San Antonio Military Community: Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, Randolph | INFINITI of Boerne
San Antonio is home to some of the U.S. military’s largest and most important installations. If you’re a military family relocating to Texas, here’s what you need to know about Joint Base San Antonio and the communities surrounding it.
Understanding Joint Base San Antonio
Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) was established in 2010 by consolidating three major installations: Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base, and Randolph Air Force Base. Today, JBSA is one of the largest and most strategically important military bases in the United States, with the Air Force as the lead service. The base operates with over 266 mission partners and more than 120 Department of Defense organizations working across medical, training, command, and support functions.
The base directly and indirectly supports tens of thousands of military and civilian employees, making it one of San Antonio’s largest employers and a cornerstone of the regional economy.
The Three Major Installations
Fort Sam Houston
Fort Sam Houston is home to the U.S. Army Medical Department and serves as headquarters for U.S. Army North. The installation traces its history to 1876, making it one of the oldest active military posts in America. Fort Sam Houston provides medical training, field-grade officer development, and command functions for the entire Southwest region. Families assigned to Fort Sam Houston often live in North Star, Stone Oak, or other northeast San Antonio neighborhoods, which offer good schools and shopping.
Lackland Air Force Base
Lackland Air Force Base is home to the 37th Training Wing, the largest training wing in the entire U.S. Air Force. Lackland is the only location in the Air Force where enlisted basic military training takes place. The base also provides professional military training, technical skills development, and English language instruction for military personnel and allies. With over 120 DoD organizations, Lackland is a massive training hub. Families at Lackland often choose southwest San Antonio, Medina County communities, or nearby Universal City.
Randolph Air Force Base
Randolph Air Force Base is home to Headquarters Air Education and Training Command (AETC), the Air Force Personnel Center, the Air Force Recruiting Service, and the 12th Flying Training Wing. Randolph is a major command hub and training center. The base is located east of San Antonio in the Salado area. Families at Randolph typically live in northeast San Antonio or surrounding communities with good commute times.
Where Military Families Live
Military families choose neighborhoods based on commute distance to their duty installation, school quality, and lifestyle preferences. Neighborhoods near Fort Sam Houston include North Star, Stone Oak, Dominion, and Government Canyon, which offer newer homes, good schools, and proximity to employment centers. For Lackland and Randolph families, southwest and east San Antonio offer shorter commutes, as do nearby communities like Universal City, Schertz, and Cibolo.
Some military families prefer Boerne and the Hill Country, located 30 miles north of San Antonio. The trade-off of a longer commute is offset by the slower pace, better outdoor recreation, and strong sense of community. Boerne is within 100 miles of all three bases, making it accessible for duty and still giving your family a Hill Country lifestyle on weekends and evenings.
Vehicles for Military Families
Military families juggle multiple responsibilities: work commutes, school runs, weekend recreational travel, and visiting family. The INFINITI QX80 and QX60 are built for this lifestyle. The QX80 seats eight and tows 8,500 lbs, making it perfect for families with multiple kids and equipment. The QX60 seats seven and handles daily commuting and carpool duties with a smooth, quiet ride. Both models offer reliability, luxury, and advanced safety features that matter to military families.
INFINITI of Boerne Serves Military Families
INFINITI of Boerne is proud to serve the San Antonio military community. We’re just 30 miles north of Fort Sam Houston and within 100 miles of all major installations. We offer valet pickup and delivery service, 70+ loaner vehicles, and complimentary cleaning for customers within 100 miles. As a JD Power 2026 Dealer of Excellence, the first INFINITI dealer honored in Texas, we understand service, reliability, and taking care of our customers. Call (210) 477-1775 to discuss military customer programs and special financing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Joint Base San Antonio?
Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) is one of the U.S. military’s largest bases, merging Fort Sam Houston (Army), Lackland Air Force Base, and Randolph Air Force Base in 2010. JBSA serves as the Air Force’s lead facility with over 266 mission partners and 120 Department of Defense organizations.
What is Fort Sam Houston known for?
Fort Sam Houston is home to the U.S. Army Medical Department and serves as headquarters for U.S. Army North. It’s a major Army installation in the San Antonio metro and one of the oldest military posts in the United States with significant medical, training, and command functions.
What is Lackland Air Force Base?
Lackland Air Force Base is home to the 37th Training Wing, the largest training wing in the U.S. Air Force. Lackland is the only site in the Air Force for enlisted basic military training. It also provides professional and technical skills training, English language instruction, and hosts over 120 DoD organizations.
What is Randolph Air Force Base?
Randolph Air Force Base is home to Headquarters Air Education and Training Command, the Air Force Personnel Center, Air Force Recruiting Service, and the 12th Flying Training Wing. Randolph is a major command and training hub for the U.S. Air Force.
Where should military families live in the San Antonio area?
Military families choose neighborhoods based on commute distance to their installation. North Star, Stone Oak, Dominion, and Government Canyon are convenient to Fort Sam Houston. Families assigned to Lackland or Randolph often live in southwest San Antonio or nearby communities like Universal City. Boerne, 30 miles north, appeals to those wanting a smaller-town lifestyle while remaining within 100 miles of all three bases.
Does INFINITI of Boerne serve military customers?
Yes. INFINITI of Boerne is located 30 miles from Fort Sam Houston and within 100 miles of all major San Antonio military installations. We offer valet pickup and delivery service, 70+ loaner vehicles, and complimentary cleaning for customers within 100 miles. Call (210) 477-1775 to ask about military customer programs and special financing options.
