You guys know I've gone on and on about vintage homes for a while. Every time I move somewhere, I tend to end up in the same old kind of place... and I'm not complaining. I always gravitate to "established neighborhoods" with homes that are ~1980s (so I can get a good deal on a home to totally renovate) and in a 9-10 / A rated school district.

When I moved here to San Antonio, Cliff... and maybe some others will know... I moved to the North East side of San Antonio. Right off 281 in the Stone Oak / Encino Park area. It wasn't until AFTER I moved and bought the house, that I discovered that there's entire swaths of vintage homes here from the 20s and 30s running the gambit of Queen Anne, Craftsman, Arts & Crafts, and Tudors.


I have to move every 3-4 years for work, and I want my next move to be in an area that has a good supply of large vintage homes. What are some places in the US where a lot of these homes exist? I seem to be at a loss and I don't find them until after I move, and the realtors I end up working with seem to be oblivious to what I'm asking.

We really have no such thing in Miami... except for places like Hollywood, and they are in short supply, and most of them were paying homage to them.

Were these types of homes prevalent right outside big cities, or mostly suburbs?


I'd love to look for something that has both a huge great room with vaulted ceilings, along with a more traditional living room like this:




An office like this:



or this:




I have some options for my next move, but I definitely want to find a fixer-upper with real character. Probably Fiero Forum isn't the place to ask this stuff... hahah, but I'm not on too many other message boards anymore.

quote Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]: Were these types of homes prevalent right outside big cities, or mostly suburbs?

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They used to be located outside of the "city square" districts but have been surrounded by the communities. Others moved further away but yet again absorbed by population growth.

I have traveled extensively in Texas, seeing many towns, smaller cities, and cities. Killing time not working I often went sight seeing including junk yards, antique shops, etc. I always enjoyed architecture, in buildings, homes, even courthouses (jewels of the community). The founding era businesses are also works of art.

I think I may share your desire for the same type homes but have never had the appetite to have a work project, as a home. Your postings on this subject has me wishing I could do it all over again. You have done well sir.

I used the search term "Historic SA Neighborhoods" and found some jewels you might enjoy.

8 Historic SA Neighborhoods...

quote Originally posted by cliffw: They used to be located outside of the "city square" districts but have been surrounded by the communities. Others moved further away but yet again absorbed by population growth. I have traveled extensively in Texas, seeing many towns, smaller cities, and cities. Killing time not working I often went sight seeing including junk yards, antique shops, etc. I always enjoyed architecture, in buildings, homes, even courthouses (jewels of the community). The founding era businesses are also works of art. I think I may share your desire for the same type homes but have never had the appetite to have a work project, as a home. Your postings on this subject has me wishing I could do it all over again. You have done well sir. I used the search term "Historic SA Neighborhoods" and found some jewels you might enjoy. 8 Historic SA Neighborhoods...

Thanks Cliff, some awesome pictures.

Do you know Woodlawn Theater? It's over by where that ancient Pizza Hut is with the old sign that still shows the Pizza Hut guy flipping pizza dough in neon.

All the homes around there were built in the 20s and 30s. Some are REALLY run down, but others are very much restored. A lot of amazing homes out there.

Alas... I'll be moving to another state though... not staying in San Antonio. I have 1 year left here, and then I have to move somewhere else for work (don't know where yet).

If you are open to the Peoples Republic of California there are many areas with those homes like Pasadena, Glendale, Orange and San Diego, just to name four among many dozens (maybe hundreds, I don't know). Like someone said they tend to be around the original town square areas of the older cities. Wherever you go you should probably get familiar with any restrictions that might be in place on local vintage homes, like changing the paint color, window types, etc.

I have indulged my love for Craftsman style homes with furniture instead of the home itself, where in my home Office I have been able to run wild without wifely push back.

If you are looking towards older craftman holes I think you be looking more in the Northeast and or Midwest. Reason...you mention Flordia/Texas which are "sunbelt" states, there wasn't as much development in these states prior to the widespread use of airconditioning ( 1960's ear) which is much after the heyday for craftsman houses. Not to say that you can't findcraftsman hosues in these areas but you woudl find them eaier where there was more development in the 00 to the 20's.

quote Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]: Do you know Woodlawn Theater? It's over by where that ancient Pizza Hut is with the old sign that still shows the Pizza Hut guy flipping pizza dough in neon. All the homes around there were built in the 20s and 30s. Some are REALLY run down, but others are very much restored. A lot of amazing homes out there.

No Todd, I don't, except by name. My wife knows it well, as she lived in that 'hood at one time. I know more of the Woodlawn area than the theater. Woodlawn Lake is a very popular spot though I think of it more like an overgrown pond.

You might be glad you asked. Your question caused me to remember two theaters I have attended quite a few times to live live concerts and plays.

Don't leave San Antonio without seeing the Majestic Theater. Overwhelmingly awesome. I was at first more in awe of the theater than as I was of the venue I came for.



Check out the names on the marquee. Upon proof reading I am doing something wrong imbedding the video.
https://www.youtube.com/wat...NSg&feature=emb_logo

The Majestic theater is on the base floor of the Majestic Building ... of which has the home you are looking floor. On the top floor, the penthouse.



The managers of the Majestic also have the Empire theater, on Broadway St. I think that is more for theatrical plays. If you get there, visit San Antonio's premier museum. The Wittie Museum.

I am not sure of today's existence of The Texas Theater but it is in close proximity to the Majestic.

Do you do Instagram? There is a very popular account called cheapoldhouses. You can google it too. Most realtors are not into historic homes but there are several good web lists of historic properties for sale. Check on the state historic preservation site for homes for sale. Many HP societies get donated houses they then resale cheaper but with historic easements added so you dont tear it down.

I used to own a historic home and miss it, they are extra work but so worth it.

Northeast for sure, I am about an hour outside of Philadelphia and there are tons of homes that would fit your bill.

CliffW's missing video

[This message has been edited by maryjane (edited 07-08-2020).]