San Antonio is the seventh largest city in the United States and the second largest city in Texas with a population of 1,537,900 people (San Antonio Development Foundation). The city of San Antonio has experienced population growth rate averaging approximately 22% since 1990. According to government forecast, San Antonio is expected to continue to be among the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the United States. San Antonio has the lowest cost of living of any major city in Texas, and is, in fact, one of the least expensive cities to live in its size in the country.
While the cost of living may be low, San Antonio doesn't skimp on entertainment and has all the amenities of an urban area, with outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, sailing, white water sports, hunting, and boating only minutes away in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. The Alamo, Riverwalk, HemisFair Plaza, El Mercado (Market Square), La Villita, Sea World of Texas and Six Flags Fiesta Texas are not only tourist attractions, but provide San Antonio with entertainment unmatched by other cities in the U.S.
San Antonio celebrates its heritage every year with several major events, such as the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo in February; Fiesta San Antonio in April; the Texas Folklife Festival in August; and the Riverwalk Christmas Lighting in November. The nationally acclaimed San Antonio Symphony and Arts San Antonio provide the city's musical and theatrical ambiance. From opera to jazz, avant-garde to country and western, art exhibits to poetry readings, lectures, films, and performances by major national and international stars, as well as local favorites, San Antonio offers something unique for everyone.
