My husband works for the USArmy as a DOD Civilian. We are being transferred to Fort Sam Houston. What are some good neighborhoods to look for rental housing? What is the town of Windcrest like?
The Windcrest area was built primarily in the late 60’s and, therefore, the houses are about 40 years old. This makes them old enough to need repair but not old enough to be classic. The area was a wonderful area when I was growing up, but has not weathered as well as some other areas of the city.
I was at stationed at Fort Sam Houston several times, and found that, dependent on the time of your commute, 281 was a easy to travel as any route to Fort Sam. I preferred to live in other areas, such as Alamo Heights which is older, but has stood the test of time. Castle Hills, also an older area which is still nice. And the 281 corridor heading north of Loop 410 has many nice areas, such as Hollywood Park, and other nice areas on both sides both inside and outside Loop 1604. I do know that there are many home available for lease or sale in the Stone Oak area which is a nice area. There are Also nice homes available around the Encino Area and Redland areas.
Currently I choose to live outside 1604 west of 281 because of the school choices for my children. However, there is a new high school opening called Johnson HS which will off load some students from some of the schools which were becoming over crowded such as MacArthur and Reagan and benefit all three schools in the long run,
For these reasons I would recommend looking along 281 anywhere north of Hildebrand. There are many great areas along this route.
November 24th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
I am not too familiar with Windcrest, but from what I read, it seems to be a nice neighborhood. Not sure of your age, but most residents seem to be approaching retirement. I know the 35/410 traffic by Windcrest is a nighmare….but driving most places during rush hour in SA is bad.
I worked at Ft. Sam Houston (FSH) for almost three years. I think the majority of FSH employees probably live on the Northeast side of town, just off of 281. Many of the people that I worked with at IMCOM, lived in Live Oak. Live Oak is a great neighborhood, but I’m not sure if there are affordable rentals available. I think there are a lot of rentals between 1604 and 410 and right off of 281. These areas are not quite as nice as the Live Oak area, but affordable with a short commute to FSH.
I know many other FSH employees that live on the NW side of town or in the Boerne area. Great neighborhoods, but the commute is really bad!
Hope this helps.
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November 24th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
I wouldn’t live in Windcrest. It was once a perfectly fine neighborhood, but recently has had it’s rash of problems. I would find something more North Central and especially closer to 1604 and 281 area if your hubby is at Fort Sam. It’s not bad for the drive and a nice enough area. If you are looking to get something close there are some very nice areas near MacArthur High School.
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November 24th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Okay , im going to be really honest with you and say that I dont have an answer to your question, but I do have advice, Dont go to the east side of town there are often shootings and things like that. Windcrest really isnt bad. They have a nice little get together once a year called Windfest and they have games and entertainment and such. dont go to sunrise if you hear of the neighborhood. If you have children in high school, Roosevelt isnt too bad, Wagner is worse, Judson is better. My stepfather works at Ft Sam Houston, and we live here around the corner from Wagner, which i go to. I hope my advice helped, if not good luck, and i hope you enjoy san Antonio
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November 24th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Windcrest is an older community, mostly older retired military, but, the area that abuts Windcrest (Walzem, Ray Bon dr) has seen better times and the neighborhoods has plenty of "problems"!
A mall in the area (Windsor Park Mall) closed a few years ago and the area is in the process of transformation.
You might want to look closer to Randolph AFB area its about 12 miles or more from FSH, but better,safer, neighborhoods, schools, area, etc…
Look in Converse, Schertz, Cibolo.
also for the monthly rent (depends on the size of the house)
You can build a new one for about the same monthly mortgage payments.
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November 24th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
The Windcrest area was built primarily in the late 60’s and, therefore, the houses are about 40 years old. This makes them old enough to need repair but not old enough to be classic. The area was a wonderful area when I was growing up, but has not weathered as well as some other areas of the city.
I was at stationed at Fort Sam Houston several times, and found that, dependent on the time of your commute, 281 was a easy to travel as any route to Fort Sam. I preferred to live in other areas, such as Alamo Heights which is older, but has stood the test of time. Castle Hills, also an older area which is still nice. And the 281 corridor heading north of Loop 410 has many nice areas, such as Hollywood Park, and other nice areas on both sides both inside and outside Loop 1604. I do know that there are many home available for lease or sale in the Stone Oak area which is a nice area. There are Also nice homes available around the Encino Area and Redland areas.
Currently I choose to live outside 1604 west of 281 because of the school choices for my children. However, there is a new high school opening called Johnson HS which will off load some students from some of the schools which were becoming over crowded such as MacArthur and Reagan and benefit all three schools in the long run,
For these reasons I would recommend looking along 281 anywhere north of Hildebrand. There are many great areas along this route.
References :
November 24th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
A lot of the north side neighborhoods are great. I would suggest Churchill (Churchill Forest, Churchill Estates), Harmony Hills, Castle Hills, and areas north of there along Blanco road. These areas also have very good schools.
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