Royal Palms San Antonio Review: A Resident POV
When I moved into Royal Palms on November 20th, 2022, I hadn’t even seen the place in person.
I was coming straight from Germany, fresh out of a divorce, and needed somewhere to land fast.
I asked someone local to shoot me a quick video of the complex, took their word for it, and signed.
I rolled up at one in the morning, jetlagged, bags in hand.
My first real impression didn’t come until the next day—and honestly, it was a mix of beautiful, quirky, and practical.
If Royal Palms on Henderson Pass is on your shortlist, this is the full, unfiltered look at floor plans, pricing, amenities, pet policies, neighborhood fit, and what daily life is actually like.
Quick Facts About Royal Palms
- 📍 Address: 16100 Henderson Pass, San Antonio, TX 78232 (Uptown / Thousand Oaks)
- 🛏️ Floor Plans: 1–2 bedrooms · ~561–992 sq ft
- 💰 Typical Rents: 1BR often ~$1,040+ as of 2025; all-in commonly ~$1,200 after fees (varies)
- 🐾 Pet Policy: Pet-friendly; landscaped green space; active dog community
- 🏋️ Amenities: Two pools, fitness center, dog park, clubhouse/lounge, parcel lockers, resident portal
- 🛣️ Access: Minutes to Loop 1604 & US-281; close to shops, gyms, and daily essentials
Pricing and availability change frequently—verify during your tour.
The morning after I moved in, I stepped outside to clean pools and palm trees, and that calm, laid-back vibe you only get in Uptown garden communities.
Yes—you’ll notice cats.
That’s a San Antonio thing.
Most are part of local trap-neuter-release programs, so they’re fixed, treated, and harmless.
A few friendly ones might hang out on your porch in the heat, but most keep to themselves.
Inside the gates you’ll find grilling stations, a sandpit park, and a clubhouse with Wi-Fi, snacks, coffee, and computers.
Staff is friendly and they host resident events—pet socials, food trucks, even seasonal waffle mornings.
Social if you want it, private if you don’t.
First Impressions
That first day, everything felt balanced—beautiful in spots, practical overall.
Royal Palms is gated and sits under mature trees, so it reads quiet and suburban.
The clubhouse has free Wi-Fi, snacks, coffee, and couches.
It’s an easy place to open a laptop or just decompress.
Around the grounds you’ll see residents out walking dogs, a couple of grills going on nice evenings, and a steady baseline of activity without chaos.
It set the tone: not luxury, but livable.
Living Experience
Day-to-day life here is straightforward.
Neighbors are a mixed bag—most are friendly and low-key; I’ve had a couple of messy ones, but no nightmare noise issues or party problems.
Maintenance is consistent.
Crews clean parking lots, mow, and leaf-blow.
Sometimes the blowing pushes dust or grass onto porches, which is a small annoyance worth noting.
The one fee that bugs me is valet trash.
It’s $25 per month and mandatory.
I’m young and the dumpsters are close, so I’d rather take trash out myself.
The pickup window is restricted, which can be inconvenient.
For older residents or anyone avoiding the Texas heat, it’s helpful, but I wish it were optional.
Otherwise, the vibe is friendly.
People grill, hang by the pools, walk dogs, and show up to resident events.
Life here is easy—not luxury, but comfortable.
Floor Plans & Space
I live in the largest one-bedroom plan.
Base rent is $1,040.
After fees—valet trash, water/RUBS, common areas, and package service—it’s about $1,200 all-in monthly.
The layout doesn’t feel cramped at all.
In the bedroom I’ve got a queen bed centered, a massive ~3.5′ × 6′ desk in the corner, nightstands, an entertainment setup, a shoe rack, and a whiteboard—with walking space to spare.
The walk-in closet is roughly 7′ × 10′, so storage is easy.
The unit includes an in-home washer and dryer, which is a huge plus.
The kitchen is full size with a dishwasher, microwave, oven, fridge, and pantry.
The living room is big enough for a full couch and includes a fireplace.
There’s also a balcony—about ~4.5′ × ~12′—with a small outdoor storage closet.
For me as one person, it feels big.
For a couple—or even a couple with one kid—it’s totally livable.
1 Bedroom (Resident POV)
Efficient for singles, students, and young professionals with true WFH room.
Typical starting rent is around ~$1,040+ as of 2025, and it commonly lands near ~$1,200 after fees.
2 Bedroom
Roommates or small families get real separation of space, and some plans approach 1,000 sq ft.
Pricing varies by size and availability—verify on tour.
Amenities & Everyday Use
The amenities here actually get used, which isn’t always the case at apartment complexes.
The fitness center has a treadmill, an elliptical, a bike, a multi-purpose cable machine you can do pull-ups on, medicine balls, and a leg press.
There are two pools on site, and they’re consistently busy when the weather’s good.
The dog park is always active and has waste stations with free bags provided.
The central sand volleyball pit looks good but is rarely used.
The leasing office doubles as a lounge with coffee, snacks, Wi-Fi, and computers.
Packages go into secure lockers with app access, which gives peace of mind.
On windy Texas days, light trash can blow around, but maintenance usually handles it quickly.
Parking is generally fine, except on weekends when guests fill up spaces.
Pet-Friendly Living
Royal Palms is pet-friendly, with landscaped green space and a calm, residential feel that works for dogs and cats.
Most residents clean up after pets, and reporting can lead to fines for those who don’t.
You’ll notice outdoor cats around the neighborhood, which is normal in San Antonio.
Most are part of trap-neuter-release programs, so they’re fixed, treated, and not a health risk.
Always confirm breed and weight restrictions, deposits, and monthly pet rent during your tour.
Exploring other options near 1604?
See Pet-Friendly Apartments near Loop 1604.
Location & Lifestyle: Thousand Oaks / Uptown
Royal Palms sits just off Henderson Pass with quick jumps to Loop 1604 and US-281.
You can reach the highways in under seven minutes, even during rush hour.
The slowdown happens once you’re actually on 281, and that’s a San Antonio thing.
Groceries, gyms, and restaurants are minutes away, and many are walkable in 10–15 minutes if you don’t mind the heat.
Delivery apps like DoorDash can be hit or miss because drivers stack orders, but driving yourself is fast and accurate.
This spot works best for students, commuters, retirees, and pet owners.
Families will want to consider privacy and noise, because walls are thin in older garden-style builds.
If you’re raising kids, a bigger complex or a single-family rental may suit you better.
Value & Comparisons
At about $1,200 all-in for a one-bedroom, Royal Palms isn’t the cheapest option in the area.
You can find places nearby for $100–$200 less.
Those cheaper options often skip conveniences like in-unit washer and dryer, dishwashers, or walk-in closets.
Here, you get those included.
You’re paying for convenience, space, and lower-maintenance living.
I wish fees were more transparent upfront, and I wish valet trash were optional, but overall the trade-off feels fair for Uptown.
Resident Concerns
- Thin walls: fine for singles and couples, not great for families.
- Fees: add up quickly; base rent around ~$1,040 often lands near ~$1,200 after add-ons.
- Pests: seasonal outdoor cockroaches are common in this part of San Antonio; pest control is available on request.
- Smoking: balconies are close together, so smoke can drift.
On the plus side, maintenance is responsive, parking is available, and the gate uses secure app-based access.
Pros & Cons (Quick Summary)
Pros
- Affordable for Uptown with solid value
- Pet-friendly with green space and a dog park
- Minutes to 1604 and 281 for commuters
- In-unit laundry, usable amenities, and straightforward layouts
Cons
- Older garden-style build with fewer luxury extras
- Mandatory valet trash and stacked fees
- Thin walls—tour a comparable unit to check noise
Final Verdict
Would I recommend Royal Palms?
Yes—if you’re single, a couple, a student, a retiree, or a pet owner.
It’s spacious, convenient, and fair value for Uptown without Stone Oak pricing.
No—if you want luxury finishes and resort-style extras, or if you’re raising kids and want thicker walls and maximum privacy.
For me, Royal Palms has been reliable, comfortable, and practical.
It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid choice if you want straightforward living in San Antonio.
Pricing & Fees Checklist (Ask on Tour)
- Admin and application fees
- Security deposit
- Utilities and RUBS policy
- Parking fees (if any)
- Pet deposit and monthly pet rent
- Lease terms and early-termination fees
Bring your ID, a recent pay stub, and your preferred move-in date for faster approvals.
Check Availability & Book a Tour
Tell us your timing and must-haves—we’ll confirm current pricing and set up a tour at Royal Palms.
Prefer browsing? Head back to the SA Rentals homepage for more Uptown guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Royal Palms located?
16100 Henderson Pass, San Antonio, TX 78232—Uptown / Thousand Oaks, minutes to Loop 1604 and US-281.
Does Royal Palms allow pets?
Yes—pet-friendly with landscaped green space and a dog park. You’ll notice outdoor cats in the neighborhood; most are TNR (fixed and treated) and keep to themselves. Always confirm breed and weight rules and pet fees on tour.
How much is rent?
One-bedrooms often start around ~$1,040+ (2025) and commonly total near ~$1,200 per month after typical fees. Two-bedroom pricing varies—verify current availability and specials during your tour.
What’s the application process like?
Bring ID, a recent pay stub, and your preferred move-in date. Ask about application fees, deposits, utilities, and approval timelines.
SA Rentals provides rental marketing and referral information. We are not the property manager of Royal Palms. Details are subject to change; confirm during your tour.
