If you’re PCSing to JBSA–Lackland and starting to research where to live, you’ll quickly notice one area keeps coming up: the Far West Side of San Antonio.
That’s not by accident.
I work with a lot of military families relocating to Lackland, and time and time again, the Far West Side ends up checking the most boxes – especially for families who want newer homes, strong amenities, and housing options that align well with military timelines and budgets.
Here’s why this area is such a popular choice for PCS moves.
Proximity to JBSA-Lackland (Without Feeling Like You Live on Base)
One of the biggest reasons military families gravitate toward the Far West Side is proximity to Lackland without sacrificing neighborhood feel.
Depending on the specific neighborhood and when you leave for work, drive times can look very different:
- Early departures (around 6:00 a.m.) can be 20-30 minutes
- Peak departures (closer to 7:00 a.m.) can stretch significantly longer – sometimes closer to 45-60 minutes, especially with ongoing construction and school in session
Construction is a real factor on the Far West Side right now, and commute times are highly dependent on work schedules. This is something I always talk through with families early so expectations are realistic and routes can be planned thoughtfully.
Newer Housing Stock That Works Well for PCS Timelines
The Far West Side has a large concentration of newer and recently built homes, which is especially appealing for PCS families who may be:
- Buying sight unseen
- Working on compressed timelines
- Using VA loans
- Looking for homes with fewer immediate maintenance concerns
You’ll find:
- Master-planned communities
- Modern floor plans
- Neighborhood amenities like pools, parks, and walking trails
- A wide range of price points compared to some other parts of the city
That combination makes the area more forgiving for relocations, inspections, and tight closing schedules.
Inventory and Availability Matter for Military Moves
Availability matters when orders drop quickly.
The Far West Side tends to offer more active inventory than many established parts of San Antonio, which gives military buyers:
- More choices within similar price ranges
- Better chances of aligning a home with reporting timelines
- Flexibility if one deal doesn’t work out
This is a big reason many PCS buyers start their search here first – even if they later expand to other areas.
School Districts Families Commonly Research in This Area
Most of the Far West Side falls within Northside Independent School District (NISD), one of the largest school districts in Texas.
Families relocating to this area often research the following campuses:
High Schools
- Harlan High School
- Sotomayor High School
- Taft High School
- Brennan High School
Middle Schools
- Straus Middle School
- Folks Middle School
- Jefferson Middle School
- Briscoe Middle School
- Bernal Middle School
- Luna Middle School
Elementary Schools
- Henderson
- Kallison
- Tomlinson
- Franklin
- Scarborough
- Fields
- Ward
- Krueger
- Mireles
- Hoffman
- Cole
- Boldt
- Langley
- Galm
- Ott
- Lieck
- Wernli
- Mora
- Behlau
Families typically research schools based on:
- Programs offered
- Grade configurations
- Extracurriculars
- Special education services
- Commute logistics
I always recommend reviewing official district websites and trusted third-party resources so you can decide what’s best for your family.
A Personal Note on Elementary Schools in This Area
One thing I personally like about many Far West Side neighborhoods is that elementary schools are often located inside the neighborhoods themselves.
If you have elementary-aged kids, that can be a really nice lifestyle feature – walking or biking to school, seeing friends in the neighborhood, and having the school feel like part of the community rather than a long drive away. It’s something many families don’t realize they value until they experience it.
Everyday Lifestyle: Convenience Without the Chaos
Another reason the Far West Side appeals to military families is lifestyle convenience.
The area offers:
- Easy access to grocery stores, retail, and dining
- Newer commercial development
- Parks and community spaces
- Neighborhoods designed for families, not just commuters
It’s a part of San Antonio that continues to grow, which means more services and amenities tend to follow.
Why PCS Families Often Start Here – Even If They Don’t End Here
Not every military family ultimately chooses the Far West Side – but many start here because it offers a strong baseline:
- Reasonable commute options to Lackland
- VA-friendly housing inventory
- Neighborhoods built with modern lifestyles in mind
- Flexibility for fast-moving PCS timelines
From there, families can decide whether this area feels like home or whether another part of San Antonio is a better fit.
The Bottom Line
The Far West Side of San Antonio consistently stands out for military families PCSing to Lackland because it balances proximity, availability, and livability – three things that matter a lot during a relocation.
The key is understanding how the area actually functions day to day, including commute timing, construction realities, and housing options – not just what looks good on a map.
If you’re PCSing to JBSA-Lackland and want help deciding whether the Far West Side makes sense for your timeline, budget, and lifestyle, I’m happy to help. Schedule a PCS-focused buyer consultation and we’ll map out a plan that works for you.
Jennifer Anderson is a military-friendly Realtor in San Antonio who specializes in helping active-duty and veteran families navigate PCS moves and home buying on the far west side of the city. As a military spouse, she brings firsthand experience with VA loans, relocation timelines, and the realities military families face when moving to or within San Antonio.
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