Easy commutes and events in Poteet, the "Strawberry Capital of Texas"
A 130-foot-tall strawberry painted on a water tower welcomes residents and visitors to the small town of Poteet, dubbed the “Strawberry Capital of Texas.” The town celebrates this agricultural heritage with murals of its unofficial mascot — known as the Strawberry Maiden — and a sizable annual festival. “They grow a lot of strawberries around there,” says Michael Vickers, a Realtor with Dowdy Real Estate, who is originally from the area. “It’s kind of their claim to fame.” Residents have easy commuting access to San Antonio, along with the local farming-based economy and community events.
Ranch-style homes and bungalows, plus larger properties outside town
Ranch-style homes, bungalows and cottages line the blocks of town. Chain-link fences bound the grassy yards, with trees providing some shade from the Texas heat. Modest properties sell for $50,000 to $150,000, while more modern houses sell for $200,000 to $400,000. Larger lots are located on the town’s outskirts, including some on farms or ranches. Manufactured homes on acreage sell for $185,000 to $250,000, while ranch-style homes on expansive lots sell from $320,000 to $500,000.
Poteet Strawberry Festival attracts crowds each spring
The Poteet Strawberry Festival began in 1948 to help market the community’s strawberry farms. Today, more than 100,000 visitors descend on Poteet on the second weekend in April to celebrate the area’s top crop. The festival’s attractions include rodeos, live country and Tejano music and a carnival.
San Antonio is 30 miles away and some residents commute
Texas Highway 16 is the main highway through Poteet, leading approximately 30 miles north to downtown San Antonio. Some residents commute into the city for work, though others work closer to home in the energy or agriculture industries. “A lot of those folks are probably commuting to San Antonio, or maybe some of the local industries around here,” Vickers says. While most people own cars, the Alamo Regional Transit system covers the area surrounding Poteet and provides on-demand rides. Methodist Hospital Atascosa is 10 miles away in Jourdanton and has services including an emergency room. San Antonio International Airport is 45 miles from Poteet.
Education at the Poteet Independent School District
Most of the community is zoned to the Poteet Independent School District, which receives a C-minus overall grade from Niche. Students can start at Poteet Elementary, which gets a D-plus grade for kindergarten through second grade. Poteet Intermediate serves third through fifth grade, while Poteet Junior High teaches sixth through eighth grade. Each receives a C-minus rating. Meanwhile, Poteet High gets a C grade. In 2024, voters approved a $65 million project to upgrade all four campuses, including new classrooms, a renovated gym and cafeteria and updates to campus security.
Locally owned restaurants, but more shopping in Pleasanton
Businesses line Highway 16 as it skirts town. Dollar stores, such as Family Dollar and Dollar General, offer discounted goods, while Ace Hardware and O’Reilly Auto Parts feature specialized selections. Eateries include Don Juan Restaurante for Tex-Mex, as well as fast food spots like Dairy Queen. More restaurants are scattered throughout town, including the Backyard Kitchen, which serves chicken sandwiches and burgers al fresco. Other options are 8 miles away in Pleasanton, including the nearest H-E-B for groceries. “Most of your commerce is going to be in Pleasanton,” Vickers says.
City green spaces include Poteet Canyon Park
A verdant streambed winds through the center of town, nicknamed Poteet Canyon after a character from the 20th-century comic strip, Steve Canyon. Poteet Canyon Park spans both sides of the gully, connected by a walking bridge. Kids can scamper around the playground and splash pad, while pickup games take place at the basketball courts. Residents can reserve the park’s pavilion for community events. Maxwell Park also sits alongside the gully and features a playground and dog park. Youth sports leagues often play at the fields on Poteet High’s campus.
