Why San Antonio Is One of the Best Cities for Military Families
San Antonio proudly wears the title of Military City USA, and for good reason. With the presence of Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), a deep respect for service members, and a wide network of resources for both active-duty families and veterans, this city offers more than just a duty station—it offers a home.
Here’s why military families across the U.S. are choosing to plant roots in the Alamo City.
Joint Base San Antonio: A Powerful Military Network
San Antonio is home to Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)—the largest joint military base in the country—made up of three major installations:
Lackland Air Force Base (Southwest San Antonio): Known as the “Gateway to the Air Force,” this base is where every enlisted Airman begins their career. It also houses the 37th Training Wing and a wide range of technical programs.
Randolph Air Force Base (Northeast San Antonio): Located in the Universal City area, Randolph serves as the headquarters for Air Education and Training Command (AETC), overseeing pilot and instructor training.
Fort Sam Houston (Alamo Heights & Midtown): Often called the “Home of Army Medicine,” Fort Sam hosts the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) and is the hub of military medical education in the U.S.
Together, these facilities support over 80,000 active-duty personnel, civilians, and contractors in the area—and many more veterans who choose to stay after service.
Support Systems for Military Families
San Antonio goes above and beyond to ensure military families are cared for, whether they’re arriving for a new assignment or preparing for transition:
Military & Family Readiness Centers (M&FRCs) at each JBSA location offer financial counseling, deployment support, education planning, and spouse employment programs.
The Supporting Military Families San Antonio (SMF.SA) initiative—launched by the Greater San Antonio Chamber—centralizes hundreds of resources, making it easier to find help for childcare, mental health, housing, and more.
Veteran service organizations, such as Soldier’s Angels and SAMMinistries, offer everything from food support to reintegration guidance.
Career & Economic Opportunities
Military families often face employment challenges—but in San Antonio, there’s strong support to help spouses and transitioning service members thrive:
Major employers like USAA, Valero, and H-E-B offer veteran hiring pipelines and career development programs.
JBSA Employment Readiness Programs provide job fairs, resume help, and direct connections to companies looking to hire military-affiliated candidates.
The city’s tech, healthcare, education, and construction sectors continue to grow—offering job security beyond the uniform.
The Bottom Line
Military families choose San Antonio not just for the assignments—but for the community, culture, and support. Whether you’re just arriving at JBSA or retiring here for good, San Antonio offers a place to belong, grow, and thrive.