South San’s pride drives neighborhood resilience

SAN ANTONIO – The sounds of the South San neighborhood may be as recognizable as the sights. One sound remains constant: The roar of giant jet engines from the monster military aircraft that take off and land at what used to be Kelly Air Force Base. Even though Kelly AFB closed 24 years ago, its presence still shapes South San.

The now-Port San Antonio campus borders one side of this area that has been home to generations.

The South San Bobcat Pride is evident in the names of businesses that line its streets and in the hearts of the people who live here. But pride doesn’t always equal prosperity. In this community, progress is measured in sidewalks and curbs, not necessarily parks and community centers.

People who call South San home said it is both a hidden gem and an overlooked area. Once its own city, South San is looking at a proud history and what neighbors hope is a promising future.

In this episode of “Know My Neighborhood,” KSAT explores Pride and Perseverance in the South San neighborhood.

Read next:

• Before & after Kelly AFB: South San history is held in the memories of those who know it best
• ‘Really bad’: Quintana Road identified as one of the most severe illegal dumping sites in San Antonio
• More than a dozen salvage yards, tire shops squeezed into South San community
• Health concerns run deep in South San neighborhood
• San Antonio Shoemakers has been a South San staple for nearly 50 years
• Graduates return to South San Antonio to uplift their community
• South San neighborhood lacks libraries, community centers