Get to Know the Fort Hood Area
By Danielle Keech
Located between Waco and Austin, Fort Hood, Texas is one of the largest U.S. military installations. The post is over 300 square miles--so if you aren’t already familiar with the area, you might feel a little overwhelmed when you get orders to PCS there.
Thankfully, with a little research, you can start to get your bearings and get to know the area even before you move.
Getting to Know Fort Hood
Places to Live
When you search Fort Hood on MilitaryByOwner, you’ll find reviews on neighborhoods located in Harker Heights, Killeen, Belton, and Temple. While close to each other, each of these towns has its own unique culture.
Harker Heights has several popular including Skipcha Mountain Estates, Knights Ridge, and Evergreen Estates. This area is only about 15 minutes from post and has many of your well-known chain restaurants and retail stores.
Killeen is just a little further out from post than Harker Heights and is a bit bigger. Locals suggest limiting your househunting search to South Killeen to be sure you find a home in a good area.
Belton and Temple are located about 25 minutes off post. Belton has the cozy, small town Texas feel that everyone loves, while Temple is more industrial but offers residents a wider variety of things to do.
Finding Your Home Near Fort Hood
Of course, MilitaryByOwner can help you find potential homes in the area. Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, there's quite a selection for you to choose from.
Things to Do Around Fort Hood
Just look at where Fort Hood is located on the map, and you’ll realize how much there is to do in the area!
Georgetown
Far less advertised than Waco or Austin, but equally as fun, is Georgetown. Located about 30-45 minutes south of Fort Hood, it’s close enough to post that some service members choose to live here. But if you decide to live closer to work, Georgetown makes for a great day, overnight, or weekend trip.
Georgetown is great in that it doesn’t feel like a military town. Since Fort Hood is so large and populated, you'll have to drive a bit before you can catch a breath of civilian air.
The town hosts fun events like "First Fridays on the Square" and "Music on the Square Summer Concerts." Plus there are parks, trails, and golf courses if you want to enjoy your time outside.
It also features great nightlife with places like the Fountainwood Observatory, The Uptown Social, and wineries. What’s also different about Georgetown is your choice of bed and breakfasts and guest houses if you want a to skip the hotel.
Austin
About an hour south of Fort Hood is Austin--the artsy, musical, festive, and weird capital of Texas. There are endless amounts of things to do in Austin. Plan a visit during a music festival! But if you can’t, enjoy 6th Street and witness the Austin bats firsthand.
Waco
Just about an hour north of post is the home to Baylor University and the beloved Gaines family you’ve come to know on HGTV. Maybe you can visit the new Magnolia Market at the Silos!
Get Connected!
These days, it’s much easier to get connected to your new community even before you move.
Fort Hood Spouses’ Club is known for its community service and fundraisers to support the local military community. You can start the process to become a member on their website or connect with them on Facebook.
Search "Fort Hood Spouses" on Facebook and find several additional groups to join.As you prepare for your PCS to Fort Hood, connecting with families already there will help you get to know the area even better.
