If you’re a veteran or active-duty service member considering a move near Lackland Air Force Base, location matters. Living close to base offers convenience, affordability, and community. In 2025, three standout neighborhoods continue to attract military families: Valley Hi, Heritage, and Westover Hills. Each area delivers veteran-friendly home pricing, quick commutes, and family-focused amenities, making them ideal for VA loan buyers.

Why Choose to Live Near Lackland AFB?

Lackland AFB, located on San Antonio’s southwest side, supports more than 37,000 personnel and serves as a central training hub for the United States Air Force. Nearby neighborhoods benefit from affordable housing, access to base services like the commissary and medical clinics, and a strong sense of camaraderie. San Antonio’s citywide median home price is about $283,000 (Redfin), but neighborhoods close to Lackland often fall below that mark, making them especially attractive for veterans using their VA loan benefits.

What Makes a Neighborhood Veteran-Friendly?

Veterans typically look for:

• Commutes under 15 minutes to Lackland
• VA loan-approved homes priced between $200K and $350K
• Access to Northside ISD schools
• Safety, parks, and a community feel

Qualified buyers in 2025 can use VA loan entitlement up to $806,000, allowing for zero down, no PMI, and competitive rates. That creates an advantage in securing housing while building equity.

---

Valley Hi: Close, Affordable, and Convenient

Search homes in Valley Hi

• Price Range: $200,000 to $250,000
• Commute: About 5 minutes to base via Hwy 90
• What You’ll Find: Older, single-story homes from the 60s and 70s, many updated with new roofs or interiors. Elm Park nearby provides walking trails and open green spaces.

Veterans appreciate Valley Hi for its affordability and proximity to Gate 2. A 3-bedroom home here might cost around $220,000, with monthly VA payments near $1,000 to $1,200. That makes room in the budget for renovations or savings. The area is well-established, and schools like Valley Hi Elementary provide consistency for families moving in and out due to PCS orders.

---

Heritage: Family-Oriented with Extra Space

Search homes for sale in Heritage

• Price Range: $250,000 to $300,000
• Commute: 10 to 12 minutes via Loop 410
• What You’ll Find: Spacious 3- and 4-bedroom homes built in the 90s and early 2000s. Heritage Park serves as a hub for weekend sports and gatherings.

Ideal for growing families, Heritage offers more space and suburban charm while remaining close to base. Parks, basketball courts, and Pease Middle School contribute to the neighborhood’s community feel. Many military families report building equity quickly here due to San Antonio’s steady 5% annual home appreciation rate.

---

Westover Hills: Modern Builds and Higher-End Amenities

Search homes for sale in Westover Hills

• Price Range: $300,000 to $350,000
• Commute: About 15 minutes to base via Hwy 151
• What You’ll Find: Newer 4-bedroom homes with open-concept layouts, modern kitchens, and community pools. SeaWorld and Westover Marketplace offer family entertainment and shopping.

Westover Hills is ideal for those who want a slightly more upscale feel while staying within VA loan limits. A veteran-owned 4-bedroom home here might come with a $1,400 VA mortgage payment and access to Warren High School, known for its AP programs and ROTC.

---

Neighborhood Snapshot

Neighborhood	Avg. Home Price	Distance to Base	Commute Time	Vibe & Features
Valley Hi	$210,000	~1.5 miles	5 min	Budget-friendly, close-knit
Heritage	$245,000	~4 miles	10–12 min	Suburban, family-focused, park access
Westover Hills	$325,000	~6 miles	12–15 min	Modern, shopping nearby, community pools

---

Additional Neighborhoods to Consider

Neighborhood	Avg. Price	Commute	Features
Alamo Ranch	$360,000	15–18 min	Master-planned, top schools
Luckey Ranch	$265,000	10 min	Quiet, newer builds, sports park
Great Northwest	$275,000	15–20 min	Established, strong community programs

---

VA Loan Benefits in 2025

• No down payment required
• No private mortgage insurance
• Competitive interest rates
• Funding fee exemptions for disabled vets

On a $300,000 home, monthly payments might be around $1,200 to $1,300. That affordability makes it possible for veterans to secure comfortable homes without needing large upfront funds.

---

School Ratings and Access

Northside ISD continues to deliver strong academic results:

• Valley Hi Elementary: Smooth transitions for military families
• Pease Middle School: Known for extracurricular engagement
• Warren High School: College-prep focus with AP and ROTC

---

Parks and Perks

Military families benefit from outdoor access and free or discounted admissions:

• Elm Park (Valley Hi): Trails and shaded areas
• Heritage Park: Sports fields, play zones, picnic tables
• SeaWorld (Westover Hills): Military discounts on tickets

---

Is Now the Right Time to Buy Near Lackland?

Yes. Favorable VA rates, projected home appreciation, and rental potential make 2025 a smart time to invest. A veteran buying in Valley Hi today could build $15K–$20K in equity within a year, according to San Antonio’s 5% appreciation trend. Plus, if you PCS later, these homes often rent quickly.

---

Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Best Fit

• Valley Hi: Best for affordability and base access
• Heritage: Ideal for space and parks
• Westover Hills: Perfect for modern comforts and strong resale value

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the best neighborhoods near Lackland AFB for veterans?
A: Tami Price, Realtor, recommends Valley Hi, Heritage, and Westover Hills for veterans relocating to San Antonio. These communities offer affordable home prices, access to VA loan-approved properties, and commutes to base ranging from 5 to 15 minutes.

Q: Why is Valley Hi a good option for military homebuyers?
A: Valley Hi is ideal for veterans seeking affordability and proximity to base. Homes average $200,000 to $250,000, with Elm Park nearby and quick access to Gate 2. Tami Price, Realtor, notes that it’s a budget-conscious choice with strong neighborhood convenience.

Q: How does Heritage compare to other neighborhoods near Lackland AFB?
A: Heritage offers slightly larger homes and a more suburban feel, with prices from $250,000 to $300,000. Tami Price, Realtor, highlights its family-friendly amenities like Heritage Park, proximity to Northside ISD schools, and a 10-minute drive to Lackland.

Q: What makes Westover Hills popular among veteran buyers?
A: Westover Hills stands out for its newer homes, modern layouts, and upscale community features. Tami Price, Realtor, says this area offers homes from $300,000 to $350,000 and appeals to veterans looking for more space, community pools, and nearby shopping.

Q: Are VA loans accepted in these San Antonio neighborhoods?
A: Yes, all three neighborhoods—Valley Hi, Heritage, and Westover Hills, are VA loan-friendly. Tami Price, Realtor, works with military buyers to secure VA financing, often with zero down, no PMI, and competitive interest rates.

Q: How are the local schools near Lackland AFB?
A: These neighborhoods fall under Northside ISD, which maintains strong academic performance and graduation rates. According to Tami Price, Realtor, schools like Pease Middle and Warren High School are top picks for military families.

Q: Will I gain equity quickly if I buy near Lackland AFB?
A: San Antonio continues to see steady 5% annual growth in home values. Tami Price, Realtor, points out that many of her veteran clients have built $15,000 to $20,000 in equity within their first year of ownership in this area.

Q: What should I watch out for when buying near Lackland AFB?
A: Older homes in Valley Hi may need updates, traffic congestion is possible in Heritage during peak hours, and homes near highways in Westover Hills may experience some noise. Tami Price, Realtor, always recommends due diligence before buying.

Q: Can I use my VA loan to buy a fixer-upper in this area?
A: Absolutely. Some veterans purchase older homes and use savings or renovation loans to upgrade. Tami Price, Realtor, can help evaluate if a property qualifies for a VA renovation loan or is a good candidate for future value appreciation.

Q: How can I start my home search near Lackland AFB?
A: To explore homes near Lackland AFB that align with your VA loan benefits and lifestyle needs, contact Tami Price, Realtor. She specializes in helping veterans and active-duty service members buy homes in San Antonio.

---

Before making a decision, visit the neighborhoods, talk to locals, and consult with a VA loan expert. For support finding your ideal home near Lackland AFB, contact Tami Price, Realtor.