It’s no wonder San Antonio is called “Military City USA.”

San Antonio is home to four, premier military installations, including Brooks City-Base, Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base and Fort Sam Houston. Combine that with the beautiful surroundings of San Antonio and it’s no wonder why military families from all over the country are more than pleased to make their home in this fabulous city.

Today’s military families may head to Brooks City-Base, as it is home to the 311^th Human Systems Wing and the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine. In fact, nearly all aerospace medical officers pass through Brooks City-Base at least once in their career.

Fort Sam Houston is home to a good number of Army units, including the Army Medical School, while Lackland Air Force Base is the place where enlisted personnel from the Air Force, the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard enter for basic, military training. Lackland Air Force Base, however, is also the place to go for high-level technical training for advanced officers.

Randolph Air Force Base trains elite pilots, navigators and electronic warfare officers. Flight instructor training and combat crew training is commonplace at Randolph Air Force Base, as are flying and technical training.

There are many perks to living in San Antonio while attending one of the area’s military installations, as this area is laden with opportunity, beauty and excitement. The low cost of living, combined with a strong housing market and reasonable housing prices make San Antonio ideal for military families of every kind.

The majority of the 20 million visitors to San Antonio each year are military personnel, and many of San Antonio’s long-term residents are retired military personnel. Many retired military personnel return to San Antonio because of its mild temperatures and close proximity to the many military facilities that serve them.

Free Trade Alliance San Antonio was developed in 1994 to recognize and support San Antonio as an inland port and international trade center.

The Alliance brings together “the resources of its members and focuses them towards the promotion, development and facilitation of international business and trade for the entire San Antonio region.”

The chambers which make up the Alliance include:

• The City of San Antonio

• The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce

• San Antonio Economic Development Foundation

• Bexar County

• San Antonio Water System

• San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

• Port Authority of San Antonio

The Alliance has also developed a new program called the International Business Network, in which professionals come together to discuss and share their international business experience. The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce members often benefit from the resources provided by the professionals of the International Business Network.

According to The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce’s web site, the International Business Network can help Chamber members connect with international professionals who can provide a specific area of knowledge; inform Chamber members of visiting international delegations, international seminars and related activities and events; provide information and updates on international business opportunities; and provide Chamber members with access to trade lead opportunities.

The goals, objectives and activities of the Alliance include:

• Foreign investment – Attract and retain trade-related operations and promote San Antonio’s strategic location and economic incentives.

• Business development – Assist San Antonio companies when developing and expanding their international business ventures.

• Policy and advocacy – Develop policies which deal with any trade-related issues pertaining to the San Antonio region.

The Alliance supports and expands San Antonio’s international trade presence, which will provide a consistent springboard for the overall economy and housing market in the San Antonio area.

As the gateway to Southern Texas, San Antonio enjoys a beautiful blend of cultures which are entwined into the sights and sounds enjoyed by so many.

This flourishing area combines the sights and sounds of today’s American and Mexican cultures with the lure and captivation of its colorful past. Old-world, open markets and contemporary art galleries create a unique fusion for residents and visitors alike. Its rich history is apparent the moment you experience the architecture, the neighborhoods, the food, the culture and the traditions that make up San Antonio.

A gorgeous, sight-to-be-seen downtown area, a superb climate and cultural and historical sites and experiences are what make San Antonio the special destination that it is.

The River Walk

Top-notch restaurants, high-end boutiques and lively, outdoor entertainment can be found along the peaceful river of the River Walk, which is one of the city’s top attractions. While on the River Walk, experience La Villita, a National Historic District which boasts a colorful array of arts and craft shops and galleries, as well as The Alamo, the Shrine of Texas Liberty.

Another fun stop found along the River Walk is El Mercado, an authentic, market square which boasts crafts and treats of all kinds.

King William Historic District

This exceptional, restored neighborhood features many different architectural styles, including Greek Revival, Italinate and Victoria. Enjoy touring the Geunther House, which also includes a restaurant, a store and a museum and the Steves Homestead, which is now a museum of historical homes.

The nearby Southtown neighborhood provides an eclectic mix of shops, galleries and restaurants, as well as the Blue Arts Center, which features galleries and a brew pub.

World-Class Museums

Experience Latin American, Asian, folk and contemporary art at the San Antonio Museum of Art. The McNay Art Museum boasts internationally renowned exhibits, manuscripts and sculpture gardens.

Learn about Latin history in America at The Museo Alameda, and culture, history and science at the Witte Museum.

Diversity is the main factor fueling San Antonio’s thriving business development sector. New job opportunities are abundant, thanks to new and expanding businesses, strong business incentives, a low cost of living and affordable housing.

An educated, qualified workforce of more than 900,000 people, as well as over 120,000 students enrolled in area colleges and universities who plan to stay in San Antonio after graduation, keeps San Antonio’s business and industry running smoothly, as does San Antonio’s strong, transportation infrastructure.

Companies are attracted to San Antonio because of the low cost of doing business, which is reflected in San Antonio boasting some of the lowest utility rates in the nation. San Antonio’s affordable cost of living, ranging nearly 10 percent below the US average, also encourages business and individual relocation.

The diverse economy of San Antonio includes a rapidly growing biomedical and biotechnology sector and a diversified manufacturing sector. Some of the city’s largest, private employers include United Services Automobile Association and H.E.B Grocery Company. Toyota has also became a strong player in San Antonio’s economy with the introduction of its sixth North American assembly plant in 2006.

Companies with Headquarters in San Antonio

Some of the largest companies with headquarters in San Antonio include  H.E.B. Grocery Company, USAA, AT&T, Southwest Research Institute, Valero Energy, Cardell Kitchen & Bath Cabinetry and Frost National Bank.

Companies with Major Regional/Divisional Offices in San Antonio

Some of the largest companies with major regional or divisional offices in San Antonio include Wachovia, Citibank, West Teleservices, JP Morgan Chase, QVC Network, Washington Mutual and the Boeing Aerospace Support Center.

San Antonio’s Leading Manufacturers

San Antonio’s leading manufacturers include Cardell Kitchen & Bath Cabinetry, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kinetic  Concepts, Inc., Martin Marietta Materials SW and Clarke American.

San Antonio’s Military Bases

San Antonio also has four military bases, including Randolph AFB, Fort Sam Houston (Army), Brooks City-Base and Lackland AFB.