Let’s face it: San Antonio has changed a lot over recent years. We’ve grown and become more cosmopolitan, but a lot of that growth has been painful and disorienting. Favorite local landmarks have gone by the wayside, housing’s become more expensive and traffic has gotten more aggravating.

At the same time, there’s stuff to be thankful for as our city has expanded, diversified, gained new businesses and adopted new ideas. Let’s keep a positive attitude and run down 25 changes that have made the Alamo City a better place. 

Credit: Photo via Instagram / thehotelemma
The opening of the Museum Reach finally made the River Walk a place locals can also enjoy. Photo via Instagram / larnunfiltered Credit: Photo via Instagram / larnunfiltered
More murals around town by great artists, including Los Otros, Centro SA and Eva Marengo Sanchez, to name just a few. Photo by Jaime Monzon
The front entrance of Hotel Emma. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Hotel Emma
A greater appreciation for wine and craft cocktails, including plenty of great homegrown spots at which to enjoy them. Photo by Michael Karlis
More vintage stores and markets. Photo by Michael Garcia, courtesy of Brickadelic Market
After bagging five NBA championships, the Spurs finally appear to be a place to work for more. Photo by Kiko Martinez
Our drag scene has really come into its own. Photo by Julián P. Ledezma
Progressives will have an 8-2 majority on City Council after the runoff. Credit: Shutterstock / JHVEPhoto
UTSA is gaining steam as an internationally recognized research institution. Courtesy Photo / University of Texas at San Antonio Credit: Courtesy / The University of Texas at San Antonio
More vegan and vegetarian dining options. Instagram / kindburgers
Our dining scene is increasingly diverse. Name an ethnic cuisine, and chances are you can find it. Photo by Jaime Monzon Credit: Jaime Monzon
The city passed a nondiscrimination ordinance. Photo by Julián P. Ledezma
Marcus Baskerville, one of the founders of Weathered Souls Brewing Co., speaks to an employee on its production line in this 2021 photo. Credit: Jaime Monzon
The San Antonio River’s Mission Reach has added more beautiful public space to our city. Photo via Instagram / timd_satx Credit: Instagram / timd_satx
San Antonio’s visual art scene is now nationally recognized. Courtesy Photo / McNay Art Museum
A full bike rack in San Antonio. Credit: Facebook / San Antonio Bikes
St. Paul Square is finally becoming the dining and nightlife destination that’s been promised for years. Photo by Lea Thompson
The city’s maker and designer community — including Bexar Goods, Richter Goods and Lunchroom Anxiety, among others — continues to grow and thrive. Facebook / Richter Goods
After years of neglect, the Japanese Tea Garden is again a beautiful place to visit. Photo via Instagram / insanejester17
There are more resources for LGBTQ+ San Antonians, including a proliferation of support clubs on high school and college campuses. Photo by Julián P. Ledezma
We have been recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Courtesy Photo / Pharm Table Credit: Pharm Table
CIA students prepare dishes for guests at Savor.The restaurant will provide students with real world experience before they graduate. Credit: Lea Thompson
We’ve never had so many great music venues, from the Tobin Center and the Majestic Theatre to Paper Tiger and Stable Hall. Photo by Daniel Conrad
An increase in the number of locally owned gift stores and boutiques. Laura Alexandra for Rancho Diaz