The City of Alamo Heights, along with the City of Terrell Hills and the City of Olmos Park, is part of a relatively exclusive and geographically enclosed enclave of up-scale older homes in neighborhoods with large, old trees, larger lots, and a definite 'feel' of exclusivity.  Residents of the Alamo Heights area voted to become a municipality, separate from the City of San Antonio, in 1922, after the City of San Antonio threatened to annex the area for the tax base, without providing municipal services.  Alamo Heights is bordered on the west by the City of Olmos Park, and on the east by the City of Terrell Hills, all of which are surrounded by the City of San Antonio.  Alamo Heights is an independent municipality, with city hall, fire and police services, a city water system and 'downtown' area on Broadway.  The small Alamo Heights Independent School District, which also serves Terrell Hills and Olmos Park, is considered one of the best public school districts in Texas (www.ahisd.org).

Terrific boutiques, small businesses and the excellent gourmet supermarket, Central Market, as well as the University of Incarnate Word line Broadway Street.  The Argyle, originally the mid-1800's headquarters mansion of the sprawling Anderson horse ranch, is located in the heart of Alamo Heights, and is now an exclusive club with very fine dining and a few lovely 'hotel' rooms for members or their guests. 

Many residents of Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills and Olmos Park are descendants of the original German and Canary Island settlers, and their families have lived in one of the three small cities for generations.  The area is often referred to as "09" (zip code 78209), and residents are known as "0h-niners." Because few can imagine living anywhere else, the relatively small number of properties that become available for sale are greatly sought after, and some of the smaller lots with original small cottages now are covered with 'McMansions.'  Within the past 5-10 years, the City of Alamo Heights has passed ordinances to contain and architecturally control some of the explosive re-building, and to preserve the wonderful original 'neighborhood' ambience of the area. Noted historian, T.R. Fehrenbach, describes the city by saying, "Alamo Heights, whatever else it is, reflects three qualities:  good government, stable neighborhoods and a feeling of intimacy."

Located just north of downtown San Antonio, Alamo Heights is approximately 10 minutes away from the Central Business District and the Riverwalk.  Alamo Heights is also within 5-10 minutes of San Antonio International Airport on the north.