Cheapest Place to Buy a House in San Antonio: A Veteran's Inside Look at Affordable Neighborhoods in 2025

I've walked this ground both as an Air Force officer and as a San Antonio Realtor who's helped over 110 military families find home. When you're PCSing to Joint Base San Antonio or relocating on a budget, the cheapest place to buy a house in San Antonio isn't just about low prices - it's about value, safety, and proximity to what matters most to your family.

As of October 2025, San Antonio's median home price sits at $308,995, with 2,639 homes sold last month. But here's what the MLS reports won't tell you: the right neighborhood can put you in a solid home for $150,000 to $200,000, and I've personally closed deals in these areas that checked every box for my military clients.

Ready to explore San Antonio's most affordable neighborhoods with zero guesswork? Schedule a free buyer consultation and get access to off-market listings tailored to your BAH and PCS timeline.

Why San Antonio Remains Texas' Most Affordable Major Market

San Antonio consistently undercuts Austin and Dallas on price while delivering the same - or better - quality of life. The city's October 2025 average sales price hit $377,040, a modest 2% year-over-year increase, while inventory climbed to 5.9 months of supply. Translation: you have negotiating power and time to choose wisely.

For VA buyers, this matters even more. The 2025 VA loan limit in Bexar County is $806,500, meaning nearly every home in the metro qualifies for zero-down financing. I've guided clients through sight-unseen closings from Germany and Korea using 360° virtual tours and VA appraisal coaching - it's part of the Sharp Realty Group PCS Game Plan.

The 5 Cheapest Places to Buy a House in San Antonio Right Now

Westside: The True Entry Point

If you're hunting the absolute cheapest place to buy a house in San Antonio, the Westside delivers. Homes here regularly list between $80,000 and $150,000, with single-family properties under $100,000 still appearing in my MLS alerts. Zip code 78207 shows the lowest median values citywide at $93,473.

I won't sugarcoat it: many Westside properties are fixer-uppers or foreclosures. But for investors, first-time buyers with sweat equity, or military families willing to renovate using their VA loan's repair allowance, this area offers unmatched affordability. It's also a 20-minute drive to Lackland AFB, making it workable for active-duty families who prioritize price over proximity.

Southside: Culture Meets Affordability

The Southside balances budget and livability better than anywhere else in the city. Homes typically run $100,000 to $200,000, with vibrant neighborhoods near San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. I've closed multiple deals here for E-4 to E-6 families using BAH alone - no out-of-pocket costs beyond the VA funding fee.

What I love about the Southside: it's family-oriented, culturally rich, and close to major employers like the South Texas Medical Center. Schools in the Harlandale ISD serve the area, and recent neighborhood revitalization projects have boosted property values without pricing out first-time buyers.

Kirby & Harlandale: Suburban Affordability with City Access

Kirby is one of San Antonio's best-kept secrets. Homes in this compact neighborhood sit in the low $200,000s, often below the citywide median, with a 15-minute commute to downtown. It's ideal for dual-military couples working at Fort Sam Houston or Randolph AFB who want suburban calm without sacrificing convenience.

Harlandale, just south of Kirby, mirrors that affordability at $150,000 to $250,000. Both areas offer parks, schools, and growing investor interest, which signals future appreciation - critical if you're planning to rent the property after your next PCS.

Considering a home you can rent out after orders? Get a personal military investment property checklist and learn how VA assumption loans can attract premium tenants.

Highland Park & Pecan Valley: Historic Charm on a Budget

Highland Park sits southeast of downtown with homes priced $175,000 to $250,000. You'll find Craftsman bungalows and early 1900s architecture - perfect for buyers who want character without Stone Oak price tags. I've worked with officers and senior NCOs who renovated Highland Park homes into equity goldmines using the VA's renovation loan option.

Pecan Valley offers similar value at $150,000 to $250,000, with the added bonus of a golf course and quick Interstate 37 access. Both neighborhoods appeal to retiring military families who plan to stay in San Antonio long-term and want walkable, established communities.

Dignowity Hill: Walkable, Historic, and Under $250,000

If downtown access matters more than sprawling square footage, Dignowity Hill is your move. Homes list under $250,000, many featuring historic bones and modern updates. It's a short walk to the River Walk, Alamodome, and St. Mary's University - ideal for contractors, federal employees, or retirees who want urban convenience.

I've noticed Dignowity Hill attracts dual-income households and military members transitioning to civilian careers downtown. Appreciation here has outpaced the Westside over the last three years, so you're buying into a rising market while still paying less than most San Antonio zip codes.

What "Cheap" Really Means for Military Buyers

Affordability isn't just sticker price. As a veteran, I coach clients to calculate total monthly cost: mortgage (or BAH surplus), property tax, insurance, and HOA fees if applicable. Bexar County's average property tax rate hovers around 2.18%, so a $200,000 home costs roughly $4,360 annually in taxes alone.

For VA buyers, the funding fee ranges from 1.4% to 3.6% depending on down payment and prior use, but it's rolled into your loan. Veterans with a service-connected disability pay zero funding fee, saving thousands on a $200,000 purchase. I always run these numbers before showing homes so you know your true out-of-pocket and monthly obligation.

How I Help Clients Win in San Antonio's Affordable Zones

Every market has competition, even in budget neighborhoods. In October 2025, San Antonio homes averaged 78 days on market, but properties under $200,000 move faster - sometimes in under 30 days. My approach: set up private MLS alerts, schedule same-day showings, and submit VA-strong offers that sellers actually accept.

I also leverage Sharp Realty Group's VA-approved buyer database and launch-week blitz strategy to get my listings maximum exposure. That means when I represent a seller in these affordable zones, I'm connecting them with qualified military buyers - and when I represent you as a buyer, I know which listings will hit the market before they go live.

One client - an E-7 retiring from Lackland - wanted Southside but kept losing to cash offers. We pivoted to a pre-market Harlandale property I'd heard about through my network, closed in 28 days, and he paid $185,000 for a home appraised at $198,000. That's the kind of edge you get working with someone who lives and breathes this market.

Financing Your Affordable San Antonio Home

VA loans remain the most powerful tool for military buyers. Zero down payment, no PMI, competitive rates, and seller-paid closing costs make homeownership accessible even on junior enlisted BAH. For 2025, San Antonio's median $308,995 price point leaves plenty of room under the $806,500 VA limit.

Beyond VA, consider FHA loans (3.5% down), USDA loans for eligible rural zones, and Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation programs that offer down payment assistance. I connect clients with vetted lenders who specialize in military financing and close on time - every time.

The Bottom Line: Cheap Doesn't Mean Compromise

The cheapest place to buy a house in San Antonio in 2025 is wherever your family feels home while staying within budget. Westside offers rock-bottom pricing, Southside balances culture and value, and Kirby delivers suburban ease at accessible rates. Highland Park and Dignowity Hill add historic character for buyers who want more than cookie-cutter subdivisions.

I've walked hundreds of military families through these decisions. Whether you're PCSing in 90 days or retiring next year, my job is to find you a home that works today and builds equity tomorrow. San Antonio's market gives us room to negotiate, inventory to choose from, and neighborhoods that welcome service members with open arms.

Let's get you home. Start your San Antonio home search here or call me directly at (210) 997-0763.