The Where I Live series aims to showcase our diverse city and region by spotlighting its many vibrant neighborhoods. Each week a local resident invites us over and lets us in on what makes their neighborhood special. Have we been to your neighborhood yet? Get in touch to share your story. If your story is selected and published, you will receive a $250 stipend.
I didn’t plan to move to San Antonio. In fact, I hadn’t even planned to visit.
Back in 2020, my partner, Kimmyu, and I were on a cross-country road trip, heading from our home in Stuart, Florida, with plans to visit Colorado and eventually make our way to California. But when we realized the heat in our car wasn’t working — right in the middle of winter — we knew driving into freezing temperatures wasn’t an option. So we pivoted, looking for a warmer route, and ended up in San Antonio instead.
That unexpected detour changed everything.
From the moment we arrived, we were drawn in by San Antonio’s charm. The affordability, the beauty, the warm and welcoming vibe — it all felt right. We both said, “We could actually live here.” After continuing on to California, we couldn’t stop thinking about San Antonio. By the time we returned to Florida, we’d made up our minds to continue living spontaneously and move to Texas.
We initially settled in The Rim, but it wasn’t long before we found ourselves drawn to Southtown, just south of downtown San Antonio. This neighborhood felt like a perfect fit — creative, walkable and full of character. Nestled near the historic King William District, Southtown is close to everything: downtown, the San Antonio River Walk, Hemisfair and a rich mix of restaurants, coffee shops and local markets. It’s an artsy, vibrant area where you’ll find murals on almost every corner, live music floating through the air and a deep sense of community.
By March 2024, our lives had changed in a big way — we were expecting our first baby. As our family grew, so did our need for space and convenience. Moving to Southtown made perfect sense. It was closer to both of our jobs and offered the lifestyle we wanted as new parents.
I run a business called Kalon by Josseline, a natural and vegan skincare brand I launched in 2021. Much of my work involves participating in local pop-up events, which are often held in and around Southtown. Living nearby makes these events so much easier to prepare for and attend. Not to mention, the neighborhood’s creative energy inspires much of my content creation, especially now that I’ve started creating content as a local food reviewer.
Kimmyu works at the Bexar County Courthouse, which is within walking distance of our apartment. Since we share one car, the ability for him to walk or bike to work is a major plus — and it gives him a chance to stay active. Southtown’s walkability has become one of our favorite things about living here.
We’ve truly found our rhythm in this neighborhood. Some of our favorite local spots include Stranded Coffee, Rosa’s Kitchen food truck for the best authentic tacos, and Leche de Tigre for amazing Peruvian food. We love going to First Fridays at Brick at Blue Star, where the arts and culture scene really comes alive. Hemisfair is also just around the corner, offering plenty of green space and playgrounds — perfect for family time.
One of the best parts about living in Southtown is that we get the best of both worlds: city and nature. As a new mom, being close to the River Walk has been a game-changer for my mental health and well-being. I take daily walks with our baby, and it’s become a cherished part of our routine. It gives me a chance to get outside, clear my head and enjoy some quiet moments with my son.
Our two-bedroom apartment has been a cozy and functional home for our little family. Having a dedicated nursery and a bit of extra space was important as we transitioned into parenthood. We love our apartment complex — it has a gym, a pool, a game room and even hosts community events like yoga classes and Food Truck Wednesdays. It feels safe, well-maintained and family-friendly. These amenities have been so helpful for my postpartum journey, giving me both support and a sense of connection to our community.
Southtown has proven to be more than just a neighborhood — it’s become a cornerstone of our story. From an unexpected stop on a road trip to building a home and business here, San Antonio has welcomed me with open arms. I’m grateful every day for that broken heater, a twist of fate that brought us to this city we now call home.
