Welcome to Fort Hood, Texas, also known as "The Great Place!" This Army installation is the largest in the world, measuring over 215,000 acres—it’s massive! Nestled in the picturesque Texas Hill Country, Killeen, home to Fort Hood, sits halfway between the visitor-friendly cities of Waco and Austin.
Where Will You Work At Fort Hood?
One of the first things to know about Fort Hood is that since it is such a large base, understanding which side of the base you or your spouse will report for duty is an essential part of finding somewhere to live if you’re commute conscience.
After finding your new office, compare it to the locations of Fort Hood’s main entrances: Clear Creek Gate, TJ Mills Gate, and WS Young Gate. Making the connection will greatly help you narrow down the commute and housing prices you prefer.
We’re sharing a little insight into surrounding cities to help you find the most logical locations. Off-post neighborhoods near Fort Hood include Killeen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove, Nolanville, and Belton. Fort Hood homes for sale and Fort Hood homes for rent are sprinkled throughout the surrounding cities, so you’ll have plenty of options to consider.
Killeen
Let's start with Killeen, since it’s the closest to the post and one of the most popular places military families call home. This area is the quintessential example of a typical military town. You’ll find lots of chain restaurants (Olive Garden, Chick-fil-A, In-N-Out, Applebee's, and more), big brand stores (Academy Sports + Outdoors, Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy, etc.), and strip malls. Killeen is just a little further out from the post than Harker Heights and is a bit bigger.
Killeen is a great place to live for a range of military-connected people, including singles seeking affordability and convenience. Military families tend to flock to several in-demand neighborhoods, such as Bridgewood Estates and Goodnight Ranch. Experienced locals often suggest that newcomers focus their house hunting in South Killeen for the best housing choices.
Harker Heights
Harker Heights is an extension of Killeen, located on Highway 190, with a commute to Fort Hood of approximately 15 minutes. The city boasts many well-known chain restaurants and retail stores, and is a sought-after hometown, thanks to its highly rated school system.
You’ll find newish neighborhoods that are 10 to 20 years old, sometimes in a planned community style. Popular neighborhoods include Skipcha Mountain Estates, Knights Ridge, and Evergreen Estates.
If you prefer larger homes, mature tree-lined streets with yards perfect for playtime and entertaining, you’ll want to watch Harker Heights’ inventory. Many military families live in these neighborhoods, so chances are that if you monitor the listings, the constant PCS cycle should turn up a home that checks many of your must-haves.
Copperas Cove
Affectionately known as "The Cove," Copperas Cove sits outside the back gate of Fort Hood and is an ideal location for military homebuyers to find a quaint starter home. However, thanks to relatively affordable home prices, military retirees are also drawn to the area, especially to the smaller, ranch-style homes.
While it’s certainly not remote, Copperas Cove has a more residential feel and is home to fewer stores than Killeen. If you prefer shopping that goes beyond everyday necessities, you’ll need to head to Harker Heights or Killeen for extended options, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Military families choose Copperas Cove because of its country/rural feel, without the lengthy drive times that true country life often requires. Outdoor enthusiasts and families who crave quality time outside also prefer this area, thanks to its abundance of biking and hiking trails.
Want to learn more about Fort Hood? Check out the following resources, then download our free eBook below.
Nolanville
Nolanville is the newest and smallest of the desirable communities surrounding Fort Hood. You’ll find lots of new construction homes, a master planned community, and a very family-friendly community. However, you must be on board with living in a rural setting and traveling, likely to Harker Heights, to find conveniences beyond basic shopping, which is sometimes unappealing to younger families with needs for instant supplies and other family support systems.
Quick access to 190 helps reduce commute time to Fort Hood, which is approximately 20 minutes to the TJ Mills Gate. But, before signing a housing contract, make sure you understand the distance between your actual office on base and your home address if you’re hoping for an ultra-quick commute.
Belton
About 25 minutes from post, Belton’s properties are larger and more expensive, with less of a military community feel. You can even find pricey, gated communities. It's home to a mix of active duty, retirees, and civilians, all drawn to the lake lifestyle. Lake-loving newcomers are thrilled to hear that Belton sits on the shores of Lake Belton, making it a big draw to homebuyers and renters who prefer built-in water recreation.
Beyond the lake, Belton offers a cozy, historic small-town feel that many incoming families are looking for, with the bonus of everyday conveniences like plentiful shopping and dining.
History runs deep throughout Belton, thanks to settlers from the 1800s who established the community, so expect activities and events to reflect this culture. If you prefer a hometown with personality, visit Belton’s historic district. The downtown exemplifies the intersection of historic roots with unconventional twists.
Whatever area you decide to start your home search, start with MilitaryByOwner's complete inventory of Fort Hood homes for sale and Fort Hood homes for rent below:
Hot Spots near Fort Hood
Once your house hunt is underway, make sure to have fun while stationed at Fort Hood!
Venture out to nearby Salado to enjoy a darling touristy small town, head north to Waco to visit Joanna and Chip Gaines’ famous Magnolia, and head south to Georgetown or seek out big city Austin, where you can hit 6th Street and experience the Live Music Capital of the World.
Or just stay close to home and enjoy all the delicious Texas BBQ spots nearby (see our list of 10 Favorite BBQ Spots Near Fort Hood). Keep in mind, you won’t find Carolina or Kansas City BBQ here, but the unique Texas style of barbecue. While some feel disappointed, this local spin captures the hearts (and stomachs) of a legion of fans.
It won’t be hard to find things to do during your time at Fort Hood!
Ready to start your house hunt? Find the perfect space for you and your family to call home on MilitaryByOwner, where you’ll see listings for apartments, condos, and single-family homes available near Fort Hood.
