That real-world experience gives you much better information than just looking at distances on a map or trusting what online mapping tools estimate for travel times. A 20-mile commute that takes 25 minutes on Sunday afternoon might take 40 minutes on Tuesday morning—and that difference significantly impacts daily quality of life.”

Tami notes that ongoing infrastructure projects create both short-term challenges and long-term benefits. “Areas undergoing major construction like parts of Loop 1604 or I-10 can feel frustrating right now with detours and congestion. However, buyers who can tolerate temporary construction inconveniences often capture excellent value. Once projects are completed, those same areas typically see appreciation spikes as improved infrastructure attracts additional buyers who previously avoided the areas due to congestion concerns. I’ve seen properties near completed highway improvements appreciate 5-10% more than comparable homes in neighborhoods without infrastructure enhancements.”

For sellers, Tami emphasizes highlighting accessibility advantages in marketing materials. “When I’m listing homes in neighborhoods with excellent highway access, we prominently feature commute times to major employment centers in our marketing. Buyers filtering searches by location often cast wider nets when they understand that a neighborhood 25 miles from downtown offers a 25-minute commute rather than a 50-minute slog through surface streets. That clarity helps properties get considered by buyers who might otherwise overlook them based purely on distance without understanding accessibility advantages.”

Tami’s military background serving in the U.S. Air Force informs her appreciation for logistics and accessibility. “Military planning emphasizes lines of communication and logistics—making sure people and resources can move efficiently to where they need to be. Real estate involves similar considerations. Properties with excellent transportation access maintain their value and appeal much more reliably than isolated locations where buyers are captive to congestion and limited routes. Infrastructure investment represents a form of long-term value protection for property owners.”

Three Key Takeaways for San Antonio Homebuyers and Investors

Driving Affordability Enhances San Antonio’s Overall Cost of Living Competitiveness

San Antonio’s #25 ranking in WalletHub’s study reflects lower vehicle ownership costs, affordable gas prices, and abundant service access that reduce transportation expenses compared to peer cities. For homebuyers, these savings compound with San Antonio’s relatively affordable housing costs to create strong overall value propositions. Lower transportation expenses mean households can allocate more resources to housing costs, supporting demand for homes at higher price points than would be feasible in cities with expensive transportation costs. This affordability advantage attracts buyers relocating from higher-cost metros, supporting demand and appreciation across San Antonio’s housing market.

Infrastructure Investment Along Major Corridors Drives Suburban Growth and Appreciation

Ongoing highway improvements—Loop 1604 expansion, I-10 West enhancements, US 281 upgrades, and I-35 improvements—directly support residential development and property value appreciation in neighborhoods along these corridors. Areas benefiting from infrastructure investment typically experience stronger buyer demand, faster appreciation, and more active development compared to locations lacking similar improvements. For investors and buyers prioritizing long-term value creation, properties in neighborhoods positioned along major highway corridors currently undergoing or recently completing infrastructure improvements offer strategic positioning for capturing appreciation as enhanced accessibility attracts additional buyers.

Reasonable Commute Times Expand Viable Housing Search Areas Supporting Suburban Demand

San Antonio’s relatively efficient highway system and manageable congestion enable buyers to consider properties across wider geographic areas while maintaining acceptable commute durations. This expanded search area supports demand for suburban communities in Schertz, Cibolo, Boerne, and northern developments that would struggle to attract buyers if commutes were prohibitively long or unreliable. For sellers in suburban locations, improved infrastructure enhances property marketability by expanding the buyer pool to include households working throughout San Antonio rather than only those employed nearby. For buyers, efficient transportation infrastructure provides flexibility to prioritize housing characteristics like larger lots, newer construction, or better schools without accepting unreasonable commute burdens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What specific factors made San Antonio rank #25 for drivers?

A. WalletHub’s methodology emphasized cost factors where San Antonio performs strongly—affordable gas prices, lower insurance premiums, abundant auto repair and service facilities, and reasonable parking costs. Texas lacks state vehicle property taxes that many states impose, reducing annual ownership expenses. While San Antonio faces challenges with construction-related congestion and growing traffic volumes, the city’s strengths in affordability and service access outweighed infrastructure challenges in the overall ranking, particularly compared to more expensive coastal cities or metros with severe congestion.

Q. How do transportation improvements affect property values?

A. Infrastructure improvements impact property values through multiple mechanisms: (1) Reduced commute times increase neighborhood accessibility, expanding the buyer pool willing to consider properties in those areas; (2) Enhanced connectivity to employment, shopping, and recreation makes neighborhoods more convenient and desirable; (3) Infrastructure investment signals continued area growth and development momentum, attracting additional buyers and businesses. Properties near completed infrastructure improvements typically appreciate 5-10% more over 3-5 year periods compared to similar homes in locations without infrastructure enhancements, though exact impacts vary by specific circumstances.

Q. Are new road projects currently underway in San Antonio?

A. Yes, major ongoing projects include: Loop 1604 North Expansion (widening from four to six lanes between I-10 West and I-35 North, continuing through 2026-2027); I-10 West improvements (capacity expansion and interchange reconstruction between Loop 1604 and Boerne); US 281 corridor enhancements; and various interchange improvements at major intersections throughout the metropolitan area. TxDOT maintains project information at www.txdot.gov with details on timelines, impacts, and detours. Homebuyers and investors should monitor these projects to identify neighborhoods positioned to benefit from enhanced accessibility as improvements are completed.

Q. Do transportation improvements benefit renters as well as homeowners?

A. Absolutely. Renters in suburban locations gain identical commute accessibility benefits from infrastructure improvements as homeowners. Enhanced highway access expands affordable rental housing options by making properties in lower-cost suburban communities practical alternatives to expensive urban rentals. For renters working in central employment areas but seeking lower housing costs, improved transportation infrastructure enables consideration of suburban rentals that previously would have required prohibitively long commutes. This expanded rental inventory helps moderate rent increases by giving renters more viable options across wider geographic areas.

Q. Which neighborhoods offer the best balance of accessibility and affordability?

A. Schertz and Cibolo in the northeast corridor offer strong combinations of highway accessibility (I-35 direct access), reasonable home prices (typically 15-25% below Stone Oak or North Central San Antonio), good schools (Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD), and family-friendly communities. Alamo Ranch in West San Antonio provides modern construction and excellent accessibility via Loop 1604 at more affordable price points than Stone Oak. For buyers accepting slightly longer commutes in exchange for Hill Country scenery and top-rated schools, Boerne represents excellent value despite 35-45 minute commutes to central San Antonio. The optimal balance depends on individual priorities regarding commute tolerance, budget constraints, and lifestyle preferences.

Q. How can sellers take advantage of infrastructure improvements?

A. Sellers should prominently feature accessibility advantages and commute times in marketing materials—specific duration estimates to major employment centers (Medical Center, downtown, USAA, military installations) help buyers understand convenience that distance alone doesn’t convey. Professional photography highlighting nearby highway access, retail centers, and amenities reinforces location benefits. Timing listings to coincide with infrastructure project completions captures buyer interest as improved accessibility attracts attention to previously congested corridors. Working with experienced REALTORS® like Tami Price who understand how to position properties’ accessibility advantages ensures marketing maximizes these location benefits.

Q. Does San Antonio’s ranking suggest the city is better for drivers than Houston or Dallas?

A. San Antonio’s higher ranking (#25) compared to Houston (#42) and Dallas (#37) reflects better performance in cost-related metrics and less severe congestion despite those cities’ larger sizes and more extensive infrastructure networks. However, “better” depends on individual priorities—Houston and Dallas offer more extensive public transportation, more employment diversity, and different amenities. San Antonio’s advantage lies in combining affordable driving costs, manageable congestion, and reasonable accessibility without the extreme traffic challenges facing larger metros. For buyers prioritizing driving convenience and transportation affordability, San Antonio’s ranking suggests meaningful advantages over peer Texas cities.

The Bottom Line

WalletHub’s ranking of San Antonio as #25 among America’s 100 largest cities for driving experience validates what real estate professionals and residents have long recognized—the city’s combination of affordable vehicle ownership costs, expanding highway infrastructure, and manageable congestion (relative to peer metros) creates transportation advantages that enhance overall quality of life and support housing market growth.

For homebuyers, San Antonio’s driving-friendly characteristics translate into practical benefits including lower monthly transportation expenses that leave more budget available for housing costs, efficient highway access enabling consideration of suburban neighborhoods across wider geographic areas while maintaining reasonable commute times, and ongoing infrastructure investment that continues improving accessibility in growth corridors. These transportation advantages compound with San Antonio’s relatively affordable housing costs and strong job market to create compelling overall value propositions attracting residents from higher-cost metros and supporting continued housing demand.

For sellers, understanding how transportation infrastructure influences buyer preferences enables strategic positioning of properties. Homes in neighborhoods with superior highway access, reasonable commute times to major employment centers, and proximity to ongoing infrastructure improvements offer marketable advantages worth highlighting prominently in listing presentations. Professional photography, detailed commute information for multiple destinations, and clear communication about accessibility help buyers recognize location value that distance measurements alone don’t convey.

For investors, transportation corridors experiencing active infrastructure investment represent strategic acquisition opportunities. Properties positioned along Loop 1604, I-10 West, US 281 North, and I-35 North where improvements are currently underway or recently completed typically experience appreciation spikes as enhanced accessibility attracts buyer interest and supports residential development. Long-term holds in these corridors position investors to capture value as San Antonio’s continued growth drives demand for accessible suburban housing.

The ranking also reinforces San Antonio’s competitive positioning relative to other Texas metros. Outperforming Dallas, Houston, and Austin in driving experience metrics strengthens San Antonio’s appeal for corporate relocations, individual household moves between Texas cities, and military families choosing where to purchase homes near Joint Base San Antonio installations. This competitive advantage supports housing demand across price points as buyers prioritize transportation convenience and cost savings alongside traditional real estate factors.

Looking forward, San Antonio’s commitment to ongoing infrastructure investment—demonstrated by billions in planned highway improvements over the coming decade—suggests transportation advantages will strengthen rather than erode despite continued population growth. Cities that invest proactively in infrastructure capacity expansion ahead of growth maintain livability and accessibility that cities allowing infrastructure to lag behind population increases cannot match. For real estate markets, this forward-thinking infrastructure planning represents a form of value protection supporting long-term appreciation potential across San Antonio’s housing stock.

Ready to Explore San Antonio’s Most Accessible Neighborhoods?

Whether you’re relocating to San Antonio and prioritizing convenient commutes, evaluating suburban communities offering strong value and accessibility, or curious about how ongoing infrastructure improvements affect property values in specific neighborhoods, partnering with an experienced local REALTOR® who understands transportation’s impact on real estate markets makes all the difference.

Contact Tami Price, REALTOR® & USAF Veteran:

Phone: 210-620-6681
Website: www.tamiprice.com
Email: tami@tamiprice.com

Tami’s Specializations:

✅ Suburban communities and commuter-friendly neighborhoods
✅ Military relocations and PCS moves to JBSA installations
✅ First-time buyers seeking affordability and accessibility
✅ VA loans and VA loan assumptions
✅ Buyer and seller representation
✅ Investment property evaluation
✅ Stone Oak, Alamo Ranch, Schertz, Cibolo, Boerne, and all San Antonio submarkets

Thinking about buying or selling in Greater San Antonio? Let Tami’s 18+ years of experience, broker-level expertise, and comprehensive market knowledge guide you to neighborhoods offering the perfect balance of accessibility, affordability, and lifestyle amenities. With approximately 1,000 closed transactions and deep understanding of how transportation infrastructure influences property values, Tami delivers results backed by experience, market intelligence, and unwavering commitment to client success.

As a USAF Veteran, Tami brings military precision to real estate planning, ensuring every logistical detail—from commute routes to base proximity to resale potential—is thoroughly evaluated and optimized for your specific situation

Disclaimer:

All information provided is for educational purposes and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Real estate market conditions, property values, infrastructure project timelines, and commute durations vary based on numerous factors including specific locations, traffic conditions, and time of day. Rankings and study results represent snapshot assessments and may change over time. Always verify current conditions and consult with qualified professionals for guidance specific to your situation. Information current as of November 2025.