Finding the right place to live when relocating for military service is crucial, and Texas offers a wide range of housing solutions tailored to military life.
Whether you’re stationed near bustling San Antonio or the quieter regions around Killeen and El Paso, you’ll discover a mix of on-post and off-post homes catering to diverse budgets and lifestyles.
This article dives into everything from BAH rates to school zones, crime rates, and local amenities.
With all the factors to consider—like affordability, convenience, and family-friendliness—it’s important to scope out the best options before deciding where home will be.
In this Article
Finding Housing Near Military Bases in Texas
Texas military base housing areas cater to the unique needs of military personnel. Many military friendly neighborhoods in Texas feature affordable homes, robust job markets, and strong school districts. Popular cities like San Antonio, Killeen, and El Paso also offer diverse lifestyles—whether you want an urban setting or a suburban oasis. By living near a base, you’ll enjoy shorter commutes, community support, and easy access to amenities like commissaries, gyms, and medical facilities.
Key Benefits of Texas Military Base Housing
- Proximity to work: Save time with shorter commutes.
- Military-friendly community support and camaraderie.
- Generally lower cost of living compared to many other states.
- Convenient amenities, including on-post recreational facilities.
Housing for Veterans PCSing to Texas
🔹 Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) & Fort Cavazos
JBSA combines Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB, and Randolph AFB in the heart of “Military City, USA.” If you’re exploring homes for sale near military bases in Texas, San Antonio offers a mix of historic charm and new developments.
🔹 Fort Sam Houston
- On-post housing is managed by Hunt Military Communities with 2- to 4-bedroom layouts.
- Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills are popular for their upscale homes and tree-lined streets.
- Top-rated schools and proximity to downtown San Antonio make off-base living convenient.
- Historic architecture and strong resale value attract both renters and buyers.
🔹 Lackland Air Force Base
- On-base housing is limited and mostly privatized.
- Westover Hills offers newer homes and access to shopping, dining, and SeaWorld.
- Helotes provides a suburban, hill-country feel with affordable family homes.
- Easy access to Loop 1604 and Highway 90 supports fast commutes to both base and downtown.
🔹 Randolph Air Force Base
- On-post housing is privatized and family-friendly.
- Schertz and Cibolo are top off-base choices with newer subdivisions and strong community vibes.
- Served by the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD, which ranks well in academics.
- Quick access to I-35 and Randolph’s front gates enhances daily convenience.
Fort Cavazos
Located in Killeen, Fort Cavazos is the largest military installation in Texas by land area. Its central location between Austin and Waco, along with a lower cost of living, makes it a top pick for PCS families.
🔹 On-Post Housing
- Managed by Fort Cavazos Family Housing with over 6,700 privatized units.
- Includes single-family homes, eight-plexes, and pet-friendly options.
- Wait times range from 0 to 30 days depending on availability and rank.
- Amenities include parks, splash pads, and proximity to commissary and PX.
🔹 Off-Post Housing
- Harker Heights offers modern homes, retail access, and a 10–15 minute commute.
- Copperas Cove is more budget-friendly and has a quiet, small-town vibe.
- Both areas fall under the Killeen Independent School District.
- Outdoor activities, strong communities, and affordable homeownership draw military families here.
🏠 Housing Options Near Joint Base San Antonio
| Base | On-Post Housing | Popular Off-Post Neighborhoods | Median Home Price (Latest Data) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Sam Houston | Hunt Military Communities, 2–4 bedrooms | Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills | $350,000 | Historic homes, top schools |
| Lackland AFB | Limited, privatized | Westover Hills, Helotes | $275,000 | Affordable rentals, urban access |
| Randolph AFB | Privatized, family-focused | Schertz, Cibolo | $300,000 | Suburban feel, new developments |
On-Post Housing
Managed by Fort Cavazos Family Housing, over 6,700 privatized units are available across multiple villages. Options include single homes and eight-plexes, many of which are pet-friendly. Wait times can be as short as 0-30 days.
Off-Post Housing
Harker Heights and Copperas Cove top the list for families seeking homes for rent near Fort Cavazos or properties to purchase. Harker Heights features newer developments, while Copperas Cove offers budget-friendly choices. Both are served by the Killeen Independent School District.
Tips for Fort Cavazos:
- Check crime statistics in areas close to the base; Belton and Harker Heights often score better for safety.
- Median home prices in Killeen hover around $200,000, making it one of the most affordable Texas markets.
On-Post Housing
Balfour Beatty Communities manages Fort Bliss Family Homes. These gated neighborhoods include swimming pools, splash parks, dog parks, and more. If you’re PCSing during peak season, wait times can extend to 60 days, so plan ahead.
Off-Post Housing
| Neighborhood | Distance to Fort Bliss | Median Home Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westside | 30+ min | $250,000 | Scenic views, upscale homes | Longer commute, higher prices |
| Northeast | 10-15 min | $130,000 | Close to base, affordable | Older homes, fewer modern amenities |
| Eastside | 20 min | $150,000 | Growing area, new developments | Developing infrastructure |
Other Notable Texas Bases
- Sheppard AFB (Wichita Falls): Median home prices are around $140,000. Neighborhoods like Faith Village are close to base and family-friendly.
- Laughlin AFB (Del Rio): A smaller housing market but very affordable. Ceniza Hills is popular among service members for rentals.
- Naval Air Station Corpus Christi: Off-post areas like Flour Bluff and Padre Island offer coastal living, with median home prices near $200,000.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Housing
If you received PCS orders and need housing in Texas or plan to settle down for the long haul, keep these factors in mind:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): Check local rates by rank and dependent status to compare against rent or mortgage payments.
- Commute and Traffic: Research commute times, especially if you plan to live in outlying neighborhoods.
- Schools and Family Support: Districts like Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD or Killeen ISD often have robust programs for military children.
- Safety and Crime Rates: Seek advice from base housing offices or check local crime maps.
- Amenities and Community Vibe: Proximity to shopping, healthcare, and recreation can greatly impact quality of life.
Read our PCS Guide for more information
Tips for Finding the Perfect Home
- Use Military-Specific Platforms: Sites like MilitaryByOwner.com and Homes.mil are tailored for military relocations.
- Leverage VA Loans: No down payment and competitive rates help with buying in affordable Texas markets.
- Contact the Housing Office: Base housing offices provide updated on-post availability and off-post listings.
- Hire a Military-Savvy Realtor: Agents who specialize in PCS moves can ease the buying or renting process.
- Plan Around PCS Peak Season: Summer moves can mean longer wait times, so secure temporary housing in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What are the best neighborhoods near Joint Base San Antonio?
Schertz, Cibolo, Alamo Heights, and Helotes top the list for their excellent schools, modern amenities, and convenient commutes. - Is on-post housing better than off-post near Fort Cavazos?
On-post is convenient and includes utilities, but off-post areas like Harker Heights may offer larger homes and modern developments. - How affordable is housing near Fort Bliss?
El Paso’s median prices range from $130,000 in the Northeast to $250,000 in the Westside, ensuring options for different budgets. - Can retirees live in military housing in Texas?
Yes, some bases like Fort Sam Houston and Fort Bliss allow retirees and DOD civilians to rent privatized on-base homes. - What’s the wait time for on-post housing?
Wait times vary by base and season. At Fort Cavazos, it can be 0-30 days, while Fort Bliss might reach 60 days during peak PCS season. - Are there furnished apartments near Texas bases?
Yes, many companies offer short-term furnished apartments near major cities like San Antonio and Austin for flexible PCS stays. - How do VA loans help with housing near bases?
VA loans feature no down payment and competitive rates, making homeownership feasible in affordable markets like Killeen or El Paso. - Are schools near Texas bases good for military kids?
Districts like Killeen ISD and Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD offer specialized support and strong academic programs for military families. - What amenities do on-post homes offer?
Many on-post communities include pools, playgrounds, fitness centers, and dog parks to enhance the family living experience. - How do I find rentals near Texas military bases?
Start with MilitaryByOwner.com, Homes.mil, or local realtors who know the area well. Base housing offices can also provide off-post listings.
