Questions about San Antonio

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Specializes in Family Practice, Primary Care.

So, I've been offered a job at Methodist in San Antonio. I have NEVER been to San Antonio (they hired me after a phone interview) and I was wondering what the city/hospital is like since I am comparing offers. I have on in Pittsburgh as well.

How is public transit in SA? I am not bringing a car so being able to get around the city by mass transit is important to me. Will it be possible to get to Methodist at all this way?

Also, I know SA is supposed to have a fairly good gay scene. Is that accurate? How accepting is the city of gay people? I'm from New England, so I'm in a fairly liberal environment and have never lived in the south. Is there a lot to do for young people? I am assuming people there are friendly, since I have always heard that about Texas.

Also, are there many grad schools in SA for NP programs? I want to go for my FNP or to med school and am curious about this as well (although I guess after living in SA for a year and getting TX residency I could move to any TX city for grad school). Thanks!

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I have lived in San Antonio for 8-9 years. The Methodist is a wonderful hospital and has many of the top notch doctors there. They also have many foreign nurses from the Phillipines. For schooling UTSA has several medical programs-also check University Hospital San Antonio which is also here and very largedo net research). There is always something to do here - and like anywhere it is usualy about a matter of money(there are several free things too), time and in your case may be transportation. The bus line is great here - but many lines (usualy side streets in residential neighborhoods)do not operate on the weekends and holidays or after 10pm. Several apartments will put in their advertisement if they are on a bus line. I am not gay however I do know there is a fairly large gay community here and several gay clubs. It is my impression that most of the people who live here think mostly just about being happy, having a good time and eating. This city is one of the fattest in the US, is also top on having the most restuarants per capita. I have gained 10 pounds since I moved here.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

WELCOME TO TEXAS!!!

Prepare for culture shock - but in a good way. I grew up in SA and still work with hospitals there on a frequent basis.

Apartments are much more affordable - which is a good thing, because you're going to want to get a car ASAP. Texas is just not mass-transit friendly. You can get from 'here' to 'there' by bus, but it may take a couple of hours to do so. If you're going to be driven crazy, you may as well do it yourself - LOL.

There are some great graduate school opportunities in SA. University of Tx at San Antonio is a stellar school. They are currently the epicenter of evidence-based-practice research for nursing. There are also some private schools you could choose.

SA is not as diverse as Houston, but it is a very 'live and let live' place. Very friendly and laid back. I am sure you will love it.

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HI there

I lived in San Antonio for 3yrs and also moved from New England. I have to say public transportation is not great. Like someone said, nights, weekends and holidays, the service is minimal. Even on regular days, it could still take you hours to get to the other side of town on the bus. You will be needing a car to experience all that San Antonio and the sorrounding areas have to offer (Austin, Round Rock, Corpus etc). You will be very shocked with the service especially with the great public transportation back east.

That being said, SA has a large gay scene. The St. Mary's district is pretty well known for clubs and hang outs. I think this being a military town with lots of non locals, there is more open mindedness.

Others already commented on schools. If you are looking for schools, you have plenty of choice in SA and the sorrounding areas.

Good Luck! SA is awesome.

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