Why residents like Rogers
A suburb of Temple, Rogers offers quiet, small-town surroundings near city amenities. This tight-knit town has well-regarded schools and family roots going back for multiple generations, so many neighbors know their neighbors. While amenities are few, there is no shortage of jobs, shopping and dining in Temple.
Affordable homes and a growing inventory
Prices are much lower than national numbers, with a median sale price of about $280,000, and comparable to nearby Little River Academy. Styles include manufactured properties, ranch-styles, bungalows, small acreage properties and new construction as the region grows. The growth is also driving appreciating values, according to Jimmy Ashby, a Realtor with Ashby Real Estate Group and a Bell County native of over 60 years. "A lot of people move here just because of the thriving industrial and medical areas. It's pushing growth and with growth, prices tend to go up."
School programs are comparable to larger districts
Rogers Independent School district serves the city, with one track from preschool through 12th grade. It offers athletic and extracurricular opportunities comparable to bigger districts, along with dual-credit classes at Temple College. Community events also revolve around the schools, including sports games at Merk Field and livestock shows. Kids can participate in 4-H and Future Farmers of America programs and compete at the Bell County Youth Fair.
Shopping and dining in Rogers and Temple
Shopping and dining are limited, but in 2025 Rogers unveiled 1881 Eats, a food truck lot in the heart of town. "There's going to be like a gas station and a Dollar General, but for your major shopping, you're going to Temple or Waco," Ashby says. Temple options include:
- Mom-and-pop shops and restaurants downtown
- Grocery stores like H-E-B, Aldi and Natural Grocers
- Big-box stores like Target, Walmart Supercenter and Sam's Club
Job opportunities and commutes to Temple
Many residents commute to work in Temple. "They have an industrial area and a really great medical area," Ashby says. For healthcare jobs and services, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center and the Olin E. Teague Veterans' Center are both based in Temple. Other industries include manufacturing, distribution and financial and professional services, with employers such as Niagara Bottling, Walmart and TeleTech. Locals usually drive, as fixed bus routes don't run to Temple, but the Hill Country Transit District does provide on-demand rides with the HOP service. The city is about 15 miles away via U.S. Route 190.
Growing green spaces in town
Rogers City Park is the town's dedicated green space, with a playground, tennis courts, baseball diamonds and a new 27-hole disc golf course that was unveiled in 2025. Locals also gather here for the annual Fourth of July fireworks show. A $300,000 Texas Parks & Wildlife grant will help fund a new park with a butterfly garden, a walking trail and picnic area. Temple has more than 60 additional green spaces.
Essential services and lots of choices for electric
Essential utilities, including sewer, water, waste collection, internet and electricity, are available in town. Electricity is deregulated, so locals can choose their price and plan. The city police department and volunteer fire department also serve the town and offer resources like the vacation house watch program. State and federal grants helped to fund roadwork in 2025, with others going toward housing assistance programs and parks.