Crown Meadows - San Antonio, TX

Crown Meadows lies within the far west region of San Antonio, a city that was the largest Spanish settlement in Texas and the fastest-growing city in the United States for a decade. After the Mexican-American War drastically reduced the population, the city rebounded through immigration and the cattle industry. Towards the end of the 20th century, the city saw steady growth in terms of population and land.

This neighborhood doesn't have any museums, and none of San Antonio's annual events take place here. While you won't find any art galleries in Crown Meadows, art stores and small galleries can be found in nearby areas.

Crown Meadows packs a varied mix of moderately priced restaurants into a small area, with several located along Culebra Road.

For American food made from fresh ingredients, check out The 210 Pizza & Burger Bistro. Flat-screen TVs and a lively atmosphere make this the ideal place to grab a bite to eat and watch the game. For a gourmet-style burger, try the signature 210, which combines a beef patty with grilled shrimp, brandied apples and a white wine honey dressing. Make sure to save room dessert because you have to try the colossal chocolate cake before you leave.

Italian food fans frequent Umberto's Italian Grill, a classy yet low-key restaurant. Come here for a quiet dinner and elegant decor, both of which make it perfect for a romantic dinner date. The pasta dishes highlight the menu, particularly the beef lasagna and the spaghetti with meatballs.

Located on Loop 410 South, the Acadiana Cafe serves up Cajun-inspired classics in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Well known for its deep-fried turkey served throughout the year, this establishment also garners praise for its "big meals" designed to serve a crowd. Stop by here and chow down on dishes such as seafood gumbo and fried catfish for a true touch of Louisiana cuisine.

As far as nightlife goes, you have several options nearby, including bars, night clubs and pool halls. To have fun without going broke, try Bogart's Cocktails. Depending on the night, there may be a DJ, karaoke or music playing from the jukebox. Bogart's never gets too loud though, so you can still enjoy a conversation. Inexpensive drinks and entertainment options, including a pool table and dart board, complete the experience.

Flat terrain around this neighborhood and those surrounding it makes walking or biking easy. Errands and commutes usually require a car due to the distance, but a bike can be used in some cases. Many streets around the area don't have bike lanes, so you may want to have some riding experience before riding a bike here.

Motorists drive the numerous roads through Crown Meadows or head east to the nearby Interstate 410 for longer commutes. The highway loops around part of San Antonio while connecting with many other highways, making this a common starting point for travel. You can park on most streets in this neighborhood; just be sure read the signs first.

VIA Metropolitan Transit buses service this area, and routes 610 and 618 pass closest to the neighborhood. To connect with other routes, head up Ingram Road to the Ingram Transit Center. Taxis and ride share companies such as Uber also service Crown Meadows, and pickup times vary.

At over 56 acres, Cathedral Rock Nature Park provides an ideal setting for taking in San Antonio's natural beauty and wildlife. Hiking trails zigzag around the park, so you can take your own personal tour. This park welcomes children and on-leash dogs, so bring the whole family for a day of exploring. Pack an ample lunch and finish up with a bite to eat at one of the picnic areas.

For more family fun and a change of scenery, go feed the ducks at Heritage Duck Pond and Park on Ellison Drive—doing so only costs a quarter—or drive over to Raymond Rimkus Park on Evers Road and get your game on. This park has plenty of sports fields as well as tennis courts for you to enjoy.

Life in Crown Meadows carries a slightly higher cost than the city average. A one-bedroom residency usually rents for about $650, but it is possible to find cheaper arrangements. A Metro ride into the city's center costs $1.20 for a one-way ticket. A pint at the local pub typically costs about $3, and gas prices come in around 13 percent lower than the national average.

Shopping centers around Crown Meadows include Culebra Crossing and the Ingram Park Mall. Specialty shops also exist and are scattered throughout the area.

For a book and music shop with a quirky vibe, shop at Imagine Books and Records. Expect low prices for interesting books and records you may not know about yet, as Imagine stocks music by local artists along with major releases. This shop books live music acts three or four times per month, so make sure to ask when the next event takes place.

Whether you need to get a couple clothing items or furnish your home, you can do it without spending too much at Texas Thrift Store. The friendly staff keeps this store clean and organized, making it simple to find what you're after. This place has a ton of good stuff to sort through, so come here when you have time to spare and you may just find a couple hidden gems.

For grocery shopping, go to Walmart and Target nearby or several smaller markets and convenience stores. Crown Meadows doesn't have any farmers markets, but there are several throughout the city, the closest one in Leon Valley.