Randolph AFB is on the eastern edge of San Antonio, the second largest city in Texas. Randolph is actually in Universal City, Texas. San Antonio has a population of about 1.3 million people, and is in Bexar County, which has a population of about 1.7 million people. There are many other nearby small communities in Bexar County, which make up the remaining 400,000 people, most of these are surrounded by San Antonio.

It is about 22 miles from downtown San Antonio to Randolph; this takes about 30 minutes to commute, but the city is densely populated, with urban traffic, and travel times can vary significantly. The average commute in Bexar County is about 24 minutes.

The economy of San Antonio is strong and diverse, with no single industry over-dominating the area.

Local Housing Rental Prices: The average apartment rent in the San Antonio area is about $700 per month.

Local Housing Purchase Prices: The average price for a house in San Antonio is about $112,000, compared to $126,000 for Texas.

Short Description of the Area: San Antonio is a large city in south-central Texas, the seventh largest city in the USA (with a larger population than seven US states). The city is compact, and takes up most of the area of Bexar County. San Antonio is 60-65% Hispanic, with a mix of German and other Central and Eastern European descended Americans. San Antonio has three US Air Force Bases, one US Army Fort and two Camps; one of the local nicknames is Military City. The area has a distinct local Tex-Mex cuisine, and claims to be the birthplace of chili con carne.

Climate and Weather: The area has variable humid to semi-arid climate, meaning the weather shifts from somewhat muggy to fairly dry over the year, and sometimes has some sudden weather shifts. Winter temperatures range from the mid-60s to low 40s, with generally mild, wet weather, with occasional sleet and rare snow dustings. Summer temperatures range from the high 90s to mid-70s, and generally dry. Springs and falls are very temperate, but rainier. The area can switch weather with little warning. Tornadoes are rare, and the city is far enough inland that serious Gulf storms diminish by the time they arrive. Flash flooding can be a problem; new residents should be aware.

Cuisine: San Antonio is a center of Tex-Mex cuisine, a mix of Texan, Mexican, Southwestern, and Southern cooking. Food explorers who like any or all of these should be able to find some really good meals.