Trot is a growing Texas city holding on to its small-town atmosphere
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% increase in its population between 2020 and 2025. Troy has seen significant residential growth after COVID, as builders expanded housing to meet rising demand in this jobs-focused area. “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 Shelie 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 among its many employment options. When the workday is done, commuters who live here can return to Troy, which has a Cap Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4. “We very much still have that small-town atmosphere, and we don’t want to lose that,” Downing says.
Recently built contemporary homes have transformed the city
The area west of the interstate features the community’s newest and largest homes. Offerings include a blend of 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. Prices start around $175,000 for townhouses, while single-family prices typically range from about $200,000 to around $570,000.
Troy Independent School District gets a B from Niche
The Troy Independent School District, which consists of four schools, is rated B by Niche. Young students can attend Edna Bigham Mays Elementary School, which serves students in pre-kindergarten through second grade, and Troy Elementary School, which serves students in third through fifth grades. The schools are rated B-plus, and B, respectively, by Niche. Older students can attend Raymond Mays Middle School and Troy High School, rated B-plus, and B-minus, respectively. Like many Texas towns, high school athletic contests are community events. “Sports are a huge deal,” Downing says. “Tonight, the football game will be packed. Even the JV game will be packed.” For those who can’t make it to Hill Stadium for Friday night football, the Trojans’ home games are livestreamed. Troy students can apply for transfers to another district, but eligibility depends on the receiving district’s rules. Troy's district, though, is not currently accepting new transfers because of the community’s recent growth.
Freight & Foam Tavern is the “hot thing right now”
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 expands 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 grocery options that include Aldi and H.E.B. “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.”
Nearby Belton Lake is a big draw
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. The regional destination also features waterfront destinations. 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.
Commuting to Temple and Waco
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, home of Baylor University. Waco Regional Airport is about 35 miles away, and Killen Regional Airport is a little over 40 miles away.
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Written By
Matt Pallister
