Real Estate Investing in San Antonio, Texas (78238)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 78238 (San Antonio, TX)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- Elevated vacancy: 8.7% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in San Antonio, TX (78238)?
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Market Analysis: 78238 San Antonio
The 78238 ZIP in San Antonio, TX is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $224K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
The investment case in 78238 is significant only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $224K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
Nearby ZIPs in San Antonio have seen price recovery that 78238 has not matched. Bexar County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
Who lives in 78238 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
The right play in 78238 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in San Antonio:
Property Strategy for 78238
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $213,585 | $1,670 | 5.6% | +4.5% | $71,195 |
| 4BR | $242,810 | $1,940 | 5.8% | +4.4% | $60,703 |
| 5BR | $304,717 | — | — | +5.2% | $60,943 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 78238 Compare?
| Metric | 78238 | San Antonio | San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | Texas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $223,767 | $279,541 | N/A | $297,000 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 2.2% | 1.3% | N/A | 5.4% |
| Avg Rent | $1,244 | $1,452 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.3% | 4.8% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 78238 (San Antonio, TX). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $223,767 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,244 |
| Price-to-Rent | 15.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.7% |
| Cap Rate | 4.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 6.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +1.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -1.3% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +2.2% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.1% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -1.3% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +0.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +2.0% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (4.3%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 78238
Population: 26,250
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 78238
Schools in This ZIP Code
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Frequently Asked Questions
Which investment style suits San Antonio, TX?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in San Antonio, TX. With home values at $224K and rents near $1,244/mo, other strategies can work but produce steady rather than outsized returns.
Do landlords face vacancy issues in San Antonio, TX?
Expect elevated vacancy in San Antonio, TX. Rents at $1,244/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
Is San Antonio in TX worth investing in?
Our data puts San Antonio, TX at 3.0/5 for investability. Home prices of $224K and rents around $1,244/mo create a solid backdrop for investor activity.
Is TX a landlord-friendly state?
Landlord-friendliness in San Antonio, TX is landlord-friendly. Eviction timelines and lease enforcement are considered reasonable by most property managers.
Are renters plentiful in San Antonio, TX?
Working renters make up the core of the San Antonio, TX tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
You know 78238 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 78238 ranks in San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX
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