Moving to San Antonio, Texas
The most affordable of Texas's big 4 cities. Military-friendly, culturally rich, and growing fast at $290K median.
$290K
Median Home
2.6M
Metro Population
4 Active
Military Bases
$0
Income Tax
Living in San Antonio
San Antonio is where affordability meets culture. At $290K median, it's the cheapest of TX's big 4 metros while offering a 2.6M metro population with all the amenities. Four active military bases (JBSA-Lackland, Randolph, Fort Sam Houston, Camp Bullis) make this Military City USA — VA loans are a powerhouse here. The River Walk, the Alamo, and a deep Tex-Mex heritage give SA a cultural identity unlike any Texas city. The tech sector is growing (Toyota, Rackspace, USAA HQ), healthcare is massive (Methodist, Baptist), and cybersecurity is becoming a major employer. North side suburbs (Stone Oak, Boerne, New Braunfels) offer Hill Country living with good schools.
Top Neighborhoods
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Oak | Affluent north side, newer | $350K-$550K | Families, professionals |
| Helotes | Hill Country feel, safe | $320K-$500K | Nature-loving families |
| New Braunfels | German heritage, Schlitterbahn | $300K-$450K | Families, lifestyle |
| Alamo Heights | Upscale, established | $450K-$800K | Luxury, top schools |
| Converse/Live Oak | Military adjacent, affordable | $220K-$320K | Military families, budget |
| Southtown/King William | Artsy, walkable, historic | $350K-$600K | Young professionals |
Pros & Cons of San Antonio
✅ Pros
- ✓ Most affordable big TX city
- ✓ 4 military bases — VA loan heaven
- ✓ Rich cultural heritage (River Walk, Alamo)
- ✓ Growing tech sector (USAA, Rackspace)
- ✓ Hill Country access
- ✓ No state income tax
- ✓ Family-oriented community
⚠️ Cons
- ✗ Slower job growth vs DFW/Houston
- ✗ Summer heat (triple digits)
- ✗ Limited public transit
- ✗ Some school districts lag behind DFW suburbs
- ✗ Car dependent
- ✗ Traffic growing on I-35/1604
Financing in San Antonio
- VA loans dominate — 4 military bases means huge veteran population
- USDA-eligible areas in outer suburbs and New Braunfels corridor
- $290K median = ~$10K down on conventional (3.5%)
- Texas Veterans Land Board programs available
- Builder incentives common in new communities south and northeast