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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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?
Reach out to
Courtney Shelly,
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 Killeen, TX sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Killeen, TX over the last 12 months is $259,345, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
New Townhome Construction by BFF Construction LLC — Now Selling in Killeen! Be part of Killeen’s newest townhome community! This modern 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhome offers stylish design, contemporary amenities, and energy-efficient features. Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, the open-concept layout welcomes you with a stunning electric fireplace and seamless sight lines into the
New Townhome Construction by BFF Construction LLC — Now Selling in Killeen! Be part of Killeen’s newest townhome community! This modern 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhome offers stylish design, contemporary amenities, and energy-efficient features. Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, the open-concept layout welcomes you with a stunning electric fireplace and seamless sight lines into the
Brand New Construction | Modern Townhome Living in Killeen! Be among the first to own in this exciting new townhome community featuring 30 thoughtfully designed, modern residences. This upscale 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhome introduces a fresh product to the Killeen market, offering stylish design, energy efficiency, and a prime location. This home features spray foam insulation for improved
**Fall in Love with Modern Living in the Heart of Grover Park**Tucked away just off Clear Creek Road in the vibrant Grover Park Community, this contemporary stunner is the kind of home that captures your heart the moment you step inside. Thoughtfully designed and beautifully finished, this four-bedroom, two-bath gem blends comfort, style, and functionality in all the right ways. The
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 to this inviting two story home offering over 2800 square feet of well designed living space, perfect for growing families or anyone looking for extra room. The open floor plan provides everyday comfort and functionality, with 5 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms + 1/2 bathroom. You'll love the open layout high ceilings, and plenty of natural light. The kitchen is open to the family room, plenty
Welcome to 2502 Coach Dr—where comfort, space, and value come together! This beautifully maintained home offers a functional layout perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Step inside to find spacious living areas filled with natural light, complemented by updated finishes and a warm, inviting feel.The kitchen provides ample cabinet and counter space, making meal prep a breeze, while
Don’t miss this charming 3-bedroom, 2 bath brick home, offering comfort, convenience, and location all in one package. It needs some TLC but ideal for anyone looking for a well maintained home, great for homebuyers, or investors. Featuring a cozy, covered front porch, a spacious fenced backyard, and an attached two car garage. Inside, you’ll find a functional layout, a bright living area that
RENTAL INCOME $3263 A MONTH! GREAT CASH FLOW! Updated and renovated four-unit property, with each unit offering 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, thoughtfully redesigned with upscale, modern finishes throughout. Interiors feature sleek marble-faced electric fireplaces with blowers, creating a stylish and comfortable living space. The bathrooms are impressively upgraded with lighted anti-fog mirrors,
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
Welcome to this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offering comfort, character, and plenty of room to spread out. Inside, you’ll find two inviting living areas, including one with a beautiful brick fireplace that creates the perfect cozy gathering spot. The home also features two dining areas, ideal for both everyday meals and entertaining guests. The kitchen is a standout with granite countertops,
4-bedroom home under $220K with nearly 1,800 sq ft near Fort Hood—offering space and value that’s hard to find in this price range. Step inside to a comfortable layout with a spacious living area, abundant natural light, and a seamless flow into the dining and kitchen spaces—ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen provides ample cabinetry and workspace while overlooking the
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home built in 2014, located in the heart of Killeen. Designed with comfort and style in mind, this home offers the perfect blend of modern features and functional living space. Step inside to discover warm wood flooring that flows throughout the main living areas, creating an inviting and elegant atmosphere. The spacious living room is
Price Improvement!!!! Like-New Construction | Taken Down to the Studs | No Carpet | Near Fort Hood Welcome to 2504 Hanson Rd — taken down to the studs with new sheetrock and rebuilt to offer the feel of a new home. Major components have already been replaced, including a new roof, updated electrical, new HVAC ductwork, and a new water heater—giving you the confidence of newer construction without
NEW WINDOWS • WATER SOFTENER • REVERSE OSMOSIS • WOOD-BURNING STOVE • SCREENED PORCH • STORAGE SHED Move-in ready with upgrades and outdoor living space you'll love! This well-maintained home at 4711 Jim Ave in Killeen features new energy-efficient windows, a whole-home water softener system, and a reverse osmosis filtration system at the kitchen sink, giving you cleaner water, improved
This is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, second floor apartment. This unit has been remodeled with fresh paint, new floors, and appliances to name a few. This unit offers comfort, style, and convenience, making it an ideal choice for families, professionals, or anyone seeking a pleasant living experience. This property does allow HUD, but does NOT allow Pets and Smoking. Roommates are allowed.
This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom with a 2-car garage features a fireplace, washer & dryer connections, an electric range, dishwasher and refrigerator. Pets welcomed. Approved pets require a paid $300 non-refundable fee per pet. Please contact JWC for more information.
New Roof & New HVAC Installed! Rent This Large 4 Beds 2 Baths Single Story House in Killeen, TX. Welcome To Make Yourself At Home. Minutes from Downtown Killeen & Fort Hood, this large house has just been updated with a New Roof, new flooring, new paint inside & out, all new bathroom hardware, and new appliances! There is a huge bedroom + Bonus Room with one full bath on the right side of the
This spacious FULLY FURNISHED 5-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home in Killeen offers a perfect blend functional living and entertaining space. With over 2,000 square feet, the interior features a thoughtful layout where ample-sized bedrooms surround a large, central living area ideal for both relaxation and entertaining. The kitchen is a chef’s delight featuring sleek granite countertops, an electric
This 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home is move-in ready. The layout of the home creates a manageable atmosphere that immediately feels like home. It's a space that is easy to love and even easier to maintain. Peaceful outdoor environment where birds chirp throughout the day. The home has natural light throughout.
Step into this beautifully remodeled apartment offering a refined blend of comfort and modern design. The stylish kitchen showcases granite countertops, stainless steel smart appliances, a built-in microwave, and a stunning backsplash that elevates everyday living. Unwind in the spa-inspired bathroom featuring sophisticated tile surround and a lighted mirror that adds a touch of luxury to your
Welcome home to this charming three-bedroom, two-bathroom gem nestled in the heart of a well-established Killeen neighborhood. With 1,522 square feet of comfortable living space, this home delivers the perfect blend of roominess and easy maintenance — because who really wants to spend their weekends mowing a football field? Inside, discover a thoughtfully designed layout that offers plenty of
Available NOW Killeen TX For Rent!!!. This recently updated 4 bedroom/2 bath has it all. It features a cozy fireplace, butcher block counter tops, new luxury vinyl plank floors, and new carpet in the bedrooms. This quiet and family oriented neighborhood has a winding walking trial that runs through the neighborhood, and backs up to the neighborhood schools. This home is a short commute to Ft.
AVAILABLE NOW!!! Spacious 4 bedroom/2 bath home in the Sunflower Estates neighborhood. This lovely home is close to all the action on Clear Creek. It is close to shopping, dining, medical facilities, the I-14 corridor, and a very short drive to Ft Hood's Clear Creek Gate. Call us to schedule a showing.
Lovely 2 bedroom townhome for rent near I-14. This cute townhome features 2 bedroom and 1.5 baths. With newer stainless steel appliances, a cozy patio perfect for hanging out. It is convenient to the highway for a short commute to Ft. Hood and points beyond. Call us to schedule your private showing.
This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home sits on a Corner Lot!! It has a spacious back yard with privacy fencing and covered patio. The home has tile flooring in the living and kitchen areas. Large formal dining area features beautiful wood laminate flooring. The kitchen has granite counter tops with a mosaic tile backsplash and has a large breakfast bar. The master bedroom has a large walk-in closet,
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
