Many are surprised to learn that San Antonio is the seventh largest city in the United States, larger than San Diego or Dallas.

Among the seven largest cities in the U.S., there are few with as strong a military character as San Antonio.

Often referred to as a "historic city" due to the Battle of the Alamo, where all soldiers perished in the war with Mexico, the reality is that military and defense form the backbone of the city.

The impact of Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) on the entire city is immense.

As this budget is released, it has a significant ripple effect on the private economy, with local small businesses securing military-related contracts, leading to increased jobs and income.

Thus, among the people of San Antonio, there is even a saying that "if the military leaves, the city stops."

JBSA is not just a base; it can be seen as the heart of the San Antonio economy.

So, as you walk down the street, you will often see young people in military uniforms, and it is natural to see military families shopping at local stores.

It is not an exaggeration to say that the city itself shares a military breath and rhythm.

Looking a bit deeper into history, the Battle of the Alamo is not just a scene from a movie but continues to be a source of pride for the people of San Antonio.

While it is referred to as a symbol of Texas independence, this place has also served as a strategic stronghold in the southern United States.

Especially in the 20th century, it transformed into a center for training and education for the Air Force and Army, strengthening its status as a military city amid the Cold War and Middle Eastern conflicts.

Thanks to this background, San Antonio has become a city where defense budgets flow in, and related industries and jobs have been consistently maintained.

The reason San Antonio could withstand relatively stable during economic downturns, unlike other major cities, lies here.

However, San Antonio is not a city that solely relies on the military.

When looking at the healthcare sector, it is surprisingly competitive.

First, there is Methodist Hospital.

This hospital was ranked 9th in Texas in the 2025–2026 announcement by U.S. News & World Report.

It received high marks for performance in 18 major procedures and conditions, indicating that it is not just a local leader but has national recognition.

The affiliated Methodist Hospital Stone Oak was also ranked 21st in Texas, making it a reliable place for complex surgeries or emergencies.

Baptist Medical Center is also gaining momentum. Last year, it was ranked 29th in Texas, but this year it jumped to 15th.

With enhanced emergency response capabilities and comprehensive care, patient evaluations are improving.

Moreover, San Antonio Regional Hospital is particularly popular among female patients, having been recognized in the 2025 Women's Choice Awards as being in the top 1% for heart treatment, top 10% for emergency treatment, and top 11% for cancer treatment. This indicates that it is not just large in scale but also improving in patient satisfaction and actual clinical outcomes.

Additionally, there is a military hospital. Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) is the only Level I trauma center within the U.S. Department of Defense and is a massive military hospital with 450 beds. Equipped with a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center, it operates a system that allows injured soldiers to recover quickly. The competition and cooperation between civilian and military hospitals elevate the overall healthcare level in San Antonio.

In summary, San Antonio is a city that, behind its rigid image as a military city, has a solid support in healthcare. The economic foundation stemming from military stability supports the roots of the city, while the growth of the healthcare industry serves as its wings.

Thanks to this, San Antonio has established itself as a stable place not just for soldiers to train but for families to live comfortably. Furthermore, due to its geographical proximity to Mexico, a multicultural atmosphere is strongly felt. It is a place where tradition and modernity, military and civilian, English and Spanish blend together to emit a uniquely attractive energy.

Looking ahead, San Antonio seems more fitting to be titled a '21st Century Defense Hub.'

Cybersecurity units and information warfare research institutions are rapidly emerging, and military education is evolving into the digital age. At the same time, hospitals continue to achieve good results in national evaluations, enhancing their brand value. A city where tourism, healthcare, education, and military move together, this is the future of San Antonio.

The San Antonio I live in may not be glamorous, but it firmly holds its center.

When others talk about New York or Los Angeles, living here makes it clear.

This place is not just a military city but a powerful city with the dual strengths of military and healthcare.