Located between Waco and Austin, Fort Hood, Texas, is one of the largest U.S. military installations. The post covers over 300 square miles, so there's a lot to learn about the area if the military sends you here.
Thankfully, with a little research, you can start to get your bearings and get to know the area even before you move.
Fort Hood Fast Facts
Fort Hood is home to over 37,000 active-duty service members and supports nearly half a million family members, retirees, and civilian employees in the surrounding area. It’s the only U.S. post capable of supporting two full armored divisions, including the 1st Cavalry Division and III Armored Corps.
That kind of scale means plenty of activity, including training exercises, deployments, homecomings, and a tight-knit military community that knows how to rally around one another.
Where You’ll Live Near Fort Hood
When it comes to Fort Hood housing, you’ve got options!
Fort Hood On-Post Housing
Cavalry Family Housing is a Centinel community offering more than 5,600 homes to service members stationed at Fort Hood. If you want to live close to work and take advantage of base services, on-post living might be a good fit.
Fort Hood Off-Post Housing
You’ll find several popular communities to explore Fort Hood homes for sale or rent, just a short drive away.
- Killeen: Right outside the gates is Killeen. It’s the largest area near Fort Hood and has just about everything you need: grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and a wide variety of housing styles.
- Harker Heights: Harker Heights offers many newer construction homes, highly rated schools, and a more suburban feel. It’s about 15 minutes from the post and is popular among families with school-aged kids.
- Copperas Cove: This city is known for its quieter, small-town charm. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for more space and don’t mind a slightly longer commute.
- Belton, Temple, and Nolanville: These areas are also worth exploring, especially if you want a more rural or historic vibe.
Most families find the cost of living here pretty manageable. Home prices and rent are often less than the national average, and generally, your Basic Housing Allowance (BAH) can stretch a little further.
Want to know your current Fort Hood BAH rates? See our Military BAH calculator here.
Fort Hood Family Life and Support
Fort Hood does a solid job supporting military families. The Army Community Service (ACS) center and Soldier & Family Assistance Center (SFAC) are great first stops once you arrive. They can help with relocation info, spouse employment services, financial planning, and more.
Schools near Fort Hood
For those with school-aged kids, Fort Hood falls under Killeen ISD. The district is known for its diversity and support of military-connected students. There are also Child & Youth Services facilities on post, plus some high-quality off-post options.
Photo by stu99 from Getty Images via Canva.com
Military Spouse Employment & Education
Good news, as there are options for military spouses seeking employment or the opportunity to further their education. Baylor Scott & White Health, Central Texas College, and Killeen ISD are major employers. If you're looking to return to school or finish a degree, Central Texas College and Texas A&M University-Central Texas both have campuses nearby.
If you need a little support getting started, Fort Hood’s Army Community Service provides resume help, job fairs, and career workshops.
Getting Connected at Fort Hood
If you're eager to get connected with the Fort Hood community, the Fort Hood Spouses' Club is the perfect place to start. The group is well-known for its community service and fundraising efforts that support the local military community. Become a member directly through their website. And if you're looking for more niche groups, search Fort Hood on Facebook and you’ll find several additional groups and pages where you can ask questions, find housing tips, and connect with other families.
Getting plugged in ahead of time can help ease your transition, helping you feel at home faster.
View Fort Hood homes for sale and Fort Hood homes for rent on MilitaryByOwner:
Things to Do near Fort Hood
Take a look at where Fort Hood sits on the map, and you’ll quickly see how much there is to do in Central Texas. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway, local entertainment, or career growth opportunities, this place has you covered.
Right outside the gates, you’ll find familiar favorites like Target, Starbucks, and movie theaters, as well as some hidden local gems:
- Lions Club Park: Great spot to wear the kids out with its playground, splash pads, and walking trails.
- Stillhouse Hollow Lake and Belton Lake: Just a short drive away, these destinations are perfect for fishing, boating, hiking, or soaking up the Texas sun.
- Mayborn Science Theater: The Central Texas College campus offers planetarium shows, laser light shows, and educational fun for all ages.
- Vive Les Arts Theatre: This local attraction features community plays, musicals, and performances, offering a fun night out if you’re craving a little culture.
- Fort Hood MWR: Fort Hood frequently hosts MWR events, including seasonal festivals, fun runs, and outdoor movie nights. These gatherings are great for connecting military families and building community bonds.
While there are plenty of things near home to keep busy over the weekend, it's always fun to plan a night or two away. Thankfully, there are a few fantastic options within a short drive from Fort Hood.
- Georgetown: This charming town is only 30-45 minutes south of the post and feels like a breath of fresh air. The thriving food scene, boutique shopping, and cozy bed and breakfasts offer the perfect low-stress getaway when you need a night away from home.
- Austin: This colorful city is the capital of Texas and is an hour away! It's packed with live music, food trucks, museums, trails, and outdoor fun. While you're here, check out South Congress, Lady Bird Lake, or catch the famous bat flights under the Congress Avenue Bridge.
- Waco: Home to Baylor University and the ever-popular Magnolia Market at the Silos, Waco is a quick one-hour drive from Fort Hood. It’s a great place to spend the day, especially if you love home décor, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.
Whether you're unwinding at a lake, exploring Texas towns, advancing your career, or enjoying a weekend with the kids, Fort Hood’s location makes it easy to balance military life with fun and personal growth.
