Why Would You Want to Live In…. Aviation Heights, Schertz?

The neighborhood of Aviation Heights is one of Schertz's oldest developments.  While the land was acquired during the 1920's, the homes that now occupy Aviation Heights weren't built until the mid-20th century.  Like Schertz, the history of this neighborhood has quite a story! 

The City of Schertz originated when Joseph and Anna Schertz came by ship from Alsace Lorraine, France, along with six of their ten children in 1843. Through the years, the Schertz family involved themselves in the development of the area, building the first cotton gin in the area in 1870, then building the first water supply plant, and also providing power with Schertz Electric Company. A Schertz family member owned and operated a general store, served as postmaster in the late 1890s and early 1900s, donated land for a train depot, and owned one of the largest privately-owned telephone companies in the country.

Walter J. Schertz, son of Adolph Schertz, was a partner in the Schertz family’s cotton gin and grain companies as well as the family farming operation. He endeavored to start a land development project named “Aviation Heights” in 1928, which would offer much needed housing for military members stationed at Randolph Air Force Base. Complications and lack of funding caused this venture to fold.

When Walter J. passed away in 1940, his son Walter A. soon took up the reins. After his discharge from the U.S. Army in 1946, Walter A. set out to bring additional water sources into Schertz, which required obtaining Federal funding. The need for water stood in the way of bringing Aviation Heights into being.

When water was finally secured, Walter and his attorney went to Washington to plead their case to have FHA/VA funding to be extended to the Schertz Area. When approval was in place, building began in the 1950s and ended in the early 1960s.

Aviation Heights is composed of well-maintained homes on tree-lined streets. Mid-century in design, homes vary in size from close to 1,300 feet to 1,900 feet on generous-sized lots, many as large as 1/3 acre in size. The majority of the homes are three bedrooms, one bath, and prices range from $65,000 to just over $150,000. Popular due to its close proximity to Randolph Air Force Base, these homes are ideal as a starter home for a young family or retirees looking to downsize.

Plenty of shopping is available nearby. There are also many restaurants, both fast food and those catering to the more sophisticated diner.

Parks provide playgrounds, programs, and picnic areas for families of Aviation Heights.

• Universal City Veteran’s Park – an 8-acre park with many mature trees and a scenic view along the Cibolo Creek.
• Pickrell Park – offers playgrounds, a pool, and 4^th of July fireworks.
• Thulemeyer Park – pavilions offer covered picnic areas; playgrounds and a pool are also available.

Children living in Aviation Park attend schools within the acclaimed Schertz- Cibolo- Universal City ISD. Actual school assignment is determined by the resident address, as well as enrollment numbers. Some of the schools serving Aviation Heights are:

• Rose Garden Elementary School
• Randolph Elementary School
• Schertz Elementary School
• Laura Ingalls Wilder Intermediate School
• Ray D. Corbett Junior High School
• Samuel Clemens High School

Many people who make their home in Aviation Heights are high school graduates, and many are married with families. Aviation Heights also has residents between the ages of 50 and 60, many of whom are retired military. Residents work in the Schertz/Cibola area, downtown San Antonio (only a thirty minute drive away), and Randolph Air Force Base (eight minutes away).

The large lots and attractive streets of well maintained, reasonably prices, modest homes makes Aviation Heights a popular neighborhood in the RAFB area and listed homes usually sell quickly.

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