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25 ways San Antonio has improved over time

By San Antonio Current Staff on Sat, Jun 1, 2024 at 8:26 am

Let's face it: San Antonio has changed a lot over recent years. We've grown and become more cosmopolitan, but a lot of that growth has been painful and disorienting. Favorite local landmarks have gone by the wayside, housing's become more expensive and traffic has gotten more aggravating.

At the same time, there's stuff to be thankful for as our city has expanded, diversified, gained new businesses and adopted new ideas. Let's keep a positive attitude and run down 25 changes that have made the Alamo City a better place.

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While there's still a long way to go, the city is considerably more bike friendly.
Facebook / San Antonio Bikes

There are more reasons to get dressed up, from high-end bars and restaurants to uber-classy clubs.
Photo via Instagram / thehotelemma

The opening of the Museum Reach finally made the River Walk a place locals can also enjoy.
Photo via Instagram / larnunfiltered

More murals around town by great artists, including Los Otros, Centro SA and Eva Marengo Sanchez, to name just a few.
Photo by Jaime Monzon

Hipper hotels for out-of-town guests and staycations have popped up — Emma, The Thompson and the Ranch among them.
Courtesy Photo / Hotel Emma

A greater appreciation for wine and craft cocktails, including plenty of great homegrown spots at which to enjoy them.
Photo by Michael Karlis

More vintage stores and markets.
Photo by Michael Garcia, courtesy of Brickadelic Market

After bagging five NBA championships, the Spurs finally appear to be a place to work for more.
Photo by Kiko Martinez

Our drag scene has really come into its own.
Photo by Julián P. Ledezma

We got rid of the ridiculously restrictive term limits that threw City Council members out after just a pair of two-year terms.
Shutterstock / JHVEPhoto

UTSA is gaining steam as an internationally recognized research institution.
Courtesy Photo / University of Texas at San Antonio

More vegan and vegetarian dining options.
Instagram / kindburgers

Our dining scene is increasingly diverse. Name an ethnic cuisine, and chances are you can find it.
Photo by Jaime Monzon

The city passed a nondiscrimination ordinance.
Photo by Julián P. Ledezma

Excellent microbreweries continue to sprout up all over town.
Photo by Jaime Monzon

The San Antonio River's Mission Reach has added more beautiful public space to our city.
Photo via Instagram / timd_satx

San Antonio's visual art scene is now nationally recognized.
Courtesy Photo / McNay Art Museum

St. Paul Square is finally becoming the dining and nightlife destination that's been promised for years.
Photo by Lea Thompson

The city's maker and designer community — including Bexar Goods, Richter Goods and Lunchroom Anxiety, among others — continues to grow and thrive.
Facebook / Richter Goods