Terrell Hills is a Census Designated Place (CDP), (not gated community) that is minutes from downtown San Antonio. While it’s not its own city, it is its own CDP. Living in Terrell Hills has a lot to offer. From its proximity to San Antonio and its many attractions to its low cost of living, this suburb can’t get any better. Terrell Hills is part of a group of three cities—Terrell Hills, Alamo Heights, and Olmos Park.
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History
The city is named after Frederick Terrell, a bank teller and former Terrell Hills mayor. In 1922, Frederick sold 22.5 acres of land, and construction began. The private entity that bought the property also developed and managed the new community until 1939; it was incorporated as a municipality in 1945. Shortly after its incorporation, San Antonio attempted to annex it into the city but ultimately failed.
Is Terrell Hills a Good Place to Live?
Terrell Hills is a great place to live. The parks are abundant, and the community is tight-knit; some residents even consider it one of the best places to live in San Antonio.
Where Is Terrell Hills Texas?
Terrell Hills is located in central Bexar County near San Antonio; the city is part of the San Antonio Metropolitan Statistical Area. Alamo Heights, Fort Sam Houston, Uptown San Antonio, and east San Antonio border the city. Mission City (San Antonio) almost entirely surrounds Terrell Hills. Its 6 miles from Terrell Hills to San Antonio
Terrell Hills Population & Demographics
Terrell Hills has a population of 5,045 and a metro population of 2,601,788. The median household income is $199,643 (US $75,149), making Terrell Hills a very affluent place to live. The income per capita is $99,662, compared to the US average of $41,261. It’s the 19th-most populated Bexar County city and has the fourth-highest median household income. People living in Terrell Hills are older, as the median age is 42, and only 30.2% of residents are under the age of 18.
Additional demographics
- Sex ratio: 50 females to 50 males
- Racial and ethnic makeup: 83.6% White, 74.7% White (non-Hispanic or Latino), 21.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% two or more races, 3.1% Asian, 0.2% American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.2 Black or African American
- Educational attainment: 96.6% have high school diplomas or higher, and 73.8% have bachelor’s degrees or higher
- Foreign-born population: 8.7%
Notable people:
- Tommy Lee Jones
- Christopher Cross
Is Terrell Hills Safe?
According to the FBI, Terrell Hills is a safe place to live, experiencing less crime than its state and the country.
- Terrell Hills crime rate per 100k people: 1,923
- Texas crime rate per 100k people: 2,691
- US crime rate per 100k people: 2,346
Terrell Hills is 28.5% safer than Texas and 18.0% safer than the country.
- Terrell Hills violent crime rate per 100k people: 163
- Texas violent crime rate per 100k people: 447
- US violent crime rate per 100k people: 388
The city experiences 63.5% less crime than the state and 58.0% than the country.
- Terrell Hills property crime rate per 100k people: 1,760
- Texas property crime rate per 100k people: 2,245
- US property crime rate per 100k people: 1,958
There is 21.6% less violent crime here than in the state and 10.1% less than in the country.
The city is very safe; if you analyze this crime map of San Antonio, you can see that even Terrell Hills surrounding cities experience very little crime. People living in Terrell Hills are protected by the City of Terrell Hills Police Department and its 17 dedicated officers.
Cost of Living in Terrell Hills
According to the Economic Research Institute, the Cost of Living Index (COLI) in Terrell Hills, San Antonio, is 98, making it 2% more affordable than the average US city. Texas is generally an affordable state, the cost of living in San Antonio, TX, is 8% below the US average.
The Economic Policy Institute says a family of four must earn a household income of $91,111 to live comfortably in Bexar County.
Typical *Terrell Hills living expenses:
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $18.00
- Gallon of milk: $3.82
- Loaf of white bread: $2.72
- Pound of white rice: $1.97
- Pound of local cheese: $5.16
- Dozen eggs: $2.59
- Average Terrell Hills utilities per month: $267 (per Doxo)
Source: Numbeo
*The above figures are for San Antonio, meaning prices may differ slightly when living in Terrell Hills.
Terrell Hills San Antonio Real Estate
The real estate market is expensive but not very competitive. The Terrell Hills median home price is $515,000, and the average price per square foot is $316. The median home price has decreased by 67.8% since last year. Most Terrell Hills Homes for sale will sit on the market for 218 days before selling, and 0% sell above the listing price.
Renting here is a great option, too. The average rent in Terrell Hills is $1,513 for a 924-square-foot unit.
Terrell Hills Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Terrell Hills
Here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Terrell Hills.
East Terrell Hills
East Terrell Hills is a residential neighborhood in Terrell Hills, TX, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and well-maintained homes. It offers easy access to the city’s many local amenities, such as John James Park and the interesting Korean Market.
Terrell Heights
Terrell Heights is a vibrant neighborhood in Terrell Hills, offering tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community. This area is ideal for those seeking a suburban feel with the convenience of useful amenities like a large shopping center nearby. Walmart is within a few miles of Terrell Heights.
Willshire Terrace
Willshire Terrace in Terrell Hills is for those seeking a quieter residential setting. The neighborhood boasts spacious lots, mature trees, and a variety of home styles, from traditional to modern.
McNay Art Museum is just a few miles up the road and the notable Oakwell TrailHead Park is equally as close.
Terrell Hills Weather & Climate
Terrell Hills, Texas, experiences a transitional humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cfa) that borders a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen: BSh). Summers here will be warm and humid, whereas winters are dry. You will see temperatures in the high 90s in the warm season in addition to high humidity levels making it even more oppressive. Rainfall during this season is sporadic, with the occasional thunderstorm offering temporary relief from the heat.
Winters in Terrell Hills are mild, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to 60s degrees Fahrenheit. Occasional cold fronts can bring cooler temperatures, but these are typically short-lived. Spring and fall are certainly the most enjoyable, as temperatures are more pleasant. However, rainfall is more consistent.
The best time to Visit Terrell Hills is from mid-May to late September; Texas summers are hot, but they’re also ideal for enjoying all the warm weather activities the San Antonio area has to offer!
Things to Do in Terrell Hills
One of the city’s best attributes is its location. Terrell Hills is located near some of the best attractions in the state. The nearest shopping mall is Terrell Plaza, which boasts stores like Petco, Marshalls, and Five Below.
San Antonio Botanical Garden – 1.7 Miles From Terrell Hills
The San Antonio Botanical Garden offers a stunning array of native and exotic plants across 38 acres. This beautiful garden is a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll or educational visit. It’s certainly one of the top things to do in Terrell Hills, especially if you have younger kids.
555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209, (210) 536-1400
Geneseo Esplanade
Geneseo Esplanade is a lovely Terrell Hills park that provides a peaceful space for residents to enjoy. This charming attraction is perfect for a relaxing walk or a quiet moment in nature.
Terrell Hills, TX 78209, (210) 824-7401
Kiddie Park – 2.7 Miles From Terrell Hills
Kiddie Park is the nation’s oldest children’s amusement park—and a large one at that. This historic park features classic rides and attractions that have delighted families for generations, making it a must-do Terrell Hills activity.
3903 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212, (210) 734-7184
Additional Attractions
Here are some more things to do near Terrell Hills.
- San Antonio Country Club – 1.2 miles
- Witte Museum – 1.5 miles
- Brackenridge Park – 2.1 miles
Terrell Hills Parks and Recreation maintains all the parks in the city limits. Look to their website for community information and upcoming special events.
Terrell Hills Restaurants
There are many delicious dining options in and near Terrell, Texas.
EL Pilon Sabor Boricua
EL PILÓN SABOR BORICUA serves up a delightful array of Puerto Rican dishes. Guests rave about their mofongo, pernil (roast pork), and tostones (fried plantains), which are celebrated for their authenticity and rich flavors. The vibrant atmosphere complements the flavorful food, making it a favorite among locals.
1127 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209, (210) 474-0578
The Broadway 50 50
The Broadway 50 50 is known for its classic American comfort food served in a retro diner setting. Patrons frequently praise their juicy burgers, crispy fries, and decadent milkshakes. The nostalgic ambiance and friendly service enhance the dining experience.
5050 Broadway, Alamo Heights, TX 78209, (210) 832-0050
Habibi Cafe
Habibi Cafe offers a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine, with dishes like kebabs, falafel, and hummus consistently praised for their freshness and authenticity. The cozy, casual setting adds to the charm, and the attentive service ensures a pleasant dining experience.
5306 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209, (210) 437-0242
Terrell Hills Jobs
The CDP is small and has limited commercial activity; however, thanks to its prime location, you’re steps from San Antonio’s robust economy. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in San Antonio is $163.1 billion. Mission City has seen much development in unique industries, such as bioscience and healthcare, aerospace, IT and cybersecurity, and green technologies. Its leading industries are tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Terrell Hills’ economy employs about 2,000 of its 5,000 residents, meaning more than half seek job opportunities in nearby cities.
People living in Terrell Hills earn a good living; look at what the Bureau of Labor and Statistics has to say about what residents are earning an hour:
| Median hourly wage | Mean hourly wage | Annual mean wage |
| $21.34 | $27.74 | $57,700 |
There are currently over 400 jobs in Terrell Hills, but if you expand your search by just 10 miles, you gain access to more than 10,000 employment opportunities. Consider looking into the San Antonio metro area’s top employers: H-E-B, Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), and Whataburger. The City of Terrell Hills (jobs) is also hiring; government jobs often boast great benefits and competitive salaries.
Terrell Hills Schools
Alamo Heights Independent School District and North East ISD serve students living in Terrell Hills. Many high school students in the CDP attend nearby Alamo Heights High School, which has a score of 87.1/100, according to U.S. News. AHISD has a student-to-teacher ratio of 14:1, ensuring all students receive ample attention and care. East Terrell Hills Elementary School and Woodridge Elementary School are where many young residents of CDP learn and grow. Middle schools your child may attend after moving to Terrell Hills are Garner Middle School, Kirby Middle School, and Alamo Heights Junior School.
Colleges
If you’re planning on attending college after transiting here, you have plenty of options. San Antonio College is a community college a few miles from the CDP, and Trinity University is a private liberal arts university in north San Antonio.
Additional Educational Resources
Central Library is the nearest San Antonio public library to the CDP; it’s been offering educational resources to Texas residents for 110 years. Today, it boasts countless resources and services, including free library cards and services and events for residents of all ages.
Terrell Hills Statistic & Information
- County: Bexar County
- Terrell Hills area: 1.61 square miles
- Terrell Hills zip code: 78209
- Terrell Hills area code(s): 210, 726
- Terrell Hills elevation: 801 feet
- Terrell Hills time zone: Central (UTC -5 and -6)
- Closest airport to Terrell Hills: San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is 5.4 miles from Terrell Hills
Terrell Hills Texas Map
Explore more of this vibrant city with this map of Terrell Hills, Texas.
Moving to Terrell Hills With 2 College Brothers
As you can see, living in Terrell Hills is great! Not only is this suburban community quiet, safe, and tight-knit, but it’s also perfectly positioned near all of San Antonio’s convenient amenities. Terrell Hills is certainly one of the best cities near San Antonio, thanks to its robust character and strong sense of community. If moving to Terrell Hills is in your future, call 2 College Brothers at (210) 874-7010 for a free estimate.



