PCS Guide to Randolph AFB: Neighborhoods, Schools & Local Tips

by Anthony Sharp

PCS Guide to Randolph AFB: Neighborhoods, Schools & Local Tips

I still remember the knot in my stomach as I rolled through Randolph AFB’s gate—new town, new mission, new life.

I know that mix of excitement and nerves all too well. In this guide, drawn from my own PCS experiences, you’ll find neighborhood secrets, a step-by-step moving checklist, school insights, local favorites and vetted pros to make your 2025 PCS smooth. Whether it’s your first PCS or your tenth, this roadmap will swap stress for confidence so you can unpack, explore and feel at home faster.

Table of Contents

Best Neighborhoods Near Randolph AFB

Family riding bikes with kids and a dog in a quiet, tree-lined suburban neighborhood near Randolph AFB.
Discover family-friendly living in Schertz, Cibolo, and Selma—safe, peaceful neighborhoods perfect for PCS moves.
“Arriving after a cross-country drive, I wondered: will I ever feel ‘home’ again off base?”

Choosing the right neighborhood near Randolph AFB means balancing commute, budget and community—no small feat when every minute counts.

  1. Cibolo ★★★★★
    Commute: 10–14 mins
    Why we love it: Wowed us with sunrise runs on a fitness trail and modern homes near top schools.
  2. Schertz ★★★★☆
    Commute: 12–15 mins
    Why we love it: Felt like a neighborly hug with tree-lined streets and weekend block parties.
  3. Selma ★★★★☆
    Commute: 14–18 mins
    Why we love it: Gave us big yards and budget-friendly prices without sacrificing quick base access.

Quick tip: List your top three must-haves (garage, yard, max commute) and use that filter in your MLS search.

Best Schools & Daycares

Children sitting in a circle at a preschool near Randolph AFB, engaging with two teachers during a group activity.
Top-rated daycares near Randolph AFB offer nurturing environments, small class sizes, and fun, structured learning.
“Watching my daughter nail her first STEM lab project reminded me why schools matter.”

SCUCISD and nearby centers make it easy to find the right fit—here’s my curated top 2 in each category.

Daycares

  • Just Kids Academy ★★★★★
    Nurturing environment with a 1:6 staff-to-child ratio and daily photo updates.
  • Tiny Tot Learning Center ★★★★☆
    Motor-skill focus, secure check-in and family-style meals.
  • Journey Kidz Learning Center ★★★★☆
    Developing children with the love of learning as they grow spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually.

Preschools

  • The Learning Experience – North Schertz ★★★★★
    Engaging curriculum & family events.
  • Primrose School of Schertz ★★★★☆
    Balanced academics & creative arts.

Elementary Schools

  • Barbara Jordan Intermediate ★★★★★
    STEM labs & family science nights.
  • Cibolo Valley Elementary ★★★★☆
    Strong reading programs & after-school clubs.

Middle Schools

  • J. Frank Dobie Junior High ★★★★★
    Robust electives & athletics.
  • Ray D. Corbett Junior High ★★★★☆
    Advanced STEM tracks & arts awards.

High Schools

  • Byron P. Steele II High ★★★★★
    AP courses & college-prep counseling.
  • Samuel Clemens High ★★★★☆
    IB program & upcoming upgrades.

Tour & Enrollment Pro Tip: Bring PCS orders, proof of address, immunization records & ask how they support military kids.

Local Life & Amenities

Father and child walking along the beautifully lit San Antonio River Walk at night near Randolph AFB.
Take a scenic evening stroll along the San Antonio River Walk—just 20 minutes from Randolph AFB and packed with restaurants and culture.
“That first River Walk stroll with my family felt like a victory lap after unpacking.”

From hidden parks to downtown festivals, the Randolph area has weekend magic for every mood.

Can’t-Miss Eats

  • Family-run taco spot ★★★★★
    Scratch-made tortillas & barbacoa to start your day right.
  • Willies Bar and Grill ★★★★☆
    Classic American comfort food (think juicy burgers & loaded fries) in a laid-back, music-friendly setting.
  • Abel’s ★★★★☆
    Local deli favorites with house-cured meats, scratch sides & a must-try toasted muffuletta.

Weekend Adventures

  • McAllister Park trails for jogs & picnics
  • River Walk for live music, museums & al fresco dining

Quick Trips into San Antonio

  • Hit The Alamo, Southtown galleries & seasonal festivals—all within a 20-min drive.

 

Get Your Free Comprehensive PCS Guide

Healthcare & Support

Team of healthcare professionals standing outside Schertz Cibolo Emergency Clinic, a 24/7 medical facility near Randolph AFB.
Get peace of mind with nearby healthcare—Schertz Cibolo Emergency Clinic provides fast, quality care for military families. – SchertzHealth
“When my toddler’s fever spiked at night, knowing an ER was minutes away was a game-changer.”
  • Randolph AFB Health Clinic
    Handles your routine check-ups, prescriptions and referrals right on base.
  • Schertz Cibolo ER
    Open 24/7 with pediatric play areas for sudden illnesses or injuries after hours.
  • Baptist Schertz
    Full emergency services with shorter wait times than most big-city ERs.

Smooth Record Transfers

To avoid a gap in care, request your on-base medical records at least four weeks before moving day.

Veteran & Family Resources

  • Tap into the Soldier for Life–Transition Assistance (SFL-TAP) program for job help, financial counseling through Military OneSource, and spouse support groups on base.
  • If you’re using a VA loan, check out my VA Loan Tips to combine your benefits seamlessly with your move.

Top Local Eateries

Waitress carrying a tray of breakfast items including pancakes, waffles, bacon, and cookies at a popular San Antonio diner.
Start your day with local breakfast favorites near Randolph AFB—comfort food done right. – Will van Overbeek
“Clients always ask, ‘Where do I eat first?’—these three spots felt like home to us.”
  1. Magnolia Pancake Haus ★★★★★
    San Antonio’s best fluffy buttermilk pancakes and hearty breakfast skillets made from scratch with the freshest ingredients.
  2. AnchorBar Original Buffalo Wing ★★★★☆
    Home of the original Buffalo wing in Schertz, serving crispy, cayenne-butter coated wings.
  3. The Rooted Fork ★★★★☆
    A historic Cibolo eatery offering scratch-made, farm-to-table breakfast and lunch dishes like the Forky Bowl.

Childrens Delight Choices

  1. Noli’s Vite ★★★★★
    Family-friendly Italian, serving soft ravioli, buttery garlic knots & kid-sized pizza slices that win over picky eaters.
  2. Grampie’s Pizzeria ★★★★☆
    Build-your-own personal pizzas, cheesy breadsticks & mild sauce options, perfect for little appetites and family nights out.
  3. Kindling Texas Kitchen ★★★★☆
    Rustic eatery known for kid-approved mac ‘n’ cheese, fingerling potatoes and family-style “from the garden” sides in a cozy bungalow.

Pro tip: Hit their weekday happy hours for free apps or discounted flights!

Vetted Local Experts

Smiling group of local contractors and service professionals including handyman, electrician, and real estate support.
Vetted pros you can trust—from movers to electricians, these local experts help military families settle in smoothly.
“After one no-show roofer and a soggy lawn crew, I vowed to share only my absolute favorites.”

Critters Lawn Care
From simple trims to full yard transformations.
Call Daniel: (210) 326-4108

Ryse Construction & Handyman
Home repairs and maintenance.
Call Eric: (361) 739-5227

EZ-DZ Clean
Cleaning, deep cleaning, and organizing.
Call: 210-800-7204

Koenig Electric
Panel upgrades, rewiring, light installs.
Call Kenneth: (830) 327-2737

Climate Express HVAC
HVAC replacements, repairs, maintenance.
Call: (803) 302-7401

Silver Back Plumbing
Plumbing repairs and maintenance.
Call Eric: (361) 739-5227

Risen Foundation Solutions
Foundation repair with high-quality slab piers.
Call: (210) 796-6372

Roof Repair And Leak Experts, LLC
Roofing, gutters, cleaning & more.
Call: (830) 221-7910

Critters Lawn Care
Pressure washing services.
Call Danny: (210) 326-4108

Aaron at Executive
Foundation repairs & slab piers.
Call Aaron: 210-557-4333

Monty's Garage Door Services
Garage door install & repair.
Call Monty: (210) 986-7592

Patriot Pool Tile Cleaning
Pool cleaning & tile restoration.
Call Brandon: (830) 318-0049

Justintime Moving-Cleaning
Packing, loading, unloading & more.
Call: (210) 718-4578

Elite Haul Away LLC
Fast, no-hassle junk removal.
Call Bobby: (210) 573-0595

CPA J. Hunter Bass
Professional tax services.
Call: 210-233-1758

B & H Tax Service
Brad Richardson, moderate tax files.
Call: 210-658-2587

Veterans Medical Assistance Group (VMAG)
Veteran-focused medical aid.
Call: (256) 645-8168

Grease Monkey
Oil changes, fluid checks & 16-point inspections.
Call: (210) 598-7299

Total True Automotive
Full-service auto repairs, diagnostics & brake work.
Call: (210) 809-4199

Rusty’s Automotive
General mechanics, engine tune-ups & custom fixes.
Call: (210) 659-2325

Pro tip: Book services 2 weeks before move-in to lock in availability & early-bird pricing.

Quick PCS to Randolph AFB Checklist

“I keep a laminated copy of this checklist on my fridge—it saved me from moving-day panic.”
  1. 12 Weeks Out: Research neighborhoods, set budget.
  2. 8 Weeks Out: Pick top 3 listings, schedule tours.
  3. 6 Weeks Out: Start VA loan, transfer medical records.
  4. 4 Weeks Out: Book movers, pack non-essentials.
  5. 2 Weeks Out: Set up utilities, confirm travel.
  6. Move Week: Pack essentials, final walk-through.
  7. After Move: Enroll kids, meet neighbors, update license.

PCS Randolph AFB FAQ

“No more hunting for info—these are the exact answers I share with every client.”
  • Commute from Cibolo:
    12 minutes.
  • VA Loans in Selma:
    Yes, VA-approved homes available.
  • School Registration:
    Bring PCS orders, proof of address, immunizations.

Testimonials

  1. Marlon M.:
    “My man Anthony is an outstanding realtor who feels like family, and since he was referred by a mutual friend, he’s leveraged his deep SATX knowledge and military background to handle negotiations and ask the right questions so I could focus on everything else. He’s transparent, dependable, and I give him 5/5—highly recommend him, especially for first-time buyers like me.”
  2. Laquetta S.:
    “Anthony is nothing short of amazing—he handled every detail of my out-of-state purchase, communicated clearly, and did things I couldn’t, showing patience and advocacy throughout. Thanks to his hard work, my family found the perfect home, and I recommend him to anyone buying a house—he makes what could be a stressful process feel like a pleasure.”
  3. Luis M.:
    “Mr. Anthony Sharp is a one-of-a-kind realtor with deep expertise in property tax and associated tax laws, and he’s dedicated to his clients from start to finish. If you’re in the market for a realtor, Anthony is your first and only choice for a successful outcome.”

🏠 Ready to PCS with confidence? Contact Anthony Sharp —San Antonio’s military-move expert—and let’s find your perfect Randolph AFB home together!

Leave a Reply

Message

Name

Phone*

};