San Antonio set to gain even more jobs, courtesy of BRAC and Fort Sam Houston

How many people are relocating to San Antonio to work at or around Fort Sam Houston in the next few years? It depends. The number could be as many as 12,000, comprising both military and civilian workers.

Whatever the final head count, the folks who move to San Antonio as a result of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission consolidation will give a boost to the housing market for home sales, builders, and investors in rental properties.

Fort Sam, as it's known locally, is poised to be the center of the military's medical training programs. Brooke Army Medical Center, right next door, is already a world-class burn ward and medical facility for wounded service members.

Many people constituting the influx of employees and service members will choose to buy or rent along the IH 35 corridor northeast of the San Antonio metro, in growing communities such as Converse, Schertz, Cibolo, Live Oak, and Universal City. This area has the added benefit of being close to Randolph AFB in addition to Fort Sam.

Those who can to afford pricier homes within easy commuting distance of Fort Sam will be spoiled for choice. Neighborhoods and towns include Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills, Terrell Heights, Northwood/Northridge, Bel Meade, Olympia, Garden Ridge, and Hollywood Park. Rental homes are a little harder to find in these neighborhoods, but are in high demand because the school districts are well regarded, even sought after.

Many older, neglected neighborhoods closer to Fort Sam Houston have been going through a makeover, which stalled out for a couple of years following the mortgage meltdown but is beginning to gather momentum again. They include Mahncke Park and Government Hill.

San Antonio's combination of a vibrant economy, the BRAC injection of funding and jobs into the area, and low real estate prices should make the decision to relocate here attractive to many employees and their families.