Although Texas' border with Mexico lies further south, San Antonio, Texas, is where the cultures of Texas and Mexico meet and coexist contendedly, giving rise to numerous festivals and other cultural attractions that celebrate this place where two worlds converge. San Antonio, now the nation's eighth-largest city, will always be known first and foremost for the Alamo, and second for the famous Riverwalk, but it's actually one of Texas' most culturally fascinating cities with much more to offer than its historical artifacts.

We've all heard the famous cry, "Remember the Alamo!" But what is its origin? Few of us -- particularly those of us who reside outside of Texas -- know its history. The Alamo is actually an historic mission where, for 13 days in 1836, a brave group of Texas soldiers stood their ground against Mexican troops led by Gen. Antonio López de Santa Anna. Despite the efforts of these brave Texans, the Alamo ultimately fell on the morning of March 6, 1836, and the Texas soldiers lost their lives. The mission continues to serve as a symbol of bravery and sacrifice for the sake of freedom. Sam Houston, leader of the Texas Army, uttered the words that none us have forgotten. Since 1905, an organization called the Daughters of the Republic of Texas has managed the Alamo. The well-preserved mission, located within short distance of the Riverwalk, remains a must on any San Antonio tourist's trip.

Other notable attractions within San Antonio include the King William Historic Area, which served during the late 1800s as one of San Antonio's most exclusive residential districts. The district has retained that aura throughout history. Comprised of 25 blocks, the district is lined with homes once owned by notable German merchants, such as Carl Hilmer Guenther, who built his estate here in 1860. Visitors may tour the Guenther home, as well as the Victorian-style Edward Steves Homestead, built in 1876.

Market Square, also known as "El Mercado," is a festive outdoor market reminiscent of similar shopping areas in Mexico. Within Market Square, you'll find numerous retail shops, a farmers' market and periodic festivals throughout the year that celebrate Latino culture through food, music, cultural performances, arts and crafts. The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park houses four 18th century Spanish colonial missions. These architectural anomalies are a rare treat for any visitor. The Riverwalk, also called Paseo del Rio, is a peaceful waterway and green oasis winding through downtown San Antonio. Along its banks, you'll find plenty of well-shaded shops and eateries perfect for R&R. Pull up a chair, order yourself a margarita, and enjoy a little people-watching on a pleasant San Antonio afternoon.

San Antonio's lush greenery is spotlighted in the San Antonio Botanical Gardens and Lucile Halsell Conservatory. Within its 33 acres, you'll experience the best of Texas' diverse landscape. The conservatory houses 90,000 square feet of exhibits, including a "desert house," "tropical house," "palm house," "orangery" and "fern room." And before you leave, be sure to visit one of the city's most valued treasures, the San Antonio Zoological Gardens and Aquarium. Regarded as one of the United States' best, the San Antonio Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals representing some 700 different species. Among the zoo's highlights is its bird exhibit, one of the largest in the world.

With an average annual growth rate of 1.9 percent, San Antonio is expected to rank among the nation's fastest-growing cities as we move into the next century. The city's current population is approximately 1,172,000. Its median age is 32.5 years old, and average annual income, according to 1998 statistics, is $31,563, somewhat lower than the U.S. average annual income of $34,618. Unemployment stood at 3.0 percent in February 1999. Among San Antonio's largest employers are SBC Communications, Ultramar Diamond Shamrock, H.B. Zachry Company, La Quinta Motor Inns and KCI.

One of the biggest draws to San Antonio from any corporation's perspective is its extremely reasonable cost of living. An analysis by Runzheimer International found that an executive earning $60,000 annually with a family of four in New York would, if transferred to San Antonio, pocket $18,631 at the end of the year. San Antonio is indeed a transferee's dream; home prices are approximately 30 percent below the national median and are available at less than half the cost of comparable housing in some cities in California and New England, according to the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation. The foundation reports that the city's real estate market offers good buys thanks to San Antonio's plentiful labor, land and building materials, as well as its lengthy building season (the weather is friendly year-round here, with the exception of an occasional rainy spell, as the city is currently experiencing). San Antonio's wealth of solidly built homes are a steal for any incoming resident.

Add up all of these factors -- cultural diversity, numerous attractions, a rich history, strong economy and an excellent housing market -- and you've got the recipe for a high quality of life. It's little wonder that the Alamo city is attracting corporations left and right, and is likely to keep and perhaps even improve its rank in the nation's top 10 cities as we move into 2000 and beyond.

Published: July 5, 1999

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Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Courtney Ronan only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.