Where I live: Remington Heights

The Where I Live series aims to highlight our diverse city and region by highlighting its many vibrant neighborhoods. Every week a local resident invites us and tells us what makes their neighborhood so special. Have we been near you yet? Contact us to share your story. If your story is selected and published, you will receive a $250 scholarship.

The winding road that led to Remington Heights in 2001 was aptly named Wilderness Oak. In the far north part of San Antonio, there were no streetlights to light the way to our neighborhood. There were no shops and only a few houses.

Deer wandered among Texas red oaks. At night crickets chirped and stars sparkled like diamonds in the black velvet sky.

23 years ago we lived in a rural area. Today we live in a quiet but densely populated community. Located near Stone Oak, Remington Heights has been transformed from a piece of land into a suburb, but with distinct beauty and neighborhood charm.

One Saturday morning, as my wife and I sat on chairs in our front yard to greet passing neighbors, my sister-in-law surprised us with a DoorDash delivery. While we drank our coffee and unwrapped the breakfast sandwiches, our neighbor brought us donuts.

“If we sit here long enough,” I said to Judy, “someone will bring us dinner.”

Remington Heights holds fond memories and friendly amenities. Here, a neighbor built a shelf for Judy’s closet, another feeds our dog when we go away, and a third knocks when we forget to close our garage door. People stop here and chat while I work in the front yard.

And there children who used to play with our children return as adults and say: “Hello Mr. Rodriguez, it was a long time ago!”

Ken Rodriguez, his wife Judy Rodriguez and their daughter Joy Noelle Rodriguez get sweet treats from Andy’s Frozen Custard. Credit: Bria Woods / San Antonio Report

Our neighborhood is characterized by oaks, shade trees and showy crepe myrtles. During my early morning runs, I occasionally spot a raccoon on a winding road or a deer galloping through a greenbelt. I will hear the cooing of the doves and the whistling of the northern cardinals.

At dawn, the sights and sounds of wildlife are magical.

The first rule of real estate is: location, location, location. Ours couldn’t be better. We are a short drive from our church and close to the hospital where our daughter was born. When I woke up in 2023 with shortness of breath, Judy took me to North Central Baptist, just a few minutes away. I survived pneumonia, septic shock, and kidney and lung failure. The doctors said I arrived just in time.

When our middle child was in eighth grade, he ran down the street, made his way through a friend’s backyard, climbed through some brush, and got to Lopez Middle School. Thanks to the courteous neighbor, we were able to avoid long queues for drop-off and pick-up.

The big surprise of Remington Heights is what has evolved around us. A dog park opened across from our neighborhood. Kilometers of hiking trails wind through a wooded area behind the park. Two miles west of the park, the Parman Branch Library opened in 2011. About three-quarters of a mile east, an HEB opened ten years ago. Judy and I sometimes walk by to pick up a bag or two of groceries, or stop at a CVS on the way and pick up a prescription.

For fun and powerful workouts, we head to Epoch Pickleball, a five-minute drive from home.

Ken Rodriguez plays pickleball with his daughter Joy Noelle at Epoch Pickleball on Wednesday. Credit: Bria Woods / San Antonio Report

The recently opened club features three air-conditioned, tournament-sized courts and an excellent coach who offers classes for players of all levels. The court fees are reasonable. As non-members we pay $6.77 each for 30 minutes or $13.53 per hour for one hour. On a scale of 1-10, our enjoyment factor is 12.

A popular place to relax is just three miles from Remington Heights: the Copa Wine Bar & Tasting Room. Our favorite choices are flatbread pizzas, fire-roasted feta, and charcuterie and cheese boards. A side effect: we always meet someone we know.

“Copa is a warm hug,” says Judy. “It’s our ‘Cheers’ where everyone knows your name.”

Not far from Copa is Reagan High School, home to renowned choir and theater programs. Even though our children have graduated, we still go to musicals. The Christmas concert and spring pop show are not to be missed and are always sold out.

Ken Rodriguez enjoys spending time with his wife, Judy Rodriguez, and their daughter, Joy Noelle Rodriguez, in their home and backyard. Credit: Bria Woods / San Antonio Report

Convenient cooling is a hallmark of the neighborhood. Next to our HEB is True Texas BBQ which offers good brisket, sports TV, an outdoor patio and live music on weekends. Yes, live music is two minutes away. Very cool. Still, it’s easy to get distracted before you get to True Texas BBQ, because on the way, literally down the street from Remington Heights, there’s a Whataburger and an Andy’s Frozen Custard that calls my name at least once a week.

Neighborhoods are growing. Communities develop. When we moved to Remington Heights, we knew the empty lots around us would fill up. We knew the business would come and the starry sky would fade. But we had no idea how the elements of growth would fit together so beautifully.

When our daughter was 7 years old, she made a plea: “Please don’t move until I finish high school.” Well, she’s a senior now and we’re more than happy to stay here.

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