Moving to Joint Base San Antonio (Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, Randolph)
Joint Base San Antonio combines Fort Sam Houston, Lackland and Randolph, and is a center for military medical training and care, Air Force basic training and pilot and technical training. San Antonio is a large, relatively affordable metro with a strong military presence. Each campus has its own housing office and partner, so what you do depends on which one you are assigned to.
| Branch | Joint (Air Force/Army) |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | San Antonio, TX |
| Airports | San Antonio International (SAT) |
| Climate | Hot summers, mild winters, occasional severe storms |
| Cost of living | Moderate; generally near or a bit below the U.S. average for a large metro |
| On-base housing | Hunt Military Communities (Fort Sam Houston and Randolph) and Balfour Beatty Communities (Lackland) |
| Medical care | Brooke Army Medical Center (Fort Sam Houston); Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center (Lackland) |
| Family support center | Military & Family Readiness Centers (Airman & Family Readiness / ACS) at each campus |
Where families live
Fort Sam Houston family housing (Hunt)
About 925 homes across eight villages, including Watkins Terrace and Harris Heights.
Denver Heights and Mahncke Park
Older neighborhoods near the post with historic homes.
Universal City
Suburban community with single-family homes and apartments for rent near Randolph.
Lackland family housing (Balfour Beatty)
Privatized family housing on the west side of San Antonio.
Randolph family housing (Hunt)
Four-bedroom duplexes and 3-4 bedroom single-family homes.
Schools
San Antonio is served by many public districts depending on which campus and neighborhood you choose; there is no single base district. Fort Sam Houston Independent School District serves on-post children at Fort Sam Houston. Ask the installation School Liaison Office about enrollment and transfers.
- Fort Sam Houston Independent School District — Serves the Fort Sam Houston housing area.
- Judson Independent School District — Covers Universal City and the area around Randolph.
On the installation: Fort Sam Houston ISD schools
JBSA School Liaison Office via the Military & Family Readiness Center
Things to do near Joint Base San Antonio (Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, Randolph)
- San Antonio River WalkfoodDowntown riverside restaurants, shops and boat tours.
- The Alamo and the MissionsmuseumHistoric Spanish missions, some part of a World Heritage site.
- San Antonio ZoofamilyZoo in Brackenridge Park.
- Six Flags Fiesta TexasfamilyLarge theme park on the northwest side.
- Natural Bridge CavernsfamilyCave tours north of the city.
- Texas Hill Country day tripsday-tripWineries, swimming holes and small towns within an hour or so.
- Pearl DistrictfoodRestaurants and a weekend farmers market.
- San Antonio SpurssportsNBA basketball in the city.
Realtors & local services
Want a realtor who knows Joint Base San Antonio (Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, Randolph)?
Tell us your report date, budget and whether you're buying or renting. We'll connect you with an agent who works with military families here.
Get matchedReal estate offices
- eXp RealtySan Antonio / Fort Sam HoustonPublishes a Fort Sam Houston housing guide written for military families and encourages working with an agent who knows the local area.
Movers, storage, pets & more
- Hunt Military Communities (Fort Sam Houston and Randolph)property managementSan Antonio
- Balfour Beatty Communities (Lackland)property managementSan Antonio
Listings come from public sources and are not endorsed or vetted. Own a business that serves families at Joint Base San Antonio (Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, Randolph)? Claim or add a listing.
Local programs & support
- Housing Referral Services Office (Fort Sam Houston)Handles off-base housing referrals; phone 210-221-0881.
- Military Housing Offices (Lackland and Randolph)Provide off-base housing help for Lackland (210-671-1840) and Randolph (210-652-1840).
- JBSA Connect appOfficial app for news and updates.
PCS tips for Joint Base San Antonio (Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, Randolph)
- Each campus has its own housing partner and office, so contact the one tied to your assignment.
- Unaccompanied housing is run by a separate UH Management Office on each campus.
- Summer heat is intense; plan moves and car care accordingly.
- Traffic on I-35, I-10 and Loop 410 can be heavy, so test your commute before choosing off-post housing.
- Check Fort Sam Houston ISD boundaries if on-post schooling matters to you.
Benefits to use on this move
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA)Service members relocating a household on PCS orders
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)Families who need a hotel or short-term rental while moving within the U.S.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM / DITY)Families who want to move some or all of their own goods
- VA Home Loan GuarantyService members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
- Pet Transportation ReimbursementFamilies moving a cat or dog on PCS orders
- Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military ChildrenSchool-age children of active duty families changing schools
- School Liaison ProgramParents choosing schools and transferring records
Other installations in the Texas, Oklahoma & Gulf South
Last researched 2026-10. Housing partners, school assignments and phone numbers change; confirm with the installation before you sign anything. Spot an error? Send a correction.