They share a school district and a border, but these two San Antonio suburbs couldn't be more different. Here is the local’s guide to choosing between them.
The debate of Schertz vs Cibolo is the first hurdle most families face when moving to the area. If you are moving to the area—especially if you are PCSing to Randolph AFB—you have probably heard “Schertz” and “Cibolo” said in the same breath so often you might think they are the same city.
They aren’t.
While they share the highly-rated SCUC ISD (Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District), the lifestyle, commute, and housing stock differ significantly. As a local lender who helps families buy in both zip codes every month, I see people struggle with this decision constantly.
Here is the “Bottom Line Up Front” comparison to help you decide.
Schertz vs Cibolo: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Schertz | Cibolo |
| Vibe | Established, leafy, master-planned. | Newer, booming, slightly more “rural” feel. |
| Commute | Best for San Antonio. Direct I-35 access. | Best for New Braunfels. FM 1103 access. |
| Housing | Mix of 80s/90s brick homes & luxury infill. | dominated by 2010+ New Construction. |
| Top Neighborhood | The Crossvine (Lifestyle centric). | Turning Stone (Luxury/Gated). |
| Key Retail | The Forum (Massive outdoor mall). | Cibolo Crossing (Santikos & Entertainment). |
1. The Schertz vs Cibolo Commute Reality Check (What Maps Won’t Tell You)
Both cities are commuter havens, but your experience depends entirely on where you are going. When comparing Schertz vs Cibolo, commute could definitely be a factor.
Choose Schertz if: You work in downtown San Antonio or Fort Sam Houston.
Schertz sits right on the “elbow” of I-35 and Loop 1604. You can jump on the highway and be downtown in 20–25 minutes (traffic permitting). You avoid the “bottleneck” of FM 1103.
Choose Cibolo if: You work in New Braunfels or want to avoid I-35 entirely.
Cibolo residents often use FM 78 to get to Randolph AFB via the back gate, skipping the highway completely.
The Insider Warning: FM 78 runs parallel to a very active train track. If you get stuck behind a stopped train in the morning, you will be late. Check the crossing maps before you buy!
2. Neighborhood Spotlight: The “Heavy Hitters”
When clients ask me for the “best” neighborhood, the answer usually comes down to these two options.
In Schertz: The Crossvine
This is arguably the best “lifestyle” community in the area. It isn’t just rows of houses; it’s designed around community interaction.
The Draw: The resort-style pool, the outdoor amphitheater for movie nights, and miles of connected hike/bike trails.
The Crowd: Young families and military officers who want a “front porch” culture.
In Cibolo: Turning Stone
If you want a slightly larger lot, a 3-car garage, and maybe a little more privacy, Turning Stone is the gold standard.
The Draw: It feels more “Texan.” The amenity center is top-tier (tennis, pool), but the focus here is really on the homes themselves—often featuring stone facades and custom builds.
The Value: You can often get a newer, larger home here for the same price as an older home in Schertz. BUT, make certain that you are negotiating the PRICE and not overpaying just to get a low mortgage rate. You can always refinance. You can’t go back and re-negotiate the price after you close.
3. The Schools: One District, Two Experiences
Don’t let the “Schertz vs. Cibolo” debate worry you about schools—you are likely going to SCUC ISD either way.
The district currently holds a strong “B” Rating (81) from the Texas Education Agency, with several campuses like Wilder Intermediate and Paschal Elementary recently earning distinctions for academic growth.
Pro Tip: If you buy in northern Cibolo (near Steele High School), you are in the heart of the “Friday Night Lights” culture. If you are in southern Schertz (The Crossvine area), your kids will likely funnel toward Clemens High School. Both are excellent, but the “Buffs vs. Knights” rivalry is real!
4. Property Taxes & Your Monthly Payment
This is where the math gets interesting. Texas property taxes are high (no state income tax, remember?), but the total tax rate varies by neighborhood.
Generally, Cibolo has slightly lower city tax rates (~$0.49 per $100 value) compared to Schertz. However, newer neighborhoods in both cities often come with a PID (Public Improvement District) or MUD tax.
Lender Note: A home in a PID might look cheaper on Zillow, but that extra tax can add $150–$200 to your monthly payment. Always ask me to run the “Total Monthly Payment” for you before you fall in love with a house.
The “Steve” Verdict
So, in the Schertz vs Cibolo debate, which one wins?
Buy in Schertz if: You want mature trees, established character, and the absolute shortest commute to San Antonio.
Buy in Cibolo if: You want a brand-new home, slightly more “bang for your buck” on square footage, and easy access to the new entertainment districts like Santikos.
Still undecided?
I can run a side-by-side “Total Cost of Ownership” analysis for homes in both cities so you can see exactly what the difference looks like for your wallet.
REMINDER! Both communities offer lots of new builds. Beware of paying jacked-up prices for new construction just to get a shiny interest rate. You could end up underwater the second you close!
