If you’re a veteran thinking about making San Antonio your new home, you might have heard about The Dominion, San Antonio—a gated, upscale community known for its luxury and celebrity residents.
But is it the right fit for you? San Antonio has many neighborhoods like Alamo Heights, Stone Oak, and Terrell Hills, each with its own charm and price range.
This article breaks down how The Dominion compares with these areas in 2025, covering costs, amenities, schools, and commute times.
Whether you’re using a VA loan or moving with family, this guide can help you decide if The Dominion, San Antonio—or one of its neighbors—is the perfect place to settle down.
The Dominion in San Antonio: One of the Most Prestigious Gated Communities
The Dominion, San Antonio is a master-planned, gated community in northwest San Antonio, covering about 1,500 acres. Famous for its luxury homes and high-profile residents (like actor Tommy Lee Jones), it offers 24/7 security, a private country club, and expansive lots.
Upscale Lifestyle: Residents here enjoy manicured lawns and estates often over 4,000 square feet.
Median Home Price: Around $1.2 million in 2025, significantly higher than the city’s average of $325,000.
Prestige and Privacy: It’s not just a place to live; it’s a luxury environment with strict homeowners’ association (HOA) rules and added security.
For many veterans, The Dominion’s privacy, safety, and quality amenities are appealing—especially if you prefer a quieter setting after military life. Just be prepared for the higher price tag.
Key Features of The Dominion, San Antonio
Why do people choose The Dominion, San Antonio? Here are a few standout features:
Gated Security
Around-the-clock guards and monitored entry points give residents peace of mind.
Veterans especially appreciate the sense of safety, similar to living on a secured base.
Country Club
An on-site club offers golf, tennis, swimming, and social events.
It’s a great spot for networking or simply unwinding after a busy week.
Spacious Lots and Homes
Expect homes on half-acre (or larger) plots, with plenty of room for family gatherings.
Perfect if you’re looking for a long-term place to settle, especially after active duty.
Community Events
Organized events like 5K runs, fundraisers, or neighborhood wine nights foster a strong sense of community.
Veterans can find camaraderie here, connecting with neighbors who share common interests.
Real-World Example: A retired Air Force veteran living in The Dominion enjoys late-night walks around the neighborhood, praising the well-lit streets and security patrols for making it feel safe.
Comparing Costs: The Dominion vs. Other Neighborhoods
Cost is often the first thing veterans look at, especially if you’re juggling budgets and VA loan considerations. In 2025, The Dominion, San Antonio has a median home price of around $1.2 million. Below is a snapshot comparing several popular San Antonio neighborhoods:
| Neighborhood | Median Home Price (2025) | Price per Sq Ft | HOA Fees (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Dominion | $1,200,000 | $300 | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Alamo Heights | $750,000 | $350 | None |
| Stone Oak | $475,000 | $200 | $500–$1,000 |
| Terrell Hills | $575,000 | $319 | None |
| Downtown San Antonio | $400,000 (condos) | $375 | $2,000–$4,000 |
The Dominion: High cost reflects its exclusivity. Estates can cost $5 million or more.
Alamo Heights: Cheaper than The Dominion but still upscale, with a median of $750,000.
Stone Oak: More budget-friendly at $475,000, popular with families.
Downtown: Ideal for an urban lifestyle; condos average $400,000.
If you plan to use a VA loan, you can still buy in The Dominion or anywhere else in San Antonio. Just check the latest loan limits and speak with a VA-certified lender to understand your options.
Lifestyle and Amenities Comparison
Consider the vibe each neighborhood offers. Here’s a quick comparison:
The Dominion, San Antonio
Resort Feel: Country club, golf course, and 24/7 gated security.
Higher HOA Fees: You pay more for exclusive amenities.
Quiet Suburban Life: Perfect for relaxing or hosting gatherings.
Alamo Heights
Historic Charm: Tree-lined streets, older homes with character.
Boutique Shops & Cafés: More walkable than The Dominion.
No HOA Fees: Lower monthly or annual community costs.
Stone Oak
Family-Friendly: Plenty of parks, community pools, and kid-focused activities.
Moderate HOA Fees: Typically $500–$1,000 a year.
Suburban Convenience: Close to shopping centers and medical facilities.
Terrell Hills
Peaceful Streets: Fewer commercial areas, more residential.
Tight-Knit Community: Great for building close neighborhood friendships.
Access to Alamo Heights ISD: Known for high-quality schools.
Downtown San Antonio
Urban Lifestyle: Nightlife, restaurants, and the famous River Walk.
Walkability: Reduce your car use by walking or biking around town.
Condo Living: Easier to maintain but less outdoor space.
Real-World Example: A veteran family in Stone Oak appreciates the variety of kids’ sports leagues. Meanwhile, a couple in The Dominion often hosts neighborhood get-togethers at the country club.
Commute and Accessibility Across Neighborhoods
If you’re transitioning out of the military or juggling a civilian job, commute times can make or break your choice of neighborhood.
The Dominion, San Antonio:
About 20 miles northwest of downtown.
Commute: ~25 minutes off-peak, up to 45 in rush hour.
Pro Tip: Leaving before 7 a.m. often shaves 10–15 minutes off your drive.
Alamo Heights:
Just 5 miles from downtown.
Commute: 15 minutes on average.
Close to Fort Sam Houston for medical appointments and base exchanges.
Stone Oak:
18 miles from downtown.
Commute: 20–40 minutes, depending on I-10 traffic.
Popular with families for easier school runs.
Terrell Hills:
5 miles from downtown.
Commute: About 15 minutes.
Centrally located, reducing travel to key spots like the San Antonio VA hospital.
Downtown:
You’re in the heart of the city.
Walking or biking is often faster than driving.
Great for those who want an active, city-centered lifestyle.
Real-World Example: A veteran commuting to Lackland AFB found that The Dominion was too far for a quick drive, while Alamo Heights offered a smoother trip.
Schools and Education Options
If you have children, or plan to, schools may be a top priority. Veterans often value stable, high-performing districts. Here’s how different areas stack up:
The Dominion, San Antonio
Served by Northside ISD.
Leon Springs Elementary (8/10) and Clark High School (7/10) are solid options.
Larger class sizes than smaller districts.
Alamo Heights
Served by Alamo Heights ISD.
High school ranks around 87.1/100 (U.S. News).
Smaller class ratios than Northside ISD.
Stone Oak
Served by North East ISD.
Reagan High (8/10) is well-known for STEM programs.
Many specialized extracurriculars.
Terrell Hills
Also served by Alamo Heights ISD.
Tight-knit community vibe, smaller campuses.
Similar to Alamo Heights in performance and funding.
Downtown
Served by San Antonio ISD.
Quality can vary, but magnet schools (e.g., Travis Early College) are strong.
Great for students seeking unique programs close to city resources.
Real-World Example: A veteran mom in Terrell Hills loves that her kids get a 14:1 student-teacher ratio, helping them get more personal attention than they might in a larger school system.
Real Estate Trends in 2025
If you’re planning to invest your VA loan benefits or just looking to buy, here’s the current market snapshot. The Dominion, San Antonio remains a steady luxury market at $1.2 million:
| Neighborhood | Median Price (2025) | Days on Market | Price Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Dominion | $1,200,000 | 45 | Stable |
| Alamo Heights | $750,000 | 30 | Rising |
| Stone Oak | $475,000 | 35 | Steady |
| Terrell Hills | $575,000 | 29 | Dropping |
| Downtown | $400,000 | 50 | Flat |
The Dominion: High-end properties tend to maintain value, even during market shifts.
Alamo Heights: Prices are on an upswing, driven by its charm and location.
Terrell Hills: Lower median price than 2024 (down from $932,000), offering a window of opportunity for buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes The Dominion, San Antonio different from other neighborhoods?
It offers gated luxury, a country club, and large lots. Alamo Heights is historic, Stone Oak is family-oriented, and downtown is urban. The Dominion’s price point ($1.2 million median) reflects its exclusivity.How does The Dominion’s cost compare to Stone Oak?
The Dominion averages $1.2 million, while Stone Oak is around $475,000. HOA fees are also higher in The Dominion ($3,000–$5,000) compared to Stone Oak’s $500–$1,000.Is The Dominion good for families compared to Terrell Hills?
Both offer strong schools and safe neighborhoods. The Dominion has larger homes and a country club, while Terrell Hills boasts Alamo Heights ISD and a tighter community feel.How long is the commute from The Dominion to downtown San Antonio?
About 25 minutes in light traffic, but can reach 45 minutes during rush hour. If a quick commute is crucial, Alamo Heights or Terrell Hills might be better choices.Are homes in The Dominion, San Antonio more expensive than Alamo Heights?
Yes. The Dominion’s median is $1.2 million, while Alamo Heights stands at $750,000. You’re paying extra for gated luxury and on-site amenities.What amenities does The Dominion offer that others don’t?
A private country club, 24/7 gated security, and expansive lots. Stone Oak and Terrell Hills each have their own draws, but neither matches The Dominion’s exclusive resort feel.Can I use a VA loan in The Dominion, San Antonio or other neighborhoods?
Absolutely. VA loans are available citywide. If a home exceeds the standard loan limit (around $806,500 in some areas), you may need partial coverage or full entitlement. Always verify the latest limits with your lender or the VA official website.Which neighborhood has the best schools near The Dominion, San Antonio?
Alamo Heights ISD often ranks higher than Northside ISD. If top-rated schools are key, Alamo Heights or Terrell Hills might be worth the shorter commute from The Dominion.
Summary and Key Takeaways
The Dominion, San Antonio is a high-end, gated community with luxurious homes and top-tier security.
Compared to places like Alamo Heights, Stone Oak, and Terrell Hills, The Dominion has a higher price tag—about $1.2 million in 2025.
Lifestyle varies by neighborhood: Alamo Heights is historic, Stone Oak is family-friendly, Terrell Hills is quiet and central, and downtown is bustling.
Commutes can be long from The Dominion, so factor in traffic if you’ll work downtown or near a military base.
Schools differ: The Dominion uses Northside ISD, while Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills offer Alamo Heights ISD’s strong reputation.
Real estate in The Dominion tends to hold value, making it a stable but pricey market.
VA Loan Tip: Check the latest loan limits and your full entitlement if you’re interested in higher-priced areas like The Dominion.
Thinking About Your Next Steps?
If you want more details on VA home loans or local home-buying tips, explore this VA Loan Guide for additional guidance.
Ready to start your home search? Search homes for sale in The Dominion, San Antonio.
Have questions on VA eligibility? Visit the official VA Home Loan page for up-to-date resources.
By comparing The Dominion, San Antonio with other top neighborhoods, you can find the best match for your budget, lifestyle, and future plans—especially if you’re a veteran aiming for a smooth transition into civilian life. Good luck on your home search!
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