Choosing a retirement destination after years (or decades) of service is all about quality of life, community, and support. As any retired veteran at Blue Skies of Texas senior living community will tell you, few cities check these boxes like San Antonio. This Texas gem has earned the nickname “Military City USA” for its strong military presence and a spirit of service woven into the very fabric of its culture and heritage.
Here are five ways that San Antonio stands out as one of the best retirement cities for military veterans—and why Blue Skies is the perfect “launching pad” for enjoying all that the city has to offer.
1. MILITARY BASES AROUND (ALMOST) EVERY CORNER
From the moment Governor Martín de Alarcón founded the San Antonio de Bexar Presidio in 1718, San Antonio has been defined by its robust military presence. Today, the city is home to one of the largest concentrations of military bases in the United States. Most notable is Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)—the largest base within the Department of Defense (DoD)—which includes the Army’s Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis as well as the Air Force’s Lackland and Randolph Air Force Bases.
Lackland Air Force Base, located across the highway from Blue Skies East, holds a special place in the hearts of residents, past and present. Incorporated in 1964, our senior living community opened its doors in 1970 as Air Force Village, thanks to a dynamic group of Air Force spouses at Lackland. Their vision was to build a retirement community based on the traditions of camaraderie and service. These traditions continue today as many Blue Skies residents donate their time and talent to support Air Force families and trainees at Lackland through the JBSA-Lackland Military & Family Readiness Center.
2. A CELEBRATION OF MILITARY HISTORY
While San Antonio has grown considerably during the 21st century, the city has never forgotten its rich heritage—and how the military played a key role in creating that legacy. The Fort Sam Houston Museum, a favorite of veterans and civilians alike, features exhibits of uniforms, weapons, and military life throughout the fort’s history. Military Plaza, part of the city’s historic downtown and River Walk area, is also a vibrant historical hub and sets the stage for many community events.
Another popular landmark is the Spanish Governor’s Palace, an original military fort from the 1700s, offering a glimpse into early military and colonial life in San Antonio. Of course, nobody forgets The Alamo—a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a living history encampment that offers a snapshot of life in the 1830s.
3. WORLD-CLASS MILITARY MEDICAL CENTERS
Where can you find the DoD’s largest medical center? Right here in San Antonio. Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), located on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, is the crown jewel of military medicine. It houses the premier training platform for military healthcare, with over 30 graduate programs, and is home to cutting-edge surgical research. What’s more, BAMC is the only Level 1 Trauma Center in the DoD, partnering with University Hospital to accept major trauma cases from South Texas.
Veterans and non-veterans who reside at Blue Skies also have the peace of mind that comes with all levels of healthcare, as well as exceptional senior wellness and enrichment programs. Plus, we’re the only Life Plan Community in Texas to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Retired veterans and their families can also visit the nearby Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center at Lackland Air Force Base for specialized care in fields such as ophthalmology, orthopedics, ENT, and podiatry.
4. BENEFITS FOR CURRENT AND RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL
Veterans aren’t just welcome in San Antonio. They’re part of the city’s lifeblood. A massive number of active-duty personnel and their families make their homes here—and an estimated 250,000 veterans have chosen San Antonio as their retirement destination. The military community is also a key part of the city’s disaster and emergency management response plan, and they partner with local hospitals in medical research and healthcare education.
What’s more, you’d be hard-pressed to find a city that honors and respects its military community more than San Antonio. People here rarely miss an opportunity to thank service members and veterans—and local businesses are proud to offer military discounts. (Retired veterans with grandkids love that military discounts are accepted at places like Six Flags Fiesta Texas and the San Antonio Zoo.)
Even better, active and retired service members can score deep discounts on groceries and household items at the Lackland Commissary. Busy day? The convenient Commissary CLICK2GO mobile app makes shopping a snap.
5. SAN ANTONIO’S PREMIER SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY FOR VETERANS AND CIVILIANS
Apologies for tooting our own horn, but Blue Skies is a highly sought-after retirement destination for veterans. After its founding as a home for military widows under the name Air Force Village, our community soon began welcoming all retired veterans. Then, in 2014, our family expanded to include vibrant seniors who’ve served in academia, medicine, and all walks of life. We also changed our name to Blue Skies of Texas to honor this new vision.
One aspect of life at Blue Skies that residents value most is the sense of camaraderie that defines our community. After retirement, it can become more challenging to make connections and form friendships. Here, however, it’s easy to meet new people, and friendships quickly form between seniors of every background imaginable. Combine that with a chore-free lifestyle and nationally recognized healthcare, and it’s easy to see why Blue Skies is the #1 retirement community in San Antonio and #8 in the nation.
SEE WHAT MAKES MILITARY CITY USA—AND BLUE SKIES—SO UNIQUE
If you’re a retired veteran and thinking about your next chapter, San Antonio deserves a serious look—and so does Blue Skies of Texas senior living community.
To schedule your tour, click here or call 866-553-5389.
