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Installation Guide

Fort Sam Houston

Army San Antonio, Texas

Off-Base Living

Top neighborhoods near Fort Sam Houston

Alamo Heights / Terrell Hills

Upscale independent cities encircled by San Antonio, immediately adjacent to Fort Sam Houston with excellent schools and historic neighborhoods.

5–10 min to main gate

HistoricFamily-friendlyRetiree-friendly

Stone Oak / North San Antonio

Master-planned suburban communities north of the city with newer homes, highly rated schools, and strong amenities — popular with senior personnel.

20–30 min to main gate

SuburbanNew constructionFamily-friendly

Converse / Universal City

East San Antonio suburbs adjacent to Randolph AFB, offering affordable homes with easy access to both Fort Sam Houston and JBSA-Randolph.

20–25 min to main gate

Military communityAffordableSuburban
Schools

Alamo Heights ISD / North East ISD

Alamo Heights ISD is tiny but ranks among the top in Texas. North East ISD serves the larger Stone Oak and northeast areas with excellent programs.

What families should know

  • Alamo Heights High School consistently ranks in the top 5% of Texas high schools
  • MacArthur High School (NEISD) has strong AP programs and serves Stone Oak families
  • Both districts have active military family liaison programs
Things to Do

Life around Fort Sam Houston

Attraction

The Alamo

The most visited historic site in Texas — just minutes from Fort Sam Houston and an essential experience for every family stationed here.

Outdoors

San Antonio River Walk

The iconic 15-mile urban waterway lined with restaurants, bars, and hotels — a vibrant outdoor promenade in the heart of San Antonio.

Dining

Pearl Brewery District

Converted historic brewery complex that is now SA's premier dining and shopping neighborhood, with James Beard-nominated restaurants.

Entertainment

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Major theme park with rollercoasters and a waterpark — military discount programs make this very accessible for Army families.

Shopping

La Cantera Resort & Shops

Upscale outdoor shopping and dining complex in northwest San Antonio with stunning Hill Country views.

Attraction

Natural Bridge Caverns

Texas's largest natural caverns, just north of San Antonio — a spectacular underground adventure for the whole family.

Housing Market

Buying or renting near Fort Sam Houston

Home Prices

$290,000–$480,000

Typical Rent

$1,400–$2,400/mo

San Antonio is the most affordable large city in Texas for military families. Fort Sam's location in central SA is convenient. JBSA's multiple installations keep demand steady, but inventory is generally healthy.

Popular neighborhoods: Alamo Heights, Stone Oak, Terrell Hills

Buying near Fort Sam Houston with a VA loan: $0 down and no PMI. Estimate your allowance with the BAH calculator, follow the PCS checklist, and read the full VA Loan Guide before you go under contract.

Orders to Fort Sam Houston?

Get pre-approved before you arrive. A VA loan specialist can have your numbers ready this week.

Call (719) 259-2246