Everything you need to eliminate stress from your next move. Affordable moving, packing, and unpacking on residential, commercial, local, and long-distance moves.
The main focus of the company has always been great personal service and attention to detail. We differentiate ourselves from other moving companies for the following reasons:
We are an independently owned moving company based out of McAllen, Texas. In addition to being a full-service moving company serving local and statewide moves, Chapa’s Moving Service offers packaging, loading, and unloading for our clients who prefer to move themselves.
Are you considering moving to Universal City? This charming suburb of San Antonio offers the perfect balance of small-town warmth and modern city life. Whether you're drawn to its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, convenient location near major attractions, or the city's rich history, living in Universal City TX has something for everyone.
Ready to explore what makes Universal City such a hidden gem in the heart of Texas? Here's what you'll love about your new community.
Universal City, Texas, is a great place to live, offering a family-oriented atmosphere and a strong sense of community. This suburban city is nestled near San Antonio and combines small-town charm with convenient access to urban amenities. Residents enjoy its excellent schools, parks, and recreational options, as well as the low crime rate. The tight-knit community hosts events throughout the year, fostering a welcoming environment for newcomers.
What Is Universal City, Texas Known for?
Universal City, TX, is best known for its military background and close connection to the adjacent Joint Base San Antonio, making it a hub for military families and veterans. Established in the 1960s as a suburban community to support Randolph Air Force Base, the strong military presence has fielded the city's rapid growth over the past fifty years. Almost 15% of residents are veterans, many of whom served in the Gulf War, and many are active-duty military members.
The city is also recognized for its family-oriented atmosphere, vibrant local events, and outdoor spaces like Universal City Park. Its location near San Antonio provides easy access to big-city amenities while maintaining a tight-knit, small-town vibe.
Where Is Universal City?
Universal City is mostly in Bexar County, Texas, with a small portion in Guadalupe County. The city offers easy access to Downtown San Antonio, just 19 miles to the northeast, and Austin, about 66 miles away.
The city is just a short drive from Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). The joint military base sits roughly about a mile away. Three bases form JBSA: Randolph Air Force Base, Fort Sam Houston, and Lackland Air Force Base.
While living in Universal City TX, you'll find it easy to get around the area thanks to close proximity to I-35 and Loop 1604. There are some public transportation options as well, including VIA Metropolitan Transit bus routes and GRASP Transit, a service of Greater Randolph Area Services Program that prioritizes service to low-income residents, veterans, seniors over 60, and disabled people in the community.
Moving to Universal City? The Universal City movers at Chapas Moving Service serve the community from our nearby location in San Antonio.
What Is the Population of Universal City TX?
The Universal City TX population is 19,720, which includes 7,233 households and 5,159 families. It's part of the San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan area, or Greater San Antonio, home to 2.56 million people. It's the third largest metro area in Texas after Dallas-Fort Worth and Greater Houston.
Demographics of people living in Universal City TX:
Median age: 35.3 years
Older population 65 and over: 13%
Sex ratio: 51% female to 49% male
Median household income: $75,439
Homeownership rate: 58%
Educational attainment: 33.3% bachelor's degree or higher
Foreign-born population: 8.7%
Veteran population: 14.5%
Racial makeup: 41.2% White, 39.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, 0.5% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 0.9% other races, and 4.8% two or more races.
Is Universal City TX Safe?
Are you concerned about your risk of crime while living in Universal City TX? The Universal City crime rate is 2,959 crimes per 100,000 residents, with 312 violent crimes per 100,000. The crime rate is 27% higher than the national average, but violent crime is 16% lower, and there were no homicides in 2022. By comparison, the San Antonio crime rate is 5,951 per 100,000 people.
What Is the Cost of Living in Universal City TX?
The University City cost of living is about 8% below the national average, about the same as the San Antonio cost of living. For a single person, you can expect a monthly cost of living in University City TX of $3,433, while a family will need about $4,350.
Housing accounts for the largest share of your expenses. The median home price is $287,500, down almost 11% year-over-year. You can check out homes for sale in Universal City on Redfin.
For renters, apartments in the city are very affordable. The average rent is just $1,126, according to Rentcafe, far below the national average of $1,748 and more expensive than San Antonio's average rent of $1,291.
Best Neighborhoods in Universal City Texas
Before moving to Universal City, you'll want to explore the city's many neighborhoods and subdivisions to find the right place to call home. Here are just some of the best Universal City neighborhoods!
Universal City Park
This charming, suburban area surrounds the 32-acre Universal City Park. You'll find a great mix of homes in established neighborhoods, new planned communities, and cul-de-sac neighborhoods. Most homes are priced in the $200s with a range of ranch homes, Mission Revival homes, and traditional homes. There are also rental apartments in the area.
Coronado Village
Looking for affordable living in Universal City TX without HOA fees? You'll love Coronado Village. This established community has single-family homes built in the late 1960s to mid-70s ranging from the high $100s to mid-$300s.
Cibolo Crossing
This 55-acre development adjacent to Cibolo Creek nature trails features new homes from Beazer starting in the $490s and Sitterie Homes starting at $546,000. The community is tucked away in a private area of the city just a few minutes from The Forum at Olympia Parkway.
This upscale development of 278 newer homes features a private playground, park, and pool. The spacious homes, priced in the $300s, are within walking distance of Northeast Lakeview College.
The Olympia Hills neighborhood surrounding the golf course is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Universal City. Some properties are mandatory HOA members, and the rest have the option to join the HOA and enjoy amenities like the clubhouse, lighted tennis and pickleball courts, a pool, and the Otters Swim Team. The ONA HOA fee is $350 per year. You'll find diverse homes ranging from the $300s to $500s. The neighborhood is served by the Schertz Cibolo Universal City ISD.
Universal City Weather & Climate
Universal City, Texas, has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cfa), characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Summers are long and humid, with average high temperatures ranging from 92°F to 97°F in peak months like July and August. Winters are short and mild, with average lows dipping to around 40°F and highs in the mid-60s. The city receives about 32 inches of annual rainfall, with May and October typically being the wettest months.
While living in Universal City TX, you'll occasionally experience extreme weather, including severe thunderstorms that can bring hail and strong winds. Though rare, tornadoes are possible due to the city's location in Central Texas, and the region also feels the effects of tropical systems, particularly heavy rains, from time to time.
Things to Do in Universal City TX
While living in Universal City TX, you'll enjoy many opportunities for outdoor recreation, world-class entertainment, and cultural attractions nearby, and convenient shopping at the Forum at Olympia Parkway, the Forum Shopping Center between Selma and Universal City, and Forum Crossing. The city is known for its great parks, walking trails, and community amenities managed by the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Here are just some of the best things to do in Universal Park.
One of the best parks in the city, Red Horse Park, has been recently renovated with 8.5 acres of amenities, including playgrounds, exercise equipment, park trails, tennis courts, and softball fields.
Recently named #3 among San Antonio's Best Golf Courses, Olympia Hills boasts a golf practice facility, full-length driving range, 10,000 square foot short game area, and a newly remodeled clubhouse.
This Universal City park is the place to be during the summer! Along with a playground and soccer field, Northview Park is known for its fantastic splash pad with 16 water features, a 23-foot spider, and more across 4,000 square feet. There are three areas for teens, toddlers, and families with plenty of shaded areas.
One of the benefits of living in Universal City TX is great food around every corner. One of the newest additions is Screamin' Chameleon, a family-friendly food truck park with live entertainment and outdoor seating. Here are some other great University City restaurants to check out!
Bayseas is one of the best places to eat in Universal City when you're in the mood for fresh seafood. There are always lunch specials with seasonal seafood dishes.
Before moving to Universal City, you may want to explore employment opportunities in the area. The major industries in the city are retail trade, healthcare and social assistance, construction, education, accommodation and food services, and public administration.
Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District
Northeast Lakeview College
Northlake Business Park is a major employment center in the city. This 178-acre master planned development focuses on retail, office, and warehouse businesses.
The median income for a household is $70,651 and is projected to reach $81,014 in 2029. The average household income is $95,465 in Universal City TX.
Universal City Schools
While living in Universal City TX, most residents are served by the Judson Independent School District (ISD). The following schools serve the city:
Elementary schools: Olympia (fine arts program), Coronado Village, and Salinas
Kitty Hawk Middle School
Veterans Memorial High School
Judson ISD has a School Choice program that allows families to attend schools outside of their attendance zone. There are several highly rated Innovative Schools around Universal City including Judson Early College Academy in Live Oak and Wagner High School with its STEM Academy.
Two other school districts serve parts of the city:
Randolph Field Independent School District (Randolph Field ISD) serves the Department of Defense and military personnel assigned to Joint Base San Antonio, even if they do not live on the base.
Two private schools serve families living in Universal City TX: First Baptist Academy of Universal City (FBA) and Calvary Chapel Christian Academy (CCCA).
Northeast Lakeview College, a two-year community college campus of Alamo Colleges, is located in Universal City and Live Oak.
Universal City Texas Information
Counties: Bexar and Guadalupe
Area: 5.6 square miles
Universal City zip codes: 78148 and 78154
Universal City area codes: 210 and 726
Universal City elevation: 764 feet
Universal City time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC -5 and -6)
Moving to Universal City? Request a Free Moving Quote Today!
Do you imagine a future living in Universal City TX? Chapas Moving Service is here to give you a stress-free moving experience with services tailored to your needs. Call the best Universal City movers today to get started with a free, personalized moving estimate!
Chapa's Moving Service
We are an independently owned moving company based out of McAllen, Texas. In addition to being a full-service moving company serving local and statewide moves, Chapa’s Moving Service offers packaging, loading, and unloading for our clients who prefer to move themselves.
