San Antonio, Texas, USA

San Antonio is a place to remember — and not just because of the Alamo.

While the fortress-like former mission, the site of the battle between a massive Mexican army and 200 rebellious Texans, imbues San Antonio with its rich history, the city

also knows how to kick up its boots and have a modern-day good time.

Entertainment and cultural activities abound. Each year, the San Antonio Riverwalk, lined with restaurants, hotels and shops, hosts 20 cultural events, including arts and crafts shows and musical performances.

San Antonio is also a museum-lover’s paradise. The McNay Art Museum houses an impressive collection of nearly 20,000 works including masters from the likes of Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. Then there is the eclectic--and slightly eccentric--Buckhorn Saloon and Museum where you can find stuffed wildlife, rare firearms and wax dioramas depicting Texas history.

The city’s parks bring residents together for recreational activities such as fishing and tennis, while the 41-mile Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails System offers biking and hiking paths. Historic Sunken Garden Theater is an open –air amphitheater whose presentations range from Shakespearean drama to hard rock concerts.

Economically, San Antonio derives its strength from financial services, health care, government and tourism. The city is also a leader in the aerospace industry, dating all the way back to World War I. According to the San Antonio division of Industry and International Development, aerospace has a $5.4 billion impact on the city’s economy.

Residents like its low taxes, pro-business approach and schools. College preparatory curriculum, gifted and special-education programs are among the hallmarks of local institutions.

Against this backdrop, San Antonio does not lack for luxury real estate, whether it’s uber-modern, amenity-filled and full-service condominiums or private residences laced with top-of-the-line finishes. Within affluent havens such as The Dominion, Terrell Hills, Olmos Park and Alamo Heights, estates with extraordinary square footage, state-of-the-art kitchens, game rooms and swimming pools are de rigueur. The properties, like San Antonio itself, are something to remember.