The Where I Live series aims to showcase our diverse city and region by spotlighting its many vibrant neighborhoods. Each week a local resident invites us over and lets us in on what makes their neighborhood special. Have we been to your neighborhood yet? Get in touch to share your story. If your story is selected and published, you will receive a $250 stipend.

We moved to the Cinco Lakes neighborhood in 2021 post-quarantine and in the midst of the wild real estate climate surrounding the pandemic. When I first thought about what I might write to describe where I live, I thought I wouldn’t really have much to say. We’re quiet and boring. The more I considered it, those are the very reasons my wife and I enjoy the neighborhood so much. 

Occasionally, you’ll spot a crowded street or hear loud music as someone celebrates a milestone with their loved ones. For the most part, you find folks who tend to their work and their families and come home to the peace this neighborhood has to offer. It’s not uncommon to see people out walking or riding their bikes through the community. We nod upon passing. We say hello and good morning. We all comfortably mind our business while also looking out for each other. It’s a careful and important balance. 

Our neighborhood has great opt-in experiences curated by neighbors who value connection enough to donate their time. Because of their efforts, there’s always something to look forward to. We have weekly food trucks, motorcycle meet ups, community festivals, and Easter egg hunts. The pool and playground are hubs for gathering and community building. 

Kimani Mitchell curls up with her dog Spencer and a good book in her Cinco Lakes home. Credit: Clint Datchuk for the San Antonio Report

While we are self-proclaimed homebodies who really enjoy taking advantage of the shelter, A/C, and streaming services we pay for, the neighborhood location makes it easy to experience much of what San Antonio has to offer. Its convenience is something we appreciate more and more each year. 

We are technically on the side of 1604 where there are still stoplights, but we have quick access to any and everything one could need. Within 10 minutes, there’s HEB, HomeGoods, Planet Fitness and LA Fitness, and a variety of local and chain restaurants.

We frequently head one exit West to grab coffee at the local truck, Desert Brew, or make our way up Potranco for Thai Hut. Downtown, Pearl, the Med Center, and La Cantera are within a 25-minute drive — a fairly standard distance in San Antonio. We’ve got close enough proximity to Lackland AFB that on a quiet day you can hear the bugle sound off. These small reminders of our area’s character help us feel connected to the broader community even from our quiet corner.

Kimani enjoys relaxing on her back patio, where she can enjoy the serenity of evenings in the Cinco Lakes community. Credit: Clint Datchuk for the San Antonio Report

My roots in San Antonio began at a young age when my dad was stationed at Ft. Sam Houston. My family enjoyed the city so much that we stayed put while my father continued to move around. For me, the city has always felt like home. I’ve lived in Converse, on the East Side, off Marbach, and now on the Southwest Side. Each space has a unique feel, and I firmly believe that’s what makes San Antonio so special. We are a big city with pockets of small town vibes. After COVID-19 isolation, I’ve appreciated the significance of human connection no matter how small.

I’ve been a teacher for 12 years and my wife has worked for the city for the same amount of time. For us, it is paramount that our home is a space for taking a step back from the service we do on a daily basis. After long days supporting others, we need a place that restores us. We found Cinco Lakes at just the right time.