Elmendorf's housing is defined by space and its rural setting. The city offers a mix of modest older homes in its original blocks and newer single-family houses on larger lots, with manufactured homes and rural acreage common in the surrounding area. Buyers here typically find more land for the money than in San Antonio's inner suburbs, and the market favors single-family detached homes and country properties over dense development. The area's affordability and proximity to San Antonio make it a practical choice for first-time buyers and households seeking elbow room.

Life in Elmendorf is quiet and country-paced. The town's small scale means neighbors know one another, and daily routines revolve around school, church, and family rather than urban amenities. The surrounding farmland and ranch country set the backdrop, and outdoor pursuits such as fishing, hunting, and riding are part of the local way of life. San Antonio's restaurants, entertainment, and culture are a short drive away, giving residents a rural home base with city access when they want it.

Elmendorf is served by East Central Independent School District, which covers the eastern-central portion of Bexar County and includes the city within its boundaries. The district operates elementary, middle, and high school campuses that draw students from Elmendorf, China Grove, St. Hedwig, and surrounding southeast Bexar communities. As one of the area's larger suburban districts, East Central ISD offers a full range of academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs.

Elmendorf sits along Farm Road 327 and near U.S. Highway 181, the principal route connecting the area to downtown San Antonio about 17 miles to the northwest. This position gives residents a relatively direct commute to the city's south side and, via the broader highway network, to other parts of the metro. The area is car-dependent, and the former Southern Pacific rail line that once anchored the town's economy now carries freight rather than passengers.

Recreation in Elmendorf is largely rural and outdoor. The surrounding countryside offers fishing in area lakes and rivers, hunting on private land, and horseback riding, and the region's parks and green spaces serve everyday needs. The city's proximity to San Antonio places the metro's extensive park system, the River Walk, and other regional attractions within a short drive, giving residents a country setting without sacrificing access to urban amenities.