Are you a first-time homebuyer looking for the best neighborhoods in Schertz for families?
Schertz, located just 20 miles from San Antonio, offers a welcoming community feel, top-rated schools, and home prices that often beat big-city averages.
In this guide, we’ll explore four standout neighborhoods—The Crossvine, Belmont Park, Rhine Valley, and Northcliffe—and show you why Schertz might be the perfect place to settle down and start your next chapter.
Why Schertz Is Great for Families
With about 43,000 residents, Schertz has a small-town charm while being close to Randolph Air Force Base (AFB)—a big draw for military families. The Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District (SCUCISD) has strong academic ratings (over 50% proficiency in core subjects), and Schertz consistently ranks among the safer cities in Texas (30th safest, according to Fox San Antonio).
On top of that, the median home price in Schertz is around $364,000, which is lower than the San Antonio average of about $400,000. That means you can often get more space and value for your money here.
Schertz provides a safe, family-focused environment with affordable home prices and easy access to San Antonio. Perfect for first-time homebuyers who want a balance of small-town warmth and city convenience.
1. The Crossvine: Modern Family Living
The Crossvine is a master-planned community near Randolph AFB. Homes here typically range from $350,000 to $500,000, offering 2,000 to 2,800 square feet of living space. Residents enjoy resort-style amenities like pools, playgrounds, and walking trails. Kids in The Crossvine often attend nearby SCUCISD schools—such as Laura Ingalls Wilder Intermediate, which has a strong 8/10 rating.
If you’re dreaming of newer homes, plenty of green spaces, and weekend pool days, The Crossvine might be the perfect fit. Parents appreciate the short drive to work, and children love the community’s vibrant, family-friendly environment.
Short Answer: The Crossvine offers newer homes, excellent schools, and resort-style amenities—ideal for first-time buyers seeking modern convenience and outdoor fun.
Search homes for sale in The Crossvine in Schertz, TX
2. Belmont Park: Budget-Friendly Family Haven
Belmont Park stands out for its more budget-friendly home prices, typically $300,000 to $400,000, with 1,800 to 2,500 square feet of space. It’s also near one of SCUCISD’s well-regarded schools, Green Valley Elementary. Belmont Park offers a peaceful setting, plenty of green areas, and a straightforward 30-minute commute to San Antonio.
If you’re a first-time homebuyer focused on getting the best deal without sacrificing school quality or convenience, Belmont Park might be your top choice.
Belmont Park is Schertz’s affordable gem, offering solid schools, easy commutes, and a friendly community vibe—perfect for families on a tighter budget.
Search homes for sale in Belmont Park, in Schertz, TX
3. Rhine Valley: Space and Serenity
Rhine Valley typically features homes in the $320,000 to $450,000 range, with 2,200 to 3,000 square feet of living space. Known for bigger lots, it’s perfect if you want a larger yard for pets, gardening, or weekend barbecues. Families here often send kids to Elaine S. Schlather Intermediate, which boasts an A rating (Niche).
Besides the larger home sites, Rhine Valley offers a peaceful suburban atmosphere with walking trails and quick access to Loop 1604. If you crave a bit more space but still want to be near city conveniences, put Rhine Valley on your list.
Rhine Valley provides bigger lot sizes, an excellent nearby school, and a relaxed atmosphere—great for families wanting extra room to grow.
4. Northcliffe: Established Family Charm
In Northcliffe, you’ll find established neighborhoods with homes priced around $340,000 to $460,000, typically 2,000 to 2,800 square feet. This area is close to shopping centers and Watts Elementary School (also part of SCUCISD). Families appreciate Northcliffe’s playgrounds, pavilions, and sense of close-knit community.
If you’re looking for a more traditional, well-established neighborhood near Randolph AFB, Northcliffe could be the right spot. The area’s mature trees and neighborhood parks create a cozy, family-friendly environment.
Northcliffe offers an established community feel, convenient shopping, and a strong school district—ideal if you want a neighborhood with history and charm.
Search available homes for sale in Northcliffe, in Schertz, TX
Schertz Family Neighborhoods Compared
| Neighborhood | Price Range | Home Size | Key Perk | School Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Crossvine | $350K–$500K | 2,000–2,800 sq. ft. | Resort-style amenities | 8/10 |
| Belmont Park | $300K–$400K | 1,800–2,500 sq. ft. | Most affordable | 7/10 |
| Rhine Valley | $320K–$450K | 2,200–3,000 sq. ft. | Bigger lots | A |
| Northcliffe | $340K–$460K | 2,000–2,800 sq. ft. | Established community | 7/10 |
What Makes These Neighborhoods Family-Friendly?
All four neighborhoods share key features that matter to first-time homebuyers with children:
Strong Schools: SCUCISD ranks as the 19th safest district in Texas (Ward North American), with proficiency rates above state averages.
Low Crime: Schertz’s crime rates are roughly half the Texas average.
Outdoor Spaces: Local parks, such as Crescent Bend (170 acres of trails and picnic areas), encourage an active family lifestyle.
Community Amenities: Pools, playgrounds, and well-maintained common areas help your children stay active and make new friends.
Families love Schertz for its strong schools, safe streets, and outdoor activities—all of which create a welcoming environment for parents and kids alike.
How to Pick the Best Schertz Neighborhood for Your Family
Choosing your first home can feel overwhelming. Follow these five steps to find the perfect match in Schertz:
Step 1: Set Your Budget
Home prices range from $300,000 to $500,000 in these neighborhoods.
Factor in closing costs, which can run $6,000–$12,000.
If you’re considering renting before buying, two-bedroom rentals average $1,200–$1,800 in areas like Northcliffe.
Step 2: List Family Must-Haves
Top schools? Look to Rhine Valley’s A-rated campus.
Resort-style amenities? The Crossvine excels with pools and trails.
Short commute? Belmont Park is about 30 minutes to San Antonio.
Write down what matters most to your family—like proximity to schools, work, or entertainment.
Step 3: Check Commute Times
San Antonio is roughly 25–35 minutes away, but rush hour can add an extra 10 minutes.
If you have a strict work schedule, test the drive during peak times to see which neighborhood fits best.
Step 4: Visit the Neighborhoods
Walk around, chat with neighbors, and pay attention to traffic or noise.
One family skipped this step and later discovered more road noise than they expected—don’t make the same mistake!
Step 5: Hire a Local Realtor
A Schertz-based realtor with LRG Real Estate knows the market well and can help you save on closing costs.
Military families often find extra savings using VA loans; a realtor familiar with VA benefits can guide you.
Budget, school quality, commute, neighborhood vibe, and local expertise are the top factors for finding a family-friendly home in Schertz.
Cost and Commute Breakdown
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Avg. Rent (2BR) | Commute to SA | Monthly Utilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Crossvine | $425K | $1,800 | 25 min | $170 |
| Belmont Park | $350K | $1,400 | 30 min | $150 |
| Rhine Valley | $385K | $1,600 | 28 min | $160 |
| Northcliffe | $400K | $1,700 | 35 min | $165 |
Short Answer: This table highlights home prices, rental rates, commute times, and utility costs for each Schertz neighborhood, helping you compare what fits your lifestyle and budget.
Why Schertz Beats Other Suburbs for Families
More Home for Your Money: Schertz’s $364K median home price is about $36K less than San Antonio’s average ($400K).
Top-Tier Schools: SCUCISD’s 50%+ proficiency rate surpasses Texas’s statewide average of 37% (Niche).
Lower Crime: Crime is about half the state average, giving families extra peace of mind.
Proximity to Everything: A quick 30-minute commute to San Antonio’s attractions, plus easy access to Randolph AFB and other major highways.
Schertz often outperforms neighboring areas like Cibolo or New Braunfels on value, safety, and education—making it a top choice for first-time homebuyers seeking a family-friendly environment.
FAQs About the Best Neighborhoods in Schertz
What’s the best Schertz neighborhood for families with kids?
The Crossvine. It offers $350K–$500K homes, resort-style pools, trails, and 8/10 schools—ideal for active families.
Which Schertz neighborhood is most affordable for families?
Belmont Park. Homes go for $300K–$400K, and it has strong schools and parks. Perfect for budget-conscious buyers.
Are Schertz schools good for families?
Absolutely. SCUCISD ranks 19th safest in Texas and has over 50% proficiency in core subjects. Rhine Valley is near an A-rated school.
Which Schertz neighborhood has the best commute?
The Crossvine. It’s about a 25-minute drive to San Antonio via Loop 1604, saving time for working parents.
Is Schertz safe for families?
Yes. It’s the 30th safest city in Texas, with a crime rate about half the state average. Northcliffe is particularly known for its quiet streets.
Can military families use VA loans in Schertz?
Absolutely. Schertz is near Randolph AFB, and the VA loan limit is around $806,000 (2025). Many military families choose neighborhoods like Belmont Park for its affordability.
Which neighborhood has the best amenities for kids?
The Crossvine. With pools, playgrounds, and scenic trails, children stay active and engaged year-round.
How do Schertz home prices compare to San Antonio?
Schertz’s $364K average is lower than San Antonio’s $400K, allowing first-time homebuyers to get more space without stretching their budget.
