Antique store located in Old Town Helotes. Located 20 miles from downtown San Antonio, Helotes is a small, growing town that sits as gateway to the Texas Hill Country.
Mia Valdez/ MySA
Helotes, a fast-growing suburb northwest of San Antonio, is one of the most sought-after small towns in the Texas Hill Country.
As more people move to the San Antonio region, Helotes has emerged as a popular destination for families and professionals seeking Hill Country charm, growing amenities and access to one of Texas’ largest cities.
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An Old Town Helotes sign located near the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Helotes.
Mia Valdez/MySA
What is Helotes known for?
The city’s name comes from the Spanish word elotes, or “corn,” according to Visit Helotes, the city’s tourism website. Helotes has deep agricultural roots tied to its history of large corn harvests and celebrates that heritage each year with Cornyval.
Thousands of visitors come to the area annually to explore Old Town Helotes for antiques, shopping, food and music. The small town is also home to the historic John T. Floore Country Store, a dance hall credited with helping launch Willie Nelson’s career.
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How far is Helotes from San Antonio?
Helotes is about a 25-minute drive from downtown San Antonio and borders the city’s far West Side.
What school district is Helotes in?
Helotes is primarily served by Northside Independent School District, which offers advanced magnet programs and specialized academic tracks for middle and high school students. According to Niche, NISD is one of the top-rated school districts in the San Antonio area.
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Families in the area also have access to several private schools, including Christian and Catholic school options, according to Niche.
What is the population of Helotes, Texas?
According to Visit Helotes, the city is home to roughly 10,000 residents. World Population Review estimates Helotes’ 2026 population at 10,775, reflecting an 18.17% increase since 2020
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Antique store located in Old Town Helotes.
Mia Valdez/ MySA
How much does it cost to buy a home in Helotes?
The average home value in Helotes is $462,259, according to the latest homebuying data from Zillow.
What is the average household income in Helotes?
In 2024, the median household income in Helotes was $132,675, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
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What’s the average cost to rent in Helotes?
According to Zillow, the average rent across all home sizes and property types in Helotes is $2,449 per month. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,028.
Exterior of Texas Grounds Coffee Company Roasters in Helotes. Located just 20 miles from downtown San Antonio, Helotes is a small, growing town that sits as gateway to the Texas Hill Country.
Mia Valdez/ MySA
Helotes City council breakdown
Mayor Rich Whitehead
Craig Sanders Council Place 1 | Mayor Pro Tem
Jen Sones, Council Place 2
Dave Cato, Council Place 3
Sabrina McGowan, Council Place 4
Buck Russel, Council Place 5
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Cost of utilities in Helotes
According to Payscale’s Cost of Living Calculator, the cost of living in Helotes is 9% below the national average. The cost of utilities are 5% below the national average. A typical energy bill costs $210 per month and a phone bill costs $187.35 a month.
Best places to eat in Helotes
According to the Helotes Economic Development Corporation, the small town boasts a “vibrant local dining and retail scene” that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Tripadvisor’s top-rated restaurants in Helotes with more than four stars include 6 Klicks Cafe, B-Daddy’s BBQ, Floore’s Country Store and El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant. Locals also flock to Mary’s Tacos for breakfast tacos and Texas Grounds Coffee Co. for coffee and sweets.