Troy is a growing Texas city along I-35, near Temple and its jobs
Troy is a small but growing Central Texas city of about 3,600 located along the Interstate 35 corridor between Temple and Waco. Troy experienced about a 60 percent increase in its population between 2020 and 2025. The city has seen significant residential growth after COVID, as builders expanded housing to meet rising demand in this jobs-focused area.
Temple boasts an expanding Industrial park, distribution centers
“We’re close to Temple’s Industrial Park, which has a new Niagara Bottling plant, and there’s going to be a new steel plant, which is crazy for Texas,” says Shellie Downing of Texas Star Real Estate, a longtime Troy resident and vice-president of the Great Troy Area Chamber of Commerce. South Korea’s SeAH Group has invested $110 million into the manufacturing plant, for which construction began in the fall of 2025. Temple was already a regional medical hub that is home to the original and largest Baylor Scott & White Medical Center. The city also features Walmart and H.E.B. distribution centers. Commuters who live in Troy can take comfort in knowing that when the workday is done, they return home to a safe community. Troy’s Cap Index Crime Score of 2-out-of-10 is lower than the national average. “We very much still have that small-town atmosphere, and we don’t want to lose that,” Downing says.
New subdivision housing in the city; acreage homes on the outskirts
Housing Within the city limits, the area west of the interstate features the community’s newest homes. Offerings include a blend of relatively affordable, contemporary tract housing and larger, more architecturally diverse homes in modern subdivision settings. “A lot of the newer builds are sitting empty,” Downing says, “but investors are coming up with incentives to try and fill them.” East of the interstate, midcentury ranch-style homes on spacious lots are prominent among housing options that also include older homes and manufactured homes. Streets do not have sidewalks in this area, but they are shaded by mature trees. Nearby, contemporary homes and townhouses can be found in a walkable subdivision setting. Townhouses range in price from about $150,000 to around $200,000, while single-family prices typically range from about $200,000 to $500,000-plus. Outside of the city limits, new homes are among the large acreage properties that offer the seclusion of a traditional country setting. These homes range from the mid-$500,000s to nearly $800,000.
Troy Independent School District gets a B from Niche
The Troy Independent School District is highly rated. Its four schools are:
- Edna Bigham Mays Elementary, pre-K through second grade
- Troy Elementary, third through fifth grades
- Raymond Mays Middle, sixth through eighth grades
- Troy High, ninth through 12th grades
Like many Texas towns, high school athletic contests are community events. “Sports are a huge deal,” says Downing, who adds that not only will the varsity games be packed, but so will the JV games. For those who can’t make it to Hill Stadium for Friday night football, the Trojans’ home games are livestreamed.
The district is not currently accepting new transfers because of the community’s recent growth. Troy students can apply for transfers to another district, but eligibility depends on the receiving district’s current rules.
New tavern is a popular city destination; Walmart, H.E.B. nearby
There is a Dollar General in town, and a handful of small local stores are scattered among the business and industry along the I-35 corridor, which is also home to Jaliscos Mexican Restaurant and the community’s newest destination, Freight & Foam Tavern. “It’s in an old lumberyard in a historic row of buildings that used to be the downtown area,” Downing says. “They have live music, craft beer and food trucks. It’s the hot thing right now.” While Troy’s infrastructure has expanded to serve its growing population, travel is still required for most shopping and dining. Temple features a popular downtown district, and restaurants are found throughout the city. The city also offers big-box retailers such as Walmart and multiple grocery options. “We’re kind of a bedroom community, so we’re never going to get that big grocery store like H.E.B.,” Downing says, “because we’re not even 15 minutes from the two in Temple and one in Belton.”
Lake Belton is an attraction for boaters, anglers, nature lovers
A community park offers children’s playscapes and some open space, but local recreation is limited. The surrounding rural landscape offers room for horseback riding. Boaters, anglers and other outdoors enthusiasts can take advantage of Belton Lake, a regional favorite with waterfront attractions. Foremost among them is Miller Springs Nature Center, a 260-acre scenic preserve about 15 miles away that is free to the public. Hiking, biking, fishing and bird watching are popular activities.
Easy access to Temple, Waco via I-35
I-35 provides direct access to Temple, about 8 miles south, and Waco, about 25 miles north. In addition to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Temple has a V.A. Hospital. Baylor Scott & White Health is major employer statewide, and it also has a hospital in Waco, which is the home of Baylor University. Waco Regional Airport is about 35 miles away, and Killeen Regional Airport is a little over 40 miles away.
Written By
Matt Pallister