Monte Vista Neighborhood in San Antonio

Monte Vista is an established upper-middle class neighborhood that is home to many prominent professionals. It is a desirable spot in San Antonio and located in a convenient location that is a short drive from downtown. The area is considered one of the most expensive spots of San Antonio and is one of the most historic areas in the city. The neighborhood's historical aspect has garnered attention throughout the years, and increased Monte Vista's popularity and desirability. Each neighborhood in Monte Vista has a variety of different housing styles. Residents of the area can choose from Neoclassical, Italian Renaissance, French Eclectic, Georgian, Moorish or the traditional Victorian style when purchasing their home. Some of the homes look fairy-tell in appearance contributing to high property values in the area. Dozens of distinguished architects were hired to design the different housing styles that can be see in the Monte Vista area which contributes to its diversity. Some of the architects were world-class award winning designers such as Frost Carvel, Atlee B. Ayers, Robert Kelly, and Adams and Adams. The neighborhood was originally home to many upper-class residents who wanted their homes to be elaborate displays of their wealth and prestige. The refinement of many Monte Vista homes can still be seen today.

From the years 1890 to 1930 Monte Vista was the finest and most prosperous neighborhood in the state of Texas. Although Monte Vista it is still an excellent area, other prestigious spots in Texas have knocked Monte Vista off of its pedestal. One of the main features of the area that draws new and potential residents to the neighborhood is the area's location. Monte Vista has a highly favorable location that is only two miles from downtown San Antonio. Local residents have the convenience of being able to walk into the city and professionals are often close to their place of employment when living in Monte Vista.

The Monte Vista neighborhood has over 3,000 residents. Much of Monte Vista is now a considered a National Historic District and many of the homes from the late 1800's and early 1900's are still surprisingly intact. The neighborhood achieved national landmark status in 1998 and has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the area is one of the most storied neighborhoods in the city thanks to the Monte Vista Historical Association. The association was founded in 1973 by a group of individuals who wanted to preserve the Monte Vista area by getting it listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Monte Vista Historical Association also wanted to halt the demolition and decay of structures. More than 1600 local residents worked to get the association approved by the city. Once it was listed it became the largest historical district in the country. Those familiar with the history of Monte Vista commonly refer to the area as the Monte Vista National Historic District.

Overall, the Monte Vista area is a safe community for families and professionals but in Spring 2008 the neighborhood suffered from a rash of burglaries. Thieves broke into numerous resident homes using the alleyways and backdoors for entry points. The Monte Vista Historical Association increased bike patrols, police surveillance and unmarked police cars in an effort to diminish crime in the area.