PCS to Lackland AFB: Short-Term Housing Options in San Antonio

Lackland AFB sits on the southwest side of San Antonio, home to Basic Military Training and one of the largest concentrations of joint-base operations in the country. PCS moves to Lackland, whether for BMT oversight, technical training pipelines, medical assignments at Wilford Hall, or long-term postings, generate a consistent demand for short-term furnished housing.

Here is what the options look like from a mile out to 10 miles from base.

Studios vs. family homes: which you need

Single service members or couples without children typically need a clean, fully furnished studio or one-bedroom unit with fast internet, a kitchenette, and parking. Families need multiple bedrooms, laundry in-unit, and outdoor space. Both options exist near Lackland.

Collins Garden Studios: two miles from downtown, nine miles from Lackland

The Collins Garden Studios are in the Collins Garden Park neighborhood, about nine miles from Lackland AFB. Each unit is a self-contained studio with a kitchenette, personal mini-split climate control, fast Wi-Fi, keyless entry, and free parking. Collins Garden Park is directly across the street, which is useful for anyone who wants outdoor exercise without a car.

These studios are priced for extended stays. Guests who reach the monthly minimum qualify for monthly pricing, which is substantially more affordable than running a nightly rate. For service members doing a training pipeline assignment of four to eight weeks near Lackland, they are among the most cost-efficient options in the corridor.

Several studio variants are available: Studio 1A faces the park from the first floor, Studio 2A faces the park from the second floor, and pet-friendly options are available in select units. Each unit has private climate control, so you are not managing a shared HVAC system.

Family-sized options near Lackland

For families who need more than a studio, La Maison Blount is six miles from the Medical Center complex and works for mid-term stays. It accepts pets, has a large fenced yard, and is designed for extended stays. Coastal Run in Leon Valley is the other family-ready option on the southwest side.

What to confirm before booking near Lackland

Confirm that the rental is within a comfortable commute of your specific duty location, not just "near Lackland." The base is large, and your building or school may sit on the opposite end from the main gate nearest your rental. Check whether in-unit laundry is included (essential for extended stays), whether early check-in is possible given military arrival schedules, and whether the host can accommodate a hold on dates before orders are finalized.

BMT family visits

Families traveling to San Antonio specifically for BMT graduation have different requirements: shorter stays, proximity to Lackland for the ceremony, and flexibility on exact dates since graduation schedules can shift. The Collins Garden Studios work well for this use case. Several studios can be booked simultaneously for extended family groups who want to be in the same complex without sharing a single unit.

Browse all monthly and extended-stay rentals in San Antonio to compare options by location, size, and availability.