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
Jack Smith,
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 $310,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to our Parker floorplan at the Village at Nolan Heights community in Harker Heights, Texas. With approximately 2,442 sq. ft., you’ll have the perfect amount of space in this 3-4 bedroom, 3 bath layout. Park your car or store your belongings in the attached 3-car garage.When you walk in the door, you’ll have access to a secondary bedroom with a spacious walk-in closet that can be opted
Welcome to this spacious and light-filled 3-bedroom, 2-bath home featuring 1,895 sq ft of comfortable living space on a generous 0.242-acre lot. Vaulted ceilings with skylights create an airy, open feel, while two distinct dining areas provide flexibility for both formal gatherings and everyday meals. The updated kitchen boasts newer cabinets, tile countertops, and tile flooring that flows
Welcome to a home that truly feels like home the moment you step inside. This beautifully maintained 3-bed, 2.5-bath property features a unique and highly functional floor plan that’s perfect for everyday living and easy entertaining.The main bedroom is conveniently located downstairs, offering comfort and privacy, while two additional bedrooms and a full bath sit upstairs—alongside the
Welcome to 110 Harvest Loop—this 2,097 sq ft home offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a versatile layout perfect for comfortable living and entertaining. Ideally located near Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), parks, shopping, and Stillhouse Hollow Lake, this home combines convenience with charm. Step into a bright open floor plan featuring a cozy corner fireplace and seamless flow between the
Don't miss this very unique property that is only a ten minute walk to Still House Hollow Lake and Dana Peak Park in a quiet neighborhood. This home is located in a culdesac in one of 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
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained residence where thoughtful design meets comfortable living. Step through the elegant entryway into an open-concept layout featuring a spacious living room with a stone fireplace, tray ceilings, and natural light that flows seamlessly into the kitchen and breakfast nook. The kitchen is the heart of the home, offering granite countertops, custom
Welcome to a delightful residence that blends comfort and convenience in the heart of Harker Heights. This single-story house features three inviting bedrooms and two well-appointed bathrooms across 1,341 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, offering just the right measure of spaciousness and coziness—kind of like that perfect cup of coffee you start every day with. Step outside to
** Currently offering TWO WEEKS FREE with immediate move in through December 31st! ** 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
Tucked within a peaceful cul-de-sac in Harker Heights, this beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,800 square feet of thoughtfully appointed living space. With a layout that favors both comfort and functionality, each room welcomes an abundance of natural light, creating a relaxing atmosphere to complement modern living. Move outside into a spacious backyard, fully fenced to
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