Copperas Cove, lovingly called “Cove” by locals, has seen a lot of growth since its rural beginnings, serving as a welcome place for military personnel to grow roots. The Cove’s location next to the Army base Fort Cavazos, formerly Fort Hood, has aided in the city’s growth, as many military personnel and their families reside in this city of about 38,000. Copperas Cove started out as a stagecoach town in the 1870s before becoming a railroad community in the 1880s and, after the 1940s, a rapidly growing city accommodating soldiers and families who moved into the area as Fort Hood expanded. To this date, Fort Cavazos is still by far the largest employer in the city. “It’s a combination, I’d say. Fort Cavazos brings people here, but then they like the area, so they stay. There’s a lot of retirees here or maybe worked at Fort Cavazos in the past, and once they retire, they’ll end up back here because it’s a great place to live,” says Jack Smith, a lifelong resident of Copperas Cove and associate broker with Donlie McMullin Realty.
Known as "The Great Place," Fort Cavasos was originally founded as Fort Hood.
Copperas Cove still has a very active train culture.
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Midcentury ranch homes and new builds
Many of Copperas Cove’s older ranch-style homes date to the 1950s, having been built as affordable housing for GIs based at Fort Hood. However, the base’s continued expansion saw Cove respond with its own proliferation, with new suburban developments being built to house personnel and veterans from Fort Cavazos. In addition to ranch-style homes mostly selling for between $70,000 and $200,000, Cove’s housing market also includes newer townhouses, brand-new modern farmhouses and new traditional houses fetching prices as high as $760,000. “There’s a lot of new subdivisions, so there’s a lot of choices. There’s starter homes, luxury homes and acreage lots right outside of town,” Smith says. However, Cove’s median home price of $254,000 is below the state average of around $360,000, adding to this city’s continued appeal as a prime destination for military families to permanently settle down.
Mid century ranchers are a common site in Copperas Cove.
Well shaded yards are a popular site with Copperas Cove homes.
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Carnival rides and live entertainment at Rabbit Fest
Every May, Copperas Cove hosts “Rabbit Fest,” which originated as a rabbit show and transformed into a four-day arts and crafts festival featuring a carnival, parade and chili cook-off. Every October, residents can relive Texan history at the Ogletree Gap Heritage Festival, with Civil War reenactments taking place at the Ogletree Gap Preserve and a petting zoo and pony rides offering family-friendly entertainment. The holiday season sees Cove set up a Krist Kindl Markt, a German-inspired, open-air Christmas market that spreads holiday cheer through live music and nighttime parades.
Copperas Cove is known for the Rabbit Fest as well as a viewing site for the 2024 eclipse.
Ogletree Gap Park in Copperas Cove hosts many of the city's events throughout the year.
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Hiking trails at Ogletree Gap Preserve
Cove’s most notable outdoor space is the Ogletree Gap Preserve, not only due to this site’s importance to the city’s history but also because of its hilly hiking trails and community events. The preserve is the site of Copperas Cove’s first post office, founded in 1879, and Civil War reenactments are held at this park every October. Locals also make use of this park for dog walking and hiking. Most of the city’s municipal parks are a short drive away for residents. Folks looking to spend their day golfing can book a tee time at Hills of Cove Golf Course, a public 18-hole course owned by the city.
Ogletree Gap Park hosts miles of hiking and biking trails in Copperas Cove.
The Hills of Cove Golf Course is an 18 hole course that is owned and maintained by the city.
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Highway 190 has most of the Cove's restaurants and shops
Much of the Cove’s restaurants and shops are along or around Highway 190. Though most of the options are fast food, there are some local sit-down restaurants like Toa’s Ohana Hawaiian Restaurant or Mexican fare at El Corral. Proximity to Interstate 14 means residents are an 11-mile drive from the shopping and dining options in Killeen.
The Cactus Cove Motel welcomes visitors to pull in off of HWY 190 in Copperas Cove.
Stop in to Cream Pies and Fries in Copperas Cove for a traditional Diner experience.
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Copperas Cove Independent School District
The Copperas Cove Independent School District receives a B-minus rating from Niche and recognition as the 11th-most diverse school district in Texas. Copperas Cove High School sports a similar Niche rating and offers a diverse array of extracurriculars, including athletics programs from football and basketball to power-lifting and dance. Copperas Cove’s athletics program has produced a half-dozen professional football players, including Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III, while R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe was one of many “military brats” to pass through Cove High’s halls.
The Cove Dawgs play out of the stadium at the Copperas Cove Jr. High School.
A full stadium offers sports Copperexcitement for fans in Copperas Cove.
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Easy access to Austin
Copperas Cove sits adjacent to Fort Cavazos, which sits within a 12-mile drive from the heart of the city. Austin-bound travelers can access the state capital within a 68-mile drive down Highway 183 or Interstate 35. “It’s situated near the middle of Austin and Waco, and it’s less than an hour to both,” Smith says. The Hill Country Transit District operates the “HOP” public transit system, connecting Copperas Cove with Killeen, Temple and several other Hill Country communities on Austin’s outskirts.
The Cove has a lower crime rate than the national average
Like most central Texas cities, Copperas Cove sees humid and hot summers and mild winters. The city also sees a fair amount of rain throughout the year.
In 2023, Copperas Cove reported a lower property crime rate than the state and US average but had a higher violent crime rate, according to FBI crime statistics. However, the Copperas Cove Police Department has reported a decrease in overall crime from 2022 to 2023. The Copperas Cove Police Department operates a Crime Stoppers page to allow community members to report crimes, while the department also engages in community outreach efforts such as “Cone with a Cop” at local ice cream shops.
Written By
Robert Breckenridge
Photography Contributed By
Christopher Saint Germain
Video By
Kyle Keyes
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On average, homes in Copperas Cove, TX sell after 346 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Copperas Cove, TX over the last 12 months is $597,500.
Now on the market, this Copperas Cove charmer puts you minutes from West Fort Hood and the Clear Creek Gate. Enjoy small-town living with quick SH-9 access to H-E-B, Walmart Supercenter, the movie theater, and more. Inside, polished concrete floors and an open-concept living, kitchen, and dining area make everyday life a breeze. The three-bedroom, two-bath layout includes a spacious primary suite
Set on 10.01 picturesque acres, this stunning newly built barndominium seamlessly blends luxury living with peaceful country charm. Completed in 2024, this beautifully designed home offers 1,836 square feet of thoughtfully crafted living space featuring 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and an additional half bath. Inside, you’ll find upscale finishes and modern conveniences throughout,
Welcome to 1602 Pleasant Ln, a home that boasts a brand new roof, ensuring durability and peace of mind for years to come. The kitchen is a chef's dream, equipped with all stainless steel appliances that add a modern touch to the space. Step outside to enjoy the patio, perfect for entertaining or simply relaxing on a sunny afternoon. The property also features a fenced-in backyard, providing
Beautifully remodeled home conveniently located near Fort Hood and major shopping areas! Interior updates include brand-new flooring throughout, featuring durable vinyl plank flooring in the main areas and plush carpet in the bedrooms. The kitchen shines with all-new appliances, including a stove, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator. Updated handles and hardware add a modern touch throughout
Beautiful 3-Bedroom Home on Nearly an Acre with Pool Situated on a desirable .95-acre corner lot, this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence offers 1,982 square feet of comfortable living space with multiple indoor and outdoor amenities. The home features: • Multiple living and dining areas, ideal for entertaining and everyday living• A spacious family room with a fireplace for a
Spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home with approximately 2,107 sq ft located on a corner lot in a cul-de-sac with elevated views and a layout designed for both comfort and privacy. The upstairs primary suite is tucked away on its own level and features a private balcony, fireplace, large bathroom, and walk-in closet space, creating a true retreat separate from the secondary bedrooms downstairs. The
Welcome home to this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bath residence offering 2,329 sq. ft. of well-designed living space on 0.88 acres in a quiet neighborhood just minutes from the bypass. Great area for commuters. Step inside to an inviting open floor plan with tile flooring throughout, high vaulted ceilings in the living room, and plenty of windows that fill the home with natural light. The kitchen is a
2x6 exterior walls, Hurricane framing, EXTRA energy efficient. This beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 2,070 square feet of spacious, comfortable living—perfectly located just minutes from the bypass for easy access to shopping, dining, and schools. Step into the heart of the home: a bright, open kitchen featuring a large sit-up island, electric cooktop, included refrigerator,
Tucked at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in Copperas Cove, just a heartbeat—three minutes, to be exact—from SC Lee Junior High, 1261 Jester Court isn’t just a home. It’s the beginning of a love story. Built in 2020 but already full of soul, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath retreat wraps you in 2,058 square feet of soft light, open spaces, and the kind of quiet that makes you exhale. From the moment you
Nestled on five private, tree-covered acres at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this extraordinary Copperas Cove estate offers the ultimate blend of luxury, space, and versatility. Accessed by a private road with a gated entrance, the property welcomes you with a circular drive, expansive carport, and a true sense of arrival. Spanning approximately 7,800 square feet, the main residence features 5
Now on the market, this Copperas Cove charmer puts you minutes from West Fort Hood and the Clear Creek Gate. Enjoy small-town living with quick SH-9 access to H-E-B, Walmart Supercenter, the movie theater, and more. Inside, polished concrete floors and an open-concept living, kitchen, and dining area make everyday life a breeze. The three-bedroom, two-bath layout includes a spacious primary suite
Welcome to this beautifully updated 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in the heart of Copperas Cove. Bright, inviting and thoughtfully refreshed, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality and value for first-time future homeowners or investors looking to expand their portfolio. Inside, you’ll find updated finishes, a light and airy feel, and a layout designed for everyday living. The
Welcome to 704 S 3rd Street, a beautifully remodeled home located less than half a mile from historic downtown Copperas Cove. Enjoy the convenience of being within walking distance to local restaurants, shops, and the movie theater, all while living in a city known for its strong sense of community and quick access to Fort Cavazos, Killeen, and the greater Central Texas area. From the moment you
Welcome to this spacious 2,063 square foot home offering the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and wide-open space, all set on 2.5 unrestricted acres. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence features high ceilings, ceiling fans, and an open-concept layout that flows seamlessly into multiple dining areas, including a formal dining room and a breakfast bar ideal for casual meals. The kitchen is
2 bedroom duplex in Copperas Cove has freshly renewed interior and is done wonderfully. The floors are all hard flooring. No more carpet to worry about. Bright and welcoming and a terrific price. Convenient to Fort Hood, shopping, restaurants and more. You will want to call this place home! No pets allowed. Owner is TEXAS REALTOR. Programs Available:Flex Rent -- Split your rent into smaller
Step into a world where comfort and contemporary design coexist. Clear Creek Meadow Apartments offers residents a peaceful retreat with an inviting community feel, ideal for those seeking both convenience and a place to truly call home. Explore all the perks we offer and see what makes us stand out from other apartments in Copperas Cove!
Willow Creek Apartment Homes feature spacious floorplans with one and two bedroom apartments and two bedroom townhomes available. Our beautiful community features a beautiful landscaping and a large tranquil duck pond with beloved seasonal residents. Your new apartment home is located far enough away to leave work behind, yet still convenient with close proximity to Fort Hood, shopping, dining
We are a small company who has been serving the Copperas Cove and Gatesville areas for over sixty years. We own and operate all apartments and have an in-house maintenance staff. For this reason, we are able to provide affordable well-maintained apartments.******Stop by our leasing office at 208 N Main St, Copperas Cove, TX 76522 Apartment 3B!******
UNIT 47 - Very nice upper level apartment with wood look flooring throughout. Updated bathroom. Desk nook in hallway. Tenant pays water of $50.00 per month. Sorry no pets. Lawn care included. ***TWO WEEKS FREE*** Deposit $675.00.
Welcome to Oasis Apartments! Experience our Newly Renovated property that sits near the heart of Copperas Cove, TX. Our office staff is dedicated to ensuring a comfortable and exciting living experience! Come in and feel right at home at Oasis Apartments today!Thank you for inquiring about Oasis apartments. The application process has an application fee of $35 per adult PLUS an
Check the extras in this impressive residence! Daily ablutions become actual luxury with the garden tub. The fireplace provides a wonderful focal point for the room's decor as well as a great gathering place. Dining al fresco is just one of the many possibilities using the delightful covered patio. Also offering: Solar power. A thrilling discovery geared to comfortable living and enjoyment.
Property Id: 785355Rent: $675Deposit: $675Pet Fee $350 non-refundable (Must be approved before hand)Requirements: Income 3 x the rent, acceptable credit and background, no evictions. If the posting is still up, then the listing is still available. If interested, please send a message answering the following questions:1. Your requested move in time
Property Id: 2513791Located nearby downtown Copperas Cove. This quiet and peaceful area is nearby local eateries, shopping, and by the city park. This downstairs unit has the major appliances available. Pets allowed upon owner approval and with additional fees per pet. Must view prior to applying. Security Deposit: $575Rent: $575Pet Fee per pet: $350
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