San Antonio's East Side Mixed-Income Housing: What Military Families Need to Know About Central at Commerce

The $91 million Central at Commerce development just cleared a major financing hurdle, and I want you to understand exactly what this 279-unit mixed-income housing project means for your family's PCS to San Antonio. As someone who's walked the East Side neighborhoods with dozens of military families over the past few years, I've watched this area transform.

This development represents the single largest private investment commitment in East Side neighborhoods in recent memory. Opportunity Home's board unanimously approved its participation in the project on December 10, paving the way for construction to begin in February 2026 at 1231 E. Commerce Street.

The property closes in January. If you're timing a PCS to Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB, or Randolph AFB over the next 18-24 months, this East Side mixed-income housing development should be on your radar.

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What Mixed-Income Housing Means for Your BAH

Here's the breakdown that matters for military families. 139 units will be offered at 70% of area median income (AMI), 67 units at 60% AMI, 31 units at 50% AMI, and 42 units at 30% AMI.

The complex splits between one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans. For a family of four, San Antonio's AMI sits at $98,300 in 2025.

That means a two-bedroom unit at 60% AMI would be priced for households earning around $58,980 annually. This falls well within reach for an E-5 or E-6 with current BAH rates.

San Antonio's 2025 BAH for an E-4 with dependents runs approximately $1,791 per month. An E-6 with dependents receives about $2,154 monthly.

Every unit at Central at Commerce includes a balcony. Complex amenities feature a fitness facility, pool, and playground.

Compare that to market-rate apartments downtown charging $1,800-plus for a basic one-bedroom. You start to see why mixed-income developments matter for military budgets.

The project secured approval for 4% low-income housing tax credits. This keeps rents stable and predictable, with no surprise rent hikes when your lease renews during deployment.

I've had too many conversations with families blindsided by 15-20% rent increases mid-tour. Income-restricted housing removes that variable from your financial planning.

Why the East Side Location Works for JBSA Assignments

Central at Commerce sits near the intersection of Commerce Street and Interstate 37. It's less than 10 minutes from downtown and positioned within East Side neighborhoods experiencing infrastructure improvements and demographic evolution.

That I-37 access is your direct shot to Fort Sam Houston, roughly 12-15 minutes depending on traffic. Lackland sits about 25 minutes southwest via I-10.

Randolph clocks in at 20 minutes northeast on I-35. The East Side historically offered San Antonio's most affordable entry points.

Property values in key revitalization zones have climbed nearly 12% year-over-year. Neighborhoods like Denver Heights, Dignowity Hill, and Government Hill are all part of the broader East Side area.

They're seeing increased commercial investment that's boosting walkability and amenities. The Historic and Design Review Commission approved Central at Commerce's design in October 2025.

The architecture firm noted the project "complements the neighborhood's character while offering a fresh perspective on urban living." I've walked clients through these blocks, and the cultural history runs deep.

You'll find local taquerias, neighborhood parks, and community events that reflect the area's Mexican-American heritage. If your family values authentic cultural experiences over cookie-cutter suburban developments, the East Side delivers.

The Revitalization Timeline and Your PCS Planning

Construction kicks off in February 2026. Units should be move-in ready by late 2027 or early 2028.

If your orders put you in San Antonio during that window, you'll want to get on the waitlist early. 279 units won't absorb the demand from both military families and civilian workers flooding into the area.

The East Side is undergoing major transformation. Projects like the Wheatley Courts redevelopment and multiple commercial investments signal a new chapter.

I've seen this pattern before in neighborhoods like Southtown and the near-west side. Early movers lock in affordable rents or purchase prices before the market catches up to the development momentum.

Many East Side homes still price under market with strong upside potential. If you're considering buying instead of renting, I'd look at single-family properties within a half-mile radius of Central at Commerce now.

Look before values jump again. The seven-story structure will reshape the immediate streetscape.

Large windows and storefront systems at the street level ensure an active and engaging presence. That's planning-speak for retail and community spaces on the ground floor.

Coffee shops, small businesses, the kind of walkable infrastructure military spouses appreciate when they're building careers or side hustles between duty stations.

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Comparing East Side Affordability to Other San Antonio Neighborhoods

San Antonio's overall median home price dropped to $245,985 as of December 2024, down 3.2% over the past year. The East Side median sits around $280,000.

This remains well below Stone Oak's premium pricing or Alamo Heights' $500,000-plus listings. For military families using VA loans, which I strongly advocate for given zero down payment and competitive rates, San Antonio's housing market remains 27.4% more affordable than Austin's.

I've helped families compare on-base housing at Randolph Family Housing versus off-base options like Central at Commerce. On-base eliminates commute stress and plugs you into a ready-made military community.

Off-base gives you rental history and potential equity building if you buy. You also get exposure to San Antonio's broader culture, especially valuable if you're considering staying in the area post-service.

The East Side specifically attracts young professionals and artists. They're drawn by mixed-use developments, loft apartments, and creative spaces.

If your spouse works remotely or needs access to coworking hubs and the growing tech corridor downtown, Central at Commerce's location beats living 30 minutes north in Schertz or Cibolo.

Investment Considerations for Military Buyers

Let me shift gears and talk about the investment angle. Several clients ask whether they should buy in revitalization zones versus established neighborhoods.

The East Side represents one of San Antonio's most promising investment areas for high returns. Prime location, rising demand, and infrastructure improvements drive this potential.

The local economy stays stable thanks to nearby military bases and major employers. If you're a senior NCO or officer planning to retire in San Antonio, purchasing a duplex or small multi-unit property on the East Side now positions you for solid appreciation.

Purchase before Central at Commerce's 279 units drive additional commercial investment. You can house-hack one side and rent the other to another military family.

Or hold both units as long-term rentals. Areas undergoing revitalization are ideal for multi-unit investments.

The risk? Revitalization timelines don't always move linearly. I've seen neighborhood momentum stall when anchor projects face financing delays or political roadblocks.

Central at Commerce clearing its Opportunity Home approval and securing tax credit applications reduces that risk significantly. The project's $91 million price tag and partnership between local expertise and national development experience gives it staying power.

Rental demand in San Antonio remains high. It's driven by military rotations, healthcare workers at the Medical Center, and downtown employment growth.

Average days on market sit under 25 days citywide. Owner-occupancy rates contribute to neighborhood stability.

The East Side hasn't hit that equilibrium yet. This creates opportunity but requires patience.

Practical Next Steps for Your Family

If you're PCSing to San Antonio and Central at Commerce's income-restricted units align with your household earnings, contact Opportunity Home directly as the property closes in January. Income verification will be required.

You'll need to provide recent LES statements and tax documentation. The 30% AMI units, 42 total, serve families earning roughly $29,500 annually.

This covers many junior enlisted households. The 70% AMI units at $68,800 annual income fit mid-career NCOs and junior officers.

If you'd rather buy than rent, I'm happy to run a neighborhood-specific search covering the East Side zip codes. We'll look at 78202, 78203, 78204 and show you options within your BAH or VA loan pre-approval.

We're seeing inventory increase across San Antonio. This makes buying less competitive than even two years ago.

I use a VA-approved buyer database and mobile notary services to accommodate your duty schedule. Whether you're already stationed here or sight-unseen shopping from your current assignment, we'll make it work.

For families arriving before Central at Commerce opens in late 2027, nearby neighborhoods like Dignowity Hill offer restored historic homes starting in the mid-$200,000s. Government Hill provides similar proximity to downtown and Fort Sam with slightly higher inventory.

Universal City apartments, closest to JBSA, run $1,200-$1,600 monthly. Cibolo delivers family-friendly suburban layouts within BAH limits.

Why This Development Matters Beyond Your PCS

I'll close with something bigger than one apartment complex. San Antonio's military community makes up a substantial portion of our metro population.

Over 80,000 active-duty personnel serve across JBSA installations. When developers and housing authorities like Opportunity Home invest $91 million in mixed-income projects that serve the 30-70% AMI range, they're directly supporting military families who keep our city's economy moving.

Too many cities price out the service members who protect them. San Antonio doesn't play that game.

Central at Commerce reinforces our commitment to affordable, quality housing near employment centers and schools. The project's focus on economic diversity, mixing market-rate and income-restricted units, builds stronger communities than isolated low-income or luxury-only developments.

I've spent my post-service career helping military families navigate PCS moves because I remember how disorienting my first assignment felt. You're juggling in-processing, finding schools, learning a new base, and trying to make a house feel like home on a compressed timeline.

Knowing developments like Central at Commerce exist removes one major stressor. Stable rents, solid amenities, and base-accessible locations matter.

Whether you rent here, buy nearby, or simply use this information to compare other options, you're making a more informed decision than I had access to during my own moves. San Antonio continues earning its reputation as one of America's most military-friendly cities.

The East Side's transformation is just getting started. I'm watching this space closely, and I'll keep you updated as Central at Commerce moves toward groundbreaking and lease-up.

Frequently Asked Questions About East Side Mixed-Income Housing

When will Central at Commerce be ready for move-in?

Construction begins in February 2026 with units expected to be available for lease in late 2027 or early 2028. The property closes in January 2026, and interested families should get on the waitlist early as demand will be high.

What income levels qualify for Central at Commerce apartments?

The 279 units are distributed across four income tiers: 30% AMI (42 units), 50% AMI (31 units), 60% AMI (67 units), and 70% AMI (139 units). For a family of four, this ranges from approximately $29,500 annual income for the lowest tier to $68,800 for the highest tier.

How far is Central at Commerce from JBSA installations?

The development is approximately 12-15 minutes from Fort Sam Houston via I-37, 25 minutes from Lackland AFB via I-10, and 20 minutes from Randolph AFB via I-35. This central location makes it accessible for families stationed at any JBSA installation.

Can I use my BAH to rent at Central at Commerce?

Yes, BAH rates for E-4 through E-6 with dependents range from $1,791 to $2,154 monthly, which aligns well with the income-restricted units at Central at Commerce. Income verification will be required during the application process.

Should I buy or rent on the East Side as a military family?

This depends on your tour length and post-service plans. If you're planning a 3-year tour with potential retirement in San Antonio, buying allows you to build equity in a revitalization zone. If you're unsure about staying long-term, renting at Central at Commerce provides stability without the commitment of homeownership.