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’ve lived on Westfield Place for the past three years, moving here from a small country town to attend college. Over time, I’ve grown to love this quiet yet convenient community and everything it has to offer.
Living in northwest San Antonio has given me a real appreciation for the balance my community creates. It offers convenience without chaos, natural beauty without isolation, and a strong sense of local character that makes it feel welcoming. One of the first things that drew me here was the location. It’s close enough to downtown for an easy drive, but far enough away to avoid the constant noise and congestion of the city center.
As I settled in, I began to appreciate the daily routines that tie me here. In the mornings, I usually drive down Prue Road to grab breakfast before heading into my day. On weekends, I often take slow drives toward Bandera Road just to explore the small businesses tucked between the bigger stores. When I need to clear my mind or take a break, I go for a run. Over time, these little habits have become traditions that make the area feel like mine.
The community surrounding me in Westfield Place is calm and friendly. It’s common to see families walking dogs, kids racing down the sidewalks on bikes, and joggers heading toward the trailhead in the mornings and evenings.
Isaac Martinez poses for a portrait in the Westfield Place community on the North Side, which features a large trail and a golf driving range. Credit: Clint Datchuk for the San Antonio Report
Just minutes away is O. P. Schnabel Park, one of San Antonio’s most iconic outdoor spaces. With 200 acres of trails, fields, and picnic areas, it’s always full of life. Families grill under the trees, kids play soccer on open fields, and fitness groups gather for early morning workouts. Having that kind of green space so close by makes the area feel even more grounded and connected to nature.
Local businesses have also become part of my routine and part of the neighborhood’s charm. Down Prue closer to Huebner, there’s Kung Fu Noodle, a locally owned ramen spot I visit whenever I want something warm and comforting after a long week. Heading toward De Zavala, Kolache Donut has become my go-to breakfast stop or sweet treat spot. Their effort and quality never disappoint, and it’s the kind of place that feels like a true community staple.
Like anywhere, the area has its downsides. It’s still very car-dependent, and traffic on Bandera Road can get heavy, especially during rush hour. But those feel like minor trade-offs compared to everything else this neighborhood provides.
What really makes this place special is the balance. It feels suburban without being isolated, lively without being overwhelming, and connected to nature while still being close to everything you need. Being located between I-10 and 1604 West adds to that convenience. Drive ten minutes in one direction and you’re near I-10; drive ten minutes the other way and you’ll reach Bandera Road, which connects you to Leon Valley, Helotes and 1604 West.
Isaac Martinez enjoys walking the trail of the Westfield Place community on the North Side. Credit: Clint Datchuk for the San Antonio Report
The Westfield Place community has taught me to appreciate the slower pace and the little things that make a neighborhood feel like a true home. For me, it’s the evening walks through the neighborhood, the familiar faces at my favorite spots, the spontaneous ramen dinners with friends, and the quiet mornings when I sit in my car and enjoy a pastry before starting my day.
Moving from a small country town called Rio Hondo in the Valley was a big adjustment, but choosing this area made the transition much easier. The Prue and Bandera area isn’t just where I live, it’s where I’ve built routines, memories, and a genuine connection to the community around me.