Is San Antonio a Military City? A Veteran Realtor Explains
Hello there, I'm Anthony Sharp – a former U.S. Air Force officer turned San Antonio Realtor and Military Relocation Specialist. As someone who's served and later settled in this amazing city, I'm often asked, "Is San Antonio a military city?"
The short answer is yes – absolutely! San Antonio wears the nickname "Military City USA" with pride, and for good reason.
San Antonio's military identity isn't just a slogan – it's woven into the fabric of the city. From the moment you arrive, you'll notice uniformed service members, flags flying high, and a community that goes above and beyond to support those who serve.
San Antonio is home to one of the largest concentrations of military bases in the United States, all combined under Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). Our city has embraced the military for over 300 years – ever since Spanish soldiers built a presidio here in 1718.
Why Is San Antonio Called "Military City USA"?
San Antonio earned the nickname "Military City USA" because of its deep and enduring relationship with the U.S. military. The city has been a crucial military hub for centuries – literally since the Presidio San Antonio de Béxar was established in the 18th century.
During World War II, the city's role in training and supporting troops cemented its reputation. Locals began affectionately using the term "Military City, USA."
In 2017, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted San Antonio the exclusive right to call itself "Military City USA" – no other city can use that moniker. Mayor Ron Nirenberg put it best: "Our relationship with the military is one of the many reasons our city continues to prosper."
Here's what makes San Antonio worthy of this title:
Unrivaled Military Presence: San Antonio hosts Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) – the largest joint base in the entire Department of Defense. JBSA isn't a single base but a network of military installations touching virtually every branch of service.
Historic Significance: The city's military roots run 300+ years deep. Even the first military aviation flight in U.S. history took place here in 1910 at Fort Sam Houston!
Community and Culture: Being "Military City" is about community ethos. San Antonio celebrates our veterans and active-duty members openly. From city-wide events to everyday military discounts, you'll feel an atmosphere of respect and gratitude.
The Military Presence: Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)
Joint Base San Antonio comprises four primary locations:
Fort Sam Houston – A historic U.S. Army post on the city's east side (active since 1845). Known as "the Home of Army Medicine," it houses Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), the DoD's largest hospital and only Level 1 trauma center.
Lackland Air Force Base – On the west side, Lackland is famous as the gateway for Air Force enlisted recruits. Every single enlisted Airman starts their career here with Basic Military Training.
Randolph Air Force Base – Located on the northeast side in suburban Schertz. Known for its iconic aviation history and home to the Air Education and Training Command.
Camp Bullis – Northwest of the city, an Army training area that supports Fort Sam Houston's medical training missions and other operations.
Together, these installations form the largest joint base in the U.S. JBSA supports around 80,000 personnel on any given day. It's the #1 employer in the San Antonio area.
Approximately 39,000 new Air Force recruits graduate basic training at Lackland annually. In total, JBSA trains up to 138,000 students each year – from medics and nurses to pilots and linguists.
San Antonio also has one of the nation's largest active and retired military populations. Many folks choose to stay after service thanks to excellent medical facilities and low cost of living.
Living in "Military City USA"
One thing I love about San Antonio is how seamlessly the military community blends with civilian life. Here's what you can expect:
Strong Community: Neighbors look out for each other. Many have served themselves or have relatives in service. You'll find supportive groups everywhere – churches, schools, sports leagues – where military folks are embraced like family.
Military Events: The city's calendar is full of events honoring the military. During Fiesta, there's an Armed Forces River Parade down the famous River Walk. You might see strangers picking up your tab at diners or loud cheers for veterans at Spurs games.
Employment & Education: Companies here value military skills. San Antonio College and UTSA both have veteran centers. Spouses can find support through career networks and the Military Spouse Economic Empowerment Zone.
Family Life: San Antonio is very family-friendly with 19 school districts. You'll enjoy attractions like the San Antonio Zoo, SeaWorld, and countless parks. From exploring the Alamo to having picnics at Brackenridge Park, you'll never run out of weekend activities.
Veteran Services: San Antonio has one of the largest VA healthcare systems, including the Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center. Combined with BAMC and numerous VA clinics, you have top-tier medical care access.
VA Loan Advantages in San Antonio
One of the biggest perks of being a military homebuyer here is the VA home loan benefit. Here's why it's perfect for San Antonio:
Zero Down Payment: VA loans offer 0% down financing, meaning you don't need to save up a huge lump sum. You often get lower interest rates too, saving hundreds per month.
High Usage: San Antonio ranks #2 in the nation for veterans using VA loans to buy homes. Over 9,500 VA home loans were issued here in 2023.
Affordability: Your BAH can often cover your entire mortgage payment. A typical E-5 with dependents might have BAH around $1,850 – perfect for a ~$250,000 home here.
Texas Benefits: Texas doesn't tax military retirement pay and offers hefty property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. Some veterans pay no property tax at all!
Building Equity: San Antonio home prices are rising steadily (about 3-4% annually). Many service members keep their homes as rentals when they PCS, building a real estate portfolio.
Best Neighborhoods for Military Families
Alamo Ranch / Westover Hills (West San Antonio): Perfect for Lackland AFB. Modern subdivisions, great shopping, 15-minute commute. Homes from mid-$200s to $400s.
Schertz, Cibolo, Universal City (Northeast): Ideal for Randolph AFB. Small-town feel, highly rated schools, very military-friendly. Homes $200K-$300K.
Alamo Heights / Terrell Hills (Central): Just 5-10 minutes from Fort Sam Houston. Historic charm, one of Texas's best school districts. Pricier ($400K+) but beautiful.
Stone Oak (North Central): About 30-40 minutes from bases, but offers top-rated schools and newer developments. Popular with senior NCOs and officers planning to retire here.
The median home price in San Antonio is around $300K – well below the national median. You can find plenty of options under $300K in good neighborhoods.
Relocation Tips for PCSing to San Antonio
Start Early: Begin research as soon as you have orders. Give yourself a 90-day runway if possible.
On-Base vs. Off-Base: Both options are solid. On-base offers convenience; off-base gives more choices and the ability to build equity.
Commute Matters: JBSA bases are spread out. Alamo Ranch is great for Lackland, Schertz/Cibolo for Randolph, and Alamo Heights for Fort Sam.
Use Resources: JBSA has a Housing Assistance Office and Military & Family Readiness Centers. Connect with spouses' groups and unit Facebook pages for local advice.
Work with Military-Friendly Pros: Find real estate agents and lenders who understand military life and tight timelines.
Conclusion
Is San Antonio a military city? Without a doubt – YES! San Antonio is proudly Military City USA through centuries of dedication to America's armed forces.
It means living where your service is appreciated, where you have access to world-class military support, and where you can plant roots in a community that "gets" the military lifestyle.
As someone who traded my uniform for a Realtor name tag, I feel incredibly grateful to serve the military community in this way. Every time I help a fellow veteran buy a home or assist a family in finding the right school district, I'm reminded why I love what I do.
If you're considering making San Antonio your next duty station or forever home, I'm here to help. Feel free to reach out with any questions about neighborhoods, the home-buying process, or military life in SA.
Welcome to Military City, USA! 🇺🇸
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is San Antonio called "Military City USA"?
San Antonio earned this nickname due to its 300+ year military presence, starting with a Spanish presidio in 1718. The city was crucial during World War II for training troops, and the nickname caught on informally.
In 2017, the title "Military City USA" was officially trademarked by the city. No other city in America can use this designation, making San Antonio's military identity official and exclusive.
How many military bases are in San Antonio?
San Antonio has four primary military installations that make up Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA): Fort Sam Houston (Army), Lackland AFB (Air Force), Randolph AFB (Air Force), and Camp Bullis (Army). Before 2010, people said San Antonio had "four or five bases."
Now they're administratively merged under JBSA – the largest joint base in the Department of Defense. Each location still retains its distinct mission and character.
What is Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)?
JBSA is the combined entity of San Antonio's main military bases, created in 2010. The Air Force's 502nd Air Base Wing oversees all locations.
JBSA supports around 80,000 personnel daily and trains up to 138,000 students annually. If you're PCSing to "JBSA," you'll be assigned to one specific base but can access services across all locations.
Is San Antonio a good place for military families to live?
Absolutely yes! San Antonio consistently ranks among the top military-friendly cities in America.
The cost of living is affordable, with median home prices around $300K – much lower than the national average. Schools are good in many areas, and there are countless family activities.
The community welcomes military families warmly. You won't feel like an outsider here, and many families decide to stay permanently after experiencing life in Military City USA.
Do a lot of veterans live in San Antonio?
Yes – San Antonio has one of the largest veteran populations in the country. Approximately 1 in 8 adults in San Antonio is a veteran.
Many choose to retire here because of excellent VA and military medical facilities, affordable housing, and no state income tax on military retirement. The metro area has one of the highest veteran populations per capita among large U.S. cities.
What benefits do military members get in San Antonio?
Texas offers no state income tax, so your military pay and retirement aren't taxed at the state level. Texas also provides substantial property tax exemptions for disabled veterans – some pay no property tax at all!
The Texas Veterans Land Board offers low-interest loans and special programs. San Antonio businesses frequently offer military discounts, and the city provides various perks like free airport parking for Purple Heart recipients.
Ready to PCS to San Antonio? Contact Sharp Realty Group TX for a free relocation consultation. As a veteran and Military Relocation Specialist, I'll make your move painless.
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