Moving to Lackland -- best areas to live? (San Antonio, Alamo: sales, renting)

[troy.g]

I've seen lots of threads regarding people relocating to lackland; I'm in the same boat, moving to Lackland in May and we're looking to see where's the best place to live in the area. We have three kids (7, 4, and 1.5 year old). Looking for great schools for the kids so that's a major factor in our decision. Looking to buy, but given the current economic dilemma we're on the fence about it (if we buy looking for something in a nice/safe neighborhood for around $250K). We've heard lots of good stuff about Cibalo and Shertz (I know that's on the Randolph side, but looking at every option, how would the commute be if we opted to take that route; live in Shertz/Cibalo and commute to Lackland?). Family wants to live in an area that has stuff to do (shopping, food, etc...so no old/run down towns.)

All comments are welcome and thanks in advance for your help.

[TexandCajun]

You may want to look in the 1604/Culebra Road area if Lackland is the daily commute.

Plenty of homes/new builds out this way and LOTS of shopping.

Great school district, too.

Look up Alama Ranch, Kallison Ranch, Stillwater, Red Bird Ranch, and others.

The school district is Northside.

[majormadmax]

I'll second that, you won't want to commute from the Shertz/Converse area to Lackland. Basically, take 90 west to 1604 and go clockwise up until 281. Anything outside of that (or not too far inside 1604) will put you in a 25 minute commute range. I am up near Helotes and go to south Lackland everyday in 20-25 minutes. There is tons to do in the NW area (SeaWorld, Six Flags, Hill Country, etc).
And NISD is great, as is NEISD.

We've PCS'd here twice, and lived in the NW area both times.

Cheers! M2

[Steel Man]

M2 has good advice. Due to the current housing situation, sales of houses have slowed in San Antonio, but not near as bad as other parts of the country. Unless you plan to retire in this area, you might look at renting. If you PCS in 3 years, it may be tough to sell your house.

[troy.g]

Thanks for the info; This assignment will be a 4yr tour, so gives me an additional year past the 3. I just hate to spend my money paying for someone elses house when I can be paying for my own and hopefully get my money back on a sale. It was mentioned that there's a lot of shopping in Alama, Kallison, Stillwater, etc. what type of stores? Is there a mall in the area (if so how big)?

[mrstxcop]

we just moved 4 weeks ago out to The Summit of Lost Creek --- out i-10 outside of 1604 --- there are several families that live here already and 1 that just bought a house that will be stationed/working at Lackland ---

we are still in Northside district but we are outside the city limits, so we don't pay city taxes...we have a Boerne address --- the schools are excellent --- just another thought for you...

good luck with your decision...

[TexandCajun]

Alamo Ranch Shopping Area

And much more!