Harker Heights is a suburban city just east of Killeen with a short commute to the U.S. Army’s Fort Cavazos, a major regional employer. But convenience to the base isn’t the only thing the city has to offer — there are plenty of local amenities, community parks and highly rated schools. “Although it’s technically a small city, Harker Heights has a small-town atmosphere and a much slower pace of life than other cities in central Texas,” says Realtor Tisha Holder of The Agents Premiere Realty Group who has worked in real estate in Central Texas for the past 6 years. Harker Heights is a fast-growing city. It’s home to just over 33,000 residents — nearly double what the city’s population was in 2000. Like much of the region, the city experiences hot, humid weather in the summer and mild weather in the winter months.
A steady real estate market
The median home price in Harker Heights is around $300,000, and the average home spends about 62 days on the market. Homes in the central and northern parts of the city are typically less expensive than those in the southern area, where subdivisions have been built along the shores of Stillhouse Hollow Lake and Dana Peak Park. “The area caters to many budgets because people can get more square footage for their dollar,” Holder says. The streetscape throughout the city has a recognizable Central Texas flare, with grass yards and patches of oak trees that have been slightly faded by the dry climate. Ranch-style and Mission Revival homes with white stucco and limestone exteriors are a common sight here.
West Belton's homes shine with unique colors and creative designs, setting them apart.
Modern new builds in Belton, Texas, just minutes from the downtown square.
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Getting around Harker Heights
Interstate 14 cuts through the center of Harker Heights, a major local highway that connects with Killeen, about 5 miles west of the city. It’s also the way to Fort Cavazos, which is about 10 miles away in the northern part of Killeen. The city is served by the Hill County Transit District, which operates regional bus lines known as The HOP. There are two fixed-route bus lines that run through Harker Heights. The nearest major city is Austin, about 71 miles south, while Fort Worth is about 143 miles to the north. The Killeen Regional Airport is a joint-use military and commercial airport about 15 miles away.
Shopping and dining close to home
Much of Harker Heights’ restaurants and shopping options are along the Central Texas Expressway, which has chain restaurants and retail options. One of the major shopping centers in the city is the Market Heights mall. This expansive shopping center has dozens of chain retailers and restaurants. For everything else, Killeen is just a few miles away and has plenty of shopping plazas and an indoor mall.
Beemarosa Vineyard & Winery, Belton's hidden gem for wine lovers.
Enjoy coffee at AR•U•SHA, a charming spot in downtown Belton.
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An abundance of green spaces and Belton Lake
Harker Heights has around 180 acres of green space around the city, mixed between neighborhood pocket parks and larger municipal parks. According to the Trust for Public Land, 57% of residents are within a 10 minute walk of a park. In addition to that, the city is about 13 miles from Belton Lake and 7 miles from Stillhouse Hollow Lake. Both lakes have several parks surrounding them, filled with walking trails and boat ramps for waterside activities.
Take the dogs for a walk through Yettie Polk Park in East Belton.
Stillhouse Park in Belton, Texas, offers a variety of outdoor recreational amenities.
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Local vendors and good food at the Harker Heights farmers market
Residents celebrate the holiday season during Frost Fest at Harker Heights Community Park, a local festival with vendors, live music and food trucks. When fall rolls around, Harker Heights hosts a weekly farmers market at city hall that’s lined with local vendors.
Friday night lights at Harker Heights High School
Students attend schools in the Killeen Independent School District, which holds a B rating from Niche. The district spans several central Texas cities, with over 44,000 students in six high schools, 12 middle schools and 31 elementary schools. At Harker Heights High School, a 6A school, football is king. Everyone shows up to cheer on the Knights under the Friday night lights.
Nolan Middle is a public school located in Killeen, TX, which is in a mid-size city setting.
Harker Heights Elementary is a public elementary school within the Killeen I.S.D.
Students within Belton can play for sports teams at Belton High School.
Harker Heights High School is an above average, public school.
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Below-average crime rates
According to FBI stats, over the past five years, Harker Heights has reported violent and property crime rates well below the state and national averages. Despite having a lower crime rate, the police department reported an increase in property crimes and a lower number of violent crimes from 2023 to 2022.
Written By
Robert Breckenridge
Photography Contributed By
Leigh Christian
Video By
Dan Mack
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andrea Thompson,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Harker Heights, TX sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Harker Heights, TX over the last 12 months is $315,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Fall in love with this beautifully updated 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom ranch-style retreat, designed with both comfort and country living in mind. Perfect for horse lovers and hobby farmers, this spacious home and thoughtfully designed property offer the ideal blend of function and luxury. Inside, enjoy two spacious living areas and two dining areas. The upgraded kitchen features elegant quartz
Brand new features from top to bottom without the new construction wait, and offering $5,000 towards buyer closing costs! This fully renovated 4 bedroom home offers over 1,800 square feet of move-in-ready living in an established neighborhood. Enjoy a brand new roof, new HVAC system, upgraded electrical service, and brand new windows- all completed in November 2025. The stunning kitchen features
Lauren GirardVista Real Estate Group-Compass RE Texas, LLC
Set on a generous corner lot, this home immediately stands out for the space it offers—both inside and out. The extra breathing room creates a yard that truly feels usable, perfect for gatherings, play, or simply enjoying evenings around the built-in firepit under the stars.The location is hard to beat. The elementary and middle schools are just three blocks away, while Harker Heights High
REDUCED FOR A QUICK SALE! Let's make a deal!! Harker Heights best kept secrets, Broken Arrow Estates. Secluded but close to the city. Located just off Stillhouse lake road you can go south to Salado/Austin or north to town with quick access to I-14. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings sitting in the front courtyard or back porch and watch the deer playing together. This retro home has a spacious
Move-in ready and beautifully refreshed, 2121 Grizzly Trail welcomes you home to the highly sought-after Country Trails community in Harker Heights. Step inside to discover this one owner, immaculately maintained home with newly updated laminate and carpet flooring, fresh interior paint, and a bright, comfortable feel throughout. The kitchen shines with brand-new stainless steel appliances,
Nestled in the desirable Cedarbrook Estates, this home offers an exceptional blend of comfort, space, and style. Step inside to an inviting foyer that sets the tone for the thoughtfully designed interior. The home features 3 generously sized bedrooms and 2.5 baths, providing plenty of room to live and grow. The heart of the home is the expansive kitchen, complete with quartz countertops, a double
Step into a home that blends comfort, convenience, and style just in time for the holidays. This spacious 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath, 2-story home features a main-floor primary suite with a separate shower, tub, double vanity, and walk-in closets—your private retreat after a long day.The open kitchen with granite countertops, a large island, stainless steel appliances, and double ovens makes
This lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is just waiting for a family to call it home. The property has wood floors throughout, has an eat in kitchen and wood burning fireplace. The master bedroom has a plant ledge, double vanities in the master bathroom and two walk-in closets. The property also has a deck out back with an in-ground pool (tenants are responsible for service contract with a
Beautifully refreshed 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is located in the highly sought-after Evergreen Estates subdivision in Harker Heights. From the moment you arrive, the stone and brick exterior, mature landscaping, and inviting curb appeal make a great first impression. The front entry opens into a spacious living area centered around a cozy wood-burning fireplace, perfect for quiet evenings at home
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