Windcrest, TX homebuyer’s guide
Discover an enviable fusion of city and country life in this quaint Texas town
LC
Lindsey Chase
Author
GH
Garrett Heath
Reviewer
7 min read
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Known as the “City of Lights” for its over-the-top annual Christmas light display, the small city of Windcrest in the San Antonio metro area shines in more ways than one. With a population approaching 6,000 and located about ten miles northeast of Downtown San Antonio, Windcrest has a small-town feel with urban conveniences nearby. Residents here work in high-paying jobs across a variety of industries, yet enjoy average cost-of-living rates. Checkered with mid-century homes with enviable street appeal, Windcrest might just be one of the best kept secrets in San Antonio.
Look & feel of WindcrestLatest homes for sale in Windcrest, TX
Look & feel of Windcrest
The Windcrest housing market
$318k
Median Home Price
$144
Median Price per Sq. Ft
9
Average Monthly Home Sales
Well-loved mid-century homes
Incorporated in 1959, Windcrest has many well-maintained mid-century homes. Because people often choose to settle in Windcrest long-term, it’s not uncommon to find older homes with only one or two previous owners. These mid-century homes are often brick, one-story builds with anywhere from two to four bedrooms.
The promise of pools
Many residential homes in Windcrest have backyard pools to help residents beat the Texas heat. Owners tend to invest in their outdoor space, as it adds value to their homes. For this reason, inground pools with spacious decks for sunbathing are not hard to find when house hunting in Windcrest.
Property value
Commercial properties drive expansion
In recent years, developers have seen the potential in Windcrest for more retail and dining options. The City Council approved an economic incentive agreement for the redevelopment of a shuttered Shell gas station. The space will, reportedly, become a Chipotle Mexican Grill. Incentives like this attract national businesses to Windcrest and provide growth in both commercial and private property values.
Cost of living in Windcrest
53.4%
Rent Affordability Index
Costs on par with national averages
The overall cost of living in Windcrest is in line with that of the national average, and slightly higher than the Texas average. Residents in Windcrest pay more for housing and transportation but spend less on groceries and utilities. The median home price for the city is $277,900, making it a competitive market for first-time buyers and people moving to the San Antonio area.
The job market
When tech company Rackspace chose to renovate an abandoned shopping mall in Windcrest and transform it into its headquarters in 2008, the city saw a new opportunity for job growth across many sectors. With industries including healthcare, aerospace, finance, and cyber security, Windcrest offers competitive jobs for its highly educated workforce. The city has enjoyed consistent job growth, with unemployment hovering around 3% as of 2018.
2.1%
Unemployment Rate
$103k
Average Salary per Year
A skilled and diverse workforce
The greater San Antonio region is home to more than 15 colleges and universities, providing the area with a large and capable workforce. Nearly a third of the residents in Windcrest have at least a bachelor's degree, with 18% holding a graduate degree. These education levels are higher than the U.S. average, and provide the city with qualified candidates across the employment spectrum.
Public transportation
Services offered in Windcrest
🚍
🔋
EV charging: ChargePoint
A bevy of bus routes
Windcrest’s sole means of public transportation is the VIA Metropolitan Transit bus routes. The Randolph Park and Ride in northeast Windcrest provides commuters a free place to park their car and ride one of the ten buses that service the area. The 8 route takes riders into Downtown San Antonio, while the 505 heads west to Balcones Heights.
Demographics
6,527
Population
54
Median Age
105,319
Family Median Income
Home to a high-earning community
With an educated and qualified workforce, it makes sense that the average household income is higher in Windcrest than the national average. In 2018, Windcrest’s average household income was $75,972, with projected growth in the coming years. This impressive figure shows growth within Windcrest, as the number sat at $60,956 back in 2000 .
Crime & safety
The city of Windcrest boasts its own local police and fire departments. The community also has a citizens patrol, which utilizes local volunteers to aid these departments. Overall, Windcrest has low rates of violent crime, more than ten points lower than the San Antonio metro area average. However, Windcrest does experience relatively high numbers of property crimes, especially when compared to the Texas state average.
Neighborhood guide
While Windcrest is technically considered a city, it has a small-town feel. This is likely why some residents compare their city to Mayberry of classic television. Both in and around Windcrest, these pocket neighborhoods have their own sense of charm and individuality.
Winn Brook Estates - Where the city meets the suburbs
This community development on the east side of Windcrest used to be ranch land where longhorn cattle roamed. Today, the neighborhood has 216 homes forming a tight knit community. With easy access to Loop 410 and I-35, it's a great location for commuters.
Camelot - A quiet commuter locale
This neighborhood south of Windcrest is a residential suburb of San Antonio. Residents love it for the convenient location and shopping along Walzem road. The serene Lien Hoa Buddhist Temple and garden is located in the heart of the neighborhood.
Royal Ridge - Appeals to apartment hunters
For those looking for an apartment or condo in the area, Royal Ridge provides solid options. Located north of Windcrest, this neighborhood has two and three bedroom townhomes along with an expansive apartment complex.
Sun Gate - A family-friendly community
On the opposite side of I-35 from Windcrest sits the neighborhood of Sun Gate. With a community park centrally located between the streets lined with single-family homes, this area is great for families with children. Additionally,
Saint Mary’s Hall, one of the best private schools in Texas, is a stone's throw away.
3 things to know before buying a home in Windcrest, according to locals
1. Embrace the Christmas spirit
The city of Windcrest goes all in for the Christmas season, and people from all over Texas come to see impressive and ornate local light displays. As December progresses, traffic clogs the neighborhood streets and police start to direct cars. Locals love this season, but it's important to be aware of the spectacle that it is. Neighbors often expect newcomers to take part in the annual festivities. Our local expert adds that it can be a bit challenging to navigate in and out of the neighborhood during this time of year.
2. The legislative boundaries have shifted
Texas has recently redrawn legislative boundaries in and around San Antonio due to population growth. Windcrest is now included in congressional district 21, which extends from San Antonio to Austin. The government provides resources to verify your local representatives.
3. Watch your speed
The Windcrest police department takes traffic laws seriously. The speed limit throughout the city is 20 mph, and police will regularly ticket cars going any faster than that. Now, a new program is being implemented where police can give warnings and tickets via text message.
The top 4 things to do in Windcrest
1. Book a tee time
Enjoy a day of golf at the Windcrest Golf Club, a 9-hole course in the heart of Windcrest. Golfers are welcome to either walk or ride along the 50-year-old course. Perfect for both beginners and golfing pros, the club also offers senior and military discounts.
2. Spend an afternoon at the park
Takas Windcrest City Park is the home of Windcrest’s Little League, but there's much more to discover at this serene park. A walking path encircles the pond where ducks and birds like to rest. There are tennis courts, a basketball court, and playground equipment to enjoy. The park also serves as a voting location for local and national elections.
3. Attend a community event
In addition to the famous Windcrest Light Up Christmas event, the city has plenty of happenings for residents to get involved in. The annual 4th of July Parade is a local favorite. After the parade circles around the golf course, the event ends at City Hall with a block party full of food and games.
4. Settle in for some soul food
Mrs. Kitchen Soul Food Restaurant is one of Windcrest’s most beloved food joints. With a menu offering entrees like catfish, fried chicken, and BBQ ribs, it’s easy to see why no one leaves hungry. This Southern-style spread is something every Windcrest resident should try at least once.
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Windcrest, TX homebuyer’s guide
LC
A graduate of the Hubbard School of Journalism at the University of Minnesota, Lindsey has written for print and online publications as a freelancer since 2018. In her spare time, Lindsey enjoys pottery, spending time with her family, and running her A-frame house account @chaseaframe.
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