Nestled in the northeast corner of San Antonio lies Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph or the “Showplace of the Air Force.” The breathtaking Spanish colonial architecture on display could be one reason for the flashy nickname, or it could also be the almost constant displays of air superiority occurring overhead. JBSA-Randolph is the Air Force’s premier base for pilot instructor training and combat systems officer training. It’s also one of their busiest airports— JBSA-Randolph sees almost 15 times more take-offs and landings than nearby San Antonio International Airport.

As with JBSA-Fort Sam Houston and JBSA-Lackland, the other components of the Joint Base San Antonio conglomerate, training takes center stage for JBSA-Randolph’s mission. Air Education and Training Command (AETC) and the 12th Flying Training Wing call JBSA-Randolph home. Pilots train on the T-6A Texan II, the T-38C Talon, and the T-1A Jayhawk at Randolph, and the skies are buzzing with drone training as well.

Base housing is available at JBSA-Randolph, but inventory is limited, and you’ll likely encounter a lengthy wait for an open home. There are several communities near the base that offer easy commutes, well-rated schools, and affordable homes. The base is adjacent to Universal City, but the areas of Converse, Schertz/Cibolo, and the rest of Northeast San Antonio are also popular areas for military families.

Those used to the aviation life will know to consider the “sound of freedom” overhead when living near a runway, but there are other factors to consider near JBSA-Randolph. The city is pressing ever closer to the boundaries of JBSA-Randolph with commercial and residential development. While living nearer to the base may be appealing, the Air Force is urging caution. Accidents are thankfully rare, but this is a training base, and a crash is something to always to take into account. Not only are aircraft crashes near the runways on the radar, so to speak, but urban encroachment has also driven birds from their habitats and onto the base – hazardously close to the aircraft. Use caution when considering property on either end of the two parallel runways.

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