There’s a little pocket of Castle Hills where life feels like a well-loved storybook — one with sidewalk chalk drawings, backyard barbecues and tacos on Saturdays.

It’s called Colonial Hills, and if you blink too fast on Vance Jackson, you might miss it. But those of us who live here? We wouldn’t trade it for anywhere in the world.

It’s not a flashy neighborhood, and that’s exactly what we love about it. Think mid-century charm, wide front lawns and big oak trees that have stood tall long before us. Kids still ride bikes here till the porch lights come on and neighbors wave from across the street — not out of habit, but because they mean it.

Three years ago, our family crossed the highway from Dellview to move into a bigger home here in Colonial Hills — and it felt like the start of something new. We loved Dellview, with its familiar streets and cozy charm, but we were ready for a little more space to stretch out and grow. Now we’ve got room to host, to breathe, and to build more of the life we were dreaming about.

Nicole Charles and her husband Mark enjoy watching sports together with their children Marky, Sammi and Jacob in the backyard of their Colonial Hills home. Credit: Clint Datchuk for the San Antonio Report

When we moved into our rental home, it didn’t take long for Colonial Hills to feel like ours. My husband grew up in this part of town — his family has lived in the area for many years, and there’s a deep sense of belonging here. This isn’t just a ZIP code; it’s a thread in our family story. Driving these streets brings back memories for him, and now we’re building new ones with our own family — right here where his roots began.

Most evenings, you’ll find him in the backyard, tending to our pool. He keeps the water clear and cool, ready for the next round of family splashing or quiet soaking. And in the background? There’s always a Houston sports game on. Texans, Astros, Rockets — he doesn’t miss a beat. It’s the soundtrack of our backyard: pool water trickling, the hum of the game announcer and laughter carried on a breeze.

Inside, our living room transforms every Saturday into a sacred little gathering space. Women from all over come for Bible study — coffee in hand, hearts open. We meet in a circle, tucked into couches, diving deep into God’s Word and each other’s stories. There’s something powerful about praying in a living room full of faith and friendship. The kind of power that builds more than community — it builds kingdom.

And when the weekend calls for something fun, we often head over to Dad’s Karaoke on West Avenue. It’s one of our favorite spots to just let loose. I’ve got one signature song: Elvira by The Oak Ridge Boys. As soon as the “Oom papa mow mow” kicks in, I’m up there, singing my heart out while the crowd claps along. It’s silly, it’s joyful, it’s us. That little place holds a lot of big memories.

A few blocks away, you’ll find our neighborhood H-E-B, and we’re there more than we’d like to admit. It’s where we run into people we know, grab last-minute dinner ingredients, and pick up cookies for Bible study. And right across the way? McDonald’s, of course. After church or errands, the kids love ordering their favorite little sundaes and fries. It’s a simple treat, but one they look forward to. Moments like that don’t seem big — until you realize they’re becoming core memories.

Nicole Charles and her husband Mark enjoy the pool at their Colonial Hills home. Credit: Clint Datchuk for the San Antonio Report

Then there’s El Taco De Jalisco at Kerrybrook and Vance Jackson, our beloved taco stop. Whether it’s breakfast tacos, enchiladas, or sopapillas that melt in your mouth, this place never misses. The woman at the drive-thru window knows us now and she always makes sure we’ve got everything we need in the bag, including the cinnamon sugar.

Our daughter attended Lee High School, just a short drive from here. She’s out of high school now, but we still pass by Colonial Hills Elementary and Jackson Middle School and smile when we see the kids walking to class — backpacks bouncing, laughter spilling into the street. It reminds us how fast time flies, and how sweet it is to be raising a family in a neighborhood like this.

And when the holidays roll around? It’s magical. The streets glow with twinkle lights, nativity scenes, reindeer and even the occasional inflatable Santa. Some houses go all out, others keep it classic, but together it turns our neighborhood into something straight out of a Hallmark movie.

Colonial Hills may not be fancy, but it’s full of heart. You hear it in the bounce of basketballs, the sound of kids playing tag, the hum of a game on in the backyard, and the joy that fills a simple home on a Saturday afternoon.

So if you ever find yourself near Vance Jackson and Kerrybrook, slow down. Roll down your window. You just might hear karaoke in the distance, a backyard splash, or a neighbor calling out, “You hungry? We’ve got extra tacos.”

That’s Colonial Hills.

It’s not just where we live.
It’s where we belong.
And whether we own it or rent it — it’s home.