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 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.
When it comes to Fort Hood housing, you’ve got options!
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.
You’ll find several popular communities to explore Fort Hood homes for sale or rent, just a short drive away.
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 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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.