For hundreds of years, San Antonio has been the proud and stately home of a strong military presence. From the first cries of, “Remember the Alamo!” to today’s strongly worded boot camp traditions, our city has always buzzed with an inspiring sort of patriotism.
Image Courtesy of WhereTraveler.com
It follows, then, that San Antonio is now home to the largest single DoD installation (including Randolph AFB, Ft Sam Houston, and Lackland AFB), supporting a population of 80,000 regular employees and up to 138,000 students each year.
Yeah. It’s no wonder we’re often dubbed “Military City, USA.”
Due to the highly concentrated population of active military families in San Antonio, plenty of neighborhoods and subdivisions have popped up in proximity to these military installations...many built specifically with military families in mind! Here are our picks for military families looking to plant roots in San Antonio...even if only for a few years.
1. Alamo Ranch
Close to: Lackland AFB
5302 Anemone (Alamo Ranch)
The Alamo Ranch community is extremely close to Lackland AFB and is located in Northside Independent School District. This picturesque community is designed with families in mind, giving way to open floorplans, large kitchens, and plenty of space for entertaining. In the neighborhood, there’s a community playground, lap pool with a slide, and kiddie pool area as well. Each home plan is different and offers areas of customization if you so choose (i.e. upgrading to hardwood floors, changing the wood on cabinets, etc.). The builder is Pulte and comes renowned in affordable yet beautiful homes.
2. Amber Creek
Close to: Lackland AFB
This developmental community in West San Antonio is commuter friendly and a very short drive to Lackland AFB. The new homes start from the 160’s and go up to the low 200’s. A variety of floor plans are available for you to choose, depending on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you’re looking for. You do not have to build in order to live here, though; luckily, the neighborhood has a number of “Quick Move-In Homes” ready, perfect for a relocated family in the military. They also boast having low HOA fees, a community park for little ones, and a close location to the natural land at Medina River.
3. Rhine Valley
Close to: Randolph AFB
This neighborhood (in Northeast San Antonio) has move-in-ready homes and a great community for your family. Located in Schertz, it’s closest to Randolph Brooks AFB, giving you an easy commute out of the technical limits of San Antonio. Another plus? You’ll be close to Austin, Texas and can make easy weekend trips to the city for exploring or shopping. This area has over 450 homesites available, each one with an oversized lot to make sure that you have plenty of land. These ranch style homes have Texas charm and offer wonderful features like granite countertops and hardwood floors. If you’re looking for space, quality, and assurance, this is the community for you!
4. Shady Oaks Ranch
Close to: Randolph AFB
Located in Northeast San Antonio, this area has older homes at a great price. Priced in the 200’s and 300’s, you can find a wide variety of beautiful styles and floorplans within an established neighborhood. Plus, Shady Oaks Ranch is close to shopping and plenty of restaurants.
5. Auburn Hills
Close to: Randolph AFB
6772 Wayman Ridge (Auburn Ridge)
Located near Randolph AFB and just a second away from Woodcrest Park (in the Live Oak community), this little community has older homes in a wide variety of styles and prices. Manicured grounds, a recreational facility, and a prime location are only a few of the reasons you may want to consider this neighborhood.
6. Olmos Park Terrace
Close to: Ft Sam Houston
Just north of downtown (in the Central San Antonio area), Olmos Park Terrace offers historic homes reminiscent of an English stone cottage. The architecture is unique, and the location is perfect. This neighborhood is closest to Sam Houston, but also gives you access to all of the “it” places in downtown San Antonio. It’s definitely worth looking into if you want an older, more historic home here in town.
7. Alamo Heights & Terrell Hills
Close to: Lackland AFB & Sam Houston
305 Corona Ave (Alamo Heights)
Probably one of the most well-known areas in all of San Antonio, Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills offer gorgeous older homes and proximity to military installations. You can find something that’s been renovated or make changes yourself if you’re looking for that kind of a home. One of the major appeals is the development of that area, giving you access to fabulous shopping, amazing restaurants, close proximity to downtown and the airport, and plenty of charm.
711 Terrell Rd (Terrell Heights)
8. Heights of Copperfield
Close to: Randolph AFB
This neighborhood (in Northeast San Antonio) is literally minutes from Randolph AFB and a close drive to Ft. Sam Houston, BAMC and Rackspace. Located in Converse, Texas, the community gives you more space and land for your money. Existing homes and new homesites are both available for whatever choice is right for you. The neighborhood is located in Judson ISD and is actually walking distance from Copperfield Elementary School. This is yet another community that has a focus on family and kids, complete with multiple different floorplans and big bedrooms. Additionally, you’ll be minutes away from great shopping and dining!
We’ve heard many military families espouse a serious love for the city due to its rich history, culture, and family-friendly atmosphere. Thankfully, the feeling is mutual. San Antonio loves its military families right back! We’d be honored to be the ones to help guide you through the whole process, from connecting with a lender to signing the closing papers. Let us know how we can help your search for the right home as seamless as possible!
