Rainbow Hills - San Antonio, TX

Rainbow Hills lies within the far west region of San Antonio, a city founded in 1718. At one point the largest Spanish settlement in Texas, San Antonio became part of the United States after the nation annexed Texas. It became a hallmark of diversity, showcasing many different races and cultures. Known for developing quickly, the city had one of the fastest growth rates in the nation towards the end of the 20th century.

While San Antonio has many museums and art galleries, none of them can be found in Rainbow Hills. The neighborhood doesn't have any annual events.

Rainbow Hills features inexpensive to moderately priced dining options, with many of them located around Loop 410.

For fresh, handmade Chinese food, check out Golden Wok. Chef's specials, such as the Hong Kong roast duck, highlight the menu, but if you like to be hands-on, try out the create-your-own-stir-fry bar. This restaurant keeps the prices low, but you can come during happy hour for even better deals.

Andrea's Mexican Restaurant brings the Mexican dining experience to the states, with friendly service and well-cooked meals ranging from huevos rancheros to tacos. For a spicy combination of flavors, try the jalapeño onion scramble. The relaxed, low-key atmosphere makes Andrea's a great place to start your day with a hearty breakfast.

Thai food fans should take a short drive north and visit Asia Kitchen. Expect large portions for reasonable prices, all in a casual yet lively setting. Fried rice fans may want to try the Thai fried rice, which can be ordered as spicy as you want it. If you get it hot, make sure to order a sweet tea to pair with it.

The majority of Rainbow Hill's residents find a car to be the most convenient travel method, although you may find other ways to commute.

Drivers have quick highway access, with Interstate 410 and U.S. Route 90 both in close proximity to the neighborhood. Interstate 410 encircles part of San Antonio and connects with several highways, making it the ideal choice for traveling around the city. U.S. Route 90 can be taken for trips east or west. You can park on the street in this area; just read the signs before you do.

VIA Metropolitan Transit buses service San Antonio, with route 617 passing through Rainbow Hills; pickup times vary. Taxis and ride share companies such as Uber also service the area.

Although the neighborhood has fairly flat terrain, most errands and commutes take too long for walking to be a realistic option. Biking can be done depending on where you need to go, but many streets around the area don't have bike lanes.

Residents of the neighborhood have two well-maintained nearby parks to choose from, each free of charge and over 7 acres. You can bring your dog, just make sure to keep him on a leash. Neither park holds any annual events, but several take place at other parks throughout San Antonio.

If you want to stay local, go to Rainbow Hills Park on Rasa Drive. With a basketball court, a baseball diamond and a soccer field, sports fans have plenty of options here. This park also has several picnic areas and a playground, making it a place where the whole family can have fun.

Lackland Terrace Park sits on Westshire Drive on the other side of Interstate 410. It features athletic fields and a soft surface trail for hiking or jogging. The Gill Community Center at this park hosts an assortment of programs for seniors, plus a free lunch at mid-day.

Life in Rainbow Hills carries a lower cost of living than the city average, particularly in regards to housing costs. A one-bedroom apartment usually rents for about $600, although you may find less expensive arrangements.

A Metro ride to the city center costs $1.20 for a one-way ticket, and gas prices come in around 13 percent lower than the national average. A pint at a nearby pub typically costs about $4.

The shopping experience in Rainbow Hills focuses on independent specialty stores, which you can find scattered around the area.

Those who like shooting should visit The Powderhorn. The down-to-earth staff provides assistance when you need it, and you can also have gunsmith work done here. Powderhorn buys and sells guns, and you can even put a gun on layaway and pay for it in installments. With a more diverse catalog than many commercial gun stores, you may want to look here for hard-to-find guns. In some cases, the store can even special order an item for you.

Comic fans can take a short drive north and go to Alien Worlds. The shop features an extensive selection of comics and games, along with frequent in-store gaming events. With merchandise for all age groups, the whole family can enjoy coming here. Alien Worlds even sells art pieces made by local artists, so you may find a one-of-a-kind painting you like.

For grocery shopping, the H-E-B up on Marbach Road serves as the closest major store. Rainbow Hills doesn't have any farmers markets, but you can find them throughout San Antonio.