Hidden Forest

Shaded from the San Antonio sun, Hidden Forest is precisely what its name would indicate: a secluded neighborhood outside the heart of the city, shrouded by trees along curving roads that slope up towards Texas Hill Country. To the west lies one of the largest parks in the area; to the east is Highway 281. Whether you’re looking for a direct route into the city or a quiet reprieve in a suburban community, Hidden Forest lets you have your pick.

This neighborhood is home to five distinct subdivisions: Woodlands of Camino Real, Bluffview of Camino Real, Riverbend of Camino Real, Walker Ranch and Vista del Norte. Contemporary brick homes sit on wide, winding roads behind neat, landscaped lawns, dotted with trees to shield them from the Texan sun. Most homes in the area were built in the 1980s and ‘90s, and while many have since been renovated, they still maintain their classic look. The median home price in Hidden Forest is around $570,000, with some three-bedroom houses fetching $360,000, while more spacious four-bedroom homes list for as much as $750,000. With houses in the neighboring Hill Country Village priced in the millions, Hidden Forest offers excellent value for its location.

Hidden Forest lacks nothing in educational offerings. Kids attend schools in the award-winning North East Independent School District, including Hidden Forest Elementary, which boasts an A rating on Niche. Bradley Middle also has an unusual addition to the average campus with its Mills Spring Cabin, a historic structure that captures the life of a frontiersman from just outside the school’s doors. At Churchill High, 100% of graduates in the past 11 years have been accepted into college.

One of the best features of Hidden Forest is the nature that surrounds it despite its proximity to the hustle and bustle of the city. Walker Ranch Park has a mile of shaded walkways, pavilions for rent, a playground for kids and an entrance to the Salado Creek Greenway. Part of the greater Howard W. Peak Greenway, the trail system encompasses over 100 miles of paved multi-use paths for hiking, biking or walking your dog. It also connects to Phil Hardberger Park, a lush 330 acres of wind-whipped grasslands and dense oak forests. Catch some of the best views in the area along the gently sloping skywalk through the treetops, or attend one of the many outdoor education programs to learn more about the wildlife in your backyard.

After you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a bite to eat at Meadow Neighborhood Eatery, a hip spot that serves up Southern cuisine with a contemporary flair. It’s located in a quirky shopping center called the Alley on Bitters. Sit on Meadow’s patio and enjoy their seasonal offerings, then hop over to The Bread Box next door for a post-lunch pastry or even stop by Painting with a Twist to create a unique piece to take home. On the other side of the neighborhood is Julian’s Italian Pizzeria and Kitchen, another popular local restaurant highlighted in the San Antonio Express-News as one of the top 10 places in San Antonio for pizza by the slice. Diners will be charmed by the classic checkered tablecloths and faux awnings.

For all your shopping needs, Hidden Forest residents are just a stone’s throw away from a busy commercial area near Highway 281. Pick up groceries at the nearby Target and find anything and everything else you need with just a quick trip up or down the interstate.

There’s no shortage of things to do in the area – Santikos Embassy is an upscale movie theater with a retro look and modern luxuries, featuring a bar and table service that offers craft cocktails and beers. At the heart of the community sits SilverHorn Golf Club, which incorporates Texas Hill Country character into its sprawling greens to make for a memorable course. And you’ll often find the neighborhood streets full of activity, be it a Halloween costume parade or a holiday tree lighting. Hidden Forest has a lot going on close to home – but if you have a craving for a taste of city life, there’s easy access to downtown San Antonio just 13 miles away.

Written By

Elliot Schorr

Photography Contributed By

Adam Michaud

Video By

Remi Cox