Military Relocation to San Antonio: Everything You Need to Know

by Tami Price Properties Group

The San Antonio Military Relocation Guide is a great resource for military families who are new to the area. The guide provides information on the local military installations, schools, housing, and other important topics. Additionally, the Military and Family Support Center at JBSA offers relocation assistance services to help military families make a smooth transition to their new home.

San Antonio is a city in Texas that is home to a large military community. With multiple military installations in the area, including Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), San Antonio is a popular destination for military families who are relocating. Military relocation to San Antonio can be a smooth and stress-free process with the help of the right resources.

One of the biggest advantages of military relocation to San Antonio is the abundance of military-friendly resources available. From military real estate agents to relocation assistance programs, there are many resources available to help military families find housing, employment, and other necessities.

Understanding Military Relocation

Military relocation can be a challenging and stressful experience for service members and their families. It involves moving from one duty station to another, sometimes across the country or even overseas.

Military relocation is often a result of a change in duty station, deployment, or retirement.

One of the most important things to understand about military relocation is the process. The military has a system in place to help service members and their families with the relocation process.

This system includes a variety of resources, such as the Military and Family Support Center, which provides relocation assistance, counseling, and other services.

Another important aspect of military relocation is understanding the financial implications. The military provides a variety of benefits to help service members and their families with the costs of relocation.

These benefits include a Dislocation Allowance, which provides funds to help cover the cost of moving, and a Temporary Lodging Allowance, which provides funds to help cover the cost of temporary lodging during the relocation process.

It is also important to understand the timeline of military relocation. Service members and their families are typically given a certain amount of time to complete the relocation process, which can vary depending on the circumstances.

It is important to plan ahead and make sure all necessary arrangements are made in a timely manner to avoid any delays or complications.

Overall, understanding the process, financial implications, and timeline of military relocation can help service members and their families navigate this challenging experience with greater ease and confidence.

Preparing for a PCS Move to San Antonio

Moving to a new city can be a daunting task, especially for military families who are frequently required to relocate.

However, with proper preparation and planning, the process can be made much smoother. Here are some tips for preparing for a PCS move to San Antonio.

Checklists and Timelines

One of the most important things to do when preparing for a PCS move is to create a checklist and timeline.

This will help ensure that nothing important is forgotten and that all necessary tasks are completed on time. The following are some items that should be included on the checklist:

Notify the military personnel office of the move
Contact the housing office to arrange for housing at the new duty station
Schedule a moving date with the transportation office
Research and choose a reputable moving company
Sort and declutter belongings
Pack and label boxes
Arrange for the shipment of household goods
Notify utility companies of the move
Transfer medical and dental records
Notify schools of the move

It is important to create a timeline that includes all of these tasks and sets deadlines for completion. This will help ensure that the move is completed on time and with minimal stress.

Family Preparation

Moving can be especially difficult for children, so it is important to involve them in the process as much as possible. This can include allowing them to help pack their belongings, saying goodbye to friends, and researching the new city together. It is also important to consider the needs of pets and to make arrangements for their transportation and care.

In addition to preparing children and pets for the move, it is important to take care of oneself as well. This can include staying organized, getting enough rest, and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine. It is also important to reach out to friends and family for support during the move.

By following these tips and being prepared, military families can make the process of relocating to San Antonio much smoother and less stressful.

Housing Options in San Antonio

San Antonio offers various housing options for military personnel and their families. Depending on their preferences and budget, they can choose between on-base and off-base housing.

On-Base Housing

On-base housing in San Antonio is managed by private companies. Each base has its unique community that provides a variety of homes to choose from. Military personnel can contact the Military Housing Office (MHO) at their respective bases for more information on on-base housing availability.

Off-Base Housing

San Antonio and the surrounding areas have a rental market that draws in new people on a regular basis. This means that there are numerous off-base housing options available for military personnel and their families. The staff at Joint Base San Antonio is available and ready to provide assistance with housing options and local resources to support the transition to a new home and community.

To assist with the relocation process, the Military Housing Office provides Housing Referral Services to help locate suitable, affordable, and nondiscriminatory housing in the local community or in privatized housing. Service members can obtain housing support by contacting the MHO.

It is important to note that the cost of living and housing in San Antonio is relatively low compared to other major cities in the United States. Military personnel and their families can find affordable housing options in the city and surrounding areas.

In conclusion, San Antonio offers a variety of housing options for military personnel and their families. They can choose between on-base and off-base housing depending on their preferences and budget. The Military Housing Office is available to provide assistance with housing options and local resources to support the transition to a new home and community.

Military Moving Services and Support

Moving can be a stressful experience, especially for military families who often have to relocate frequently. Fortunately, there are many services and support programs available to help make the process smoother.

In San Antonio, military families can take advantage of a variety of relocation assistance programs and services.

Transportation and Logistics

One of the most important aspects of any move is transportation and logistics. Military families can use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) to manage their move.

DPS is a web-based system that allows service members and their families to manage their move from start to finish. The system provides information on packing, shipping, and tracking household goods, as well as information on entitlements and allowances.

Relocation Assistance Programs

The Relocation Assistance Program (RAP) is designed to help military families with the entire moving process.

The program offers a variety of services, including counseling, information on housing, employment, education, and financial management. The RAP also provides assistance with finding temporary housing, transportation, and other relocation-related needs.

Military families can also take advantage of the Military OneSource program, which offers a variety of services to help with the moving process. The program offers counseling, information on moving and relocation, and assistance with finding housing, employment, and education. Military OneSource also provides financial counseling and assistance with legal issues.

In addition to these programs, military families can also contact their local Family Readiness Center for assistance with the moving process. The center offers a variety of services, including counseling, information on housing, employment, education, and financial management. The center can also provide assistance with finding temporary housing, transportation, and other relocation-related needs.

Overall, military families in San Antonio have access to a variety of services and support programs to help make the moving process smoother. By taking advantage of these resources, military families can reduce stress and focus on settling into their new home.

San Antonio Military Installations

San Antonio is home to several military installations, including Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), Lackland Air Force Base, and Randolph Air Force Base. Each installation serves a unique purpose and plays a vital role in the nation’s defense.

Joint Base San Antonio

JBSA is the largest and most diverse joint base in the Department of Defense (DoD). It is comprised of four primary locations: Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base, and Camp Bullis. The base spans across a total of eleven geographically separated parcels of land consisting of 46,539 acres and 35 million square feet in facilities that support over 266 mission partners.

Lackland Air Force Base

Lackland Air Force Base is located in southwest San Antonio and is home to the 37th Training Wing. The base is responsible for basic military training for all enlisted Air Force personnel, as well as technical training for several career fields.

Lackland is also home to the Inter-American Air Forces Academy, which provides education and training to military members from Latin American countries.

Randolph Air Force Base

Randolph Air Force Base is located in northeast San Antonio and is home to the Air Education and Training Command (AETC). The base is responsible for pilot and navigator training for the Air Force, as well as officer training for several career fields.

Randolph is also home to the Air Force Personnel Center, which provides personnel services to Air Force members worldwide.

Overall, San Antonio’s military installations play a critical role in the nation’s defense and provide important training and support to military members and their families.

Schools and Education for Military Families

School Districts

San Antonio is home to several school districts that welcome military families. The largest school district in the area is the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD). Military families who have been transferred to a local military installation may establish residence and enroll their children in SAISD. Other school districts that serve the San Antonio area include Northside Independent School District, Northeast Independent School District, and Judson Independent School District.

It is important to note that school district boundaries may vary depending on the location of the military installation and the family’s residence. Families should contact the school district directly to verify enrollment requirements and school boundaries.

Educational Resources

Military families relocating to San Antonio can take advantage of several educational resources. The Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) Relocation Assistance Program provides information on local schools and educational resources for military families. The program offers workshops and seminars on topics such as school enrollment, education options, and academic support services.

In addition, the JBSA Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) offers resources for families with special needs children.

The program provides information on early-intervention services, medical and school records, and strategies for a smooth transition to a new school district.

Advance Enrollment is a temporary waiver in 24 states which will allow your military child to pre-enroll for school before you arrive at your PCS destination.

Overall, San Antonio offers a variety of school districts and educational resources for military families. Families should research their options and contact the appropriate organizations to ensure a smooth transition for their children’s education.

Employment for Military Spouses

San Antonio is home to several military bases, making it a popular destination for military families. However, frequent relocations can make it difficult for military spouses to find employment. Fortunately, San Antonio has several resources available to help military spouses find meaningful employment.

One such resource is the Employment Readiness Program offered at Joint Base San Antonio. This program provides job search assistance, referral services, and classes that focus on education and preparation for the job search process. One-on-one assistance is also available by appointment, and group or unit training can be arranged upon request.

In addition to the Employment Readiness Program, there are also several organizations and initiatives aimed at helping military spouses find employment in San Antonio. For example, the Military Spouse Professional Network (MSPN) connects spouses with networking opportunities in their communities.

MSPN has more than 70 networks across 27 states, and offers career development resources, mentorship programs, and more.

San Antonio has also partnered with local employers to help military spouses find employment. The San Antonio City Council recently announced a new partnership aimed at connecting military spouses with local employers. This partnership recognizes the unique skillsets that military spouses bring to the workforce and aims to reduce the unemployment rate among military spouses.

Overall, San Antonio is a great place for military spouses to find employment. With resources like the Employment Readiness Program, MSPN, and partnerships with local employers, military spouses have access to the support they need to find meaningful employment.

Healthcare and Medical Services

San Antonio is home to several military treatment facilities that provide healthcare services to military personnel and their families. These facilities include the San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC), which is a Level 1 trauma center and provides graduate medical education.

The physical appearance and efficient use of space throughout the hospital create a user-friendly, high-quality healthcare environment for patients, their families, and healthcare providers.

Military Treatment Facilities

In addition to SAMMC, there are several other military treatment facilities in San Antonio, including the Brooke Army Medical Center and Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center.

These facilities are staffed by about 11,000 Army, Navy, Air Force, civilian, and contract personnel, providing a wide range of healthcare services to military personnel and their families.

TRICARE and Insurance

Military personnel and their families are eligible for healthcare coverage through TRICARE, which is the military’s healthcare program. TRICARE offers a range of healthcare plans, including Prime, Standard, and Extra, to meet the needs of military personnel and their families. These plans provide coverage for medical, dental, and vision care, as well as prescription drugs.

In addition to TRICARE, military personnel and their families may also have access to private insurance plans. It is important to note that TRICARE is the primary payer for healthcare services received at military treatment facilities.

Private insurance plans may be used to cover services received from non-military healthcare providers.

Overall, San Antonio offers a range of healthcare services to military personnel and their families, with several military treatment facilities and access to TRICARE and private insurance plans.

Community Resources and Support

When relocating to San Antonio, military families can take advantage of a variety of community resources and support services.

These resources can help make the transition to a new location smoother and provide assistance with a range of needs.

Family Support Centers

Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) has Military and Family Readiness Centers that offer relocation assistance, financial counseling, employment assistance, and more.

These centers provide a wealth of information and support to military families, helping them navigate the challenges of relocation and military life. They also offer a variety of programs and workshops to help families adjust to their new surroundings.

The JBSA Military and Family Readiness Centers incorporate Airman and Family Readiness, Army Community Service, and the Fleet and Family Support Center, providing a full range of programs and services to support mission readiness.

Military families can get up-to-date information about their new base and community before they move, learn how to prepare for their move, get help in planning their moving cost, check out the job market, and learn new skills to reduce the stress of moving.

Veteran Services

San Antonio is home to several veteran services organizations that provide assistance to veterans and their families.

These organizations offer a range of services, including education and employment assistance, financial counseling, and healthcare services.

Some of the most notable organizations include the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the American Legion, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

The VFW has several posts throughout San Antonio, providing veterans with a place to connect with other veterans, participate in community events, and access a variety of services.

The American Legion also has several posts in the area and offers a range of services to veterans, including assistance with VA benefits, education and employment assistance, and more. The Military Order of the Purple Heart provides support and advocacy for veterans who have been wounded in combat.

Overall, San Antonio offers a wealth of resources and support for military families and veterans. By taking advantage of these resources, families can make the transition to a new location smoother and find the support they need to thrive.

Recreation and Leisure in San Antonio

San Antonio offers a wide range of recreational and leisure activities for military families relocating to the area.

From outdoor activities to cultural attractions, there is something for everyone.

Outdoor Activities

San Antonio is known for its warm climate, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities. The city has several parks, including the popular Brackenridge Park, which offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a golf course.

Military families can also enjoy camping, fishing, and boating at nearby Canyon Lake.

For those who enjoy sports, San Antonio is home to several professional teams, including the San Antonio Spurs basketball team and the San Antonio FC soccer team.

Military families can also take advantage of discounted tickets to local attractions and sporting events through the Information, Tickets, & Travel (ITT) office at Joint Base San Antonio.

Cultural Attractions

San Antonio is rich in history and culture, with several museums and cultural attractions to explore. The Alamo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. Military families can also visit the San Antonio Museum of Art, which features a collection of more than 30,000 works of art from around the world.

For those who enjoy the performing arts, San Antonio has several theaters, including the Majestic Theatre and the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.

The city also hosts several cultural events throughout the year, such as the Fiesta San Antonio and the Texas Folklife Festival.

Overall, military families relocating to San Antonio will find a wealth of recreational and leisure activities to enjoy in this vibrant and diverse city.

Final Steps and Settling In

Once the military family has arrived in San Antonio, they will need to take some final steps to settle in. Below are some tips to help with the process:

Register for school: If you have school-aged children, you will need to register them for school. San Antonio has a variety of public and private schools to choose from. You can find more information about schools in San Antonio on the San Antonio Independent School District website.
Get a driver’s license: If you plan on driving in Texas, you will need a Texas driver’s license. You can find more information about how to get a driver’s license on the Texas Department of Public Safety website.
Register your vehicle: If you have a vehicle, you will need to register it in Texas. You can find more information about how to register your vehicle on the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website.
Find a doctor: It’s important to find a doctor for you and your family. You can find more information about doctors and hospitals in San Antonio on the University Health System website.
Explore the city: San Antonio has a lot to offer, from the River Walk to the Alamo. Take some time to explore the city and find out what it has to offer.
Join the community: Joining the military community in San Antonio can help you feel more at home. You can find more information about military support services on the Military OneSource website.