If increase in population has any bearing on the housing market, then home sales in San Antonio should be off the screen when the sluggish real estate market begins its historical return to normalcy. Ranked third in the country in population growth, and with strong employment indicators continuing to show positive signs in San Antonio, home prices have remained relatively stable through the national real estate drought.
The city's population has shown positive gains since the mid-to-late 1990. Since the 2000 census San Antonio has gained close to 170,000 new residents. Bexar County showing the 6th highest numerical gain across the country. Much of the growth can be attributed to room to expand, affordable housing prices and an excellent overall climate.
The optimism that has always prevailed in San Antonio housing is validated by the strong growth in the Alamo Ranch area in far northwest San Antonio, an area that had shown little or no promise during better times. An ever- improving highway system with easy access to a multitude of attractions, ranging from The Alamo and the River Walk, to Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Seaworld add to what makes San Antonio a popular place to live.
Other Texas cities that were in the top ten in growth rate are Houston, Ft. Worth and Dallas.