Top 5 Things I wish I knew before PCSing to Randolph

Top 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before PCSing to Randolph

PCSing to Randolph Air Force Base soon? Moving can feel overwhelming—new zip code, ticking report-date clock, and plenty of unknowns. Below are the five lessons I learned the hard way, updated with 2025 data on housing, BAH, schools, healthcare, and family resources so you can land with fewer surprises and more confidence.

1. Housing Availability on Base

First, let's talk about housing availability on base. The waiting list can be long, so apply as early as possible if you want to live on base. Consider off-base housing as a backup plan.

• Randolph Family Housing maintains roughly 300 historic and renovated homes ranging from 3–5 bedrooms.^[1]
• Paperwork lives in a single Housing Application Package; submit as soon as you have hard orders—waitlists average 4-6 months for popular floor plans.^[2]
• 2025 BAH for an E-5 with dependents is $1,935, enough to rent a 3-bed home in nearby Schertz or Cibolo.^[3]
• The cost-of-living index sits at ≈83—about 17 % below the U.S. average—so utilities and groceries run cheaper than many coastal bases.^[4]
• Popular off-base neighborhoods within a 15-minute gate commute include Universal City, Schertz, and Ventura.

2. School Options for Kids

Randolph has some great options, but you'll want to look into both public and private schools to find the best fit for your family.

• Randolph Field ISD ranks #5 of 37 districts in the San Antonio area and holds an overall A rating.^[5]
• The district’s one-campus model keeps academics close to base and minimizes bus times.
• Judson and SCUC ISDs serve most off-base neighborhoods; both offer STEM and dual-credit programs.
• Families seeking private or charter choices often look at IDEA Walzem and Founders Classical within a 25-minute drive.

3. Local Amenities & Activities

Randolph and the surrounding areas offer dining, shopping, and outdoor fun—explore what the community has to offer.

• Crescent Bend Nature Park—180 acres of trails and bird blinds, 10 minutes from the gate.^[9]
• The Forum at Olympia Parkway—100+ stores and restaurants right off I-35.^[10]
• Downtown San Antonio’s River Walk and Missions sit 25–30 minutes away on clear-traffic days.
• Summer means tubing the Guadalupe or a 45-minute splash run to Schlitterbahn.

4. Healthcare & Medical Facilities

• 359th Medical Group, Randolph Clinic covers primary care, dental, mental health, and a same-day pharmacy.^[6]
• Brooke Army Medical Center (Level 1 trauma) is a 30-minute drive for specialty or emergency care.^[7]
• Several civilian hospitals—Baptist, Methodist, Christus—accept TRICARE within 20 miles.

5. Military & Veteran Support Services

• The Military & Family Readiness Center offers PCS briefings, résumé workshops, and free childcare during appointments.^[8]
• USO San Antonio has a lounge at the airport and free ticket giveaways year-round.
• Texas Veterans Commission runs benefits counselors on Fort Sam Houston if you’re transitioning out.