A military community in the heart of Central Texas
Sitting between Austin and Waco, Killeen is known mainly for its military presence, as well as its affordability, diversity and burgeoning downtown district. The Bell County community is home to 162,000 people and Fort Cavazos, the largest active-duty military base of the U.S. Armed Forces. Killeen’s economy is dependent on the base, and it’s the city’s biggest employer, with over 35,000 soldiers. It contributed nearly $40 billion to Texas’ economy in 2023. “The base is pretty much the only major employer in the area,” says Marilyn Joyce, a Realtor at The Agents Premiere Realty Group. “If you work for a big company and it’s not the base, you’re commuting to Austin or Waco.” Killeen Independent School District, military defense contractors and AdventHealth Central Texas are also employers in the area.
A revitalized historic district and diverse cuisine
The Killeen Downtown Historic District is the hub for shopping and dining activity. Since 2022, the district of mom-and-pops has experienced revitalization, with Killeen investing $1 million of American Rescue Plan Act grants into renovations. Between 2023 and 2024, over 60 new businesses opened, creating more than 200 jobs, as part of the Killeen 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The weekly farmers market also attracts thousands. Because of its proximity to the military base, Killeen is extremely diverse, reflected in its eclectic dining scene. Taco shops are sprinkled across town, like Taqueria Mexico Restaurant and La Garita, home of Killeen’s biggest burrito. Barbecue joints like Petty’s BBQ and Korean spots like KPOT Korean BBQ also dominate its culinary landscape. Killeen Mall is one of two regional shopping malls in Bell County, with over 90 stores. The city’s military presence is woven throughout its culture, from historic landmarks to attractions. The National Mounted Warrior Museum highlights U.S. Army mounted warriors, from horse-riding to combat vehicles. Killeen has one of Texas’ few planetariums. The Mayborn Science Theater, on Central Texas College’s campus, features a 60-foot dome and educational shows. Central Texas Theater is a popular spot to catch plays and musicals year-round.
One of the most affordable cities in America
U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks the city among the most affordable in America. Killeen’s median home sale price is around $244,000, lower than the national median. “This area is super attractive to people because it caters to many budgets, and they can get more for their dollar,” says Tisha Holder, a Realtor for Prolific Realty. The city is primarily made up of established neighborhoods with older, traditional single-family homes. Newer construction is mainly in the city’s southern half, where homes are pricier. Single-family dwellings, apartments and condos are also available for rent. The median rental price is $1,250.
Variety of housing styles in Killeen/Fort Cavazos.
Killeen/Fort Cavazos offers diverse housing choices.
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Surrounded by two lakes that are hubs for recreation
Rolling hills, lakes and dense forests surround Killeen and the city operates over 20 parks. Lions Club Park is a hub for community events and recreation. It has over 15 sports fields and courts, a senior center and a family recreation complex with a waterpark. Three public golf courses are in the area, including Stonetree Golf Club, an 18-hole course with 30 annual tournaments. Killeen sits between two large lakes that are hotspots for recreation year-round. To the north, Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area is popular for boating and wakeboarding. It also includes watersides, trails, a marina and a beach. Stillhouse Hollow Lake sits south and is dotted with lakefront parks. It offers fishing, camping and the Dana Peak Mountain Bike and Equestrian Trails, which span 58 miles through rugged hills and terrain.
Enjoy a game of basketball or soccer at Lions Club Park's well-kept sports areas.
Lions Club Park offers family fun, sports facilities, and community events.
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Home to the 8th-best school district in Bell County
Killeen Independent School District serves the area; the B-rated district caters to over 43,000 students. Central Texas College has served the community since 1965, and the A-plus-rated Texas A&M University-Central Texas is also within the city.
Liberty Hill Middle School emphasizes academic excellence and community involvement.
Killeen Elementary School is committed to student success.
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A subtropical climate but high crime
Killeen experiences a subtropical humid climate. According to FBI reports, property crime rates are below state and national figures, but violent crime rates are higher. According to the Killeen Police Department, violent crimes were up 18% in 2023 from the year prior. Property crimes were also slightly up, a 2% increase for the same period. To combat this, Killeen has created a community engagement team within the police department that patrols downtown on foot and bicycle.
Rodeos, fireworks and football celebrations
The city hosts six bi-monthly events a year. Downtown’s fireworks display is the largest in Central Texas. The Celebrate Killeen Festival has been a tradition for over 40 years. Held in April, the three-day event is one of the city’s largest celebrations. Every May, the city celebrates Texas’ cowboy heritage with Rodeo Killeen. Held for over 75 years, it features bull riding and barrel racing. Sports fans kick off football season in September with the Touchdown in Downtown celebration.
This park in Killeen hosts local festivals, fostering a strong sense of community.
The Knights of Harker Heights have a winning team.
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Close to Downtown Temple; easy access to Austin
Interstate 14 and U.S. Highway 190 cut through Killeen’s northern half, and State Highway 195 cuts down its western edge. These routes provide access around the region. Killeen Regional Airport is 9 miles away and is a small commercial/military joint-use airport. It’s served by American Airlines, with flights to the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, 168 miles away. Downtown Temple is 25 miles east, and Austin is about 70 miles south. Hill County Transit District provides public transportation with eight routes.
Written By
Amy David
Photography Contributed By
Saeid Zare
Video By
Alex Finneran
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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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.
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On average, homes in Killeen, TX sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Killeen, TX over the last 12 months is $254,900, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
3.875% ASSUMABLE VA LOAN RATE AVAILABLE! Stop searching and start saving with this incredible financial opportunity in desirable Yowell Ranch. Tucked into a quiet cul-de-sac on a rare, oversized lot with no back neighbors, this spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers unmatched privacy and peace. The sun-drenched open floor plan is anchored by a chef’s kitchen featuring upgraded granite
With fresh updates and new professional photos this home on Drystone Lane is ready to be shown. This is the kind of home that fits your life, not the other way around. This home offers two living areas, two dining spaces, and a versatile flex room that works as an office or other useful space. The remodeled kitchen is open, functional, and ready for everyday living, while the updated primary
Welcome to 6003 Flag Stone Drive, Killeen, Texas! This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-family home offers 2,100 sq. ft. of living space on a 0.27-acre lot, featuring fresh interior paint and new carpet throughout for a move-in-ready feel. The open layout includes a spacious living area, a bright kitchen with ample cabinetry, and a fenced backyard perfect for outdoor enjoyment. The primary suite
Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in a great location! The inviting living room features a cozy fireplace and flows into an eat-in kitchen perfect for everyday living. The owner’s suite offers a dual vanity, separate shower & tub combo, his/her walk-in closets. Enjoy Additional Living Space—ideal for a game room, home office, or family room. The backyard is perfect for entertaining with a fire pit.
Welcome home to this beautiful two-story in White Rock Estates, Killeen! Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and 2,638 sq ft, this spacious home is perfect for family living and entertaining. One bedroom and full bath downstairs for guests or a home office, an owner’s suite upstairs for extra space and comfort.The open kitchen boasts an island with breakfast bar, double ovens, stainless steel
Welcome to Mesa Verde Estates in Killeen, Texas! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home spans 1,335 square feet and is designed for comfort and functionality. The kitchen features a central island with an eat-in option and flows seamlessly into the open dining and living areas, making it perfect for entertaining or casual family gatherings. The primary bedroom is privately located just off the
Recently updated with new paint, flooring, and appliances. Very cute unit with a closet for a washer and dryer. Nice kitchen with a pantry. located by only one other 4-plex unit. Easy access to hwys, Fort Hood, shopping and schools.
Move-in ready 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located in the desirable Timber Ridge Estates neighborhood of Killeen, TX 76542. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac New flooring throughout Recently refreshed interior Spacious living area Well-sized bedrooms Open kitchen design for daily use Section 8 Vouchers Accepted Convenient access to I-14 Close to Rosewood, Seton Hospital, Sam's Club, Walmart, grocery
AVAILABLE NOW. This well-kept 3-bedroom, 2-bath duplex in Killeen offers a convenient location, and move-in-ready condition. Located just minutes from Fort Hood’s Clear Creek Gate, Central Texas College, Advent Hospital, shopping, dining, and schools, this home is a great option for those seeking space and accessibility. 3 bedrooms with great room sizes 2 full bathrooms Open-concept living and
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