San Antonio Area Nearby Towns, Suburbs & Cities

Thinking about living in the San Antonio metro—but not sure which surrounding community fits your lifestyle? This guide breaks down the most popular nearby towns and cities by direction, county, vibe, and housing so you can compare options at a glance. Whether you want a leafy, close-in enclave, a master-planned suburb with top schools, or a Hill Country retreat, the San Antonio area has a neighborhood with your name on it.

Quick Snapshot by Direction

North / Northwest (Hill Country gateways, master-planned living)

  • Shavano Park – Estate-style lots, upscale custom homes, easy Loop 1604 access.
  • Castle Hills – Mature trees, mid-century charm, central Bexar County location.
  • Leon Valley – Established neighborhoods, solid value near Medical Center.
  • Helotes – Small-town feel at the edge of the Hill Country; festivals and outdoor living.
  • Boerne (Kendall Co.) – Quaint downtown, highly rated schools, luxury communities.
  • Fair Oaks Ranch (Bexar/Kendall) – Golf, gated communities, larger homesites.
  • Bulverde / Spring Branch (Comal Co.) – Scenic acreage, newer construction, Canyon Lake proximity.

Northeast (commuter-friendly suburbs near Randolph AFB)

  • Live Oak – Convenient retail, parks, and neighborhoods near I-35/Loop 1604.
  • Universal City – Popular with Randolph AFB personnel; established affordability.
  • Selma – Newer subdivisions and big-box retail nearby.
  • Schertz – One of the metro’s most sought-after suburbs; strong schools, family amenities.
  • Cibolo – Rapid growth, newer homes, community parks; suburban value.
  • Garden Ridge – Large treed lots, semi-rural feel with quick city access. Converse – Budget-friendly, new home communities, easy Loop 1604 access.
  • New Braunfels (Comal/Guadalupe) –Gruene, two rivers, booming new construction and resorts.
  • Seguin (Guadalupe) – Historic downtown, lake access, and expanding industry.

East / Southeast (space to spread out, country-meets-suburban)

  • China Grove – Acreage and ranch-style properties minutes from the city.
  • St. Hedwig – Quiet rural living; room for workshops and hobbies.
  • La Vernia (Wilson Co.) – Small-town charm, newer subdivisions, strong community spirit.
  • Floresville (Wilson Co.) – Affordable living with easy commute options.

South / Southwest (value, access to Toyota plant & I-35)

  • Somerset (Bexar/Atascosa) – Country properties and small-town pace.
  • Von Ormy – Rural feel with proximity to major corridors.
  • Lytle (Atascosa/Medina) – Budget-friendly with local shops and schools.

West (heritage towns, picturesque drives)

  • Balcones Heights – Central location, quick access to major retail and highways.
  • Castroville (Medina Co.) – Alsatian heritage, historic homes, river and park spaces.
  • Hondo (Medina Co.) – Farther out; small-city amenities and open skies.

By County (for taxes, schools, and services)

  • Bexar County: Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills, Olmos Park, Castle Hills, Shavano Park, Leon Valley, Balcones Heights, Helotes, Converse, Live Oak, Universal City, Selma, Schertz (part), Garden Ridge (part), Kirby, Windcrest, China Grove, Somerset, Von Ormy.
  • Comal County: Bulverde, Spring Branch, Canyon Lake, New Braunfels (part), Garden Ridge (part), Schertz (part).
  • Guadalupe County: Cibolo, Schertz (part), New Braunfels (part), Seguin.
  • Kendall County: Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch (part).
  • Wilson County: La Vernia, Floresville, St. Hedwig (extends from Bexar).
  • Medina County: Castroville, Hondo, Lytle (part).
  • Atascosa County: Lytle (part), Somerset (part).

(Note: Several communities span more than one county; school district and tax rate can vary by neighborhood.)

Commute & Accessibility

  • Major Corridors: I-10, I-35, I-37, Loop 1604, Loop 410, US-281.
  • Military & Medical: Randolph AFB (northeast), Lackland AFB (west/southwest), San Antonio Military Medical Center & Medical Center (central/west).
  • Typical Commutes: Many suburbs offer 20–45 minute drives to key employment hubs depending on traffic and proximity to freeways. Closer-in enclaves can be under 20 minutes during off-peak hours.

Choosing the right town or city is about more than a map—it’s about schools, commute, lifestyle, and long-term value. VIP Realty helps you compare neighborhoods, tour homes (new build or resale), and negotiate the best terms for your situation.