San Antonio Neighborhoods
Converse,
San Antonio
A Bexar County suburb with deep military roots — directly adjacent to JBSA-Randolph, one of the most affordable entry points in the northeast San Antonio metro, and a community whose identity has been shaped by the military families who have called it home for generations.
Converse is a Bexar County city that directly borders Universal City, which directly borders JBSA-Randolph — making it the closest established community to Randolph of any on this list. Its connection to the installation is not incidental: Randolph has shaped Converse's growth and character since the base's expansion era. The city offers the most accessible price points in the northeast metro corridor, active new construction, and a welcoming military community built over decades. Judson ISD serves the area — a large district with variable campus performance; research your specific campus at tea.texas.gov before making an offer. — Tiffany Reed, REALTOR® MRP
Last updated: May 2026 · Sources: City of Converse (cibolotx.gov) · Judson ISD (judsonisd.org) · TEA (tea.texas.gov) · SABOR · Community ImpactWhat makes Converse
different.
Converse takes its name from Major Converse, the chief engineer who oversaw the Southern Pacific Railroad project that came through the area in 1877. When the railroad arrived, the settlement that would become Converse had a reason to exist — and it grew from there in the steady, unglamorous way that most practical communities do. By 1946 it had 175 residents. By 1965 it had 900 residents and 22 businesses and was recognized as a suburb of San Antonio. Its city motto — "Expanding Horizons" — has been earning its keep ever since: Converse has grown from roughly 18,000 residents in 2010 to nearly 30,000 today.
What drove that growth was not Hill Country scenery or a historic downtown or a marquee school district. It was something more durable: proximity to JBSA-Randolph, affordability, and a community that genuinely knows how to absorb military families. Converse directly borders Universal City, which directly borders the installation — for most Converse addresses, the drive to the Randolph main gate runs approximately 5 to 8 miles. That is not a coincidence of geography. It is the product of decades of military families choosing to plant roots in a community close enough to the base to make daily life practical and affordable enough to make homeownership reachable on a military salary.
The result is a city with real character — not the imported character of a master-planned lifestyle community, but the earned character of a place where neighbors know each other, local festivals have been running since 1974, and the demographic mix reflects the full breadth of the military community it serves. Converse is diverse, family-oriented, and priced in a way that gives buyers options that have disappeared from most northeast metro communities as land costs have climbed. That combination is harder to find than it sounds.
PCSing to JBSA-Randolph or Fort Sam Houston?
The free San Antonio Relocation Guide covers honest comparisons across the northeast metro — including how Converse, Cibolo, and Universal City stack up for Randolph and Fort Sam families at different budget levels.
Get the Free Relocation GuideWho Converse is a good fit for
- Military families assigned to JBSA-Randolph — Converse is the closest established community to that installation, and the price point makes homeownership viable on a military salary where other northeast metro communities do not
- Military families assigned to JBSA-Fort Sam Houston — approximately 18–22 miles west is a manageable daily drive for most Fort Sam assignments
- First-time buyers and buyers working within a BAH budget — the low $200s to mid-$300s price range opens doors that are closed in Cibolo, Schertz, and most of the surrounding northeast corridor
- Buyers who value a genuine military community over a lifestyle-amenity community — Converse has decades of military family culture built in; it is not performing that identity
- Buyers open to both established neighborhoods with older homes and newer construction — both exist here at meaningfully different price points
Who should look elsewhere
- Families assigned to JBSA-Lackland or JBSA-Camp Bullis — both installations are on the opposite side of San Antonio; the commute distance from Converse's northeast position is significant and compounds daily
- Buyers where a specific school district performance level is the primary decision driver — Judson ISD is a large district with variable campus performance; research individual campus ratings at tea.texas.gov before committing, and factor what you find honestly into the decision
- Buyers looking for Hill Country character, terrain, or a slower suburban pace — Converse is a fully urbanized northeast suburb; the character here is community, not landscape
- Buyers who want walkable retail and dining density — Converse is primarily residential; most commercial needs require a short drive to the surrounding Metrocom
Neighborhoods and subdivisions
worth knowing.
Converse's neighborhoods divide into two broad categories: established communities with older housing stock that offer lower entry prices and more lot variation, and newer construction communities built over the past decade that offer modern finishes and community amenities at a step up in price. Understanding which category you are shopping in before you start touring saves time and sets the right expectations for what you will find inside the front door.
Northampton
One of the most recognized names in Converse — located near Converse City Park, walkable to local restaurants and shops along the main corridors, and consistently regarded as a family-friendly community with a neighborhood atmosphere that is approachable rather than transactional. For buyers who want park access, established trees, and a central Converse location without paying the premium of newer construction, Northampton is worth a look.
Ventura
Established neighborhood on the northeast side of Converse with larger yards than most newer communities — a meaningful advantage for families with children, pets, or anyone who wants outdoor space as part of daily life rather than just a back patio. The trade-off typical of any established neighborhood applies: expect variation in renovation quality and systems age. A thorough inspection matters here more than in newer construction communities.
Horizon Pointe
A consistently mentioned shortlist community for Randolph families specifically — newer homes, a practical commute posture via FM 78, and a neighborhood layout that works well for families on PCS schedules. If the Randolph commute is the primary driver and you want newer construction without paying Cibolo prices, Horizon Pointe earns its place on the search list.
Cimarron communities
Cimarron, Cimarron Country, Cimarron Trails, Cimarron Landing, and Cimarron Valley are a cluster of related communities known for spacious homes and a suburban feel that leans toward established rather than brand-new. Popular with families who want more square footage per dollar than newer communities at comparable price points offer. Variation in update level across individual homes is the expected trade-off.
Bridgehaven, Knox Ridge, and Santa Clara
Newer construction communities offering more modern home designs, HOA amenities, and the predictable ownership experience that comes with recently built systems. Santa Clara, built by Centex Homes, features homes ranging from the low $200s for older resales to the mid-to-high $400s for recent builds. For buyers who want new construction at Converse price points — rather than paying the Cibolo premium for the same floor plan — these communities deliver.
What homes cost
in Converse.
According to SABOR, Converse home prices generally range from the low $200s to the $400s and above depending on community, age, size, and condition. Established neighborhoods with older housing stock — 1990s and early 2000s builds — can start in the low-to-mid $200s, often offering more square footage per dollar than anything comparable in the surrounding metro at that price point. Newer construction communities push toward the $300s to mid-$400s range. For military families working with a BAH budget, Converse consistently represents one of the most realistic paths to homeownership in the northeast San Antonio corridor.
Property taxes in Converse are set by Bexar County, where the median effective rate runs approximately 1.55%, according to Ownwell's market data. Combined rates — including county, city, ISD, and applicable special districts — run higher; verify the current combined rate for any specific property with the Bexar County Appraisal District before closing. Apply for the Homestead Exemption after closing. The 2025 Texas legislature increased the school district homestead exemption to $140,000 off your appraised value — the deadline to apply is April 30 of the year following your purchase. Disabled veterans with a 100% disability rating are fully exempt from property taxes in Texas.
New construction is active in several Converse communities. For buyers weighing new construction versus established homes at Converse price points, the decision often comes down to renovation tolerance versus the premium for newer systems. The gap in Converse is smaller than in higher-priced markets — which makes the established-home value case more competitive here than in communities where older stock carries a steeper discount for a reason.
Live market data for Converse is shown below.
Price ranges approximate. Source: SABOR (sabor.com). Property tax rate source: Ownwell; verify current rate at Bexar County Appraisal District (bcad.net) before closing. Market data updates automatically.
(MAY 21, 2026 - JUN 20, 2026)
Schools in
Converse.
Converse is served by Judson Independent School District, a large district headquartered in the northeast San Antonio metro. Judson ISD enrolled 23,505 students for the 2024-25 school year across 34 campuses, according to the Texas Education Agency. The district is a large system with variable campus performance — individual schools range significantly in their TEA accountability ratings, and that variation matters for families choosing a specific address.
Judson ISD received a district-wide rating of D (score: 69/100) for the 2024-25 TEA accountability year, according to Community Impact's reporting on the TEA release. That district-level score reflects aggregate performance — and it does not describe every campus equally. The district has clear bright spots: Judson Early College High School received an A rating, and Crestview Elementary received an A rating — two campuses demonstrating what strong performance looks like within this district. Franz Leadership Academy received a B rating. At the same time, the district has campuses on targeted improvement plans, and several campuses received D or F ratings in 2025. The practical takeaway is not that Judson ISD is uniformly strong or uniformly weak — it is that your child's campus depends entirely on your address, and the performance level of that specific campus matters far more than the district average.
Judson High School in Converse is worth a separate note for its athletic program: 49 consecutive winning seasons in football from 1977 through 2025, 6 state championships, and a tradition that is genuinely part of what the community means to the families who have grown up here. That legacy is real. Academic performance at the high school level is a separate conversation that belongs at tea.texas.gov.
New construction in Converse
Active in several communities. Converse offers new construction at price points that are meaningfully lower than equivalent new builds in Cibolo or Schertz — a real advantage for buyers where budget is a constraint. For military buyers using VA loans on new construction, confirm the builder's VA experience and appraisal process before signing a contract. Builder contracts in Texas differ meaningfully from resale contracts — independent legal review is worth the cost before you sign.
VA loan information
Eligible veterans with full entitlement have no VA-imposed loan limit — there is no cap on what you can borrow, though lenders apply their own qualification standards. The conforming loan limit for Bexar County is published at fhfa.gov and updates each November/December. Converse's price range also makes it one of the communities where VA loan purchasing power goes furthest in the northeast metro. For a full overview, see the free VA loan guide.
Distance to JBSA
from Converse.
Converse's position in the northeast metro is defined by one geographic fact: it directly borders Universal City, which directly borders JBSA-Randolph. For most Converse addresses, the drive to the Randolph main gate is approximately 5 to 8 miles — shorter than any other established community on this list. That proximity is not a recent development. Randolph has been one of the core economic engines of Converse's growth for decades, and the military community has deep roots here. For Fort Sam Houston families, the westward drive via I-35 and I-10 is manageable. Lackland and Camp Bullis sit on the opposite side of San Antonio — the commute distance from Converse's northeast position is a real consideration for those assignments.
| JBSA-Randolph | Approximately 5–8 miles (nearest installation — directly adjacent community) |
| JBSA-Fort Sam Houston | Approximately 18–22 miles via I-35 west |
| JBSA-Lackland | Approximately 30–35 miles west/southwest |
| JBSA-Camp Bullis | Approximately 38–45 miles west/northwest |
For a full overview of military housing options near JBSA-Randolph, see the Randolph AFB housing guide and the military relocation overview.
What daily life looks like
in Converse.
Converse's community life is shaped by two things: the military families who have built their lives here across decades, and the practical amenity access that comes with sitting inside the Metrocom — the cluster of northeast San Antonio communities that includes Universal City, Live Oak, Schertz, Selma, Garden Ridge, and Kirby. Daily needs — groceries, healthcare, hardware, dining — are covered without a trip downtown. The Forum at Olympia Parkway, an open-air mall with Best Buy, Target, and major retail, sits approximately 7 miles north. San Antonio's full amenity base is 14–16 miles west.
The Great Texas Airshow at JBSA-Randolph runs annually in April and is one of the best free air shows in the region — a genuine community event that draws the military and civilian population together in a way that few other events can. Nite in Ole Converse, the city's October festival running since 1974, features a downtown parade, carnival, and chili cook-off that has become a community anchor. The 2nd Saturday Art Festival highlights local artists along South Seguin Road monthly. These are not imported events — they are things that have existed here long enough to be part of what it means to live in Converse.
- Converse City Park — swimming pool, fitness court, catch-and-release fishing pond, walking trails, butterfly garden
- Converse North Park — set along a reservoir, popular for fishing and walking
- Great Texas Airshow at JBSA-Randolph — annual, April, one of the best free air shows in the region
- Nite in Ole Converse — October festival since 1974, parade, carnival, chili cook-off
- 2nd Saturday Art Festival on South Seguin Road — monthly local art event
- Hidden Springs Youth Ranch — faith-based horse mentorship program for children
- Metrocom access: Universal City, Live Oak, Schertz — dense retail, dining, and services in all directions
- The Forum at Olympia Parkway — open-air mall approximately 7 miles north
- Methodist Hospital Northeast on Judson Road — closest major medical facility
- VIA Metropolitan Transit bus service for residents without a vehicle
What buyers ask about
Converse.
What school district is Converse in?
Judson Independent School District — a large district serving 23,505 students across 34 campuses in the northeast San Antonio metro. Judson ISD is a large district with variable campus performance. The district received a D rating (score: 69/100) for 2024-25 from the Texas Education Agency, though individual campus performance varies significantly — Judson Early College High School and Crestview Elementary both received A ratings in 2025, while other campuses are on improvement plans. Your child's campus depends on your specific address. Research the exact campus assignment and its individual TEA rating at tea.texas.gov before making an offer. Source: Community Impact; TEA (tea.texas.gov).
How far is Converse from JBSA-Randolph?
Approximately 5 to 8 miles for most Converse addresses — the closest driving distance of any established community to Randolph on this list. Converse directly borders Universal City, which directly borders the installation. Actual distance depends on your specific address and the gate you use. Always drive your route at duty-hour traffic before committing to an address.
What are home prices in Converse?
According to SABOR, prices generally range from the low $200s to the $400s and above depending on community, age, and condition. Established neighborhoods with 1990s and early 2000s housing stock can start in the low-to-mid $200s. Newer construction communities push toward the $300s to mid-$400s. Converse consistently offers the most accessible price points in the northeast metro corridor. See live market data on this page for current figures.
Is Converse a good fit for military families?
For Randolph and Fort Sam Houston assignments, yes — particularly for families working within a BAH budget where Cibolo and Schertz price points are out of reach. Converse is one of the few places in the northeast metro where homeownership is genuinely accessible on a military salary, and the community has decades of experience absorbing and supporting military families. For Lackland and Camp Bullis assignments, the distance from Converse's northeast position is significant — west and northwest side communities serve those installations far better.
How does Converse compare to Cibolo for Randolph families?
Converse is closer to Randolph — approximately 5 to 8 miles versus Cibolo's 11 miles — and significantly more affordable. The trade-off is the school district: SCUCISD, which serves Cibolo, received a B rating in 2025; Judson ISD, which serves Converse, received a D. Campus performance varies widely in both districts, and individual campus research at tea.texas.gov is essential in either case. For families where budget is the binding constraint, Converse opens doors that Cibolo cannot. For families where the school district is the primary decision driver, that trade-off deserves honest evaluation.
What is the property tax rate in Converse?
Bexar County's median effective property tax rate is approximately 1.55%, according to Ownwell. Combined rates including all taxing entities run higher — verify the current combined rate for any specific property with the Bexar County Appraisal District at bcad.net before closing. Source: Ownwell (ownwell.com).
Is there new construction in Converse?
Yes — active in several communities including newer subdivisions along the main corridors. Converse offers new construction at price points that are meaningfully lower than equivalent new builds in Cibolo or Schertz, making it one of the few northeast metro communities where new construction remains accessible on a military salary. Military buyers using VA loans on new construction should confirm the builder's VA experience before signing a contract.
What working with me looks like
for Converse buyers.
I work with Converse buyers from initial search through closing. As an Army wife of 18 years and a Certified Military Relocation Professional, I understand what it means to make a housing decision under time pressure, on a military budget, without the luxury of months of searching. Converse is a market that rewards preparation and punishes assumptions — the gap between a good purchase and a regrettable one here often comes down to understanding the school district picture for your specific address before you fall in love with a house.
For Randolph families specifically: Converse is the closest you can get to that installation in an established community, and the affordability here is real. What I bring is the ability to help you navigate the neighborhood-by-neighborhood nuance — which pockets hold value, which communities have resale track records, and how to think about the school district question honestly so it informs your decision rather than surprising you after you close.
Thinking about
Converse?
I'll pull current listings, walk you through the school district picture for your specific address, and help you find a home that fits your assignment and your budget.
Let's TalkTiffany Reed, REALTOR® | MRP | License #786707 | Real Broker LLC | (919) 800-9870 | tiffany@tiffanyreedtx.com | tiffanyreedtx.com
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