The Where I Live series aims to showcase our diverse city and region by spotlighting its many vibrant neighborhoods. Each week a local resident invites us over and lets us in on what makes their neighborhood special. Have we been to your neighborhood yet? Get in touch to share your story. If your story is selected and published, you will receive a $250 stipend.
When my family and I moved to The Reserve at Schertz, we found a place where we could build lasting memories, forge lifelong friendships and feel truly at home. Just outside of San Antonio, The Reserve is a close-knit community that embodies connection, support and a shared sense of belonging.
As a military family, one of the aspects we value most about living here is the camaraderie among our neighbors. Many of them are retired military from various branches of service, which creates a unique and special bond. This shared background brings with it a level of understanding and mutual respect that makes conversations meaningful and friendships effortless. Whether swapping stories about past deployments or lending an empathetic ear to one another, we’ve found a circle of people who truly “get” us.
Although The Reserve doesn’t have amenities like a pool, playground or event center, what it does offer is a warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. Our block parties and neighborhood gatherings are proof that people here prioritize connection and community. From holiday potlucks to outdoor movie nights on someone’s driveway, these events are filled with laughter, good food and the joy of simply spending time with those around us. They’re opportunities to break bread, catch up and celebrate the unique bond that makes our neighborhood so special.
One of the best aspects of living here is how safe and tranquil it feels. The Reserve provides the perfect environment to raise our daughter, Emalee, who is thriving in this community. She attends Randolph High School, where she’s excelling academically and socially. As parents, we are incredibly grateful for the supportive network of teachers, parents and peers she’s surrounded by. At school events, it’s heartwarming to see so many familiar faces from the neighborhood and watching neighbors cheering for one another’s children as if they were their own.
Beyond our immediate neighborhood, the location of The Reserve is another reason we fell in love with this area. We’re conveniently close to parks, shopping centers and local restaurants that have become staples in our lives. We love supporting nearby businesses, like our favorite coffee shop where the barista knows our order by heart or the family-owned restaurant that feels like an extension of our dining room. Living here means having the best of both worlds: the peace of a tucked-away neighborhood and the convenience of being close to everything we need.
Diversity is another hallmark of The Reserve. Families from different cultural, professional and personal backgrounds call this neighborhood home. We’ve had the pleasure of learning about traditions and perspectives that have enriched our lives and broadened our worldview. As a military family, we especially value this diversity and the sense of inclusion it fosters. It’s not uncommon to see neighbors gathering to celebrate cultural holidays or share meals that showcase their heritage.
While we treasure the day-to-day joys of living here, the holiday season is truly magical in The Reserve. Families go all out with festive decorations, transforming the neighborhood into a winter wonderland. Twinkling lights, inflatable snowmen, and wreaths adorn homes, spreading cheer and making evening walks feel like a holiday event. It’s during this time of year that the spirit of giving and togetherness is most evident. Neighbors exchange small gifts, bake cookies for one another, and come together for holiday block parties that remind us of how fortunate we are to live here.
Our community is also one that values giving back. Whether it’s through organizing charitable drives or volunteering for local causes, the people of The Reserve come together to support those in need. As a family, we strive to be part of this tradition by lending a hand whenever possible. It’s one of the many ways we try to contribute to the welcoming and generous spirit that defines our neighborhood.
Of course, life isn’t just about the big events or the holiday gatherings, it’s about the little moments, too. In The Reserve, those moments are plentiful. Whether it’s chatting with neighbors during evening walks, watching kids play together in the cul-de-sac, or exchanging garden tips with the family next door, these simple interactions remind us why we chose to live here. It’s a place where people look out for one another, where kids can be kids and where life feels just a little bit brighter.
As we reflect on our time here, we are filled with gratitude. The Reserve at Schertz has given us more than a place to live; it has given us a true sense of home. It’s where our daughter is growing up surrounded by love and encouragement, where we’ve built meaningful relationships and where we’ve created a life filled with joy and connection.
For our family, The Reserve isn’t just a neighborhood, it’s a community that inspires us to grow, connect and thrive. It’s where we’ve planted roots, made memories and found a sense of belonging that we will cherish for years to come. Living here has been a gift, and we look forward to continuing to build on the foundation of love and community that makes The Reserve so special.