Wilshire - San Antonio, TX

Wilshire Terrace sits within the north central region of San Antonio, a city which came from humble beginnings to one of the largest in the United States. Although the Mexican-American War took its toll on the city, it developed quickly through railroads and the cattle industry. Industries have continued to grow and many now know of San Antonio for its commercial entertainment options and military bases.

The neighborhood has a strong arts scene, with the McNay Art Museum, The Royal Canvas and Anarte Gallery all a short drive away. In addition to being a gallery, The Royal Canvas also features art classes for those who wish to learn. San Antonio features plenty of annual events, but none take place in this area.

Dining in Wilshire Terrace consists of inexpensive to moderately priced restaurants, many of them concentrated around the Austin Highway.

For a mix of traditional Thai meals and contemporary Asian fusion, check out Tong's Thai Restaurant. Seafood fans should definitely try the Haw-Mok, a dish that combines several different kinds of seafood with red curry to add some zest. Wash it down with the bubble tea, a unique drink that comes from Taiwan.

If you feel like Tex-Mex, visit Cazadores Mexican Restaurant. A laid back atmosphere and friendly service makes diners feel at home. With low prices and hearty meals, Cazadores provides the perfect spot to start your day off right or grab a bite before going home. The mini tacos make for a nice snack, but with the way these taste you may end up eating several.

While many residents of this neighborhood rely on their cars, other convenient travel options are available as well.

Many nearby amenities and fairly flat terrain make this a walkable area in which to live. You can also get around quickly by bike. However, some streets in Wilshire Terrace and the adjacent neighborhoods don't have bike lanes, so it helps to have some riding experience.

VIA Metropolitan Transit buses service San Antonio, with routes 8, 14, 214, 509 and 647 all stopping around this neighborhood. You can also call a taxi or request a ride share like Uber. Pick up times vary.

For commuting by car, drivers have U.S. Route 281 and Interstate 410 a short drive away. U.S. Route 281, which runs north and south, lies west of the area. Interstate 410 circles around the inner part of San Antonio. Hop on it by driving either east or north from Wilshire Terrace. Once on Loop 410, as the locals call it, you can take it to several other highway connections depending on where you need to go. Feel free to park on the street in this neighborhood, just read the signs first.

San Antonio's ongoing development of the citywide greenway network provides active families with miles of free trails and neighborhood parks for hiking and playing with pets. A lengthy stretch of the Salado Creek Greenway forms Wilshire's east border, linking Tobin Park to the north with Wilshire Terrace Park and James Park to the south.

Tobin Park houses a Salado Greenway trailhead and parking, so you can bring bikes to ride along the paved paths and have a safe spot to leave your car. Take a group down to the Wilshire Terrace multipurpose fields for a dodgeball challenge, or enjoy an afternoon jog at James Park while your kids use the playground as their imaginary fort.

James Park also features fitness stations made up of simple exercise equipment integrated into the landscape. For a change of scenery, alternate between hiking on the park's greenway trail and nature trail.

Fitness-oriented recreation and cultural events take place in San Antonio parks year-round, but most events happen near the central neighborhoods. Show off your sprinting skills at the Alamo Run Fest, a two-day celebration at the Alamodome with marathon races, 5k races and live performances.

Wilshire Terrace carries a slightly higher cost of living than the city average, with housing costing a bit more. A one-bedroom apartment typically rents for about $901, 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 the local pub usually costs about $4.

Specialty shops and boutiques, several of which can be found at the Sunset Ridge Shopping Center, characterize the shopping experience around this area.

Boutique shoppers should give Aquarius Boutique a try. This hip shop features clothes and accessories that combine timeless styles with a modern flair. With new clothes rotated in often, rest assured that anything you buy here fits the current styles. To add to the shopping experience, the owner of Aquarius puts contemporary pieces from local artists on the walls.

Major grocery stores in the area include Walmart and H-E-B, both located on Austin Highway. While Wilshire Terrace doesn't have any farmers markets, the city has several.