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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Copperas Cove, TX sell after 460 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Copperas Cove, TX over the last 12 months is $597,500.
All bedrooms on the main floor, a stunning waterfall pool, and over an acre of mature oak trees make this one-of-a-kind property a rare find. Nestled on 1.09 acres, this four-sides brick home offers over 3,200 square feet with room to spread out, entertain, and enjoy peaceful country-style living while remaining close to everyday conveniences. The main level features all four bedrooms, two living
Welcome home to this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence offering a functional layout and stylish finishes throughout. Luxury vinyl plank flooring flows through the main living areas, while the bedrooms feature comfortable carpet. The kitchen is equipped with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a spacious pantry, reverse osmosis water filtration system, and ample cabinet space,
SPECIAL OFFER: Builder offering a 2-1 Buy-down making the interest rate 2 points lower on the first year, 1 point lower on the second year in order to LOWER PAYMENTS. FREEE REFINANCE with Preferred Lender when those rates go down! :-) This ELEGANT custom home by MANNING HOMES sits atop a scenic hill, offering breathtaking views. This GORGEOUS 2838 square foot home sits on almost a 1/2 ACRE!!! It
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and quality craftsmanship in this beautifully maintained, custom-built all-brick home offering approximately 2,215 square feet. Ideally positioned along the 3rd fairway of the Hills of Cove golf course, this property showcases thoughtful design, functional space, and inviting outdoor living.This home features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, including a
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
Gated Entry 1.8 Acres in Copperas Cove • 30x40 Insulated Shop • City Water Rare opportunity to own 1.8 acres with privacy, functionality, and convenience — all just minutes from town in Kempner or Copperas Cove TX. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers approximately 1,650 sq ft, a 2-car garage, and a nicely updated kitchen with modern finishes and great flow for everyday living to include a large
This new construction offers 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, anchored by a standout owner’s suite featuring dual vanities, a walk-in shower, and a thoughtfully designed layout built for comfort and functionality. The open-concept living space is both stylish and practical, featuring stained concrete floors, recessed lighting, and tray ceilings that add architectural depth and character.
2x6 exterior walls, Hurricane framing, SUPER energy efficient. Brand New 4/2/2100 home in The Village at Walker Place. This home comes with many upgrades to include High high-efficiency heat pump, open cell spray foam insulation system, upgraded energy efficient windows, whole house dehumidification system, upgraded quartz countertops, large decked, lighted and conditioned attic for storage,
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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
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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
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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
Discover an exceptional renting opportunity in this inviting single-family home, perfectly suited for those seeking comfort and convenience in Copperas Cove. This residence offers a remarkable blend of practical features and a welcoming atmosphere, ready to enhance your daily life. Step inside to find 3 bedrooms and 2 baths spread across 1,898 sq ft, offering ample space for flexible living.
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!
Welcome home to this beautiful, move-in-ready single-family residence, perfectly blending modern comfort with everyday functionality. Offering 1,500 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, this home features 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and an open layout that instantly welcomes you the moment you step through the front door. Designed for both relaxing and entertaining, the
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!******
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
**No showings until May 23rd.Discover luxury and comfort in this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with high-end finishes and thoughtfully designed spaces. Strategically located just minutes from Fort Hood, shopping, and dining, this home offers both convenience and elegance. **Ample storage with walk-in closets in every bedroom. **Screen-in porch for relaxing year-round. **Raised garden in backyard.
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
$100 OFF FIRST MONTH! Two bedroom one bath unit in great fourplex located in convenient location of Copperas Cove. Close to Fort Hood, restaurants, shopping, medical care and more. Washer & dryer connections. No pets allowed. Programs Available: Flex Rent -- Split your rent into smaller more manageable payments that fit your budget—and your life. OBLIGO -- Instead of paying your full deposit
Property Id: 2099410Welcome to this stunning unit located at 1335 Liberation Lane Unit B in Copperas Cove, TX. This fully furnished property boasts modern amenities including washer, dryer, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Enjoy the fenced yard, garage, and vaulted ceilings in this secure building. Pets allowed! Don't miss out on this gem!
Settle into a 2,054 sq ft single-family home for rent at 1904 Mike Dr., Copperas Cove, TX 76522, where hardwood floors, a brick exterior, and a fenced yard create a comfortable, low-fuss place to come home to. With 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, the layout gives you flexible space for work, guests, or hobbies while keeping daily routines simple. Hardwood flooring adds easy upkeep and a clean look, and
View 360° virtual tour: Welcome to this top floor 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment in Copperas Cove, Texas. This apartment features a mix of carpet and vinyl flooring. The kitchen has a dedicated dining space and includes a matching set of appliances, as well as a washer and dryer set. Additional features include a spacious balcony and lawn maintenance, access to the shared fenced-in back
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