Homestead: A Complete Guide to Schertz's Award Winning Master Planned Community

Homestead has emerged as one of the northeast San Antonio corridor's most comprehensive master planned communities, offering a distinctive blend of Texas Hill Country charm and modern convenience. Located in the city of Schertz just off I-35 near FM 1103, this award winning development provides residents with resort style amenities, five miles of trails, and the small town atmosphere that has made this region attractive to buyers seeking alternatives to urban congestion.

For those exploring homes for sale in San Antonio seeking new construction options with established amenities already in place, Homestead delivers exceptional value. The community's position approximately 15 minutes from Joint Base San Antonio installations and equidistant between San Antonio and New Braunfels creates compelling convenience for military families, commuters, and those drawn to the Texas Hill Country lifestyle.

This guide examines what buyers should know about Homestead, from its builder options and amenity offerings to the schools, shopping, and employment centers that define daily life in this growing Schertz community.

Why Does Homestead Appeal to San Antonio Area Buyers?

Homestead attracts buyers for specific reasons tied to its design philosophy, location, and community features.

Intentional Community Design

Unlike subdivisions that develop incrementally without cohesive planning, Homestead was master planned from inception with emphasis on:

• Wide open spaces: The land plan prioritizes privacy while maintaining neighborhood connectivity
• Rolling hills and natural areas: Acres of preserved terrain provide scenic backdrops
• Trail connectivity: Five miles of hiking and biking paths weave through the community
• Central gathering spaces: Amenities designed to foster neighbor connections

The development philosophy creates what residents describe as the feeling of a permanent retreat rather than a typical subdivision.

Resort Style Amenities

Homestead Commons serves as the community's social heart, featuring amenities that rival upscale residential resorts:

• Pool complex: Resort style swimming pool with relaxing lounging areas
• Splash pad: Water play area for children
• Fitness center: Over 2,300 square feet of innovative fitness equipment with regular classes
• Open air pavilion: Covered gathering space with fireplace and grill stations
• Great lawn: Manicured event space for community activities and gatherings
• Playground: Children's play area near the amenity center

These facilities are operational and maintained, unlike newer communities where amenity promises remain years from completion.

Strategic I-35 Corridor Location

Homestead's position on the I-35 corridor provides practical advantages:

• San Antonio: Approximately 40 minutes to downtown, 15 minutes to north San Antonio
• New Braunfels: Approximately 15 minutes southwest
• Austin: Accessible via I-35 north
• San Marcos: Approximately 30 minutes north

This central position allows residents to access employment, entertainment, and recreation in multiple directions while residing in a quieter setting.

Military Installation Proximity

For service members and defense workers, Homestead offers convenient access to multiple installations:

• JBSA Randolph: Approximately 15 minutes, the Air Force's premier pilot training base
• Fort Sam Houston: Approximately 25 to 30 minutes, home to Army medical training and SAMMC
• Lackland AFB: Accessible via Loop 1604 and Highway 90

This proximity makes Homestead attractive for military families seeking quality housing within reasonable commute distances.

What Housing Options Does Homestead Offer?

Homestead features new construction from multiple award winning builders across various price points and home styles.

Builder Partners

The community has partnered with respected regional and national builders:

Perry Homes (Model at 4932 Childress Lane):

• The largest woman owned homebuilder in the nation
• Family owned since 1967 with over 58 years of experience
• Known for over 500 designs with soaring ceilings and flexible spaces
• 55 foot homesites available

Highland Homes (Model at 4920 Childress Lane):

• Texas based builder founded in 1985
• Employee owned company emphasizing architectural design
• Multiple People's Choice Builder of the Year awards
• Energy efficient designs with transparent pricing

CastleRock Communities (Model at 6405 Hockley Hill):

• Modern features with luxurious finishes
• Industry leading 2 year and 10 year warranties
• Customizable options for individual needs
• Smart home technology integration

Century Communities:

• One of the nation's largest homebuilders
• Specializing in homes for every dream
• Multiple floor plan options

Coventry Homes:

• Quality construction with design flexibility
• Various floor plan configurations

This builder variety means buyers can compare construction approaches, design aesthetics, and pricing within a single community visit.

Home Sizes and Configurations

Homes in Homestead typically feature:

• Square footage: Approximately 1,590 to 3,800 plus square feet
• Bedrooms: 3 to 6 bedrooms depending on floor plan
• Garages: Two and three car configurations
• Stories: One and two story options available
• Lot widths: 55 foot and larger homesites

Common features include open concept layouts, high ceilings (some with 12 foot coffered ceilings), granite or quartz countertops, energy efficient systems, and covered patios.

Pricing Overview

New homes in Homestead range from the low $300,000s to the $600,000s plus depending on builder, lot size, floor plan, and selected upgrades. Some properties qualify for USDA financing.

For buyers considering new construction, understanding what buyers should know before signing a new construction contract helps navigate builder agreements and the construction process.

VA Loan Opportunities

Given the community's popularity with military buyers, VA assumable properties occasionally become available in Homestead. Properties with VA assumable loans at rates well below current market rates represent potential savings. With Tami Price having completed 8 VA loan assumptions in 2025, military families can access specialized expertise in these transactions.

Where Is Homestead Located?

Homestead occupies a scenic position within Schertz offering I-35 access and Hill Country surroundings.

Geographic Position

The community is located:

• Just off I-35 at Exit 178 (Cibolo/Hubertus Road)
• North of FM 1103 off Homestead Parkway
• In the 78108 zip code
• Primarily in Guadalupe County (Schertz spans three counties)
• Adjacent to Northcliffe Golf Club

Highway Access

Homestead provides excellent connectivity:

• I-35: Primary north/south corridor for Austin, San Antonio, and points between
• FM 1103: Access to Cibolo, JBSA Randolph, and Loop 1604
• Loop 1604: San Antonio's outer loop for cross town travel

The I-35 frontage road provides direct community access, making commutes straightforward in multiple directions.

Community Layout

Homestead features:

• Five miles of hiking and biking trails
• Scenic ponds and open green spaces
• Planned connections to Hilltop Park and Deerhorn Park
• Community garden areas
• Pet parks (current and planned)
• Multiple residential sections by different builders

The community continues expanding with new sections and additional amenities planned.

What Schools Serve Homestead Residents?

Homestead falls within Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District, consistently rated among the region's top performing districts.

Assigned Schools

Students in Homestead typically attend:

John A. Sippel Elementary School (Grades K through 4): Serving the elementary years with foundational academics and enrichment programs.

Elaine S. Schlather Intermediate School (Grades 5 through 6): Bridging elementary and secondary education with expanded curriculum and activities.

J. Frank Dobie Junior High School (Grades 7 through 8): Preparing students for high school with comprehensive academic and extracurricular programs.

Byron P. Steele II High School (Grades 9 through 12): Offering academic programs, athletics, fine arts, career and technical education, and DECA business programs. Steele High School has earned recognition for academic achievement and student success.

District Overview

SCUCISD serves over 15,000 students across Schertz, Cibolo, Universal City, Selma, and surrounding areas. The district has earned:

• "B" rating from the Texas Education Agency (87 out of 100)
• Recognition for teacher quality and retention
• Above average teacher salaries compared to state averages
• 96.3% on time graduation rate

The district structure with dedicated elementary, intermediate, junior high, and high school campuses allows age appropriate programming at each level.

Buyers should verify current school assignments directly with SCUCISD, as boundaries can change with district growth.

What Amenities Does Homestead Offer?

Homestead Commons provides the community's comprehensive amenity package.

Recreation and Fitness

Fitness Center:

• Over 2,300 square feet of space
• Innovative fitness equipment
• Regular exercise classes
• Climate controlled environment

Pool Complex:

• Resort style swimming pool
• Splash pad for children
• Lounging areas with furniture
• Seasonal operation

Outdoor Amenities

Trails and Open Space:

• Five miles of hiking and biking trails
• Scenic ponds throughout the community
• Connections planned to Hilltop Park and Deerhorn Park
• Preserved natural areas and rolling hills

Gathering Spaces:

• Open air pavilion with fireplace
• Grill stations and BBQ areas
• Manicured great lawn for events
• Playground and children's areas
• Community garden

Community Character

Homestead's design philosophy emphasizes genuine connections between residents:

• Year round community events
• Weekend gathering opportunities
• Walkable neighborhoods
• Neighborly atmosphere

The community actively promotes a lifestyle where residents know their neighbors by name and weekend cookouts become the norm.

What Shopping and Services Exist Near Homestead?

The Schertz and surrounding area provides diverse retail and dining options.

Schertz Retail Corridor

Schertz has developed extensive retail along FM 3009 and I-35:

• H-E-B grocery stores
• Walmart Supercenter
• Target
• Home Depot
• Various restaurants and services

The Schertz Station development near Santikos Cibolo continues expanding retail and entertainment options.

The Forum at Olympia Parkway

Located approximately 10 to 15 minutes south at I-35 and Loop 1604:

• Over 1.2 million square feet of retail
• More than 125 stores including Target, Home Depot, Kohl's, Best Buy
• Numerous dining options
• Convenient one stop shopping

Downtown Schertz

Schertz's historic downtown along Main Street preserves the city's German heritage:

• Local restaurants and cafes
• Historic brick buildings dating to the late 1800s
• Community events and festivals
• Small town character

New Braunfels

Approximately 15 minutes northeast, New Braunfels offers:

• Historic German downtown with shops and restaurants
• Gruene Historic District
• Schlitterbahn waterpark
• Guadalupe and Comal rivers for tubing and recreation

What Recreation Opportunities Exist Near Homestead?

Beyond community amenities, residents access significant regional recreation.

Community Trail System

Homestead's five miles of trails provide:

• Walking and jogging paths
• Biking trails
• Nature observation opportunities
• Scenic pond views
• Connections to regional parks (planned)

Nearby Parks

Crescent Bend Nature Park (approximately 10 minutes):

• 190 acres along Cibolo Creek
• Walking and biking trails
• Bird blinds and wildlife observation
• Fishing access
• Dog friendly areas

Schlather Park (Schertz):

• Multi use trails
• Sports facilities
• Playground equipment

Golf

Several courses exist within proximity:

• Northcliffe Golf Club (adjacent to community)
• Windcrest Golf Club
• Olympia Hills Golf Course
• Randolph Oaks Golf Course

Regional Attractions

The location provides access to:

• Natural Bridge Caverns: Underground cave tours
• Guadalupe River: Tubing and water recreation
• Schlitterbahn: Water park in New Braunfels
• San Antonio attractions: River Walk, missions, museums, professional sports

What Employment Centers Serve Homestead Residents?

The I-35 corridor and surrounding area provide diverse employment access.

Military Installations

JBSA Randolph (approximately 15 minutes):

• Air Education and Training Command headquarters
• Air Force Personnel Center
• 12th Flying Training Wing
• Pilot instructor training
• Civilian and contractor positions

Fort Sam Houston/SAMMC (approximately 25 to 30 minutes):

• San Antonio Military Medical Center
• Army medical training
• Military and civilian healthcare positions

I-35 Corridor Employment

The interstate corridor continues developing with:

• Distribution and logistics facilities
• Technology companies
• Healthcare providers
• Retail and hospitality
• Professional services

San Antonio Metropolitan

The broader San Antonio market offers employment in:

• Healthcare systems (Methodist, Baptist, University Health)
• Financial services (USAA, Frost Bank)
• Government and military support
• Energy sector
• Higher education (UTSA, Texas A&M San Antonio)

Austin Access

The I-35 connection makes Austin employment accessible for those willing to commute, including technology sector opportunities along the corridor.

How Has Schertz Developed Over Time?

Understanding Schertz's history provides context for Homestead's place in the community.

German Settlement Origins

The Schertz family, among the first Germanic emigrants to settle Central Texas, arrived in the 1840s from Alsace Lorraine. The family established homesteads in what is now southwestern Guadalupe County in the 1860s. The settlement was initially known as "Cut Off" because Cibolo Creek flooding would isolate the community.

Early residents planted wheat, corn, oats, and cotton, with the fertile Cibolo Creek valley supporting productive agriculture. The Schertz family built the first cotton gin in 1870, powered initially by mules and later by steam.

Railroad and Growth

The Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio Railroad arrived in 1876, transforming Schertz from an isolated farming settlement into a connected town. The railroad enabled crop shipment to larger markets and attracted new settlers.

The post office was established in 1882, and the town officially became Schertz in 1899. German cultural traditions influenced local celebrations, music, and food, traditions that persist today.

Randolph Field Impact

The construction of Randolph Field (now Randolph Air Force Base) in the late 1920s fundamentally changed Schertz. The base, known as the "Showplace of the Air Force" for its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, brought new families, jobs, and economic activity.

Schertz incorporated as a city in 1958, and the military connection has remained central to the community's identity. Today, Schertz is home to over 42,000 residents and ranks as the third largest city in the San Antonio metropolitan area.

Modern Development

NerdWallet recently ranked Schertz in the top 20 of Texas's best places for families, citing its friendly community, schools, and quality of life. Master planned communities like Homestead continue this tradition of family focused development while preserving the small town character that defines the area.

Who Does Homestead Appeal To?

Homestead attracts specific buyer profiles drawn to its features and location.

Military Families

The community's proximity to JBSA installations makes it attractive for:

• Active duty personnel at Randolph, Fort Sam Houston, or Lackland
• Civilian employees at area bases
• Defense contractors supporting military missions
• Veterans desiring continued base access

For military families planning moves to San Antonio, working with a Military Relocation Professional ensures understanding of installation access and PCS timeline considerations.

Growing Families

The combination of SCUCISD schools, community amenities, and new construction options appeals to families seeking:

• Top rated public education
• Resort style pools and playgrounds
• Trails for outdoor activity
• Newer homes with modern floor plans

Remote Workers

The COVID era shift toward remote work has made Homestead attractive for those who can work from anywhere:

• Quiet Hill Country setting
• Proximity to Austin tech corridor when office visits are needed
• New construction with dedicated home office spaces
• Lower cost of living than Austin while maintaining access

Empty Nesters and Retirees

Single story floor plans and the established amenity package appeal to those seeking:

• Low maintenance new construction
• Resort style pool and fitness center
• Walking trails for daily activity
• Peaceful setting without sacrificing convenience

First Time and Move Up Buyers

The range of builders and price points serves buyers at various stages:

• Entry level pricing in the low $300,000s
• Move up options through the $600,000s
• USDA eligibility for some properties
• New construction without the wait of custom building

Expert Insight from Tami Price

"Homestead represents exactly what buyers along the I-35 corridor are seeking: a thoughtfully planned community with amenities already in place, top rated SCUCISD schools, and new construction from multiple respected builders," says Tami Price, REALTOR® and Broker Associate. "The five miles of trails, resort style pool, and state of the art fitness center deliver on day one rather than years down the road. For military families stationed at Randolph or Fort Sam, Homestead offers that rare combination of reasonable commute, quality schools, and Hill Country lifestyle that makes a PCS to San Antonio feel like coming home."

With nearly two decades of San Antonio experience and RealTrends Verified recognition as a top agent, Tami provides specialized guidance for buyers navigating new construction purchases and northeast corridor communities.

Three Key Takeaways

• Comprehensive amenities operational now: Homestead Commons features over 2,300 square feet of fitness space, resort style pool with splash pad, five miles of trails, and gathering pavilion with fireplace and grill stations already serving residents

• Multiple award winning builders: Perry Homes, Highland Homes, CastleRock Communities, Century Communities, and Coventry Homes offer diverse floor plans and pricing from the low $300,000s to $600,000s plus, allowing buyers to compare options within a single community

• Strategic I-35 corridor position: Location 15 minutes from JBSA Randolph and equidistant between San Antonio and New Braunfels provides military installation access, employment connectivity, and Hill Country lifestyle without sacrificing convenience

Frequently Asked Questions About Homestead

Q: What school district serves Homestead?

A: Homestead falls within Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District. Students typically attend Sippel Elementary, Schlather Intermediate, Dobie Junior High, and Byron P. Steele High School. SCUCISD has earned a "B" rating from the Texas Education Agency.

Q: What builders are available in Homestead?

A: Perry Homes, Highland Homes, CastleRock Communities, Century Communities, and Coventry Homes all build in Homestead. Each maintains model homes in the community for tours and comparison.

Q: What are home prices in Homestead?

A: New homes range from the low $300,000s to the $600,000s plus depending on builder, floor plan, lot size, and upgrades. Some properties qualify for USDA financing.

Q: What amenities does Homestead offer?

A: Homestead Commons features a resort style pool with splash pad, over 2,300 square foot fitness center with classes, open air pavilion with fireplace and grill stations, playground, five miles of hiking and biking trails, scenic ponds, and community garden. Pet parks and additional park connections are planned.

Q: How far is Homestead from military bases?

A: JBSA Randolph is approximately 15 minutes away. Fort Sam Houston and SAMMC are approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Lackland AFB is accessible via Loop 1604 and Highway 90.

Q: What shopping is available near Homestead?

A: Schertz offers H-E-B, Walmart, Target, and various retailers. The Forum at Olympia Parkway (approximately 10 to 15 minutes south) provides over 125 stores. New Braunfels (approximately 15 minutes northeast) offers historic German downtown shopping and dining.

Q: Is Homestead outside flood zones?

A: The community is marketed as being outside flood zones, which is notable given the region's proximity to Cibolo Creek. Buyers should verify flood zone status for specific properties.

Q: What outdoor recreation exists near Homestead?

A: Beyond the community's five miles of trails, Crescent Bend Nature Park offers 190 acres of trails and wildlife observation. Natural Bridge Caverns, Guadalupe River tubing, and Schlitterbahn waterpark are all within reasonable distance.

The Bottom Line on Homestead

Homestead delivers on the promise of master planned community living with amenities that function today rather than years in the future. The combination of award winning builders, SCUCISD schools, and I-35 corridor access creates compelling value for buyers seeking new construction in the northeast San Antonio region.

The community suits those who value small town atmosphere while maintaining easy access to multiple employment centers and metropolitan amenities. Its position between San Antonio and New Braunfels provides lifestyle flexibility while the established amenity package creates immediate community connection opportunities.

Understanding how Homestead compares to other San Antonio neighborhoods and communities helps buyers determine whether its Hill Country location and new construction focus align with their priorities.

For buyers navigating new construction purchases in San Antonio, professional representation ensures proper guidance through builder negotiations and the unique considerations of purchasing homes under construction.

Contact Tami Price, REALTOR® | San Antonio, TX

Tami Price brings nearly two decades of San Antonio real estate experience and approximately 1,000 closed transactions to buyers exploring new construction communities like Homestead. As a Broker Associate, USAF Veteran, and Military Relocation Professional (MRP), Tami provides specialized expertise for military families and civilian buyers navigating the northeast San Antonio corridor.

Whether comparing builder options or exploring move in ready homes, Tami delivers professional representation backed by local knowledge and over 650 five star reviews across Google, Zillow, Realtor.com, and other platforms.

Tami Price, REALTOR®, Broker Associate

📞 210 620 6681

✉️ tami@tamiprice.com

🌐 TamiPrice.com

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Disclaimer

This blog provides general information about Homestead and should not replace professional real estate, legal, or financial advice. Builder pricing, floor plan availability, amenity offerings, and school assignments change over time. Buyers should verify all information independently with appropriate professionals, including confirming school assignments directly with Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District and builder details directly with sales representatives. Tami Price, REALTOR®, is committed to providing accurate information but cannot guarantee the completeness or current accuracy of all details presented.