Heading to Fort Sam Houston for Masters of Social Work. Any off-post housing areas I should check out or stay away from?

I live in San Antonio now. Where you should live is dependent on where you work (on base at Ft Sam or elsewhere?) and what kind of home you're looking for (Apartment, house, buy/rent?). A lot of people like to live in or near the Stone Oak area because of the nice neighborhoods and good schools. That said, traffic can be a bitch as you will eventually discover for 281. Still, if you're working on or near Ft Sam, I would consider that area. I've lived here fore about 9 years (military brought me here twice) and I've had my home built, but the location I live is pretty steep for prices. Still nearby are the multitude of really nice looking apartments if you're interested in that, all near the UTSA campus. I recommend that location to all the newer Air Force (O-1 thru 3/E5+) single or young families (no kids) coming here for cyber ops.

Congratulations on "Mastering" your career field! This may be your lucky day! I'm retired in San Antonio - lived here for nearly 30 years AND I'm a REALTOR. A conversation about your living/housing needs and wants will certainly be worth your while. (No worries - there's never a fee for what I do when it comes to helping military buyers/renters)

I wouldn't live in Converse; too much traffic.
Most of the growth is north of 1604 loop near 35 and 281.