Contents

FEATURES

Letter from our CEO 8

Welcome to San Antonio 10

Interesting Facts 16

Relocating 20

Attractions 22

Workforce 30

Home Sweet Home 34

Neighborhoods 38

Health and Wellness 44

Education 48

Military 56

Business Search 61

WELCOME FROM THE GREATER SAN ANTONIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

On behalf of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, we want to welcome you to our vibrant city! Whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, relocating, or considering an investment in our thriving community, we are excited for you to experience one of the most unique cities in America!

San Antonio is a city that beautifully balances its rich history, cultural diversity, and economic vitality with a forward-thinking approach to development. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, we take pride in preserving our deep-rooted traditions and close-knit community while embracing innovation. This unique blend of rich heritage and modern growth has made San Antonio a premier destination for businesses and families alike.

At the Greater San Antonio Chamber, we are deeply committed to fostering a dynamic business environment that supports the growth of both new and established enterprises. We actively collaborate with leaders across industries, government, and educational institutions to create opportunities for success. Whether you are with a small or large business or are an entrepreneur, the Greater Chamber’s network and resources are here to help you succeed.

Beyond the business landscape, San Antonio boasts world-class attractions, from the historic Alamo and the River Walk to our booming arts & cultural scene and culinary heritage. Our welcoming spirit is reflected in our people, who represent our city’s warmth, hospitality, and community values.

We are confident you will find San Antonio a place where opportunity meets tradition and innovation flourishes alongside history. I invite you to engage with our local business community and explore the wealth of possibilities San Antonio has to offer.

We look forward to partnering with you and ensuring your experience here is successful, rewarding, and memorable. Once again, welcome to San Antonio!

Jeff Webster
President & CEO
Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce

WELCOME TO SAN ANTONIO

We know what you’re thinking: The Alamo, the River Walk, cowboy boots, rodeos, and of course, Mexican food. And you’d be right—those are some of the best things about San Antonio. But within this big city with a small-town feel, you’ll find more than you ever expected. No matter what brought you here, we’re glad you came.

Placed perfectly in the heart of the Hill Country, San Antonio offers a unique blend of metropolitan energy and small-town charm. For those looking to enjoy all that the big city has to offer, the downtown, the Pearl, Southtown, and Alamo Heights areas bring you an urban lifestyle close to shopping, nightlife, art, fine dining and work. Within a short drive, however, you could find yourself living the Hill Country life in Boerne, Helotes or Bulverde, with room to roam and easy access to the city.

No matter where in town you choose to settle, you’ll notice that the cost of living is below average. Of the major metropolitan areas in Texas, San Antonio is the most affordable. And outside of the Lone Star State, it beats out Denver, Indianapolis and Albany, among others.

The population of San Antonio stands at more than 1.5 million citizens, and the larger San Antonio metropolitan area is expected to see continued growth.

History

San Antonio was formally founded more than 300 years ago; however, this city’s historic footprint began long before 1718. Prior to the arrival of the early European explorers, San Antonio was inhabited by the various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan, Comanche, Lipan Apache and Tonkawa. Although the first explorers arrived in the 1500s, it wasn’t until 1691 that Spanish explorers and missionaries officially named the land San Antonio in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua. The initial colonization of the area led to the establishment of the southernmost missions. The first of the five missions, San Antonio de Valero was established on May 1, 1718. Today it is more famously known as the Alamo. Four days later, the Presidio San Antonio de Bexar was established at the headwaters of the San Antonio River. Throughout the remainder of the 18th century, Missions Concepción, San José, San Juan and Espada were completed.

On Aug. 24, 1821, Mexico and Spain signed the Treaty of Cordoba, freeing Mexico from Spanish rule. Two years later, Stephen F. Austin received a land grant allowing the first Anglo-American settlers to migrate to Texas. Tensions between Texans and the Mexicans began to rise after Mexico passed a series of laws, including limiting immigration from the United States, increasing taxes and abolishing slavery.

In an effort to drive off Mexican soldiers, a group of men led by Austin advanced toward San Antonio in 1835 and set up a defense at Mission Concepción, marking the beginning of the Battle for Texas’ Independence. The following year, on Feb. 23, 1836, Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and Mexican troops laid siege to the Alamo. Although they were vastly outnumbered, the 200 defenders of the Alamo fought off the Mexican forces for 13 days before they were finally overpowered on March 6. The actual battle lasted around 90 minutes with the only survivors being a handful of women, children and slaves.

Although Texas had declared its independence on March 2, they would not be free from Mexico until April 21, when 900 Texans defeated Santa Anna and his army in the 18-minute Battle of
San Jacinto. As a result, Santa Anna was taken as a prisoner where he signed the peace treaty, which officially recognized Texas’ independence. For the next few years, Mexico would continue to fight for control of Texas but would ultimately be unsuccessful, culminating in the annexation of Texas by the United States in 1845 and an American victory in the Mexican-American War in 1848.

Culture

No one word or phrase can fully describe the culture of San Antonio. Its Southern charm with an international flair; big-city opportunity and excitement with small-town familiarity. The city exhibits characteristics of its Spanish founding, its Mexican-American upbringing, its Texas pride, and the German influence from surrounding areas. Its blended heritage has created a unique place that is sure to have something for everyone. Folks come from near and far to live and work in the San Antonio area, each one of them adding to the depth and substance of the city.

Climate

San Antonio is a highly desirable destination among those who prefer to spend their winters relaxing on a patio with a favorite beverage in hand. We see snow on average once every few years, and the winter high temperatures average between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature dips below freezing about 20 days out of the year, with the first freeze happening around the beginning of December. In true Texas fashion, San Antonio is not exempt from the cold to-warm-to-cold temperature fluctuation that is to be expected during October, November, February and March. Most of the year is hot and flooded with sunshine, which is made easier by our close proximity to lakes, rivers and the Texas coast. Spring in Central Texas is beautiful as the sun shines down on hills covered in our state’s flower, bluebonnets, and other wildflowers. We get the most warmth in July and August, when temperatures average 96 degrees. Temperatures in San Antonio reach 90 degrees or higher an average of 111 days a year.

Work

A thriving metropolitan area with a growing job market, San Antonio offers professional opportunities in a number of fields, including aerospace/aviation/commercial space, military/defense, finance, health care, IT/cybersecurity, manufacturing, government and more. In fact, San Antonio has one of the strongest economies among major U.S. cities and a consistently low unemployment rate.

Business Friendly Environment

Tax Abatement
City of San Antonio tax abatement policies allow companies in many different industries to apply for a reduction in taxes if certain criteria are met.

Pollution Control Property
Along with the Texas Natural Resource and Conservation Commission, the Bexar County Appraisal District (BCAD) offers partial up to full exemption from specified taxes for facilities, devices, or methods that control pollution.

Freeport Exemption
This policy allows an exemption of up to 100% of personal property taxes on goods-in-transit, or inventories used in a manufacturing process if the inventory items are moved out of Texas within 175 days.

INTERESTING FACTS

About San Antonio

Here are some interesting and lesser-known facts about San Antonio that showcase the city’s unique culture, history, and growth:

RELOCATING

One of the first steps in making San Antonio feel like home is definitely getting settled in your new place. Before you can unpack, clean and get organized, you’ll need to set up utilities. Fortunately, establishing water and electric or gas service can easily be done without even leaving the premises. Even better, plan ahead so that you can have your services start the day you arrive.

Utilities

For water and wastewater needs, San Antonio Water System (SAWS) serves Bexar County, as well as parts of Medina and Atascosa counties. Made up of the former City Water Board, the City Wastewater Department, and the Alamo Water Conservation and Reuse District, SAWS is nationally acclaimed for its conservation and water management planning. To request new service, call (210) 704-7297 (SAWS) or visit saws.org.

Electric and gas service for the San Antonio area is provided by CPS Energy, a community-owned, not-for-profit utility. You can request new service, transfer service, or stop service by logging on to cpsenergy.com. The CPS website also offers online bill pay, information regarding what causes outages, a schedule of planned outages and tips on how to handle an outage.

For Energy Efficiency program information visit cpsenergy.com.

Major Highways

San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the United States and encompasses a total geographic area between 400 and 500 miles, which can be intimidating to new residents learning their way around. Here’s a quick rundown of our major highways, plus other information you’ll need to know as you hit the road.

Interstate 410, the inner loop for the city, serves as a convenient tool for moving around central San Antonio.

You’ll quickly learn that while Texas State Highway 1604, or the outer loop, works well for getting from the Stone Oak area to UTSA, it does get congested during peak travel times. Most areas of the loop do not have traffic lights, which helps to keep commuters moving.

I-35 North will take you to Austin, but plan for extra travel time during peak hours, as many use the highway to commute to and from work. If you are heading north on I-35, you can catch the toll road just south of Austin, which helps bypass some Austin traffic. As you exit the city on I-35 South, you’ll shift slightly to the west, heading toward Laredo. Alternatively, I-37 starts downtown and runs south and east to Corpus Christi.

At Loop 1604 and I-10, you’ll find The Rim shopping center, The Shops at La Cantera, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

State Highway 281 (also known as Interstate 37) runs north and south through the city and will take you to popular shopping and dining spots at The Quarry Market, Alamo Heights and into downtown. Off 281 North, you’ll find the Stone Oak area and a scenic route to Austin. If you take 281 South, you’ll pass the downtown area, the missions, Brooks City Base, and will end up in the Eagle Ford area.

Driver’s License Offices

The Alamo city has three Texas Department of Public Safety driver’s license locations (Leon Valley, General McMullen, and New Braunfels.) Visit www.dps.texas.gov/rolodex/search.asp for location information.

Vehicle Registration

If you are new to the Lone Star State, you have 30 days from
the time you move here to register your vehicle in Texas.
For more information on registering your vehicle, visit
https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/new-to-texas.

ATTRACTIONS

San Antonio offers activities and attractions for everyone. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or have a passion for art, you will find there is always something new and exciting to do.

We recommend starting your explorations downtown to learn about the culture and history of our vibrant city. The river boat tours take you down the River Walk past a variety of restaurants, shops and Spanish Colonial architecture. Stop by La Villita and browse through the many art galleries that fill the historic village, and if you’re lucky, you can catch a flamenco demonstration at the outdoor Arneson River Theatre.

Then head over to the San Fernando Cathedral (the oldest cathedral sanctuary in the United States) and the Spanish Governor’s Palace. Market Square, the largest Mexican mercado north of the Rio Grande, offers a variety of authentic Mexican cuisine and many shops providing clothing and other unique items. Tourists spend days exploring downtown San Antonio’s many offerings, but you, as a resident, will be able to visit these attractions at your leisure. Just don’t forget to remember the Alamo, the first of the five Spanish missions that laid the foundation for this city you now call home. The San Antonio missions are the largest collection of Spanish Colonial missions in the United States, and in 2015, the missions were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, joining the ranks of landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Stonehenge.

Shopping, Dining
and Nightlife

In 2017, UNESCO designated San Antonio a Creative City of Gastronomy, recognizing the city’s confluence of many world cultures such as Mexican, Spanish, German and French. While every neighborhood has its favorite restaurants, you will quickly find that certain spots are considered staples in
the city.

The former Pearl Brewery now houses some of San Antonio’s most talked about restaurants. Dinnertime crowds fill every table at Cured, Boiler House, and Mon Chou Chou. Students and professionals at the renowned Culinary Institute of America impress diners with flavor and service at Savor, The Culinary Institute of America restaurant, and CIA Bakery, a seasonal popup café. Every Saturday and Sunday morning, residents and visitors flock for live music and the fresh food at the Pearl Farmers Market, and those folks needing a caffeine fix can grab an espresso from Local Coffee or visit Bakery Lorraine for a cold brew and a Parisian pastry. If you are into the craft brew movement, try Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery. Down on Grayson and La Gloria both offer an inviting atmosphere with casual outdoor seating. The Pearl is also well known for its trendy boutiques that offer one-of-a-kind finds and unique clothing.

From downtown through Southtown, you will find the shops, outdoor eateries and bars that line South Alamo Street. On Friday nights, stop by the Blue Star Arts Complex to hear live music while browsing work created by local artists. Popular restaurants in the area include Hot Joy, Bliss, La Frite, Tito’s, Rosario’s, Stella, and Burgerteca. Some of San Antonio’s best icehouses and breweries come to life at night as people flock to The Friendly Spot Ice House, La Tuna Grill and Ice House, Blue Star Brewery, and Freetail Brewery.

There is no surprise that downtown San Antonio is filled with popular bars and clubs. Local favorites include The Esquire, Ocho, and Range. VFW Post 76, the oldest VFW post in Texas, serves up live music and cold drinks from a riverside Victorian mansion. Dance clubs include the Aztec Lounge and the Bonham Exchange, with three levels of dance floors in a late-19th-century building. You will also want to visit Hemisfair Park to check out several local food and beverage options, including Dough Pizzeria Napoletana, CommonWealth Coffeehouse & Bakery, Re:Rooted 210, Box Street Social, and Kunstler Tap Haus.

Just northwest of downtown, the LGBTQ+ strip on Main Street offers some of the city’s most spirited nightlife. Known for its dive bars, casual dining, and unpretentious dance floors, the North Saint Mary’s strip is especially popular with college students. The live music venue Paper Tiger brings national touring bands to San Antonio and has begun a surge of redevelopment in the district.

Other popular shopping and dining areas include the Quarry Market, North Star Mall, The Rim, The Shops at La Cantera, and the expanding Shops at Rivercenter.

Homegrown H-E-B is San Antonio’s grocery store, and high-end grocery stores Central Market and Whole Foods are located in Uptown and north San Antonio, along with Trader Joe’s. If you’re limited on time, H-E-B’s e-commerce grocery delivery and curbside pickup are great options.

Performing Arts

The arts take center stage at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. This state-of-the-art facility is home to resident companies Ballet San Antonio, Opera San Antonio, the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio, Classical Music Institute, and Youth Orchestra of San Antonio. It also welcomes world-class musicians, dance companies and scholars to its stages. Other popular playhouses include the San Pedro Playhouse, and the Wonder Theater. The historic Majestic, Charlene McCombs, and Aztec Theatres host internationally famous performers and local events in beautiful settings. If you enjoy the outdoors, the San Antonio Botanical Gardens hosts various outdoor shows.

Parks and Recreation

San Antonio’s prime location makes it an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.

The River Walk offers a unique eight-mile linear park with more than 16 miles of trail known as Mission Reach. It is the nation’s largest urban ecosystem restoration, connecting joggers and cyclists to the city’s four 18th century Spanish Colonial missions: Missions Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan, and Espada. Guests can even take advantage of kayak rentals at Espada.

The Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails System is a growing network of approximately 82 miles of developed multi-use and accessible trails. Hiking and biking along the Greenway trails are great ways to get fit and enjoy the outdoors. There are more than 50 major trailheads and neighborhood connections to access the trail system around the city. The four major segments of the Greenway are the Leon Creek Greenway, the Salado Creek Greenway, the Medina River Greenway and the Westside Creeks, each offering several miles of uninterrupted trails. Popular parks along this stretch include McAllister and Hardberger, each featuring miles of walking and running trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and a dog park. Woodlawn Lake Park offers canoeing, fishing and strong winds for kite flying. San Pedro Springs Park, the second-oldest municipal park in the nation, is home to the McFarlin Tennis Center and the free San Pedro Springs Swimming Pool. Extensive remodeling and expansion projects will develop downtown’s Hemisfair Park into a sustainable center of recreation and relaxation.

The city’s value of community is evident in its recreational activities. For those who prefer to socialize, the free year-round program Fitness in the Park offers classes such as boot camp and Zumba at parks throughout the city. The San Antonio Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon & Half Marathon and the Tower of Americas 952-step Tower Climb and Run are two of the city’s most popular public competitions. Twice a year, the YMCA’s Siclovia turns major city streets into parks for pedestrian play, exercise classes and biking.

Sports Teams

You will come to find out that San Antonians are extremely passionate about their sports teams. The Alamo City is home to the five-time NBA champions San Antonio Spurs, and in baseball, San Antonio hosts the San Antonio Missions. In 2016, San Antonio welcomed its first United Soccer League team, the San Antonio Football Club (SAFC), and in 2023 we were proud to welcome the XFL’s San Antonio Brahmas. For a truly authentic San Antonio sporting experience, check out the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and the charreada, or Mexican rodeo.

Golf

More than 50 local-area golf courses and 300 days of sunshine a year make it easy for San Antonians to play a lot of golf. Resort courses offer the most variety and receive the most attention. Hosting both the annual Valero Texas Open and the Champions Tour, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa boasts two PGA TOUR–operated TPC courses. La Cantera Hill Country Resort is home to the Resort Course. The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa hosts the Hill Country Golf Club, which offers 27 holes on 200 acres of wide-ranging terrain, masterfully sculpted by course architects Arthur Hills and Associates.

Brackenridge Park Golf Course holds a special place in the hearts of San Antonians and the archives of state history. Designed in 1916, the oldest 18-hole public golf course in Texas is also the home of the Texas Golf Hall of Fame. At the Quarry Golf Club, golfers tee off from elevated boxes and fire balls over the imposing chasm of a 100-year-old limestone quarry pit. Nestled between suburbs and shopping centers, Silverhorn Golf Club is a Hill Country oasis. Those seeking to develop their swing with the luxuries of a full bar and dining menu enjoy Topgolf, where the only elevation changes are the three floors of temperature-controlled tee boxes that overlook a 240-yard outfield.

San Antonio’s military bases also feature their own golf courses. Fort Sam Houston’s two courses, La Loma and Salado del Rio, are both open to the public, as well as the recently renovated Randolph Oaks, at Randolph Air Force Base.

Children’s activities

San Antonio offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. The River Walk’s Museum Reach expansion connects people to San Antonio’s world-famous zoo, the Japanese Tea Gardens, Brackenridge Park, the Pearl District and three very distinguished, but very different, museums – The Witte, The DoSeum and The San Antonio Museum of Art.

The DoSeum, is a kids’ paradise that promotes learning through activity and exploration. With 104,000 square feet of dream-play-learn space, both indoors and out, this reimagined children’s museum welcomes kids of all ages to play, discover, and then fall asleep on the ride home. The Witte Museum features interactive exhibits specializing in natural history, science and South Texas Heritage. The museum’s H-E-B Body Adventure pumps up kids’ wellness IQs and heart rates through interactive exhibits, including a cycling race through a virtual San Antonio river landscape.

Downtown San Antonio hosts many popular children’s activities as well. The Magik Theatre brings children’s favorite stories to life onstage and offers popular drama camps in the summer. Kids delight in riding up to the observation deck of the 750-foot Tower of the Americas, site of the 1968 World’s Fair. Downtown’s favorite backyard is Hemisfair’s Yanaguana Garden, featuring open green space, playscapes and splash pads.

SeaWorld San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas continue to provide exciting and fun-filled adventures. Both offering water parks, these attractions are especially popular with families during the hot summer months. For families with children with disabilities, Morgan’s Wonderland is the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park designed specifically for all children. In 2017, Morgan’s Wonderland debuted the world’s first fully accessible water park, Inspiration Island, using waterproof wheelchairs featuring cutting-edge technology.

Museums

The Briscoe Western Art Museum, situated in the heart of downtown San Antonio, presents a retrospective tour of the art, history and culture of the American West through exhibitions, educational programs and public events.

Pedestrians traveling by the River Walk’s Museum Reach extension can conveniently stop by the San Antonio Museum of Art, which displays antique, folk and contemporary art from around the world. SAMA offers inspiration for students at the nearby UTSA School of Art, which offers a four-year BFA program as well as enrichment classes open to the community.

Nestled between the Alamo Heights and Terrell Heights neighborhoods is the McNay Art Museum. This former estate now boasts a collection with more than 22,000 works, spanning the 19th through 21st centuries including European and American paintings, sculpture, photographs, art glass and one of the finest collections of prints and drawings in the Southwest.

WORKFORCE

Don’t be fooled by Fiesta. San Antonians play hard, but they work even harder. The Alamo City’s economy is thriving, thanks to a variety of established and expanding areas such as manufacturing, health care, cybersecurity and information technology.

Financial services, education, defense and hospitality/tourism are also well represented in this big city with a small-town vibe. San Antonio is thriving, and emerging areas such as renewable energy offer even more opportunity. Employment in general is up, and the city’s unemployment rate is consistently lower than the national average.

And all of that hard work has paid off. The diversity of the city’s economy has helped to create a healthy stability. In fact, San Antonio is a key reason why Texas is doing so well. The Milken Institute recognized San Antonio as one of 2022’s best-performing cities, where America’s jobs are created and sustained, and judging by its booming workforce, the city is still growing strong. San Antonio is also attracting an international business clientele to come and set up shop.

Growing for the Future

San Antonio’s profile in that global economy has been steadily rising in recent years. The Brookings Institution included the city on its list of top global cities whose resources — in this case, strong academic institutions and “anchor” businesses — make it ideal for trade. San Antonio’s diverse and inclusive culture has attracted more than 200 international businesses in recent years.

While these companies represent the city’s successful efforts to attract international business, they also exemplify San Antonio’s commitment to renewable energy. The city is unique in that it’s one of the few U.S. metros that owns its gas and electric utility, which means that the city will directly benefit from its successful efforts to foster renewable energy. Renewable energy represents one of three “horizon sectors”, or key areas that have been targeted to diversify San Antonio’s economy for future growth. Aerospace and information technology and security are the other two sectors of importance. Growing interest in cybersecurity in particular puts San Antonio at the forefront of this sector. The city boasts more than 80 companies devoted to information technology and security. Of these, CyberFortress, Webhead, Def-Logix, Digital Defense, and IPSecure maintain corporate headquarters in the city.

Cybersecurity is shaping San Antonio’s economic future. The Alamo City is home of the second largest concentration of cybersecurity professionals in the United States and is an attractive location for companies seeking to expand. San Antonio boasts five National Centers for Academic Excellence: Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio College, St. Philip’s College, Texas A&M University— San Antonio, and University of Texas at San Antonio.

The CyberSecurity San Antonio program (CSSAtx) convenes, connects and brands the cybersecurity ecosystem of San Antonio. A close partnership between the City of San Antonio and industry partners, CSSAtx convenes a 300-member council on a monthly basis. In collaboration with highly engaged stakeholders, CSSAtx unites and strategizes with the community through five core focus areas: military and government affairs, innovation and economic development, talent and workforce development, global engagement, and sustainability.

San Antonio is committed to sustaining and expanding this burgeoning industry by nurturing existing companies and cultivating new ones. The city’s cooperative relationships with its government, commercial and academic institutions help to make that possible.

JBSA-Lackland and JBSA-Fort Sam Houston/U.S. Army top the list of major employers in San Antonio, which isn’t surprising, given the city’s extensive military history. In fact, the U.S. Army was one of the first to relocate to San Antonio after the Texas Revolution. Its presence gradually encouraged other businesses to follow suit. Today, the military continues to have a strong impact on the city’s economy, helping to shape key areas of growth such as defense, health care and information security. The military missions headquartered in San Antonio are indispensable to national security, and Cyber City USA proudly serves and protects our neighbors 24/7/365. The San Antonio Military Health System, the hospital component of Brooke Army Medical Center command at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, is the largest inpatient medical facility in the Department of Defense and fulfills a critical function in patient care, graduate medical education and research, and taking care of wounded service members.

Cultivating the City’s Newcomers

What is it like to work in the Alamo City? San Antonio’s educated workforce draws from its 15 colleges and universities as well as a talent pool of transplants and returning young adults who appreciate the city’s energy, warmth and pro-business atmosphere.

In recent years, San Antonio has been recognized as one of the hottest cities for millennials who seem to appreciate its polite Southern vibe and family friendly outlook. The city has also been described as one of the nation’s “youth magnets.” Travel & Leisure named San Antonio “America’s Friendliest City,” and networking is much easier in a community that values friendliness. Additionally, striking a balance between work and play is doable in a city that cultivates family and community. The city’s relatively low housing prices also appeal to this younger demographic. San Antonio is home to 150,000 college students. One of the community’s priorities is to retain these young professionals and integrate them into leadership roles to lay the foundation for the city’s future workforce.

Thriving companies are expanding their workforces on a regular basis and offering viable career opportunities in a variety of fields. Starting fresh in the Alamo City can be an exciting possibility.

Retirement

If you plan to spend your twilight years in San Antonio, you’re in luck. The warm climate, mild winters and growing senior communities have started attracting seniors from all across the country. Beyond great restaurants, golf courses and shopping, San Antonio is home to the South Texas Medical Center, which serves the region with more than 75 medically related institutions, 45 clinics, 12 major hospitals, one higher education institution and more. Retirees have a variety of housing options at their disposal. The city boasts a wide variety of independent living communities and extremely accessible neighborhoods, providing a smoother adjustment to your new city.

For those looking for more full-service living options, independent living communities like Landon Ridge Alamo Ranch, Blue Skies of Texas, Morningside Ministries, New Forest Estates and the Sage Stone Oak offer a variety of housing options and amenities. For those who have served our country, the Army Residence Community offers first-class service at an affordable cost. There are also a variety of neighborhoods that offer accessibility to San Antonio’s best amenities. If you tend to enjoy nightlife and the hustle and bustle of city life, River North is a perfect location. The neighborhood encompasses the Pearl district and a portion of the River Walk, making it easy to access museums, bars and restaurants, and the Pearl Farmers Market every Saturday morning. If you are looking for quieter retirement locations, the master-planned community at The Dominion offers luxurious living and the ranch-style homes in Cordillera Ranch provide the quintessential Texas experience. The best of both worlds can be found in neighborhoods like Hollywood Park, Olmos Park, and Alamo Heights. These neighborhoods are home to families both young and old and are just a short drive from the excitement of downtown.

HOME SWEET HOME

With its extensive natural resources and dynamic culture and community, San Antonio was attracting new residents long before German settlers first arrived in the Alamo City after the Texas Revolution. A lot has changed since then, but the city’s warmth and festive spirit, not to mention its affordable cost of living, continue to attract newcomers.

The San Antonio Board of Realtors lists the city’s median single-family home price at just under $325,000 which makes moving especially affordable for those coming from either coast. And from the ornate mansions of the King William Historic District (the city’s first suburb) to the accessibly priced single-family homes in military-friendly Universal City, San Antonio offers a range of options for both the homebuyer and the renter.

Whether you’re looking for the collegial feel and newly renovated homes of Tobin Hill or the up-and-coming revitalization happening in Monticello, you’ll find evidence of San Antonio’s unique mix of culture and community throughout the region. Tuscan and Mediterranean designs remain popular in many neighborhoods, although modern urban styles with open floor plans are on the rise. Going green with eco-friendly design and construction materials has also been trending locally. And even if you find a home with the perfect layout and location but are less than thrilled with its design, keep in mind that the city’s wealth of building materials makes renovation a good investment. Inspiration abounds at the San Antonio Home & Garden Show, a family-friendly event that happens every spring and showcases the latest in-home design ideas. And rest assured that San Antonio’s deep construction resources mean that area homes tend to be larger and well built.

Real estate agents typically urge homebuyers to, if possible, start their search before they relocate. Begin by getting your finances in order. Determine your credit score and start to research mortgage options. Then ask real estate companies where you currently live for referrals in their San Antonio branches. Make a wish list that reflects your wants and needs. Rely on your realtor for San Antonio specifics, like city ordinances and homestead laws that may affect when and how you purchase or renovate a home. And while a seasoned real estate agent will help you navigate the Alamo City’s range of living options, do some initial research on your own to avoid being overwhelmed. Want a short commute? Prioritize location. Eager to spread out? Consider one of the city’s master-planned communities outside the central core. Looking to ease a military transition? Check out the area northeast of the city near JBSA-Fort Sam Houston and JBSA-Randolph, popular with military families. And with a number of financial services firms headquartered in San Antonio, you’ll have plenty of access to financing and mortgage resources.

Rents have been on the rise in recent years, but with a healthy college population of approximately 150,000 students and a growing demographic of young, degreed adults, the Alamo City offers a wide selection of rental options at a variety of price points. And while you may not be taking on a mortgage as a renter, you’ll still want to be smart about shopping around. Make sure to factor in utilities and all necessary deposits when determining your budget. Be specific about the length of lease you’ll need and make that a priority along with location and price. Have a dog or cat? Ask about a rental’s pet policy and consider purchasing renter’s insurance. Try to visit your top picks at different times of the day to determine if shared walls or noisy neighbors may become an issue.

Over the last several years, San Antonio has seen a tremendous increase in its millennial population, and the city has recently completed a number of projects in the downtown core to attract even more young professionals, including the first H-E-B grocery store within the city center. Upscale features like state-of-the-art fitness centers, bark parks, granite countertops and large closets exist in many of San Antonio’s downtown rentals, and similar features are becoming available in units throughout the city. So take your time, do your homework, and choose carefully. You’ll be glad you did.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Downtown

The Alamo, the River Walk, La Villita, El Mercado ... your new home? Thanks to recent economic initiatives and urban developments, San Antonians are moving into the heart of the city and enjoying its multitude of cultural, recreational, and culinary offerings.

Luxury condominiums have begun to rise high amid contemporary apartment complexes, mixed-income developments, student housing, and upper floors of historic buildings. Residents at the Grand Hyatt’s Alteza condominiums and the Arts Residences at the Thompson Hotel wake up to sweeping views of the downtown skyline. Those living at Vidorra are a short walk from the night life at Sunset Station and festivals at La Villita. Young professionals and singles at the 1221 Lofts walk their dogs along the River Walk’s Museum Reach to grab a cup of coffee or check out the exhibits at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Residents at Inspire Downtown and the Agave Apartments take advantage of the expanded retail shops at Rivercenter Mall and free outdoor concerts at Main Plaza. Proudly filling the narrowing gap in the Broadway corridor, Rivera residents enjoy the best of downtown and The Pearl. VIA Metropolitan Transit bus service connects residents and visitors to many downtown destinations.

Uptown

Many of Uptown’s neighborhoods boast spectacular homes with tree-lined streets, child-filled playgrounds, and packed local restaurants. What sets Uptown apart are its school districts, specifically Alamo Heights Independent School District and North East Independent School District.

Only about four miles north of downtown, the incorporated cities of Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills have their own city halls, police and fire departments, and commercial shopping centers. Since development began in the early 20th century, both neighborhoods now offer a mix of historic and new-construction homes—quaint bungalows, ranch homes, impressive mansions, and environmentally sustainable LEED-certified homes. In Terrell Heights, to the north, 1940s and 1950s single-family homes are among the more modestly sized and priced homes within the school district. Lincoln Heights, developed in the 1990s, offers larger luxury homes for larger luxury prices.

The commercial strip of North Broadway, along with the Lincoln Heights shopping center and Quarry Market, offers Uptown residents a variety of upscale boutiques, retail chains, cafés, and professional offices. East of Highway 281 is stately and stunning Olmos Park with access to Alamo Heights ISD schools. This incorporated city offers convenient access to popular Uptown commercial shopping districts while supporting its own lively strip of restaurants and shops along McCullough Avenue and Olmos Drive.

Other nearby areas popular with families of school-age children are Oak Park, Northwood, Ridgeview, Shearer Hills, and Oakwell Farms. Just south of Loop 410, the majority of these more affordable Uptown neighborhoods are served by the North East Independent School District and feature modest mid-century ranch homes as well as new construction on a range of lot sizes.

Midtown (central)

Ongoing redevelopment of the Pearl Brewery into the mixed-use Pearl Brewery Complex has infused Midtown with vigor and style. In addition to the campus of the Culinary Institute of America, some of the city’s best restaurants and retail make their home at Pearl, and so can you. Singles, married couples and anyone else wanting to be a part of this local cultural icon and culinary hub live at the Pearl’s Can Plant apartments, which vary in rent depending on amenities in specific buildings. With the original Pearl Brewery to the north, the River Walk’s Museum Reach to the west, Pearl Plaza to the east, and the downtown skyline to the south, residents at The Cellars at Pearl apartments enjoy 360 degrees of San Antonio style.

Young families who desire the action of the city with the residential space of the suburbs are moving just west of Pearl into Tobin Hill’s single-family homes. Tobin Hill also offers garden homes and apartments, many of them newly constructed with a contemporary feel. The East Quincy Townhomes and SoJo Crossing attract people eager to enjoy Pearl’s amenities.

Major thoroughfare North St. Mary’s Street is home to cafés, bars, live music venues and clubs, and the equally popular Main Street is the epicenter of the city’s LGBTQ+ social scene.

Just east of Pearl is Government Hill, which borders Fort Sam Houston to the south, featuring turn-of-the-20th-century single-family homes, many of which have been converted into multi-family dwellings. Government Hill offers some of central San Antonio’s more affordable housing in a neighborhood whose location promises to increase in value.

On the southwestern edge of Midtown is Five Points, a neighborhood progressively transforming. A working-class area of single-family and multi-family homes, Five Points is likely to experience a slow but steady revitalization, given its location. Neighborhood staples M.K. Davis Restaurant and The Cove are popular destinations for people throughout central San Antonio.

Monte Vista is one of the largest and oldest historical districts in the nation, and its sprawling lawns, 20th-century bungalows and mansions showcase an array of styles. Residents can enjoy shopping and dining in the local commercial districts on Main and McCullough and never have to stray far from home.

West of Monte Vista, active neighborhood associations work to restore beauty to the more modest, but nonetheless striking, early-20th-century Victorian style homes and bungalows of Alta Vista and Beacon Hill. Both neighborhoods continue to undergo revitalization as young couples and other do-it-yourselfers renovate affordably priced distressed homes. San Pedro Avenue and Blanco Road provide convenient shopping, dining and retail, and children love San Pedro Springs Park with its gem of a public pool shaded by lovely overhanging Cypress trees.

East of Broadway, Mahncke Park shares borders with Brackenridge Park, the San Antonio Zoo and the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Built in the first half of the 20th century, Mahncke’s charming small homes display a variety of architectural styles and are popular with young couples and families. In addition to a multitude of rental houses and duplexes, the Cortland Brackenridge apartment complex offers contemporary units with luxurious amenities. Children enjoy interactive exhibits at the nearby Witte Museum and the DoSeum.

River Road, another community that takes advantage of San Antonio’s parks and public spaces, is tucked into a corner of Brackenridge Park between the San Antonio River and the U.S. 281 overpass and is characterized by winding, narrow, tree-shaded streets and an eclectic combination of small, early-to mid-20th-century homes.

Southtown (Central)

Directly south of downtown, Southtown is one of the hubs of the city’s developing visual arts and culinary scenes. Always active, this area overflows with people on First Fridays when the streets fill with local artist booths and live music. The Mission Reach extension of the River Walk links Southtown neighborhoods and connects the residents to the parks and historical Spanish Colonial missions farther south.

King William’s stunning Greek Revival, Victorian and Italianate mansions rest along the banks of the San Antonio River. Smaller, but still impressive, bungalows extend over to the east side of South Alamo Street, and previously abandoned warehouses have been converted into hip multifamily dwellings and apartments. The area’s residential developments include Southtown Flats, Steel House Lofts, and, close enough to claim, the Peanut Factory Lofts just west of I-10.

The oldest existing neighborhood in San Antonio, Lavaca has been experiencing a considerable revival. This more affordable neighborhood’s smaller homes are quickly being restored and renovated to accommodate the influx of married couples and young families, and home values are rapidly increasing. At its northeastern border, the Hemisview Apartments offer mixed-income possibilities for a variety of residents. Farther south, the single-family homes of the gradually improving Roosevelt Park and Lone Star areas offer the most affordable prices in the Southtown area.

Southern and Southwestern Suburbs

A variety of suburbs with more modest, affordable homes lies south of I-10 with schools served by Southside ISD, Harlandale ISD and South San Antonio ISD. Originally the site of a U.S. Army Air Corps base, Brooks now boasts a 1,200-acre campus for a varied community of businesses, employees and residents. To the west, Lackland ISD supports those serving at nearby JBSA-Lackland.

Northern Loops

From urban to suburban, the many neighborhoods, communities and cities from Loop 410 to just north of Loop 1604 have convenient access to everything San Antonio offers, including green spaces at McAllister Park, Hardberger Park and the Salado Creek and Leon Creek Greenways. Shopping centers with large retail chains, smaller shops, restaurants and office buildings ring this part of San Antonio, from the popular North Star Mall on 410 to the open-air, upscale Shops at La Cantera on 1604. Local boutiques and restaurants are scattered about these areas but mostly appear closer to residential areas. Residents in this area are close to the San Antonio International Airport and the South Texas Medical Center.

With good schools, a convenient location, and an abundance of amenities, some of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods lie between the north loops. Popular neighborhoods include Castle Hills and Bluffview, with a mix of early-20th-century and newer homes on large lots with beautiful landscaping; Hill Country Village and Hollywood Park, with a blend of country living and city convenience; and Deerfield and Inwood, featuring private community pools and other upscale recreational facilities. East of I-35, the incorporated city of Windcrest offers more affordable housing options for families who hope to send their children to North East Independent School District (NEISD) schools.

Northside Independent School District (NISD) also attracts many families, who move into modestly priced ranch-style homes, garden homes and apartments in the Vance Jackson and Whispering Oaks areas. On the higher financial end, the separately incorporated town of Shavano Park offers large lots with large homes, mid-century and new construction, and the Elm Creek gated community encompasses 140 acres of commonly owned and maintained green spaces and walking trails.

Loop 1604 (as well as its intersecting freeways of 1-10, U.S. 281, and I-35) has become a river of commercial development and is home to a wide range of neighborhoods, suburbs and businesses unique to the Alamo City.

North of 1604 and west of U.S. 281, Stone Oak and Sonterra are master-planned, deed-restricted and multi-use developments with many choices of gated communities. Both are within the boundaries of the North East Independent School District, thus making them attractive neighborhoods for families. East of 281 and also in NEISD, Encino Park and its surrounding subdivisions feature newer-construction homes and numerous amenities.

Approximately 20 miles north of downtown San Antonio on I-10, the Dominion is probably the best-known master-planned community because of its exclusivity, high security and roster of famous residents. Designed by some of the city’s most renowned architects, the Dominion’s homes appear in a range of styles, many sitting on multi-acre estates. This community falls within the boundaries of Northside Independent School District.

Eastside

Just east of downtown sits the historical district of Dignowity Hill, currently undergoing a revitalization. Other neighborhoods on the east side enjoy convenient access to the Alamodome and the Frost Bank Center, home of the San Antonio Spurs. As Eastside revitalization expands, areas including Denver Heights, Jefferson Heights, and Harvard Place/Eastlawn are following suit.

Westside

The Avenida Guadalupe Association is working to revitalize and support the mostly Hispanic/Latino neighborhoods to the west of downtown and promote local culture. The historic Guadalupe Theatre anchors the neighborhood, and the Plaza Guadalupe, a beautiful park, and El Progreso Hall serve as gathering places for the community. El Parian Business Center provides low-cost office space and stimulates activity in the area. Festivals, concerts and lectures draw crowds from all over San Antonio to Avenida.

West End

The neighborhoods of Woodlawn Lake, Jefferson, and Monticello Park comprise single-family homes in an eclectic variety of sizes and styles, reflecting the vibrant mix of residents. A drive down the gallery-filled, art covered commercial corridor on Fredericksburg Road makes evident the neighborhood’s popularity with artists and the artists’ love of their community. Area teens have the pleasure of attending classes in the architecturally stunning Thomas Jefferson High School, part of the San Antonio Independent School District.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Should you ever need to visit a doctor or seek medical attention at a hospital, you can rest easy knowing that you and your family have world-class options available right outside your door.

The area has several hospital systems, including CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System, University Health, the Baptist Health System; the San Antonio Military Medical Center, and the Methodist Healthcare System. Read on for an overview of each.

CHRISTUS SANTA ROSA
HEALTH SYSTEM

The CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System includes four full-service hospital locations: Alamo Heights; at the Medical Center; Westover Hills; and in New Braunfels. The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word formed the original hospital (Santa Rosa Infirmary) in 1869, and it was renamed Santa Rosa Hospital in 1930. Today it remains the only Catholic nonprofit system in the area.

A proud centerpiece of the CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System is CHRISTUS Children’s, which opened in 1959 and was the first hospital in the area solely focused on children’s health care. Located downtown, this 190-plus-bed hospital serves more than 70,000 children annually from San Antonio, South Texas and around the world. CHRISTUS Children’s is the only hospital in the United States to maintain the Gold Level Beacon Award in both their pediatric and neonatal intensive care units.

UNIVERSITY HEALTH

University Health is a nationally recognized teaching hospital and network of outpatient health care centers owned by the people of Bexar County. In partnership with UT Health San Antonio, it is consistently recognized as a leader in advanced treatment options, new technologies and clinical research.

University Hospital is a 700-bed hospital with multiple outpatient clinics. The hospital’s Emergency Department is the most experienced in the region, staffed entirely with board-certified emergency medicine physicians. University Hospital is also the premier trauma center for a vast, 22-county region of South Texas and home to the highest designated pediatric trauma center in the region, and the only center in South Texas able to care for children with serious burns.

In August 2023, University Hospital opened the new Women’s & Children’s Hospital, the first hospital in South Texas exclusively focused on the unique needs of women and children.

AUDIE L. MURPHY MEMORIAL
VETERANS HOSPITAL

As a comprehensive care facility, the ALMMVH provides acute medical, surgical, mental health, physical medicine and rehabilitation, emergency and primary care services. Other services include open-heart surgery, positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and bone marrow transplantation. The hospital is also a Level II research facility with ongoing projects that include aging, cardiac surgery, cancer, diabetes and HIV. The facility’s Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center is a “Center of Excellence’’ dedicated to gaining new knowledge about age-related diseases to improve the lives of older Veterans.

ALMMVH is comprised of a Community Living Center, a Spinal Cord Injury Center, a Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program, and a Domiciliary, which provides medical, psychiatric and vocational care in a secure homelike environment. Other programs of the hospital provide treatment in urology, orthopedics, mental health, traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder and services for women veterans.

Baptist Health System

The Baptist System of care includes five full-service hospitals (Baptist Medical Center, Mission Trail, North Central, Northeast and St. Luke’s), a specialized children’s hospital with a dedicated pediatric emergency unit, a comprehensive cancer care network, fitness and rehabilitation centers, urgent care clinics, a physician network, imaging centers, ambulatory services and the Baptist School of Health Professions.

Wherever you go in the Baptist Health System, you’ll find that they have the same goal – to help people achieve health for life through compassionate service inspired by faith.

San Antonio Military Health System

The San Antonio Military Health System (SAMHS) is led by general officers from the various armed services and is responsible for providing management and oversight of business, clinical and educational functions of all military health system medical treatment facilities located in the San Antonio metropolitan area. As one of the first enhanced multi-service markets, the SAMHS comprises USAF and USA units that include the 59th Medical Wing and Brooke Army Medical Center.

The SAMHS operates with a $1.2B budget and 12,000 staff who serve more than 240,000 beneficiaries. As an integrated health system, the SAMHS continues to optimize the direct care system while strengthening the collaboration with Department of Veterans Affairs and private sector care partners.

UT HEALTH SAN ANTONIO

As the region’s largest provider practice, UT Health San Antonio proudly serves our community’s complete medical, dental and preventive health needs. The most advanced care is available at convenient locations throughout San Antonio and the Hill Country, including the world-renowned UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center. With more than 800 physicians, board-certified in more than 100 medical specialties, their health care team provides primary care for routine illnesses to highly specialized complex care. They are San Antonio’s health care partner dedicated to innovative patient care, breakthroughs and clinical excellence.

Methodist Healthcare System

For more than half a century, the Methodist Healthcare System has provided world-class service to the San Antonio area through its acute care locations, which include Methodist Hospital, Methodist Children’s Hospital, Methodist Hospital Metropolitan, Methodist Hospital Northeast, Methodist Hospital Specialty and Transplant, Methodist Hospital Stone Oak, and Methodist Hospital Texan.

Methodist Hospital is the flagship facility in San Antonio’s renowned South Texas Medical Center. Opened in 1963, the hospital has grown to be Methodist Healthcare System’s most comprehensive medical care facility, recognized as the largest and most preferred health care provider specializing in cardiovascular services, robotics, oncology, emergency medicine, orthopedics and women’s health. Beyond being known for creating exceptional patient experiences, Methodist Hospital maintains an award-winning reputation and has received several prestigious accreditations for clinical excellence.

EDUCATION

From public to private, day care to doctoral programs, San Antonio’s schools are shaping the hearts and minds of the people who will shape the world. It’s no wonder that as the seventh-largest city in the nation, San Antonio offers countless educational opportunities to its residents. Whether you’re learning in-person or online, San Antonio has the right schools for you and your family.

Education is one of life’s most important investments, and when San Antonio’s students cross the stage at graduation, what they have achieved will benefit them, their families and their community. Whether you’re looking for an accredited day care center for your toddler or a world-recognized teaching hospital, you’re likely to find a good match for your criteria in SA.

Early Education and Child Care

A variety of early education and child care offerings are available for families in the San Antonio area. Many private organizations, both secular and religious, offer day care and pre-kindergarten programs. Tuition rates vary dramatically depending on program amenities and child-teacher ratio. Families in search of accredited programs or a list of helpful questions to ask when looking for a program may wish to consult the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) website. San Antonio currently has 36 programs that are accredited by the NAEYC.

In an effort to improve the quality of education in San Antonio, the Pre-K 4 SA program offers high-quality pre-kindergarten services for four-year-old children. The full-day program is free for qualifying students and also accepts tuition-paying students. Experienced educators teach a high-quality curriculum with bilingual options. Healthy meals and snacks are provided at no extra cost, and transportation is available. Admission is based on a lottery system. Another early childhood education option for qualifying families is the City of San Antonio’s Head Start program, which provides center-based educational and family-strengthening services to eligible children, aged three to five, and their families.

Public and Magnet Schools

Every child has a right to a free education, and San Antonio’s 17 school districts help to provide children with a solid foundation. In general, schools are divided into three levels: elementary schools for kindergarten-fifth grade, middle schools for grades six-eight, and high schools for grades nine-12. Texas state law mandates that schools maintain an average student-teacher ratio not to exceed 30:1, and 22:1 for grades Kindergarten - four. Children who are five years old on or before Sept. 1 of the school year attend kindergarten.

In accordance with the No Child Left Behind educational reform act, Texas schools assess student knowledge and skills through standardized tests, which are administered at specific grade levels.

The San Antonio area is home to 17 Independent School Districts, which serve more than 340,000 students. Taking up most of the area of downtown San Antonio is the aptly named San Antonio ISD. Situated in the northeast direction from the central core of the city is Alamo Heights ISD, serving Alamo Heights, Olmos Park, Terrell Hills and Terrell Heights. On either side of the city, East Central ISD and Edgewood ISD fill additional areas within the city limits. On the southside, Harlandale ISD and South San Antonio ISD serve students closer in town, while Southwest ISD and Southside ISD extend further south into neighboring communities.

Children in north central San Antonio attend two of the largest districts in the metro area: North East ISD and Northside ISD, both of which offer nationally ranked and recognized magnet middle and high schools (public schools that concentrate in specific educational fields).

Many residents in the far northeastern suburbs attend schools in Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD or Judson ISD, while those in the far southeastern suburbs attend Floresville ISD. Students in the far northwest suburbs attend Medina Valley ISD. Independent school districts serving military bases Lackland, Fort Sam Houston, and Randolph Field occupy spaces in the southwest and northeast areas, respectively.

Independent, Private,
and Parochial Schools

San Antonio has seen increased interest in charter schools as well. These autonomous, open-enrollment institutions use state funding to provide innovative learning opportunities with greater flexibility than traditional public schools. Any student can attend so long as space is available, at which point admission is determined by lottery or some other method of selection depending on the charter network. In addition to the already-established KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program), additional networks of charter schools—BASIS, Great Hearts, Harmony, and IDEA—have been expanding into San Antonio. Promising challenging curricula that prepare students for collegiate and career success, schools within the BASIS San Antonio system emphasize science and technology while those in the Great Hearts Academy system promote a Liberal Arts curriculum with special attention to “The Great Books.” San Antonio is also home to many early college high schools, where students graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree from a partner college at no cost.

Among San Antonio’s most reputable non-public schools are Saint Mary’s Hall (pre-K-12); San Antonio Academy (pre-K-8); St. Luke’s Episcopal School (K-eight); Sunshine Cottage for Deaf Children (pre-K-five); TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas (grades six-12); and Keystone School (pre-K-12). Serving the city’s considerable Catholic population are many respectable schools, including coed St. Anthony’s Catholic School (pre-K-eight); Holy Cross of San Antonio (grades six-12); and Antonian High School. Providence Catholic School (grades six-12) and Incarnate Word High School are SA’s all-girls Catholic schools, while boys attend Central Catholic High School. The websites for the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISASW) provide helpful resources for finding the best non-public school for your child.

Another choice apart from traditional public schooling is homeschooling your child. For more information and support on homeschooling, contact San Antonio Home Education or the Christian-based organization FEAST (Family Educators Alliance of South Texas).

Higher Education

More than 150,000 students attend San Antonio’s 15 colleges and universities, which include public universities University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas A&M University–San Antonio, and the five colleges of Alamo Community District. Private institutions include St. Mary’s University, the University of Incarnate Word, Our Lady of the Lake University, Trinity University, and Wayland Baptist University.

Military veterans in San Antonio may qualify for education benefits under both the federal-issued GI Bill and the state-issued Hazlewood Act. Under the latter, veterans, spouses and dependent children may receive an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas.

Continuing Education
and Enrichment

In 2018 the Alamo Colleges District received the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. All five of the Alamo Community Colleges provide continuing education and certification programs, including those tailored especially for community organizations, businesses, industries and the military. In 2019, the Alamo Colleges debuted a revolutionary program, the AlamoPROMISE, which allows San Antonio high school seniors to enroll and earn an associate degree without paying a single cent.

Independent school districts such as North East ISD offer an array of community education and enrichment courses, including classes on salsa dancing, investing and preparation for the GED test, as well as classes just for students 50 and older. Many church and community organizations also provide educational and enrichment opportunities.

San Antonio is served by the San Antonio Public Library system, a network of 31 libraries, collectively offering an impressive list of services both on-site and online, including ESL-learning programs, a jobs and small business center and online career services and software tutorials. Borrow a laptop and access free WiFi. Digital downloads of books and periodicals are available online. San Antonio is also proud to host the country’s first 100% digital library. Library-card-holding Bexar County residents enjoy access to BiblioTech’s 10,000-title digital library, and can check out e-readers, too. Now with three sites, BiblioTech aims to reach every Bexar County resident.

The City of San Antonio Department of Human Services website discusses educational services, such as childcare assistance and after-school programs, as well as scholarships, internships and free college counseling.

Located downtown and online, the Dr. Manuel P. Berriozábal Café College is a one-stop free resource for all things college-related. SA Youth dropout prevention and recovery programs keep at-risk youth focused on getting an education and preparing for the world of work. SA Youth Literacy reading programs focus on early intervention and promote literacy skills for early-elementary-age students.

MILITARY

San Antonio’s military roots run deep. From its start as an outpost of Spain and its pivotal role in the Texas Revolution to its turbulent times during the Civil War and its memorable part in the Spanish-American War, the appropriately nicknamed and trademarked “Military City USA” has shaped history, thanks to its military influence and preparedness.

Expansion characterized the city’s military into the 20th century, leading to key developments at local bases and installations. But perhaps the most interesting chapter of the city’s military history has yet to be written. Texas boasts one of the highest veteran populations in the country. More than 200,000 military personnel have chosen to retire in San Antonio, attracted no doubt by the city’s abundant natural resources, dynamic community and rich heritage.

Joining Forces

San Antonio’s military community continues to grow and change. Joint Base San Antonio is the largest Joint Base in the Department of Defense boasting 10 major commands with 43 General Officers and Senior Executive Service Personnel and more historic buildings than Williamsburg, Virginia. With 266 Mission Partners, 646,000 total Personnel (Military and Civilian), JBSA brings $16 billion to the local economy and is responsible for the creation of 171,000 jobs in the region. One in eight people in Bexar County are associated with the military in some way. The San Antonio region is home to more than 1,000 civic leaders, five Congressional districts, three counties and 20 smaller communities that touch the military community’s borders. JBSA is home to three of the nation’s seven coterminous school districts with boundaries that reside completely on an installation– Lackland ISD, Fort Sam ISD and Randolph ISD. All three of these school districts have scored the highest “A” rating provided to a school district in the state of Texas. Joint Base San Antonio is made up of four installations: JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, JBSA-Lackland, JBSA-Randolph, and JBSA-Camp Bullis.

As the military took root as Post at San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston was created on 93 acres donated by the city in the mid-1840s. Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) opened at “Fort Sam” in 1938, helping to secure the fort’s reputation as the home of military medicine. Sharing the BAMC campus is the San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC), a cutting-edge facility that offers care to military personnel, their families, veterans and civilians. The Center for the Intrepid is located nearby. This $37 million rehabilitation facility works with amputees and other wounded military personnel. The Army Institute of Surgical Research, which operates the distinguished Army Burn Center, is also part of the campus. Adding to the first-rate medical service, Fort Sam Houston is the focal point for all military medical training. BAMC serves as the Department of Defense’s only Level 1 Trauma Care Center nationwide. Fort Sam also hosts the 502d Air Base Wing and Commander of Joint Base San Antonio, along with important Mission Partners such as US Army North, the Army’s Installation Management Command, US Army South, the Navy Medicine Education and Logistics Command, the Medical Education Training Campus and more.

Generations of pilots and other aviation personnel have trained at JBSA-Lackland, located southwest of the city and the home of the Air Force’s basic military training. All Air Force Enlisted Basic Training, all C-5M Training, along with F-16 Pilot Training and all Military Working Dog Training is offered at Lackland. More than 30,000 recruits attend training on JBSA-Lackland each year, and nearly 800 graduate every Thursday. Originally part of Kelly Field, Lackland also assists students from more than 100 countries with developing language proficiency at the Defense Language Institute English Language Center. Also at Lackland is the 16th Air Force, merged from the previous 24th and 25th Air Force. Under Air Combat Command, the 16th Air Force focuses on cyber effects, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations, electronic warfare and information operations. Lackland also offers the unique Special Warfare Training Wing, the Air Force’s Special Operations training ground.

In the northeastern part of San Antonio, JBSA-Randolph is home to the 19th Air Force (AF), who trains more than 30,000 U.S. and allied students annually in specialties ranging from aircrews; remotely piloted aircraft crews; and survival, escape, resistance and evasion (SERE) specialists. The 12th Flying Training Wing supervises aviation training operations on two parallel runways. Randolph is also home to various Department of Defense entities such as the Air Force Personnel Center, which handles all Air Force human resource operations, and the Air Force Recruiting Command, which is home to all recruiting efforts nationwide.

JBSA-Camp Bullis provides base operations support and training support to Joint Base San Antonio Mission Partners to sustain their Operational and Institutional training requirements. State-of-the-art training facilities include firing ranges, simulation facilities, maneuver lands and other training enablers and services that fully support the training requirement of the mission partners. Camp Bullis is a treasure of land established to keep our military missions running effectively through up-to-date and real-world training opportunities in a simulated combat environment.

Partnering is Key to the Future

The San Antonio region has a long and successful track record of partnership activity and is proud to boast a long standing and very effective Public-Public, Public-Private partnership program hosted by the 502d Air Base Wing and the US Air Force. Together, the program has garnered in excess of $66M in benefits to the JBSA community as well as $50M in Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grants and more than $7M in REPI program funds. The partnership also paved the way (no pun intended) for the Air Force’s first IGSA paving project which started April 2019 and will save more than $300K plus 150 days of processing. Through JBSA and City of San Antonio’s area development planning, the region can ensure compatible development of the areas surrounding the installations to achieve better efficiencies and ensure the protection of current missions, as well as allow the opportunity for growth of future missions. Continued synergies that provide for continued mutual growth and benefits is the goal for JBSA into the extended future.

With priorities of supporting the quality of life of our service members and their families, highlighting the quality of education for our military dependents–both in K-12 and higher education, focusing on military spouse employment challenges and opportunities for our military to transition out of the service and into a meaningful civilian career, we are excited to show our military neighbors that we are “Military City USA” in word and
in deed.

Supporting Military Families
San Antonio

The Greater San Antonio Chamber created the Supporting Military Families San Antonio (SMF.SA) initiative to enhance the quality of life for military personnel and their loved ones, focusing on key priorities identified by senior military leaders and families.

SMF.SA aims to secure support and connect valuable existing resources to address critical needs such as healthcare accessibility, military spouse employment, and service member transition into the civilian workforce. In response to feedback from our community leaders and military families, we have three initial primary focus areas – Healthcare, Military Spouse Support, and Childcare.

Anyone interested in learning about local resources available to military members and veterans can visit sachamber.org for more information.