Top 5 Things to Know Before Moving to Stone Oak
Unlike so much content out there on the web these days – this article is written by an actual human that lives in Stone Oak – and these are five actual real world things you may not have known about if you are moving to the area. I know what it’s like to relocate – I’ve done it five times over the past 10 years! As a resident of Stone Oak, I’m also an expert in this area – so if you need help finding the right house in the right neighborhood – give me a call today!
#1 – Construction on 281
It’s one of the largest construction projects in Texas – a state not known for doing things small – and has a projected cost of nearly half a BILLION dollars. This one is a good news / bad news scenario – so let’s start with the bad news.
The bad news – and the thing for buyers to be aware of – is that this project will disrupt the traffic flow and ALL key entry / exit points within Stone for the rest of 2020. In addition to traffic, the project produces a steady amount of dust and noise – even at night, as most of the major work is done after the sunsets due to the heavy traffic flow (and insanely hot summer days). Although temporary – the noise and dust is something to factor in for any home within 1/4 mile of 281 on either side of the highway.
Now the good news – phase one of the project is 75% complete and is on track to be completed more or less on schedule. Completion of this project will have a drastic positive impact on traffic and total travel times to and from Stone Oak will be faster than they’ve ever been before. For example, residents will be able to exit Stone Oak via Evans Road, merge onto express lanes, and get all the way to the San Antonio airport without hitting a single traffic light.
Due to the increase in traffic capacity and travel times, several new commercial developments are planned in areas just North of Stone Oak on 281 – and these new shops and offices will be easily accessible from any Stone Oak neighborhood.
#2 – Taxes and Zoning
Texas has no state income tax – but it has to generate income from somewhere – and a good chunk of that somewhere is property tax. When buying a house, one thing to be mindful of is that the total tax rate for a house can vary based on whether the house is with the official City of San Antonio incorporated area, or just outside of it. The incorporated boundary is not obvious and neither are the boundaries for school districts – and both can change fairly frequently as the City continues to annex and growth its physical footprint, and schools adjust to balance their enrollments.
In short – always confirm which school district a house is in and whether or not it’s in the official San Antonio City limits or not – as both will have tax implications.
#3 – The Schools are Gigantic
The public schools in Northern San Antonio are good – that much you can tell from some of the school rating and real estate sites on the web. The two main high schools – Reagan and Johnson both consistently rank in the top 5 in San Antonio for average SAT scores.
What is less than obvious is just low large the schools are – Reagan and Johnson have more than 5,000 students each – more than many colleges. Due to the continual stream of new construction in the area – including higher density housing such as apartment complexes – the population of the main schools is only likely to increase. On the plus side, due to their size, the schools have excellent facilities and a wide range of programs – and are a good prep for what it will be like in college.
#4 – The Entire Area is Made of Solid Limestone
If you stick a shovel in the ground anywhere in Stone Oak, you will go no further than a few inches down before sticking a solid chunk of limestone bedrock. Why does this matter when you are looking for a house? Well, if you want a pool – get a house that already has one, because it costs a small fortune to build one here. A typical medium sized pool costs upwards of $100,000 to install and take months of non-stop jack hammering to complete.
#5 – Several Awesome Community Projects are Underway
A new 200 acre park will be constructed in 2021 and will be located near the center of Stone Oak on Hardy Oak blvd. The park, along with several planned shopping plazas that will be built adjacent to the new park, will transform this currently undeveloped area of Stone Oak and are the result of a purchase of a large swath of land from the Classen-Steubing family. Hence, the park will be named “Classen-Steubing Ranch Park”
If biking is more your thing – the Salado Creek Greenway – a beautiful 30 mile stretch of wooded pedestrian path – wide enough for bikes, roller-bladers and joggers to peacefully co-exist – will be connected to the Leon Creek Greenway in 2021. This will create a continuous 50 mile bike route that runs right through the edge of Stone Oak at Blanco and 1604. Eventually, this path will be joined with other bike paths Downtown and will form a pedestrian loop that encircles the entire city.
Want to Know More? I’m Here to Help!
I know what it’s like to relocate to a new area – I’ve moved my husband and three boys five times over the past ten years, and three of those moves were more than 1,000 miles. Stone Oak is were we have settled – and I have the answers to all of your questions about the area. I specialize in finding buyers the perfect house – so contact me today and I’ll make this move the best you’ve ever had.
