Welcome to Military City, USA. Yes, that’s right—Joint Base San Antonio trademarked the name in 2017! A few years earlier, back in 2010, three military installations realigned to create Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA): Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base, and Randolph Air Force Base. Both Army and Air Force families call JBSA home. With one of the largest populations of active duty service members and veterans in the country, you’re lucky to be heading to this patriotic city in south-central Texas with a rich history!
San Antonio is best known for the Battle of the Alamo and its role in American, Mexican and Native American history. The city is over 300 years old and its 21st century culture still reflects its vibrant heritage. This eighth largest city in the United States is a foodie’s paradise. In addition to being a major military city, it’s also home to thousands of college students attending dozens of higher education institutions, including those studying at the University of Texas at San Antonio. The city has several downtown districts, including the popular San Antonio Riverwalk, offering their own flavors of shopping, restaurants, and events.
So what’s it like to live here? The cost of living in San Antonio is below the national average, unemployment rates are some of the lowest in the country, and over half the population belongs to a family household. There are many learning opportunities at historical sites and museums and lots of trails, bike paths, pools, and sports clubs to enjoy.
There are many options for housing on and off base at JBSA. If you are looking to live off post, popular neighborhoods include Alamo Heights, Northwood, Oak Park, and Terrell Hills. Despite being a joint base, on base housing is still divided by the original installation areas and run by different privatized housing companies. In the last couple of years, families PCSing during peak seasons have experienced waitlist times of up to 6-8 months for on base housing. If you are interested in living on base, reach out to your housing office early.
On-Base Housing
Fort Sam Houston Family Housing by Hunt Military Communities
Neighborhoods:
- Artillery Post
- Gorgas Circle
- Harris Heights
- Infantry Post
- Marvin R. Wood
- Patch Chaffee
- Watkins Terrace
- Wheaton Graham Dickman
Lackland Family Homes
Neighborhoods:
Randolph Family Housing by Hunt Military Communities
Neighborhoods:
Schools
All residents living on Joint Base San Antonio are zoned for independent school districts. Here are the links to each:
- Fort Sam Houston Independent School District
- Lackland Independent School District
- Randolph Field Independent School District
There are also two homeschool communities:
Explore Joint Base San Antonio and South-Central Texas
There is an abundance to things to do and places to see in and around San Antonio. Here are a few highlights to start your exploration.
On Base Activities:
- The Great Texas Air Show
- JBSA MWR Events
- USO Warrior and Family Center at Joint Base San Antonio
- Outdoor Recreation Classes and Rentals
- Joint Base San Antonio Chaplain Services
Off Base Favorites:
Sightseeing
- The Alamo
- Natural Bridge Caverns
- San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
- Japanese Tea Gardens
- San Antonio Zoo
- SeaWorld
- Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Dining and Tasting Experiences
- Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse
- J Prime Steakhouse
- Pollos Asados Los Nortenos
- Domingo Restaurant
- San Antonio Ranger Creek Brewstillery Tour
- Freetail Brewing Co.
Cultural Experiences
- Fiesta San Antonio
- San Antonio Riverwalk
- San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo
- Professional Sports: Spurs Basketball, Missions Baseball, S.A. FC Soccer, and Gunslinger Football. Visit Lackland ITT or Fort Sam Houston Ticket Office for discounted tickets.
Joint Base San Antonio has much more to offer you and your family and guests. Were you stationed at Joint Base San Antonio or the surrounding area? What did you love about this duty station? Leave a comment!
