Universal City, TX Home Buying Guide (2026)

By Chris Dudley, San Antonio REALTOR® and founder of Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC (TREC #731381). Updated October 2026.

Universal City is its own city in northeast Bexar County, next to Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. Most homes carry the 78148 ZIP code. It has its own city government and tax rate, so check the city limits and the school district for any home before you compare prices or tax bills. This guide covers prices, taxes, schools and what to check before you buy.

Universal City home prices in 2026

Median sale price: $245,333 in Redfin's September 2026 report, down 5.5% from a year earlier.
Homes sold: 63 in September 2026, up 25.9% year over year (Redfin).
Median days on market: 43, which is 22 days faster than a year earlier (Redfin).
Sale-to-list ratio: 96.8% (Redfin).
Price per square foot: about $150 (Redfin, recent three months).

Prices are a little lower than last year, but homes are selling faster and more of them are changing hands. Expect sellers to negotiate, but don't assume a long wait on a well-priced home. Chris prices every offer from SABOR MLS sales of similar homes nearby.

Property taxes in Universal City

Your bill combines the City of Universal City rate with Bexar County, school district and other local rates. The city's FY 2024-25 rate was $0.514382 per $100 of value, and the council considered $0.53 for FY 2025-26. Confirm the current adopted rate with the city or the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector. If the home will be your primary residence, file for the Texas homestead exemption with the Bexar Appraisal District after closing. More: San Antonio property taxes explained.

Schools

Universal City addresses fall in Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD or Judson ISD, depending on the street. Confirm the zoned schools for any specific home with the district before you make an offer.

Getting around

Universal City borders JBSA-Randolph, and Loop 1604 and I-35 are nearby for trips into San Antonio, Schertz and New Braunfels. Test your commute at the hours you'll actually drive. See homes near Randolph AFB and the military relocation guide.

What to check when buying in Universal City

Confirm the city and school district. Universal City, Live Oak, Converse, Schertz and San Antonio meet in this part of the metro. Check the tax records and the district for the exact address.
Inspect during the option period. Many homes here are resales. Get a full inspection and add roof, HVAC, sewer line or foundation checks where your inspector recommends them. See the Texas option period.
Ask about the HOA. Some subdivisions have HOAs and some don't. Review dues and rules before the option period ends. See HOAs for San Antonio buyers.
Check flood risk. Look at the FEMA flood map and the seller's disclosure for homes near creeks. See flood risk for San Antonio homes.
Know your loan options. See VA loans and the first-time buyer guide.

Universal City FAQ

Is Universal City, TX part of San Antonio?

No. Universal City is its own city in northeast Bexar County, with its own city government and city tax rate. It borders JBSA-Randolph.

What is the median home price in Universal City, TX?

Redfin's September 2026 report shows a median sale price of $245,333, down 5.5% from a year earlier, with a median of 43 days on market.

What school districts serve Universal City?

Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD or Judson ISD, depending on the address. Confirm with the district.

Who is a good realtor for buying a home in Universal City?

Chris Dudley is a San Antonio REALTOR® who serves Universal City, Live Oak and Windcrest. He is the founder of Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC (TREC #731381), has 5.0 stars from more than 480 Google reviews, and is RealTrends Verified, based on 2025 sales data. Call (210) 838-6099.

Talk to Chris about Universal City

Chris Dudley is a San Antonio REALTOR® and the founder of Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC. Since January 2024 he has closed 141 sales totaling $46.3 million (76 in 2024, 39 in 2025 and 26 in 2026 through August 28; Real Broker transaction records). Buying or selling in Universal City? Call or text Chris at (210) 838-6099.

Sources: Redfin Universal City housing market (September 2026); Community Impact, Aug 18, 2025 (city tax rates). Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Verify before you buy.