San Antonio has long been known as “Military City, USA,” but in 2025 that title carries more weight than ever before. The combination of a large military presence, affordable housing, strong medical care, and family-friendly neighborhoods has made San Antonio one of the top destinations for military families who are relocating. Add in growing spouse employment opportunities, excellent veteran support, and a cost of living that is well below the national average, and it’s easy to see why so many service members and their families are putting down roots here.
A City Built Around the Military
San Antonio’s military community is anchored by Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), which combines Lackland Air Force Base, Fort Sam Houston, Randolph Air Force Base, and Camp Bullis. This massive installation is not only the largest joint base in the United States but also one of the most important economic drivers in Texas. According to the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, JBSA contributes more than $55 billion annually to the Texas economy and supports nearly 240,000 jobs both directly and indirectly. That means San Antonio isn’t just military-friendly — the military is woven into the very fabric of the city.
For families, this presence translates into resources and stability. Schools partner with base liaisons to smooth student transitions, housing offices help families settle quickly, and the community at large embraces military culture through discounts, special programs, and events that make families feel welcome.
Affordable Housing Backed by BAH
One of the biggest reasons military families continue to choose San Antonio is the relative affordability of its housing market. While cities like Austin and Dallas have seen home prices skyrocket in recent years, San Antonio remains far more attainable. As of 2025, the median home price in the metro area sits in the low-to-mid $300,000s, and housing inventory has been steadily increasing, which makes buying or renting less competitive than it was just a few years ago.
The Department of Defense has also adjusted BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) rates in San Antonio to keep pace with the market. For 2025, the San Antonio Military Housing Area (MHA code TX285) covers a wide range of options. For example, an E-4 with dependents receives around $1,791 per month, while an E-6 with dependents receives about $2,154 per month. Senior officers can qualify for BAH rates over $2,500 monthly, depending on their pay grade and family situation. These allowances make it possible for many families to comfortably rent off-base or even purchase a home using VA loans, which allow for zero down payment and no PMI.
Schools and Child Support Services
Education is always a top concern for military families, especially given how often children must switch schools during PCS moves. San Antonio has made major strides in supporting military-connected students. Districts like Northside ISD, North East ISD, and Schertz-Cibolo ISD work closely with School Liaison Officers from JBSA to help children transition into new classrooms. These liaisons assist with everything from credit transfers and IEPs to sports eligibility and extracurricular activities.
Some schools even offer special support programs to help military children adapt socially and academically. While Texas schools vary widely in ratings, San Antonio provides plenty of options, and families who do their research often find neighborhoods where schools meet both academic expectations and family needs.
Strong Career Opportunities for Military Spouses and Veterans
Another reason San Antonio stands out in 2025 is the city’s commitment to spouse employment and veteran transition programs. Historically, frequent moves have made it difficult for military spouses to build stable careers. But San Antonio’s economy — which is powered by health care, cybersecurity, defense contracting, education, and logistics — is creating real opportunities.
Programs like Hiring Our Heroes and the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) connect military spouses with local employers and even provide paid fellowship placements. The Greater San Antonio Chamber has also launched initiatives designed to improve career pipelines for spouses, ensuring more households can count on dual incomes. For transitioning service members, the area’s growing defense and tech industries provide natural next steps after active duty.
World-Class Medical Care and Veteran Services
Healthcare is another major draw. San Antonio is home to Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), one of the largest military hospitals in the country and a world-class facility for trauma and specialty care. Families stationed here know they’ll have access to top-level military healthcare, as well as numerous local VA clinics and the Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital. For families with ongoing medical needs or for retirees seeking strong VA care, having such a robust medical infrastructure in one city is invaluable.
Family-Friendly Neighborhoods to Fit Every Lifestyle
One of the most common questions military families ask is, “Where should we live?” The answer depends on which base you’re stationed at and what you value most — schools, commute times, or community amenities.
Families stationed near Lackland often choose Alamo Ranch, a suburban area with newer homes, affordable prices, and quick access to the base. Those at Fort Sam Houston frequently settle in Stone Oak, which offers highly rated schools, modern subdivisions, and easy access to shopping and dining. For Randolph AFB, popular choices include Schertz and Cibolo, two communities with strong small-town vibes and family-friendly atmospheres. Other families choose to live a little farther out in Boerne, Helotes, or New Braunfels to enjoy hill country living, even if it means a longer commute.
Cost of Living and Quality of Life
Beyond housing, San Antonio’s overall cost of living is about 8–9% lower than the national average, making it one of the most affordable major metros in the country. Everyday expenses like groceries, transportation, and childcare generally cost less than in other large Texas cities. Add in Texas’s lack of state income tax, and families often find their paychecks go much further here.
For fun, San Antonio is packed with attractions that appeal to families. The River Walk, The Alamo, SeaWorld, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and Morgan’s Wonderland are just the beginning. Many of these attractions — along with the San Antonio Spurs, local museums, and even the zoo — offer military discounts year-round. This makes it easier for families to enjoy outings without breaking the budget.
Tips for a Smooth PCS to San Antonio
If you’re preparing to PCS to San Antonio in 2025, a few steps will make the move easier. Start by checking your exact BAH rate by ZIP code and pay grade using the official DoD tables. Next, connect with a JBSA School Liaison Officer to begin the enrollment process for your children well in advance. Decide early whether you want to live on-base or off-base, as waitlists for on-base housing can be long. If you plan to buy, connect with a lender who specializes in VA loans and work with a realtor who has experience helping military families. Finally, research commute times from potential neighborhoods during rush hour, since base gate traffic can add time to daily drives.
Why Military Families Will Keep Choosing San Antonio
At the end of the day, military families are moving to San Antonio in 2025 because the city offers a rare balance of affordability, stability, and opportunity. With one of the largest military footprints in the nation, a cost of living that is easier on the budget, a supportive community that embraces military culture, and a strong foundation of schools, healthcare, and spouse employment programs, San Antonio checks nearly every box for relocating families.
For many service members, the decision is no longer just about where to serve — it’s about where to stay long-term. And more and more, that answer is San Antonio.
Ready to Make Your Move?
If you’re a military family preparing for a PCS to San Antonio — or if you’re thinking about making this city your long-term home — my team and I are here to help. We specialize in guiding military families through every step of the process, from finding the right neighborhood and school district to navigating VA loans and local housing options.
Schedule a one-on-one consultation today, and let us help you make your San Antonio move stress-free. Whether you’re arriving in 7 days or 77 days, we’ll make sure you and your family are set up for success in Military City, USA.
