Welcome to "Military City, USA!" JBSA is a unique joint base composed of three distinct installations: Fort Sam Houston (Army), Randolph AFB, and Lackland AFB (Air Force). A PCS to San Antonio means joining one of the most welcoming and military-friendly cities in the nation, rich in history and culture.

Area Overview:

• Location & Climate: San Antonio is a major American city with a vibrant Tex-Mex culture. The climate is hot in the summer and very mild in the winter, making it a popular destination.
• Local Vibe: The city has a deep respect for the military. You'll find a blend of historic Spanish culture and modern city life. It's a major tourist destination but also a sprawling city with distinct neighborhood feels.

On-Base Housing & Amenities:

• Housing: Privatized housing is managed by Lincoln Military Housing and is available at all three main locations, each with its own character.
• Amenities: Each location has its own exchange and commissary. Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) at Fort Sam Houston is a world-class Level I Trauma Center. MWR facilities are extensive and spread across all of JBSA, including golf courses, pools, and community centers.

Local Housing Market & Popular Neighborhoods:

• Near Fort Sam Houston: Alamo Heights is an upscale, established area with a great school district. The surrounding areas offer a mix of historic homes and urban living.
• Near Randolph AFB: Schertz and Cibolo are extremely popular suburbs known for their excellent schools and family-friendly atmosphere.
• Near Lackland AFB: The Far West Side and Alamo Ranch are rapidly growing areas with tons of new construction, shopping, and restaurants.

Schools & Childcare:

• On-Post Schools: Fort Sam Houston ISD and Randolph Field ISD are independent school districts serving on-base residents and are considered among the best in the state.
• Off-Post Schools: San Antonio has numerous school districts. Northside ISD (NISD), North East ISD (NEISD), and Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD (SCUCISD) are consistently popular with military families for their high ratings.
• Childcare: CDCs are available at all JBSA locations, but waiting lists can be very long due to the large military population.

Things to Do & Pro-Tips:

• Local Must-Dos: You have to explore the River Walk and the Alamo. For family fun, there's SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The annual Fiesta celebration in April is a city-wide party.
• Insider Info: The city is huge and spread out. Your commute will be a major factor in where you choose to live. Don't just look at the distance in miles; check the drive time during rush hour.
• Weekend Trips: The beautiful Texas Hill Country is just to the north and west, offering wineries, charming small towns like Fredericksburg, and outdoor activities on the Guadalupe River.