My house isn't in the best location for daily commutes to Randolph, but I love my location. I live in the North-West side of San Antonio. If you look off of the 1604 loop, where it meets Hwy 151 near Sea World, that is my area of town. Very nice, and very convenient to just about anything I want.
The North-East side would be a much easier commute to Randolph for you, but I don't know much about that side of town. My client (a Air Force Major who works on Lackland) lives out in Schertz, which is very near Randolph. He originally moved there because he was stationed at Randolph, and now that he is restationed at Lackland, he has quite a commute every day. I'll see him on Monday and ask what areas he recommends / doesn't recommend. If you could please send me an IM on Monday morning, it will jog my memory to ask him about it.
I think you are going to really like San Antonio, but I am very biased. I love living here. I lived in Norfolk VA for most of my 21 year Navy career, and followed my wife down to San Antonio due to a job promotion that she was up for last year. Best move I ever made.
Choke Canyon has become my favorite place to fish around here, but there are several choices that are local. You're moving into some great bass fishing areas.
Welcome to TX!
All the best,
Glenn