Converse is expanding its horizons
With its motto, "Connecting Community + Commerce," Converse is a growing city just 13 miles northeast of San Antonio. The city's development is boosted by its proximity to Randolph Air Force Base, one of the region's biggest employers. "We have a mixed bag of people coming in. Half are military clients because we are so close to the base, the other half are regular civilians," says Mike Boyd, a Realtor with Vylla Homes and resident. New housing construction and mixed-use developments are transforming Converse from a commuter town into a hotspot of its own. Despite the changes, long-standing locals enjoy slowing down at little league practices, artisan markets and the city swimming pool.
Getting around town easy with Texas 1604 Loop
Converse is just 13 miles northeast of downtown San Antonio, making the trip less than 30 minutes. Interstate 10 is south of Converse, and the Texas 1604 Loop runs along the city's eastern edge, surrounding San Antonio. Interstate 35 is north, and a few bus stops operated by VIA Metro are along FM 1516. The San Antonio International Airport is 16 miles away, and the nearest medical care is at Methodist Hospital Northeast on Judson Road.
New developments include the mixed-use Santé 51
Many residents are retired military or work at the nearby Randolph AFB, part of the larger Joint Base San Antonio, the city's biggest employer. In 2021, Joint Base San Antonio contributed an estimated $39.2 billion to the economy and supported 211,213 jobs. With such growth, the city is developing Santé 51, a proposed mixed-use district on Rocket Lane, slated for completion by the summer of 2024. The project received $14.7 million in funding and will include shopping centers, municipal buildings and medical offices.
Opportunities for brand new homes in Santa Clara
Converse is primarily residential, with neighborhoods surrounded by schools and parks. Over 75% of Converse has sidewalks, and the city is working on developing more. Brick ranch-style homes and cottages with two-car garages, shaded by large red oaks, sit close to their neighbors. "We know our neighbors, and everyone is so friendly. Now and then, they get together for barbecues," Boyd says. Copperfield is a notable subdivision featuring New Traditional and Contemporary Craftsman stone-faced homes near Copperfield Elementary School. Santa Clara is another standout community built by Centex Homes with new construction in neutral hues and board and batten siding. Home prices range from around $200,000 for a fixer-upper built in the 1990s to over $490,000 for homes built in 2023.
Converse City Park has a popular swimming pool
At the community center, Converse City Park features a popular swimming pool, a fitness court and a small pond for catch-and-release fishing. Converse North Park on Spring Town Street is set along a reservoir and is another go-to for anglers. Many children take part in sports leagues or extracurricular activities. "My grandson plays with the Judson Rockets, a local junior league. He fell in love with it. They play at different parks around the city," Boyd says. Nearby, the Alamo City All-Stars Sportsplex also provides a variety of youth sports leagues. Converse is home to Hidden Springs Youth Ranch, a faith-based organization that connects kids with horses through mentorship and outdoor programs. Opening in 2021, The Converse Senior Center hosts karaoke nights, movie events and fitness programs.
Students can apply to Elolf Elementary’s STEAM Academy
Converse is part of the Judson Independent School District, North East ISD and IDEA Public Schools. Judson ISD has an overall B on Niche and includes C-plus rated Converse Elementary and Judson Middle School. Elolf Elementary offers a STEAM Academy for pre-kindergarten through 5th grade and earns a C-plus. Judson High School, rated B-minus, is known for its animal sciences, digital communications and engineering programs. The school's Judson Rocket football team holds the state record for most consecutive wins from 1977 to 2023. "High school sports are huge here. Most people rally to support the schools during events or fundraisers," Boyd says. Harmony School of Innovation is a public charter school on Glen Mont Drive that serves elementary and middle school students and earns a C-plus.
Residents enjoy live jazz at Elders Family Restaurant
Converse's inaugural farmers market was held in May 2024 at North Park on the second Saturday of the month, featuring dozens of vendors selling crafts, baked goods and farm-fresh produce. The Walmart Supercenter is on Old Seguin Road, alongside Woodlake Crossing, a small shopping center with big-box stores. The Forum at Olympia Parkway is an outdoor shopping hub 7 miles north, including Best Buy and Target. Most residents head to San Antonio for dining, noting Converse could use more restaurants. Locally owned eateries and franchises are scattered throughout the city. Elders Family Restaurant on Kitty Hawk Road is known for its stuffed shrimp and comforting Cajun dishes and hosts weekly live jazz nights and Bible study sessions. Open since 1979, Papa Dante's Italian near Converse City Park features nostalgic walls with framed portraits of iconic celebrities.
Make friends with neighbors at Night In Ole Converse
The Converse Lions Club organizes outreach programs and city events. Events include Night In Ole Converse, a tradition held since 1974 in October with a downtown parade, carnival, and chili cook-off. The 2nd Saturday Art Festival spans several city blocks along South Seguin Road, highlighting local talent. The Great Texas Airshow is held annually in April at JBSA-Randolph, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. "You don't even have to leave the city during the show," Boyd says. "They fly right over the neighborhood, and last year, a bunch of people watched from their roofs."
Written By
Jessica Haddad
Photography Contributed By
Blake Bowden
